Embedded development...

In response to growing pressure to boost the performance and trim down the size of embedded applications, standards organizations meet regularly to optimize their portfolios in light of the latest available technology. These updated standards take advantage of new silicon architecture combining multiple processors, graphics elements, and complex I/O to deliver the next generation of preengineered, off-the-shelf modules to support many of the high-performance requirements of embedded product development.

These standardized computer platforms allow designers to trade in substantial savings in Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) and scheduling for slightly higher recurring costs. Standards-based designs also shortcut the software development effort by providing access to compatible operating systems, vendor-supplied drivers, and sample firmware.

In the Strategies section of this issue, we asked experts from several standards organizations to bring us up to date on the latest changes affecting embedded designs. Starting things off, Jim Blazer, CTO at RTD Embedded Technologies and active member of the PC/104 Consortium, presents the history and updates in work – such as the latest generation of PCI Express – that support the PC/104 stackable architecture. Citing the need for smaller and more rugged building blocks, Alexander Lockinger, President of the Small Form Factor Special Interest Group (SFF-SIG) and CTO at Ascend Electronics, covers the trends and new products to expect in 2013. In addition, Jerry Gipper, Director of Marketing at VITA and Editorial Director ofVITA Technologies magazine, reports on the recent Embedded Tech Trends 2013 meeting aboard the Queen Mary and standards work in progress, plus some new technologies such as optical interconnects.

refer: http://embedded-computing.com/articles/evolving-simplify-embedded-development/

About wireless networks provide...

802.11 networks are becoming nearly ubiquitous in many enterprise settings and can often be tapped to solve embedded problems in the same location. In this example, a logistics cart used for warehouse operations becomes 802.11 enabled, improving the efficiency of a critical process.

In a tough economy with increased competition from global markets, companies are forced to do more with less. Supply chain management is one area where companies realize this challenge. Organizations are continually struggling to ship more orders, decrease processing time, and increase order accuracy, all the while reducing costs. The nature of order processing has changed as well. With just-in-time and lean manufacturing techniques becoming common practices, distribution warehouses often need to process a high volume of small orders, which often involve a large mix of products, adding further complexity to the process.

The end result is that the order picking process is increasingly challenging. In a typical warehouse or distribution center, studies have shown that order picking can consume as much as two-thirds of the facility’s operating cost and time. As a result, companies are continually looking for new technologies and innovations to automate the order picking process.

1.Pick-to-light goes paperless …

2.… then moves to 802.11 

3.Device servers make design straightforward 

4. Fitting in the network

5.WLANs solve embedded challenges

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refer:

http://embedded-computing.com/articles/wireless-networks-provide-with-less/  

About communications networks

IT managers are under increasing pressure to boost network capacity and performance to cope with the data deluge. Networking systems are under a similar form of stress with their performance degrading as new capabilities are added in software. The solution to both needs is next-generation System-on-Chip (SoC) communications processors that combine multiple cores with multiple hardware acceleration engines.

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refer:

http://embedded-computing.com/articles/next-generation-architectures-tomorrows-communications-networks/#utm_source=Multicore%2Bmenu&utm_medium=text%2Blink&utm_campaign=articles