As designers transition to the latest generation multicore processors, software must be divided into separate partitions to gain the performance benefits of parallel execution.  With Intel® Core™ processors, developers have access to multiple techniques to enable this performance gain including symmetric or asymmetric multiprocessing and virtualization. In the symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) configuration, a single operating system allocates threads or tasks across the available...Read More

Embedded developers work in a rapidly changing environment. Each new project requires developers to pack increased functionality into smaller, reduced-power embedded products. In addition to the added complexity of the application software for these new projects, customers also demand an interactive interface, ubiquitous connectivity, absolute security, and extreme reliability. To achieve these expanded requirements, embedded designers are turning to multicore architecture such as the 2nd gener...Read More

Think about the popular slang term app and you probably first think about application programs for smart phones. But the downloadable app concept will pervade the embedded space as well in scenarios such as auto infotainment systems, home media gateways, and embedded gaming products. Open source operating-system platforms such as MeeGo and Android will allow embedded design teams to develop extensible systems based on Intel® Architecture (IA) processors. In turn, the third-party app develo...Read More

These monopolists were controlling the nascent automotive industry with the fear of lawsuits based on the Selden patent. Ford won his suit and formed a new automobile manufacturers’ association. The next step started technology “open source” as a concept. The association instituted a cross-licensing agreement among all US auto manufacturers. Under the terms of the association, each company would develop technology and file patents. Patents were shared openly and without any pa...Read More

Fortunately there are tools available for Intel embedded processors to optimize systems performance. The key is that these tools are geared towards optimizing performance and not maximizing performance as the default condition. Performance analysis is achieved via a series of tools that measure parameters that skilled programmers can use to achieve performance and size goals. These measurements and reports include: A call graph provides a graphical view of the flow of an application permitting ...Read More

The development of the off-grid electric system is based on the Intel® Atom™ Processor Z5xx Series and Intel® System Controller Hub US15W Development Kit. Although the Development Kit offers a large number of peripherals, the kit does not include wireless radio links for experimentation.       To add WiFi capabilities to the Development Kit requires the addition of both hardware (the WiFi transceiver) and software (a TCP/IP protocol stack). Green Hills Software, I...Read More

Defining an untethered device is an interesting task. For some, untethered means a portable computer that relies on a wireless connection to other computers.  But untethered also means medical devices placed into the human body for diagnostic purposes, a semiconductor that includes an antenna and communication circuitry, wireless communication equipment for factory automation, mine tracking equipment for safety,  and much more. Untethered evidently really refers to a technical capabil...Read More