Contents
October 16, 2003

Cover Story
- The war on copying
Digital-rights-management technology is the next step in providing real protection, but at what cost and to whom?
Design Features
- Virtual machines and stochastic scheduling simplify wireless design
A new approach for wireless design allows designers to integrate multiple, packet-based standards into resource-constrained handset hardware. - Boundary-scan tips pay board-test dividends
Careful attention to pc-board design increases the flexibility of boundary-scan testing. - The big switch: SRAM-replacement DRAMs
Power- and performance-tuned DRAMs are stealing the show from SRAM.
Leading Edge
- Wi-Fi-semi players refine offerings
- Machining system creates pc-board reality show
- Transformer feels your current yet eschews physical contact
- This pipe leaks RF yet needs no plumber
- Modeling tool now works with 130-nm and smaller geometries
- PCI-X mezzanine card features Gigabit Ethernet
- Tiny module fits DSP applications
- Operating system extends wireless and processor support
- Processor expands configurable on-chip analog performance
- $49 controller module enables embedded GUI
- Become a virtuoso at custom-IC design
- Platform helps you discover mixed-signal designs
- IC power amp reaches 2500 MHz
- Communications processor padlocks data
- IR photosensor sees lots, tells enough
Design Ideas
- High-fidelity triangle-wave generator consumes only 6 µA
- High-current driver serves home-power-line modems
- Circuit forms fast, portable light pulser
- 3V supply delivers 12V p-p to piezo speaker
- Code provides adjustable differential drive for robots
- Microcontroller produces analog output
- Single transistor provides short-circuit protection
How It Works
- Take a deep breath; then exhale fully
The Breathalyzer combines technology, chemistry, physiology, and legality to make a "clear" assessment of blood-alcohol concentration.
Departments and Columns
- Baker's Best
Matching the amp to the ADC
- Sightings
The outlook for new technology
- On the verge
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