The unique and flexible computational architecture of RISC-V can be leveraged by designers of massive parallel computational storage solutions, hard disc drives (HDDs) and solid-state disk drives (SSDs), and memory fabric architectures such as Ethernet Bunch of Flash (EBOF) or Just a Bunch of Flash (JBOF) to implement high-performance solutions. This article will look at […]
FAQ
What is the difference between a gauge and an absolute pressure sensor?
Understanding the difference between gauge and absolute pressure sensing measurements is easiest to visualize with piezoresistive type pressure sensor and a diaphragm that deflects with pressure. For both types of measurements, pressure is applied to the top of the thin diaphragm. With the gauge pressure sensor, the back side is vented to atmosphere. This could […]
Basics of Fourier transforms
Joseph Fourier (1768-1830), in his principal work, “On the Propagation of Heat in Solid Bodies” (1807), laid the groundwork for what is now known as the Fourier Transform. In years to follow it was modified by others to make it more generally applicable. Today the basic insight is central to our understanding of a broad […]
What is the RISC-V ecosystem?
In its most basic form, RISC-V is an open standard instruction set architecture (ISA) based on reduced instruction set computer (RISC) design principles. RISC-V is an open specification and platform; it is not an open-source processor. All other aspects of the RISC-V ecosystem build on that foundation. The hardware and software in the RISC-V ecosystem […]
Open RAN: it’s still early in the game
With all the talk about Open RAN, it’s still in the top of the first inning.
Bit errors and ADC testing
Most engineers are introduced to the basic performance parameters of analog/digital converters in school. So specifications such as SNR, SINAD (Signal-to-noise and distortion ratio), ENOB (Effective Number of Bits), and THDA (total harmonic distortion analysis) are all familiar ADC terms found in ADC data sheets. Ditto for an INL error, described as the deviation, in […]
The challenges of building a 5G base station
To meet 3GPP specifications, a 5G New Radio (NR) implementation must meet demanding processing requirements and RF capabilities. Compared to LTE, this results in a need for higher performing, more flexible 5G NR hardware. Looking at 5G’s technical challenges, we see the frequencies and spectrum supported now include a sub-6 GHz range, FR1, with bandwidths…
Graphene-based flowmeter sensor measures nano-rate fluid flows, Part 3: The sensor
The first part of this article looked at the challenges of sensing nano-level flow rates such as found in the blood vessels. In contrast, the second part looked at graphene, an allotrope of elemental carbon at the heart of a new sensor used to measure those flows. This third and final part looks at the […]
Graphene-based flowmeter sensor measures nano-rate fluid flows, Part 2: The graphene context
The previous part of this article looked at the challenges of nanoflow sensors, especially with respect to blood flow. This part looks at graphene, which is the basis for the new sensor. Graphene is a material structure which did not exist until relatively recently. However, its constituent element of graphite – the crystalline form of […]
Graphene-based flowmeter sensor measures nano-rate fluid flows, Part 1: The challenge
When it comes to nearly all biological measurements, the ranges of many of the parameters of interest are orders-of-magnitude below those with which many engineers are familiar. Instead of megahertz or even kilohertz, the living-creature world is in the single or double-digit hertz range, such as the roughly 60+ beats per minute (BPM) for a […]