April 27, 2007

NSDL Weekend Reader: A collection of exceptional DesignLine articles--Volume 17

Encompassing change control, packet-processing/multicore processors, low power efficiency, RF mesh networks, OFDMA, crosstalk, and more, this Weekend Reader is sure to keep you scrolling screens in suspense.

By Carolyn Mathas

Tip of the Week:

Tip of the Week: Change control--ensure uptime of embedded devices and slash security costs
Commercial operating systems on embedded devices compromise device availability and security. Build embedded systems from the ground up with change control to prevent device outages and eliminate the need for 'performance-draining' anti-virus apps
And from around the DesignLine system:

Understand packet-processing performance when employing multicore processors
Your cache configuration can have a bigger impact on overall system performance than you expect.

A practical guide to low power efficiency measurements
Find out how to make accurate low power mode measurements to get the highest efficiencies.

Introduction to the challenges of low-power RF mesh networks
Software must have the flexibility to support a variety of underlying hardware choices and a comprehensive operating environment designed for robustness, resilience and reliability.

Video codecs in SoCs using OCP-based programmable accelerator design
Flexibility is increasingly necessary when supporting multiple standards, such as the VC-1 and H.264 video codecs within a single SoC. This flexibility can be achieved by having programmable state machines instead of hardwired state machines.

Law firms clarify Europe's environmental directives
There is no case of the state versus producer pending in the courts, yet. However, environmental and regulatory lawyers agreed that although enforcement hasn't come together yet, prosecution against a producer is expected, possibly this year.

Crosstalk compensation using matrix methods
In almost any force sensor application, forces other than the one(s) being measured will be present. These extraneous forces will invariably cause errors in the measured values through what is called crosstalk.

iPodpedia: The Ultimate iPod and iTunes Resource
Learn where and how to find available podcasts, subscribe to podcasts, and the iTunes store.

Understanding OFDMA, the interface for 4G wireless
Even as third generation (3G) wireless equipment continues deployment, the wireless ecosystem is identifying and designing fourth generation (4G) systems.

Real-Time Operating Systems for DSP, part 2
Part 2 of this 8-part series introduces the concept of multitasking, and explains how an RTOS schedules tasks for execution.

Finding hidden problems: Why a scope's update rate matters
Engineers live in fear of the unknown. Any problem or trade-off, if adequately managed, can be mitigated by the engineer's skill.

Use digital signal controllers for robust power line communication--Part I
Power line communications provides a low-cost network with a ready-made infrastructure. Digital signal controllers provide the high level of processing needed to maintain robust signals on PLC networks, with performance overhead and on-chip peripherals that keep system costs down. See why.

Use Ethernet-over-Powerline for HD video
The viability of Ethernet-over-Powerline technology is proven. Powerline is by far the most convenient and cost effective medium in home networking for providing high bandwidth to any device in any room. All that remains to be seen then is which competing technology that offers at least 150Mbps bandwidth will win the race to market dominance.