Diversity in the midst of multimedia convergence

Article Abstract:

At least 36 semiconductor makers are developing and marketing devices for the multimedia PC market. Multimedia is defined as a convergence of text, 2D and 3D graphics, video, communications and/or audio in hardware or software systems. Multimedia chip makers try to differentiate their products as they address the varying and emerging needs of home, business and education markets. The vendors must respond quickly to such current hot applications as 3D graphics acceleration, photo-realistic imaging, video compression/decompression and unified memory architectures. The chip makers have to decide whether to optimize products for a particular application or provide generic, flexible architectures that are programmable for specific uses. All this must be done while assessing various price/capability/performance trade-offs. Product design and marketing strategies of several multimedia chip makers are briefly discussed.

Semiconductor industry, Semiconductor devices, Product development, Semiconductor device, Electronic components, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Multimedia technology, Multimedia systems

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Why DSP cores are catching on

Article Abstract:

DSP cores are becoming more popular because they offer a way to reach high levels of system integration when developing products. IC design is now based on cores, which are utilized as the basic building components for ASICs. DSP cores, which are a relatively novel technology, consist of address calculation units, data path and memory all within a stand-alone, self-contained cell from which a designer can create embedded DSP applications. Product developers can now access numerous DSP, RISC and micrcontroller cores, and the cores can be combined easily on the same silicon. Designers ultimately can tailor ASICs to the specific requirements and functions necessary, and this flexibility is very important for end product success. The payoffs from using core-based design are varied, including customized solutions, lower power and cost reduction.

Usage, Innovations, Technology development, Integrated circuit design, Circuit design, Integrated circuit fabrication, Digital signal processors, Digital signal processor, Signal processing

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Small computers go after market niches

Article Abstract:

Phoenix Group Inc is a small, three-year-old company that specializes in making ruggedized, miniature PCs. The small 486-based systems are tailored for business and industry applications and are small enough to fit in a shirt pocket or be strapped around an arm. Its Hummingbird system features 2MB to 4MB of RAM and a 170MB hard disk; speech recognition and head-up display enable users to use it hands free. The company is also working on another system, dubbed Nightgale, with RDC Networks Inc. This system is targeted at paramedics who require wireless communication capability on the field. Nightgale is expected to be priced under $4,000 and will be capable of being outfitted with a camera that can be used to send images back to doctors at the hospital.

Electronic computers, Management, Computer industry, Company Profile, 486-Based Subnotebook, Phoenix Group Inc.

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