An FPGA EDA tool suite based on machine learning (ML) optimisation algorithms has been launched by Xilinx.

The Vivado ML Editions deliver compile time that is five times faster than current Vivado HLx Editions. It also improves “breakthrough quality of results (QoR) improvements” of, on average, 10 per cent on complex designs, says Xilinx.

Vivado ML Editions also has team-based design flows, for significant design time and cost savings.

Vivado ML Editions accelerate design closure with ML-based logic optimisation, delay estimation and intelligent design runs, which automates strategies to reduce timing closure iterations.

According to Robert Atkinson, principal hardware engineer, National Instruments: “By offering a push-button method for aggressively improving timing results, [Vivado ML Editions] generates QoR suggestions that bring maximum impact and deliver expert quality results with a reduction in user analysis – especially for tough to close designs.”

Xilinx is also introducing the concept of an Abstract Shell, which allows users to define multiple modules within the system to be compiled incrementally and in parallel. This enables an average compile time reduction of five to 17 times, compared to traditional full system compilation, claims Xilinx. Abstract Shell also helps protect a customer’s IP by hiding the design details outside of the modules, critical for applications like FPGA-as-a-Service and value-added system integrators.

Vivado ML Editions also improves collaborative design with Vivado IP Integrator, which enables modular design using the new “block design container” feature. This capability promotes a team-based design methodology and allows a team to divide a project for multi-site, simultaneous co-operation.

Adaptability features like Dynamic Function eXchange (DFX) enable more efficient use of silicon resources by loading custom hardware accelerators, dynamically at runtime over-the-air. DFX can load design modules in a few milliseconds, which opens up new use cases such as a car swapping different vision algorithms during processing of a frame, or a genomic analysis swapping different algorithms in real-time as it sequences DNA.

Vivado ML Editions is available now in a Standard Edition at no charge and an Enterprise Edition starting at $2,995 MSRP.

http://www.xilinx.com/vivado-ml

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Microchip unifies timing management for resilience in infrastructure

To protect 5G networks and other critical timing infrastructure from global positioning system (GPS) signal jamming and spoofing, Microchip has integrated its BlueSky GNSS Firewall with its TimePitra 11 synchronisation monitoring and management platform. In addition to synchronisation, the combination provides single-console visibility across the entire timing architecture.

5G wireless infrastructure has more complex, higher-density synchronisation needs than earlier networks and is highly dependent on the integrity of “live-sky” timing signals from the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), explains Microchip.

The company’s TimePictra system improves overall situational awareness by managing network timing synchronisation, explains the company. The GNSS firewall that improves a network’s resilience through real-time GPS threat detection and mitigation. The scalable solution can be used by mobile operators who can use TimePictra to monitor GNSS-based source clocks along with secure network-based timing distribution solutions to deploy a resilient timing architecture for their transition to 5G.

In addition to requiring precise timing from GNSS sources, critical infrastructure operators need accurate timing to be distributed across their networks so they can ensure reliable performance and service delivery. TimePictra provides full control and monitoring for resilient timing architectures created with Microchip’s broad product portfolio including its TimeProvider 4100 grandmasters for 5G network synchronisation. It also monitors the health and performance of these networks’ distributed Precision Time Protocol (PTP) client clocks. Integrating BlueSky GNSS Firewall management into the TimePictra console view now gives operators a unified picture of the entire timing architecture and all timing sources.

Beyond supporting 5G deployments, TimePictra enables aviation, railway and maritime ports with a regional, national or global view of GNSS reception. TimePictra combined with BlueSky GNSS firewalls monitor key GNSS observables to detect live sky signal anomalies and deliver early alerts. This allows operators to follow alternate procedures that do not rely on GNSS. These capabilities are increasingly important where public safety is dependent on the position and navigation for daily operations.

Microchip’s TimePictra timing infrastructure management system with its Blue Sky GNSS Firewall is available today.

http://www.microchip.com

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Ka-band MMIC has high linearity for satcom terminals, says Microchip

Designed to maintain signal integrity in satellite communications (satcom), the GMICP2731-10 has been released by Microchip. Satcom systems use complex modulation schemes to achieve the fast data rates required to deliver video and broadband data. This demands high RF output power yet all the while signals must retain their desired characteristics. The GMICP2731-10 GaN monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier helps meet both of these requirements in commercial and defense satellite communications, 5G networks and other aerospace and defence systems, says Microchip.

The GMICP2731-10 is fabricated using GaN-on-SiC technology. It delivers up to 10W of saturated RF output power across the 3.5GHz of bandwidth between 27.5 to 31GHz. Its power-added efficiency is 20 per cent, with 22dB of small signal gain and 15dB of return loss. According to Microchip, the balanced architecture allows the GMICP2731-10 to be well matched to 50 Ohms and includes integrated DC blocking capacitors at the output to simplify design integration.

“As communication systems employ complex modulation schemes such as 128-QAM and as the power of solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) trends ever upwards, RF power amplifier designers have the difficult challenge of finding higher power solutions while at the same time reducing weight and power consumption,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s Discrete products Group business unit. “GaN MMICs used in high power SSPAs can achieve greater than 30 per cent lower power and weight as compared to their GaAs counterparts, which is a huge gain for satellite OEMS, he said.

The GMICP2731-10 complements the company’s portfolio of GaAs MMIC RF power amplifiers, switches, low-noise amplifiers, and Wi-Fi front-end modules, as well as a GaN-on-SiC high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) driver and final amplifier transistors for radar systems.

Microchip and its distribution partners provide board design support. The company also provides compact models for the GMICP2731-10, which allow customers to model the performance and expedite the design of the power amplifier in their systems more easily.

The GMICP2731-10 is in volume production now.

http://www.microchip.com

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ON Semiconductor adds intelligence to LED drivers for connected lighting

Two LED drivers from ON Semiconductor, the NCL31000 and NCL31001, allow OEMs to enhance connected lighting systems.

Manufacturers can use the LED drivers to develop LED luminaires with light-based positioning technology and visible light communication (VLC). By adding data intelligence and accurate positioning (up to 300mm), the LED drivers will add intelligence to lighting in supermarkets, warehouses, hospitals, and airports, says ON Semiconductor.

The NCL31000 is designed specifically for luminaire applications. At the heart of the device is an energy efficient buck LED driver that supports both high bandwidth analogue dimming and PWM dimming down to zero current. The driver includes an integrated 3V3 fixed DC/DC converter and a further adjustable DC/DC (2.5 to 24V), which can be used to power system components such as sensing devices and the microcontroller. Integrating these power solutions in the driver dramatically simplifies system design while boosting efficiency, says ON Semiconductor.

The linear dimming enables VLC, to develop indoor light-based positioning systems that can be safely implemented in many locations where RF-based solutions cannot be used. These can be in hazardous spaces such as mines, or RF sensitive areas such as in hospitals or on board aircraft. The ability to dim to true dark with an accuracy of 0.1 per cent ensures that there is no ghost light at the lowest dim settings. Diagnostics integrate a 10-bit ADC to further reduce system complexity, explains ON Semiconductor. The ADC measures system voltages, currents and temperature to monitor LED and overall system efficiency, and detect any anomalies. A serial (I2C / SPI) interface makes all diagnostic data available to an external microcontroller that can monitor and control the intelligent lighting system. The architecture of the NCL31000 is claimed to deliver EMI that is at least 14dB below the requirements of CISPR15 / EN55015.

The second introduction, the NCL31001 is a companion driver to the NCL31000. It supports multi-string lighting applications, including those with colour control. It has the same features as the NCL31000 except for the DC/DC converters.

http://www.onsemi.com

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