Features

STMicroelectronics has released details of its innovative STi8K architecture which looks to address future Systems-on-Chips (SoCs) for the Digital Home. Based on the latest ARMv8-A cores, the STi8K SoCs will enhance the available Cannes/STiH3 (FHD[1]/UHD HEVC Client-Box), Monaco/STiH4 (FHD/UHD HEVC Server/Gateways), and Alicante/STiD12 (DOCSIS) product families, providing, in combination a future-proof industry transition from 32-bit to 64-bit computing.

PSA Peugeot Citroën has become the first automotive partner of Technicolor’s Qeo, selecting the communications framework to deliver its connected car services. The software will enhance interaction between the consumer’s car and personal devices that enter and leave the home (smartphone, tablet), or with devices staying within the home (such as set top box or TV). Hi-tech auto systems and components designer Magneti Marelli will deliver the software for the PSA entertainment and navigation platform.

CSR is looking to make it easier for device manufacturers to deliver multi-room networked home audio products with the launch of the VibeHub platform, unveiled at CES 2014. The platform will enable consumers to enjoy synchronised multi-room audio around the home using its SyncLock technology which enables products to take content from any local or cloud-based source and create a multi-room audio experience over an existing home Wi-Fi network.

Wolfson Microelectronics, a leading developer of mixed-signal semiconductor devices and audio solutions for consumer electronic products, and ComHear, an audio processing and wearables company, have announced a technology partnership to supply audio to the wearable consumer audio space.

Silicon Labs has announced that Magellan, a developer or innovative GPS devices for vehicles, fitness, outdoor and mobile navigation, has selected Silicon Labs’ EFM32 Giant Gecko microcontroller (MCU) as the processing platform for the Magellan Echo smart sports watch. Named as a CES Innovations 2014 Design and Engineering Award Honoree, the Echo is the first “open” smart sports watch platform that enables application developers to augment their apps to be viewed on and controlled from the wrist.

AptoVision, a Montreal-based technology company, is launching its new BlueRiver NT chipset at ISE 2014, Amsterdam. The new chipset is the first mainstream chipset to enable the transmission and switching of real-time, uncompressed Ultra-HD AV signals with zero-frame latency over off-the-shelf (OTS) Ethernet switches.

Mouser Electronics is now stocking FDTI"s FT800 Embedded Video Engine (EVE) integrated circuit, which looks to address the need for easy-to-design, advanced forms of human-machine interaction.The FT800 Embedded Video Engine (EVE) is a high quality graphics chip with 3-in-1 functionality for graphical user interface (GUI) development.

InterDigital, a wireless research and development company, and Blu Wireless Technology, a specialist in multi-gigabit wireless baseband system IP, have successfully completed the first phase of collaborative development to explore millimetre wave solutions for small cell base stations and access points. The companies are currently in discussion to extend the collaboration.

Melexis Technologies NV has introduced two new parts to its programmable digital Hall effect sensor line. The MLX92231 and MLX92211 feature EEPROM memory, allowing magnetic switching thresholds to be configured (including hysteresis). Both are factory pre-programmed to precise Hall effect switch or latch specifications, bringing tailored results that match the customer’s specific application requirements.

Honeywell Sensing and Control’s new SS360PT and SS460P High Sensitivity Latching Hall-Effect Sensor ICs come with built-in pull-up resistors and have been designed to combine both economy and high performance for demanding, cost-sensitive high-volume applications, such as commuting brushless DC motors used for medical equipment and appliances as well as for flow-rate sensing, speed and RPM sensing, tachometers, counter pickups, motor and fan controls.