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Embedded Systems Articles

• Programming heterogeneous multiprocessors (Aug. 24, 2006)
  In this article, we will examine how to program a heterogeneous processor architecture based on the proven method of the Remote Procedure Call (RPC). We will examine how this method addresses the concerns listed above. We also explain how the RPC introduc
  
  
• How to use UML in your SoC hardware/software design: Part 2 (Jul. 24, 2006)
  We describe the elements of Executable and Translatable UML (xtUML, or just Executable UML) [1], how actions enable description of behavior at a higher level of abstraction, the dynamic behavior of an executable UML model, and how a model of an SoC design
  
  
• MPEG-4 system layer and A/V containers for wireless video (Jul. 14, 2006)
  So here we are 50 years after Dick Tracy and billions of telecommunications dollars later and we've solved many of the challenges of audio -- but what about wireless video? Most of the technology pieces are in place -- the only major issues remaining are
  
  
• Novel Techniques for Very High Speed Instruction-Set Simulation (Jul. 03, 2006)
  In this work, we describe a set of novel & patented techniques to achieve very high speed instruction-set simulation. Techniques include execution-based dynamic code generation, granularity of simulation at basic blocks, efficient handling of delayed regi
  
  
• Embedded Linux Co-simulation (Jun. 29, 2006)
  We propose an embedded Linux co-simulation with hardware simulation at a high level of abstraction (TLM) to verify the system very early in the design flow. This will allow to avoid return behind in the design flow.
  
  
• Lower your handset's software costs (Apr. 03, 2006)
  Software is one of the main reasons why a mobile phone does or doesn't succeed in the market. It's the first feature that users interact with. And it's a major cause of the love-hate relationship users have with their handsets.
  
  
• Integrating High-Quality Audio into Mobile Design (Mar. 23, 2006)
  There are some key considerations when integrating audio synthesis into an embedded platform, including the functional components of the systems, related standards, design options, memory issues, and performance trade-offs
  
  
• Common programming models for use on a dual-core processor (Mar. 22, 2006)
  In this paper, we will discuss the most common programming techniques for maximizing performance, as well as some system-related topics that commonly arise when porting to a dual-core processor.
  
  
• Using softcore-based FPGAs to balance hardware/software needs in a multicore design (Mar. 15, 2006)
  Embedded system design is a dance between software and hardware. The question is, which of the two gets to call the tune? Who leads? Who controls the relationship?
  
  
• Putting Multicore Processing in Context: Part 2 (Mar. 07, 2006)
  Is it a given that utilizing multicores will result in a speedup of an application? Amdahl’s Law is not the only thing that plays a role in the speedup of an application.
  
  
• Mobile apps should be developed with platform independence (Mar. 02, 2006)
  Collectively, manufacturers market hundreds of models of mobile devices, presenting today's consumer with innumerable choices. While this may be great for the consumer, it presents a seemingly insurmountable problem for mobile application developers
  
  
• Simulating and debugging multicore behavior (Feb. 28, 2006)
  Multicore microprocessor chips are on their way, and they're going to further complicate the task facing embedded software developers. Of course, multiprocessor systems aren't new. Chips with multiple heterogeneous (different) processors, such as a RISC a
  
  
• Securing ad hoc embedded wireless networks with public-key cryptography (Feb. 24, 2006)
  While the popular image of wireless networking usually features cell phones, PDAs and laptop computers, there are all manner of other devices for which wireless networking presents great advantages. These devices are programmed to do specific tasks or pro
  
  
• Understand the fundamentals of speech algorithms in an embedded system (Feb. 06, 2006)
  An enormously high number of algorithms are in use today in various electronic systems. Integrating and evaluating a DSP algorithm with the system is tricky enough to bring programmers to their knees. To try to simplify this complex technology, let's firs
  
  
• Find out what's really inside the iPod; Reuse of components is a good design practice for similar applications, including mobile handsets (Jan. 30, 2006)
  Reuse of components is a good design practice for similar applications, including mobile handsets
  
  
• Dealing with the design challenges of multicore embedded systems (Jan. 26, 2006)
  The introduction of mainstream dual-core processors signals a major shift in the 'shape' of all computing platforms.
  
  
• Using dual port interconnect to resolve multiprocessor system bottlenecks (Jan. 19, 2006)
  The use of two or more specialized off-the-shelf processors has provided designers with tremendous computing capabilities and speed. With this growing multiple processor trend, however, comes the need for a high-performance system interconnect to bridge t
  
  
• Putting multicore processing in context: Part One (Jan. 11, 2006)
  Today’s embedded devices are increasingly based on multi-core designs. Systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) often contain two or more processor cores in homogeneous or heterogeneous combinations, and FPGA-based designs can include a virtually unlimited number and var
  
  
• Power optimization can extend the battery life in your portable multimedia system (Jan. 03, 2006)
  A key measurement in a portable media player (PMP) is the time duration that it can play multimedia content from a fully charged battery (Fig. 1). With the available board area decreasing considerably and feature set increasing rapidly, designers must imp
  
  
• Developing DSP code on converged hybrid DSP/RISC cores (Jan. 03, 2006)
  Recently processor designers have been reducing power consumption and part cost in a new way - by combining RISC and DSP features into a single core, known as a 'convergent' processor core
  
  
• Delivering the benefits of C++ encapsulation to your embedded design (Dec. 22, 2005)
  C++ can deliver real benefits specifically for the implementation of embedded software, particularly when the concept of ''encapsulation of expertise'' is used
  
  
• Mapping custom instructions for the Toshiba media embedded processor (MeP) (Dec. 22, 2005)
  Although processor to hardware partitioning can be successfully resolved by a combination of designer experience, precedent, tools, such as profilers and data-transfer analyzers …and a degree of patience and understanding, no engineer underestimates this
  
  
• How to make your asymmetric multiprocessor design OS and CPU independent (Dec. 22, 2005)
  Even as semiconductor companies tend toward multiprocessing solutions in many network as well as embedded consumer and mobile designs, the RTOSes and development tools are still rushing to catch up with the shift.
  
  
• How to adapt traditional RTOSes to symmetric multiprocessing (Dec. 12, 2005)
  Mulltiprocessor (MP) and multicore System-on-Chip architectures are now beginning to be employed in a wide range of embedded consumer and communications systems
  
  
• How to Reduce Code Size (and Memory Cost) Without Sacrificing Performance (Nov. 29, 2005)
  Today's intelligent compilers offer many options for squeezing more performance out of application code. Many of these optimizations, however, tend to increase overall code size.
  
  
• What Amdahl's Law can tell us about multicores and multiprocessing (Nov. 18, 2005)
  Two ''laws'' have been much on the mind of developers of embedded systems faced with bringing higher levels of performance to designs with strict limits on power: Moore's Law and the law of diminishing returns
  
  
• How to exploit 17 tried and true DSP power optimization techniques for wireless applications (Nov. 15, 2005)
  Code size, speed and power consumption all have a significant impact on the the system-level product that integrates a DSP. The more power an embedded application consumes, for example, the larger the battery or fan required to drive it
  
  
• Using an asymmetric multiprocessor model to build hybrid multicore designs (Nov. 05, 2005)
  Multiprocessing programming models have been either inefficient in resource utilization or lack determinism, but a new multiprocessing model is now available that can solve both problems for the right applications.
  
  
• Using system services for real time embedded multimedia applications (Oct. 31, 2005)
  As embedded processing solutions gain in complexity and popularity, software engineers find the need to port multimedia algorithms from proof-of-concept PC-based systems with ample memory to embedded systems where resource management is essential to meet
  
  
• Choosing the right multiprocessor development tools (Oct. 27, 2005)
  While multicore system-on-chip (SoC) devices may be relatively new in the desktop market, the embedded world has been using them for the past decade. There are several advantages to using a multicore device in an embedded application. One reason is power