Vector signal generator addresses wideband multi-channel mmWave applications

The M9484C VXG four-channel vector signal generator offers up to 54GHz frequency and up to 5GHz RF bandwidth and low phase noise in a single instrument.

It also has real-time capabilities to support wireless applications and a V3080A vector signal generator frequency extender which expands the frequency range up to 110GHz.

Testing 5G mobile communications, 6G research, satellite communications and radar applications requires signal generation equipment capable of creating millimeter-wave (mmWave) signals at high bandwidths. These applications also adopt multi-antenna techniques, such as spatial diversity, spatial multiplexing and beamforming for multi-antenna test applications such as MIMO and beamforming with precise phase coherence and timing synchronisation.

The M9484C VXG signal generator enables customers to reduce test system setup complexity and achieve accurate and repeatable multi-channel measurements in a single instrument, said Keysight. 

The instrument covers frequency ranges from 9kHz to 54GHz and up to 110 GHz with the frequency extender. 

A fully integrated, calibrated and synchronised signal generator delivers low phase noise and minimises measurement uncertainty, said Keysight and the signal generator overcomes the excessive path loss experienced at mmW frequencies with low error vector magnitude (EVM) and distortion at high output power.

Direct digital synthesis (DDS) technology delivers RF performance which can characterise devices under test (DUTs).

Real-time signal processing and comprehensive signal creation enables complex test scenarios and simplifies test complexity for receiver and performance tests.

The M9484C VXG also supports MIMO real-time fading for all 3GPP 5G new radio (NR) required base station conformance tests with PathWave Signal Generation software.

In addition to streamlining complex receiver test scenarios with eight virtual signal emulation per RF channel, for up to 32 signals, the pre-defined compliance test set ups, auto-configuring signal analysis are designed to simplify the test workflow.

Keysight Technologies delivers design and validation products, software-driven insights and analytics that bring tomorrow’s technology products to market faster across the development lifecycle, in design simulation, prototype validation, automated software testing, manufacturing analysis, and network performance optimisation and visibility in enterprise, service provider and cloud environments. 

Keysight customers operate in the worldwide communications and industrial ecosystems, aerospace and defence, automotive, energy, semiconductor and general electronics markets. 

http://www.keysight.com

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Arm adds virtual devices and launches Cortex-M85 processor

In addition to expanding Arm Virtual Hardware, Arm launches the Arm Cortex-M85 processor, describing it as the high performing and most secure Cortex-M to date.

The Arm Total Solution for Cloud Native Edge Devices is the first designed for Cortex-A and based on Corstone-1000.

(Arm Total Solutions for IoT combines hardware IP, platform software, machine learning (ML) models and tools collated to simplify development and accelerate product design. The Arm Corstone is a pre-integrated, pre-verified IP sub-system.)

According to Arm, this version for cloud native edge devices makes the power and potential of platform OS like Linux available to IoT developers. It allows application-class workloads to be developed for smart wearables, gateways and high-end smart cameras. 

The Corstone-1000 is Arm SystemReady-IR compliant and features a hardware secure enclave that supports PSA Certified for a higher level of security. According to Arm, OEMs can immediately enjoy the benefits of Project Cassini. 

The new Total Solution for Voice Recognition is based on the Corstone-310 sub-system. It is pre-integrated with the new Cortex-M85 and the Arm Ethos-U55 and is Arm’s highest ever performance microcontroller-based design, said the company. Target applications range from smart speakers and thermostats to drones and factory robots. Developers can also take the Corstone-310 and create additional products by combining it with different reference software, advised Arm.

The other announcement is the launch of the Arm Cortex-M85. This is a natural architectural upgrade path to Armv8-M for applications requiring significantly higher performance, said the company. 

It offers a 30 per cent scalar performance uplift, compared to the Cortex-M7 and includes Arm Helium technology to support endpoint ML and DSP workloads, In addition to Arm TrustZone technology, security features include Pointer Authentication and Branch Target Identification (PACBTI). This is a new architectural feature with enhanced software attack threat mitigation to help achieve PSA Certified Level 2. According to Arm, this is a security baseline for IoT deployments.

There are also several new Arm Virtual Hardware virtual devices, including Arm Virtual Hardware for the new Corstone designs as well as seven new Cortex-M processors ranging from Cortex-M0 to Cortex-M33. Arm is also expanding the library with third party hardware from partners including NXP, ST Microelectronics and Raspberry Pi. 

Arm Cortex-M85, Corstone-310 and Corstone-1000 are available for licensing now and can be accessed immediately in the cloud as part of Arm Total Solutions for IoT. 

Arm Virtual Hardware can be accessed at https://avh.arm.com. Third party hardware is available from partners including NXP (iMX8 Arm Cortex Complex), ST Microelectronics (STM32U5 Discovery Kit) and Raspberry Pi (RPi4). 

http://www.arm.com

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GNSS time server meet environmental standards 

In response to the need for secure, precise timing and synchronisation in power plants and sub-stations’ communications networks, Microchip Technology has introduced the GridTime 3000 GNSS time server. The software-configurable server provides redundancy, security and resilience, says the company to ensure networks transmit critical data including operability metrics, network health, fault monitoring, power measurement and usage trends without false tripping and with data timestamping including system faults, power measurements and substation status.

“Surges, adverse weather and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure all require resilient timing architectures and technology to mitigate the threats and ensure continuous timing,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president, Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit.

The GridTime 3000 system generates time and frequency signals to synchronise analogue and digital communication systems. This resilient timing platform incorporates multiple timing inputs for protection in the event of a signal disruption caused by severe weather, environmental disturbances or signal jamming or spoofing. Three levels of internal holdover options are available including a base voltage-controlled temperature compensated crystal oscillator (VCTCXO) and an optional high-performance oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) or rubidium oscillator option to extend holdover duration and enhance performance.

The time server complies with IEC 61850-3, the environmental component of IEC 61850, the standard that defines communication protocols for power substations. It is also compliant with IEEE 1613-2009, for environmental and testing requirements for power substations. 

A hardware-based cryptographic assurance module uses industry-standard Rivest, Shamir and Adleman (RSA)- and AES-based encryption to protect against unauthorised configuration uploads.

The GridTime 3000 server has a licensed feature model, enabling clients to upgrade system technology as needed. There are 10 1000BASE-T Ethernet (1Gbits per second) ports for high speed synchronisation using precision time protocol (PTP) and network time protocol (NTP).

Microchip’s GridTime 3000 GNSS time server includes an internal web browser management interface, clock management tool (CMT). The CMT provides configuration and management for remote managing and monitoring, together with accessories including a multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receiver system and cold-swappable power supplies. 

The GridTime 3000 GNSS time server is available now in volume production. 

http://www.microchip.com

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EBV Elektronik signs agreement with AI chip maker, Hailo

EBV Elektronik has signed a distribution franchise agreement for the EMEA region with Hailo, the Israeli AI chip maker, which has a range of AI accelerator and AI acceleration modules.

Hailo’s AI accelerators include the Hailo-8 AI processor which features up to 26T operations per second (TOPS) at a typical power consumption of 2.5W. It enables edge devices to run sophisticated, deep learning applications at scale, said EBV.

The company also offers M.2 and Mini PCIe high-performance AI acceleration modules. 

Hailo’s products connect to board-level platforms via the PCIe interface. This allows for high-performance and power-efficient AI when used with the Intel / AMD x86 or the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, or Arm-based processors, from NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics and Renesas, said the distributor. 

The MicroSys Electronics miriac AIP-S32G274A embedded system on module (SoM), which is based on NXP processors is another example of a product which supports Hailo-8 AI acceleration modules.

“This agreement with EBV is a major opportunity for our AI technology to gain greater penetration across Europe and beyond, in a range of markets including industry 4.0, automotive, smart retail, smart cities, and smart home applications,” said Orr Danon, CEO of Hailo.

“Hailo’s technology is at the cutting edge of AI and deep learning applications,” said Susanne Betting, senior director Supplier Marketing at EBV Elektronik. It will complement EBV’s existing AI portfolio.

 EBV Elektronik is an Avnet company. It was founded in 1969 and specialises in European semiconductor distribution. EBV maintains a personal commitment to customers and services with 240 Technical Sales Specialists which provide a strong focus on a selected group of long-term manufacturing partners. There are also 120 continuously trained Application Specialists which offer extensive application and design expertise. 

The company also operates the EBVchips Program, to define and develop new semiconductor products. 

Warehouse operations, logistics and value-added services such as programming, taping and reeling and laser marking are fulfilled by Avnet Logistics.

EBV operates from 65 offices in 29 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

http://www.ebv.com. 

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