The Day of the Drum Machine

Ikutaro Kakehashi founded Roland Corporation in Osaka on April 18, 1972. He’d just resigned from his first company, Ace Electronic Industries, the previous month. Ace made electronic rhythm machines for electronic organs, and its largest customer was the Hammond Organ Company. When Roland opened for business, it had no products. Kakehashi quickly developed electronic drum or rhythm machines to start the revenue stream that would help him realize … Read More → "The Day of the Drum Machine"

A New World for Semiconductors: How Pragmatic is Changing the IC Landscape with Thin Film FlexICs

My guest this week is David Moore, CEO of Pragmatic Semiconductor. David and I discuss the details of Pragmatic Semi’s ultra-low-cost, ultra-thin, flexible integrated circuits called FlexICs. We explore how these thin film ICs will revolutionize the semiconductor industry, the details of Pragmatic Semiconductor’s environmentally friendly manufacturing process and what their Fab-in-a-Box is all about. 

 

< … Read More → "A New World for Semiconductors: How Pragmatic is Changing the IC Landscape with Thin Film FlexICs"

Bringing Innate Intelligence to Trillions of Devices

Did you ever wonder why they (whoever “they” are) chose the prefix “tera” to mean trillion (as in 10^12, or 1,000,000,000,000)? Well, it’s because because this comes from the Greek word teras, meaning “monster” or “marvel.” Thus, “tera” was chosen to reflect the large size of a trillion, implying something vast and extraordinary, much like the way a monster or marvel would stand proud in the … Read More → "Bringing Innate Intelligence to Trillions of Devices"

The Man Who Loved Music

This article is a book review of an autobiography of Ikutaro Kakehashi, published in 2002 and titled “I Believe in Music.” Kakehashi-san founded the electronic music powerhouse Roland, and this review was triggered by an article I read about the user-programmable Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, an automatic electronic drum machine. Kakehashi’s autobiography details the life of a man who dedicated his life to music, electronics, and entrepreneurship. … Read More → "The Man Who Loved Music"

AI-based Anomaly Detection: From Conceptualization to Integration

AI-based anomaly detection takes center stage in this week’s Fish Fry podcast! My guest is Rachel Johnson from MathWorks and we explore how AI can work in tandem with engineers to reduce the incidence of defects and optimize maintenance schedules and the steps involved in designing and deploying an AI-based anomaly detection system; from conceptualization and data gathering to deployment and integration.

Read More → "AI-based Anomaly Detection: From Conceptualization to Integration"

From Concept to Programmable Logic Prototype in Minutes

My poor old noggin is currently buzzing with ideas for things I could do with the new line of programmable devices that were recently introduced by the guys and gals at Texas Instruments.

As usual, of course, in addition to these new devices themselves, myriad ancillary thoughts are currently cavorting around my cranium.

Let’s start with Read More → "From Concept to Programmable Logic Prototype in Minutes"

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34,335 views

Libby's Lab

Libby's Lab - Scopes Out Silicon Labs EFRxG22 Development Tools

Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Silicon Labs

Join Libby in this episode of “Libby’s Lab” as she explores the Silicon Labs EFR32xG22 Development Tools, available at Mouser.com! These versatile tools are perfect for engineers developing wireless applications with Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or proprietary protocols. Designed for energy efficiency and ease of use, the starter kit simplifies development for IoT, smart home, and industrial devices. From low-power IoT projects to fitness trackers and medical devices, these tools offer multi-protocol support, reliable performance, and hassle-free setup. Watch as Libby and Demo dive into how these tools can bring wireless projects to life. Keep your circuits charged and your ideas sparking!

Click here for more information about Silicon Labs xG22 Development Tools

discussion
Posted on Dec 16 at 12:36pm by Max Maxfield
For this type/level of design, you really cannot beat a graphical interface for speed and ease-of-use :-)
Posted on Dec 13 at 6:39pm by traneusee
The software reminds me of early Altera design software which enabled schematic entry to create programmable-logic programming files.
Posted on Dec 13 at 6:57am by Max Maxfield
Hi Steve -- I know -- it's like experiencing déjà vu all over again. As you say, this is reminiscent of when Renesas announced their ForgeFPGA family in 2021 (https://www.eejournal.com/article/renesas-announces-fabulous-forgefpga-family/). That technology, which also involves small programmable logic devices, can be traced back to Silego ...
Posted on Dec 12 at 7:03am by Steven Leibson
Thanks Max. Always trying to lead with something eye catching or funny.
Posted on Dec 12 at 4:41am by Steven Leibson
Max, these TI PLDs remind me of those Renesas ForgeFPGA devices you wrote up at the end of 2021, which in turn were based on the older Silego devices. I believe there's a new product category a brewing here.
Posted on Dec 11 at 10:01am by Max Maxfield
I LOVE your featured image!!!
Posted on Dec 10 at 7:03am by Steven Leibson
Thanks Max.
Posted on Dec 9 at 1:57pm by Steven Leibson
I agree with you, Pat Hays, and have often said as much. To offer its services as a foundry, IFS must offer industry standard tools and IP. Otherwise, it cannot compete with TSMC as a peer. Supporting industry standard ASIC design tools is an expensive proposition, as you note. Nevertheless, ...
Posted on Dec 9 at 8:35am by Max Maxfield
Very interesting as always Steve -- I've never been good at wrapping my brain around the business side of things, so it's great to see this stuff from your perspective -- Max
Posted on Dec 9 at 8:05am by Pat Hays
Excellent article, Steve! I thought Pat G tackled the right strategy, but obviously, it's been a very heavy lift. I'd like to note a possible, little commented weakness in Intel's execution which I've thought about from the perspective of my own experience in semiconductor IP...it's essential that IFS stand ...
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