» It's almost all about the tools -- to automate design,
to optimize for power consumption, to allow a higher
level of abstraction. It's all good, because the right
tools allow a designer to operate at a higher level
of creativity.
(1) CELOXICA Embedded Algorithms for Co and Parallel Processing eeProductCenter's Jon Gabay says: "Version 3.1 of the DK Design Suite, DK3.1, provides high-level system co-design, verification and C-based synthesis for complex algorithm implementation to high-density FPGA and Programmable SoC devices. " Readers say: » "If I have to ask how expensive it is, I probably can't afford it."
» "The article should make it clearer for users who have never used such a tool how it can help the design process"
» "The DK Design Suite does have very valuable functionalities. I,m refering to the automatic conversion process that takes a software description (C code) and generates synthesizable VHDL (or Verilog) code. Similar compilers have started to appear. It would be interesting to know if the tool has hardware-software partitioning features. The tool will surely interest developers using SystemC."
» "Use mostly micros for embedded control. Seems very intriguing because the toolset I use is fairly high leveled, which opens potential avenue for embedded system development"
» "Hard to tell, may be like other tools out there, but worth a look."
» "It's an indication of the state of technology. "
» "I need to get DK3.1 because I have been trying to manage ASIC function data flows. "
» "This product provides a useful design tool for parallel processing in embedded environment. I need this tool in my work."
» "I think the key to trading maximum system performance with lowest energy can only come from this kind of design methodology. This is just the beginning."
USABILITY RANK: 2
(2) NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR National Semiconductor adds LVDS components eeProductCenter's Steve Ohr says: "Designed to extend the reach and drive of high-speed analog interfaces, the SCAN921821 dual 18-bit LVDS serializer features signal pre-emphasis, built-in JTAG test capability, and very high ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection.
" Readers say: » "Too expensive!"
» "Good grouping of functionalities."
» "Pre-emphasis is good, but reciever compensation is also needed to correctly optimize the signal transmission line"
» "Solid specs for noise control. Design appears very compact and leading edged."
» "Excellent ESD performance."
» "National is the LVDS industry leader"
USABILITY RANK: 3
(3) ALTERA Hidden in a Minor Release Number is a Major Upgrade eeProductCenter's Jon Gabay says: "Quartus II version 4.2 is a suite of tools to capture and automate the design, analysis, and optimization of Altera's FPGAs. Version 4.2 puts a major emphasis on power management which is becoming an increasing concern, especially as 90 nm technology is used.
" Readers say: » "This software should cost more for what it does. Sounds great!"
» "Adding power consumption estimator and, eventually, optimisation is a great asset. Altera is showing great innovation. I am closely wacthing for future improvements"
» "I have been using the web edition for about a month now and find it user friendly and mostly intuitive."
» "This represents the natural evolution of design software for their line of FPGAs."
USABILITY RANK: 1
(4) QUICKLOGIC Partnership Supports Low Power WiFi in Embedded Applications in FPGA eeProductCenter's Jon Gabay says: "The solution consists of Renesas Technology's SH processor and a programmable companion bridge from QuickLogic that enables connectivity to miniPCI and Cardbus based WiFi modules or chipsets. " Readers say: » "Not a Quicklogic customer, not likely to switch."
» "It is very useful for mobile communication. I would like to use it in my work."
USABILITY RANK: 4
(5) STELAR TOOLS Design Exploration Tools Encourage More Creativity eeProductCenter's Jon Gabay says: "What if a design tool had the hooks and means to capture a design, but, also had an inherent functionality to encourage you to creatively iterate, or explore? That's the goal and intent of HDL Explorer.
" Readers say: » "No quantitative results about the value of the product"
» "Too expensive. I'd rather synthesize directly from SystemC than have to deal with RTL."
» "It seems that there are other similar tools on the market. The description does not really make HDL Explorer stand out in my opinion."
» "Could be a very useful tool, makes me want to follow-up to find out more."
» "Too expensive per seat."
» "Getting from HDL to silicon has never been easy. This tool looks very useful - if it works."
» "Version Control? SystemC support? "
» "Higher abstraction is always an advantage for architecting new systems."
USABILITY RANK: 7
(6) ANALOG DEVICES Ultra-low jitter performance marks Analog Devices' entry into the clock IC eeProductCenter's Steve Ohr says: "Analog Devices' entry into the business is auspicious and welcome.
" Readers say: » "Way too expensive for our 10k-type volumes..."
» "Too expensive for most applications. Need to be priced at least 50% less."
» "Picosecond jitter seems superlative."
» "ADI's just great"
» "An important component parameter for high quality A/D conversion."
» "Stability over temperature?"
» "Needs Clock Multiplication function"
USABILITY RANK: 6
(7) ROYAL PHILIPS ELECTRONICS Philips launches only low power I2C general-purpose I/Os with interrupt eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: "Philips' I2C-bus controlled push-pull general-purpose input/outputs (GPIOs) tout reduced power consumption for portable applications, as well as interrupt output and reset input functions. " Readers say: » "Reduction in power consumption is a big advantage."
» "Will look at this product to replace other I2C expanders used in my designs."
» "The power requirment is astounding."
USABILITY RANK: 5
(8) INTERSIL Triple delay lines with programmable skew sharpen RGB video eeProductCenter's Steve Ohr says: "The EL9115 allows system designers to replace banks of op amp circuits or folded traces consuming board space with a single 20-pin QFN device. " Readers say: » "I can only think that delay times 3 saves components on the board, which is good, and maybe it is well worth the $25 a pop."
» "A terrific component for the projection TV home theater market."
» "Very clever -- and useful for those facing these challenges."
» "Would be great to have products supporting HD video rates"
USABILITY RANK: 8
(9) LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR Timing Integration Spawns Sequel Part eeProductCenter's Jon Gabay says: "The new ispClock5600 clock devices, while pin compatible with the recently announced ispClock5500 devices, offer higher performance and additional functionality. " Readers say: » "Way too expensive. Seems to be a constant for Lattice parts: GDX - cool but unaffordable; new FPGA's - cool but again, unaffordable..."
» "Five clocks all adjustable at a lot of high speeds -- wow! I can't think of doing five things at once, at different phases or frequencies."
» "A useful feature -- but already available in slightly different variants from other PLD suppliers"
USABILITY RANK: 9
(10) VISHAY SILICONIX SCSI bus terminators support SCSI-1, SCSI-2, SPI-2 (ULTRA-2), SPI-3 (ULTRA-160), and SPI-4 (ULTRA-320) standards eeProductCenter's Steve Ohr says: "The new SiP56xx SCSI terminator family from Vishay Siliconix is Built on a high-voltage 0.8-micron BiCMOS process. These new terminator ICs serve as pin- and function-compatible, lead (Pb)-free replacements for the industry-standard UCC56xx series of SCSI terminators." Readers say: » "Seems a incremental improvement for SCSI termination family. Market impact unsure."
» "Would look at if the price was right."
» "The future of SCSI remains in question, even though it's a robust data transmission method."
USABILITY RANK: 10
