A collective of engineers is advancing a novel set of graphics instructions optimized for 3D rendering and media processing. These instructions extend the RISC‑V base vector ISA with graphics‑specific data types and layered extensions, covering vectors, transcendental math, pixel manipulation, textu

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Linux kernel’s release, the cornerstone of the open‑source software movement. The kernel’s freely available code has spurred hundreds of robust, stable, and flexible Linux distributions, creating a legacy of innovation and reliability. Given that success,

In this article we examine the evolution of multicore processors, their growing prevalence, and the design, performance, and debugging considerations that accompany them. Systems Performance Performance gains in embedded systems can be achieved through sophisticated compiler optimizations, efficient

During CES 2021 in Lausanne, Switzerland, Leman Micro Devices (LMD) unveiled a pocket‑sized keyfob that delivers clinically accurate blood‑pressure readings and additional vital‑sign metrics directly to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The keyfob is the outcome of a recent collaboration between LMD, Shan

Positioning chip leader u‑blox has confirmed that its F9 global navigation satellite system (GNSS) platform is now a core component of Xpeng Motors’ P7 long‑range sedan, powering the vehicle’s XPILOT 3.0 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). XPILOT 3.0 leverages the F9 chip to enable navigation‑

Embedding artificial intelligence in industrial systems unlocks smarter, safer interfaces—think face‑ID for factory floor access, voice control, and anomaly detection. These applications offer superior usability, resilience, and privacy compared to legacy passwords and manual logins. The industry’s

In the preceding entry of this series, we explored the Massive MIMO technologies propelling 5G rollout nationwide. While mmWave promises high‑bandwidth performance, the next few years will see 5G largely defined by Sub‑6 GHz deployments, demanding a leap in RF front‑end capability. Engineers must de

The OmniVision OH02A1S delivers simultaneous white‑light RGB and IR monochrome capture in a single CMOS medical image sensor, enabling chip‑on‑tip endoscopes to drop a second imager. This integration trims device size, reduces cost, cuts power consumption, and minimizes heat, enhancing both surgical

Light Fidelity (Li‑Fi) is an indoor wireless networking technology that uses high‑power LEDs, photodetectors, and microcontrollers to deliver fast Internet for home offices and other high‑bandwidth applications. Advocates believe that as costs drop, Li‑Fi will expand into commercial and industrial s

Introducing Trimension SR040 & SR150: Ultra‑Wideband ICs for Precise IoT Positioning NXP Semiconductors has launched two new ultra‑wideband (UWB) ICs – the SR040 and SR150 – that provide sub‑centimeter relative positioning for IoT sensors, tags, smart locks and other connected devices. As part of th

STMicroelectronics introduces the IIS2ICLX, a cutting‑edge 2‑axis digital inclinometer that integrates a programmable machine‑learning core directly into the sensor. This design delivers high‑accuracy tilt measurement while cutting power consumption and minimizing cloud data traffic. Unlike most pre

San Diego‑based AI silicon and IP startup Kneron has introduced its second‑generation AI system‑on‑chip (SoC), the KL720. The new device builds on Kneron’s existing neural processing unit (NPU) IP, adding a Cadence DSP AI co‑processor and an Arm Cortex‑M4 core for system control. Designed for low‑po

Maxim’s latest temperature‑sensing ICs, the MAX31889 and MAX31825, deliver industry‑leading accuracy while keeping power consumption and wiring complexity to a minimum. These sensors are ideal for pharmaceutical cold‑chain monitoring, lab instrumentation, and any application where reliable temperatu

As radar technology expands beyond traditional defense use cases into consumer and automotive markets, Systems Plus Consulting examined the inner workings of Vayyar’s first‑generation RF system‑on‑chip (SoC). The study offers a detailed technical breakdown while highlighting the broader industry tre

Nearly 18 months after its initial unveiling in April 2019, Qualcomm has now confirmed that the Cloud AI 100 silicon is in production and will ship during the first half of 2021. The company also disclosed the card form factors and performance benchmarks that underscore its readiness for edge‑AI wor

Edge AI is reshaping how we think about memory. As AI workloads migrate from the cloud to devices closer to the user, memory systems must deliver large capacity, high bandwidth, low latency, and energy efficiency while staying cost‑effective and reliable. There is no single “edge AI” specification.

While memory‑level security has existed for years, the explosive growth of remote work and the rollout of 5G have magnified its importance. Today, safeguarding data is more critical—and more complex—than ever. Adding robust security to memory chips inevitably increases design complexity. Yet, the be

Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced the industry’s first zero‑drift Hall‑effect current sensors, the TMCS1100 and TMCS1101. These devices deliver 3 kVrms isolation, making them ideal for AC or DC high‑voltage applications such as industrial motor drives, solar inverters, energy‑storage systems, an

EnSilica, a leading custom ASIC designer, has introduced the eSi‑MediSense—a fully customizable single‑chip platform that merges advanced medical sensing with an on‑chip machine‑learning (ML) accelerator. This breakthrough enables rapid development of mass‑market wearable health monitors, reducing b

The AllSafe Wristband, built on Atmosic’s ultra‑low‑power Bluetooth 5.0 M2 SoC, will be distributed to fans attending Toronto Wolfpack rugby matches at Lamport Stadium and other Canadian venues this season.The COVID‑19 pandemic has reshaped how we gather, and as venues reopen, there is a pressing ne