Cirrus Logic introduced a development kit for Alexa Voice Service (AVS), optimized for smart speakers and smart home applications including voice-controlled devices, hands-free portable speakers, and networked speakers. With the Cirrus Logic IC and software design, the Voice Capture Development Kit for Amazon AVS helps manufacturers quickly get to market with new Alexa-enabled products that […]
Microcontroller Tips
What is an open drain?
If you are working with an integrated circuit (IC) and the datasheet mentions an open drain or open collector, that’s engineering speak for a current sink on an output pin. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, a “current sink” means that the current is flowing into the pin (or node, etc.), not out of the […]
Top microcontroller threads on EDAboard.com – June
(editor’s note: Intrigued by the problem? Have a similar challenge? Have a question or another solution? Then click the “Read more” link and follow the conversation on EDAboard.com or log in to EDAboard and participate in the microcontroller forum thread.) Stuck in ISR, RCIF is not firing when UART with PIC18f5420 and SIM800 – I am […]
40nm MCUs support CAN FD networking, add graphics in classic cluster apps
Cypress Semiconductor Corp. announced it is sampling new devices in its Traveo automotive microcontroller (MCU) family that provides secure, high-speed networking for classic instrument cluster applications. The new MCUs support the Controller Area Network Flexible Data-rate (CAN FD) standard for high-speed, in-vehicle networking, allowing large amounts of data to be exchanged between each CAN node. Integrated enhanced […]
Mid-range FPGAs carry 100K to 550K logic elements
Microsemi Corporation today announced its PolarFire™ field programmable gate array (FPGA) engineering samples (ES) are available for ordering. The PolarFire FPGA family provides the lowest power, cost-optimized mid-range devices spanning from 100K logic elements (LEs) to 500K LEs. Its PolarFire Evaluation Kit, already shipping to key customers, is also available for ordering from the company and its distribution […]
What is a Board Support Package?
When designing a new system, you might find yourself drawn to a new processor with features that can make a real difference in the final product. Most semiconductor vendors will provide an evaluation board that you can use to evaluate whether or not you want to invest your time and money into that particular processor […]
RF propagation software includes diffuse scattering prediction for better millimeter wave simulation
Remcom announces diffuse scattering prediction in the latest release of Wireless InSite®, its site-specific radio propagation software for the analysis of wireless communication systems. This update greatly improves simulation accuracy for millimeter wave systems being developed for 5G, WiGig, and other emerging technologies. Wireless InSite simulates the detailed multipath of large numbers of MIMO channels […]
BLE chips include ultra-frugal standby mode, high RF signal strength
The new-generation Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) System-on-Chip from , a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is set to accelerate the spread of connected smart objects throughout homes, shopping areas, industry, toys and gaming, personal healthcare and infrastructure. Built into all new mobile phones, tablets, and computers, Bluetooth Low Energy […]
Rugged RS485 transceiver meets IEC Level 4 ESD standard
Analog Devices, Inc., which recently acquired Linear Technology Corporation, announces the LTC2862A, an enhanced version of the widely accepted LTC2862 ±60V tolerant RS485/RS422 transceiver that released several years ago. Both of these half-duplex transceivers eliminate field failures without the need of costly external protection devices by protecting practical RS485 systems from installation cross-wiring faults, ground […]
Narrow-band IoT module keys on LPWA networking
MediaTek Inc. today unveiled its first narrow band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) System-on-Chip (SoC), the MT2625, and announced a collaboration with China Mobile to build the world’s smallest NB-IoT module (16mm X 18mm) around the chipset. MediaTek’s new ultra-low-power MT2625 SoC supports a full frequency band (from 450MHz to 2.1GHz) of 3GPP R13 (NB1) and […]