EDN Europe September 2006 Archive

SEPTEMBER 2006 ISSUE CONTENTS

FEATURES:

The 33rd Annual Microprocessor Directory: Nontrivial pursuit
See how the expanded directory can help you in your pursuit of the perfect processor for your project.
By Robert Cravotta, Technical Editor 

Proprietary architectures defend automotive space
While ARM architectures increasingly challenge for automotive and industrial dominance, they face stiff competition from proprietary devices that regard these markets as being their own. Recent devices from major vendors underline the continuing determination to compete for market shares.
By David Marsh, Contributing Technical Editor

Magnetic-field measurements hold the key to reducing dc/dc EMI
Power converters free system designers from unwieldy constraints, but the devices radiate unspecified fields that can destroy the signal/noise performance of sensitive circuits nearby. Magnetic-field measurements hold the key to finding and correcting these problems.
By William J Bowhers, Merrimack College

PULSE:

• Organic semiconductors shine in LED/photosensor combinations
  

• Single-chip receiver for mobiles handles TV and radio
  

• Chip offers authentication, protection to single-cell battery packs
  

• Analyser watches 110-MHz spectrum in real time
  

• Quad-core DSP packs performance and features
  

• Digital power controllers offer digital and analog architecture
  

• Radical FPGA takes on packet processing
  

• Analyser probes WiMAX, HSDPA/HSUPA signals
  

• Develop software early, on virtual ARM hardware

DESIGN IDEAS:

• Microprocessor generates programmable clock sequences
  

• Ceramic output capacitors enhance internally compensated switchers

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

• EDN.comment: The chip that changed the world
  

• Reality Check: Newton's life lesson
  

• Analog Domain: Scaling: a balanced view, part three