Archive : 11 May 2015 год

Altera says its Spectra-Q engine will accelerate design productivity and time to market for those working with next generation programmable devices.

Alex Grbic, senior director of software and IP marketing, said: "Spectra-Q will offer a significant productivity improvement for FPGA designers. It is a game changing combination of software technologies that accelerates the design process by reducing designs iterations, while continuing to deliver the industry's fastest compile times."

The engine also features a hierarchical database that enables users to preserve placement and routing information of IP blocks while making changes in other parts of the design.

Albert Chang, pictured, manager of software and DSP product marketing, said: "Design complexity continues to grow with each generation, but there will be a big jump with Generation 10. There are also more than 50 serial protocols in use, as well as embedded ARM cores, which means we need to boost productivity. While we have been able to stay ahead, we want to get further ahead with Generation 10."

The problem is exacerbated, said Chang, by the need for more design iterations, faster time to market and the need to involve hardware and software designers. Spectra-Q is said to reduce the number of iterations through advanced I/O and timing closure, while providing higher levels of abstraction for design entry.

On top of Spectra-Q is a design tool called BluePrint that allows designers to perform architectural exploration and to assign interfaces with greater efficiency. "BluePrint allows 'drag and drop of interfaces to legal locations," Chang noted. "If you're using PCIe, the floorplan will show where it can go and fit it. Previously, it has taken designers two or three months to do this."

Author
Graham Pitcher

Source:  www.newelectronics.co.uk

Fujitsu has developed an IoT solution called Ubiquitousware, which is said to enable the creation of devices that can sense the status of people and things and their environments, then analyse the data to provide actionable data.

The solution consists of core modules that work in tandem with middleware that uses sensors to learn and analyse data in the cloud. Sensing data is analysed by Fujitsu's Human Centric Engine algorithm.

The core module brings together a collection of sensors, LSI devices equipped with the Human Centric Engine and Bluetooth Low Energy communications. These modules work alongside sensing and location middleware.

According to the company, Ubiquitousware modules and middleware can be installed in existing devices and systems.

Fujitsu has begun field testing Ubiquitousware with customers and is also looking to deploy the technology across the Fujitsu Group.

One of the trials is being undertaken in conjunction with Finland's South Ostrobothnia Hospital District. The trial will see the development of an in hospital service in which patients will wear location badges. If they need help from a doctor or nurse, they can touch a button that sends their location and prompts nearby doctors and nurses. Other projects will look to improve operational efficiency by applying location tags to equipment so that it can be mapped to prevent loss and to provide patients with navigation guidance.

Potential applications for Fujitsu's technology include: workout intensity measurement; posture detection; fall detection; location and tracking; heat level detection; and physical load level detection.

Prototypes of new devices with embedded Ubiquitousware will be on display at this month's Fujitsu Forum 2015 in Tokyo.

Author
Graham Pitcher

Source:  www.newelectronics.co.uk

Microchip Technology has signed an agreement to acquire Micrel for $839million.

Commenting on the announcement Microchip Technology's President and CEO, Steve Sanghi said that Micrel's portfolio of linear and power management products, LAN solutions and timing and communications products, as well as their strong position in the industrial, automotive and communications markets, would complement many of Microchip's initiatives in these areas.

"We believe that combining Micrel's business with Microchip's business will enable significant synergies and cross selling opportunities," he explained.

Micrel shareholders will be able to choose whether they receive the purchase price in either cash or shares of Microchip common stock.

The deal has been unanimously approved by both boards and it is expected to close in Q3 2015.

Author
Neil Tyler

Source:  www.newelectronics.co.uk