Multicore chips challenge system-on-chip
designers Combining high-speed digital-logic cores, memory arrays, and analog blocks amplifies
the problems of chip-design decisions concerning tasks such as on-chip buses, testability,
and system placement and routing. Reviewing the difficulties of designing chips with
multiple cores can help you overcome multicore chip-design hurdles. --Jim Lipman, Technical Editor
Design Features
Compression puts images on a diet Advanced compression techniques minimize storage density and transmission bandwidth
for still and video images, both within a system and between systems. The trade-off--an
increase in processing "muscle"--is becoming less of an issue thanks to faster,
cheaper logic. --Brian Dipert, Technical Editor
Hot swap shrinks CompactPCIdowntime As CompactPCI's popularity grows, a new hot-swap specification boosts system
reliability for competition in the high-availability arena. Before your next--or
first--CompactPCI design, take a look at new techniques for live insertion and removal of
component boards in a functioning system. --Warren Webb, Technical Editor
Communication-systems error simulation resolves
trade-offs Complex digital communication systems are easier to design if you use what-if
simulations early in your design cycle. By carefully focusing your simulation, you can
speed results without sacrificing accuracy. --Trefor Delve and Mike Mulligan, The Mathworks
Prove that ADSL modems have the right stuff to
vanquish interference To transmit data over ordinary copper wires at 9 Mbps, ADSL modems must meet exacting
requirements. Verification of the modems' analog-interface performance requires careful
measurements. Learn here how to make these measurements and what test equipment you need. --Peter Ziemann, Wandel and Goltermann
