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Validation app accelerates AI, graphics and processor development

Fri, May 24, 2019

Synopsys claims to delivers 100X faster formal verification closure for artificial intelligence (AI), graphics and processor designs with the introduction of the Datapath Validation (DPV) app as part of the VC Formal tool suite.

The DPV app leverages proven Hector technology (Synopsys’ C to RTL formal consistency checking technology) to deliver exhaustive formal verification closure on datapath-intensive designs during the design and verification cycle. The app also delivers over 100X speed-up in formal verification between a reference C/C++ algorithm and register transfer level (RTL) design implementation over conventional techniques of complex SoC designs and enables exhaustive functional verification in situations previously deemed impractical, explains Synopsys.

Samsung reports that using VC Formal’s Hector technology reduced simulation efforts and helped the team catch more than 30 RTL bugs in designs for its datapath-centric designs.

AI, graphics and processor designs involve complex algorithmic functional blocks that are datapath- heavy and have to have behaviour modelled in high-level languages such as C/C++. The implemented RTL for these designs needs to be verified for functional equivalence with the C/C++ model. The native integration of VC Formal with Synopsys’ Verdi automated debug system enables design and verification teams to leverage formal technologies and automate root cause analysis of formal results. The native integration of VCS in VC Formal allows formal analysis to be inserted easily into the existing verification environment.

The VC Formal Datapath Validation application is available now.

Synopsys styles itself as the ‘Silicon to Software’ partner for innovative companies developing electronic products and software applications. It is 15th largest software company in the world and specialises in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP while growing its software security products. Its customer base is made up of SoC designers creating advanced semiconductors and software developers writing applications that require the highest security.

http://www.synopsys.com

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High-current photorelays achieve UL 508 for factory automation 

Thu, May 23, 2019

Certification to UL 508 for factory automation allows designers using Toshiba Electronics Europe’s photorelays to achieve UL approval for control equipment

The nine high-current photorelays in the series include low on-state resistance MOSFETs based upon Toshiba’s U-MOS VIII process that ensure high performance in a range of applications.

The TLP3556A, TLP3558A, TLP241A, TLP3543A, TLP3545A, TLP3546A, TLP3547, TLP3548 and TLP3549 are now fully certified to UL 508 and UL1577. These approvals allow designers to meet the UL safety requirements for control equipment, including the thermal design margin.

The devices can be used in industrial applications such as PLCs, interfaces and sensor control as well as building automation (heating and ventilation / heating ventilation air conditioning or HVAC). They can also be used for relay replacement in DC systems to 125V and AC systems to 400V, replacing 1-Form-A and other mechanical relays.

The photorelays are more robust than their mechanical counterparts and do not require a driver, so space, weight and cost savings can also be realised.

The nine photorelays are housed in DIP packages with four, six or eight pins (DIP4, DIP6 or DIP8). All packages have a surface mount option available, including wide-body versions. Devices are able to operate across the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees C ambient, while the case temperature can safely rise to 105 degrees C.

The photorelays can handle off-state output terminal voltages (Voff) as high as 600V. They also offer on-state resistances (Ron) as low as 22mOhm and can handle continuous currents (Ion) up to 5A. The pulsed current (IONP) is three times this level.

All nine photorelays in the range are available in production quantities.

http://www.toshiba.semicon-storage.com  

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Arrow Electronics extends IoT support with cellular comms

Thu, May 23, 2019

Distributor Arrow Electronics has signed a global agreement with Infineon and Arkessa to simplify secure and scalable cellular connectivity for IoT devices.

Security is a major concern for organisations using connected devices. Infineon provides the secured hardware controllers based on GSMA’s Embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) specification and Arkessa provides secured mobile data services with the ability to provision and manage IoT devices from the factory into the field.

OEMs, system integrators and enterprises can obtain all the technology and service elements required to provide consistent connectivity for IoT devices anywhere in the world, explains Arrow, optimising Infineon’s security features and Arkessa’s network access and provisioning. eSIMs provide greater security and reliability in multiple IoT applications, continues Arrow, and can be flexibly coupled with cellular, NB-IoT, and LTE-M services today from Arkessa.

Andrew Orrock, CEO Arkessa, said: “We are delighted to be working with Arrow and Infineon to deliver the secure global connectivity that allows customers to deploy their IoT applications easily, efficiently, and at scale, wherever their devices are in the world.”

For progress to be made in Industry 4.0 adoption, machine to machine (M2M) communication must be secure. Machines in smart factories are increasingly using cellular networks to exchange information that ensures smooth operation and improves efficiency. Infineon’s SLM family of security controllers are optimised for industrial applications, providing higher levels of endurance over an extended temperature range of -40 to +105 degrees C.

In addition to industrial use, this secure connectivity can be used across smart cities, retail, and asset tracking.

Arrow provides components, modules and software for the edge of the IoT right through to the cloud services and analytics that exploit the data generated and encompasses all the connectivity in between and the security to protect the integrity of the network and its data.

Aiden Mitchell, vice president IoT, Arrow Electronics, said: “This new agreement will enable organisations to take advantage of the latest technologies to execute connected device strategies, using secure cellular services at scale, while staying focused on their own strengths and differentiators to create better outcomes for their customers and without being dependent on their clients’ networks.”

https://www.fiveyearsout.com 

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Eight-port PoE switch supports IEEE 802.3bt for smart lighting

Wed, May 22, 2019

An eight-port Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch released by Microchip guarantees 60W per port for all eight ports simultaneously. The PDS-408G PoE switch can be used for digital ceiling installations to run noiseless, fanless lighting designs.

In enterprise connected lighting applications, the PDS-408G connects separate systems such as lighting, sensors, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and Wi-Fi access points over a single switch. Eight ports is deemed the optimal number for connected lighting and the PDS-408G can save energy and reduce operating costs, claims Microchip.

The PDS-408G complies with IEEE 802.3bt, the new PoE standard. It provides a total of 480W, including up to 90W for any individual port or 60W for eight ports simultaneously.

The PDS-408G is plenum rated and can be installed in any air handling space, and is fanless for noise-free operation in offices, hospitals and hotels. The PDS-408G also exploits PoE with safe power, simple installation, flexible deployment and remote power management features.

The PDS-408G PoE switch is available now.

Microchip offers an array of easy-to-use hardware and software tools to accelerate PoE designs, including the PIC18 PoE mainnboard, which features a PIC18 MCU, ATECC608A secure element and MIC28512 buck regulator.

https://www.microchip.com

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