September 11, 1998

Cover Story

• RF-channel simulators bring reality's challenges to your prototype
  Channel simulators let you replicate the varying and troublesome characteristics of the RF channel at your workbench, so you can assess and quantify the performance of your communications system.
  — Bill Schweber, Technical Editor

Design Features

• Ethernet invades embedded space
  Fueled by widespread use on the desktop, new low-cost hardware, and widespread demand for connectivity, Ethernet is gaining ground as the network of choice for embedded-system developers.
  — Warren Webb, Technical Editor

• Hands-On Project: Synthesis Shoot-Out at the EDN Corral
  Choosing the right synthesis tool set for your budget, design complexity, and project schedule is tough. We hope that this evaluation study will point you in the right direction and help you to avoid some of the problems I encountered.
  — Brian Dipert, Technical Editor

• Elegant yet simple tools unmask timing flaws
  Static-timing analysis can assure that logic designs are free of timing problems, but modern timing-analysis software often obscures the technique’s underlying simplicity. Read on to understand what’s atthe heart of timing-analysis tools and how to make the most of them.
  — Mark S Fredrickson, IBM Corp

• Fast comparators find their niche in linear applications
  Comparators don’t “just compare” in the same way that op amps don’t “just amplify.” A collection of application circuits demonstrates just how flexible and useful a high-speed comparator can be.
  — Jim Williams, Linear Technology Corp

Leading Edge

• Zippy DSP zooms into multichannel-processing zone
• Class D audio-amp IC scores A+ in efficiency
• Segmented CPLD delivers high logic capacity
• Quad USB power-distribution switch controls high side
• DSPs deliver on-chip L2 cache and 2000 MIPS
• Precision analog controller expands CompactPCI

• EDN accepts nominations for 1998 Innovation Awards
• Filter ICs provide choice in configuration, order
• Prototyping tools and hardware attack SOC designs
• Program your clock-timing generator in the field
• Calendar

Design Ideas

• Simple µC acts as dedicated motor control
• Make a low-cost benchtop power meter
• Low-battery voltage cutoff consumes just 1 mA

• High-voltage circuit breaker protects to 26V
• Add-on modulator has high bandwidth
• Simulate signals for telecomm tests

Products

• New Product Database (registered users only) 

Departments

• ednmag.comment
• Radical rescue is a true engineering test—Bill Schweber, Technical Editor
• Schizophrenic in Sacramento—Brian Dipert, Technical Editor

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