Design
AUTOSAR software provides a basis for reference designs
Vector's MICROSAR software has been supplied to BMW for a reference integration of the “BAC4 Release 2” AUTOSAR Core. The software focuses on internal vehicle communications over CAN, FlexRay and Ethernet. Due to reduced integration and testing needs, BMW and its ECU suppliers benefit from shortened development times.
Upgrade legacy VME & cPCI systems to MicroTCA
This whitepaper from VadaTech, 'Upgrading your Legacy VME and CompactPCI Systems to MicroTCA', explores how to upgrade ststems to MicroTCA. This architecture provides robust system management, inter-processor bandwidth and high-reliability features to offer a more interoperable and lower cost solution than competing standards, such as VME and cPCI.
RTL synthesis solution reduces design area by 10%
Synopsys have announced that a number of customers using it's Design Compiler RTL synthesis solution have achieved smaller design areas. To reduce system costs or incorporate additional functionality without increasing die size, area optimisation is particularly important for designers across a wide range of electronic applications.
Filter synthesis enhances EM simulation software
Computer Simulation Technology has enhanced it's EM simulation software, CST STUDIO SUITE, with the addition of Filter Designer 2D. This integration enables the synthesis, electromagnetic simulation, optimisation and multiphysics analysis of filters in a single environment.
Development toolchain supports the ARM Cortex-M7 processor core
Version 7.30 of IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM, which supports the ARM Cortex-M7 processor core, has been introduced by IAR Systems. Using IAR Embedded Workbench to develop applications based on the processor enables designers to realise unique possibilities in performance and energy efficiency, according to IAR.
J-Link & middleware products support ARM Cortex-M7
To enable quick product development, SEGGER has announced support for the ARM Cortex-M7 architecture. The company's industry standard J-Link debug probes and middleware products, including embOS and the emSecure Digital Signature Library, are now Cortex-M7 ready. This has enabled SEGGER to provide Cortex-M7 J-Link and middleware support to Atmel, STMicroelectronics, and Freescale.
VIP for the MIPI C-PHY specification is now available
VIP (Verification IP) for the MIPI Alliance MIPI C-PHY specification is now available from Synopsys. Using three-phase digital coding techniques, the VIP provides higher performance for camera, display and SoC interfaces without affecting bandwidth. As a member of the MIPI Alliance, the company provides VIP and design IP that accelerate the adoption of MIPI-based standards in mobile and mobile-influenced industries.
Smartphone SoC achieves first-pass silicon success
Using Synopsys' DesignWare MIPI D-PHY and DSI Host Controller IP, the application processor SoC from Leadcore Technology has achieved first-pass silicon success. By using the DesignWare MIPI IP, Leadcore met their area and power requirements for the INNOPOWER LC1810 SoC and delivered production-ready designs four months ahead of schedule.
Pmod-to-Arduino adapter enables rapid IoT prototyping
The MAXREFDES72#, a Pmod-to-Arduino adapter which enables rapid prototyping, has been released by Maxim Integrated Products. Allowing boards with Pmod connections to plug into any Arduino-compatible MCU platforms, the adapter is suitable for creating IoT designs.
Profiling system to aid the mass production of wearables
A report published by IHS found that by 2018, the global market for wearable technology will rise to 210m unit shipments and $30bn in revenue. Manufacturers are, therefore, required to decrease development cycles while improving capacity. To address this challenge, SolderStar have released an Automatic Profiling System (APS).