Processor, software improvements top trends for 2007

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The beginning of the year is always a great time to talk about trends. I think I can sum up the latest developments in two trends that appear to be having the biggest impact on embedded computing designs:

1. Processors are more configurable
2. Software is easier to develop and test

What do I mean by these statements? I have written several times about mass customization and what that means for the embedded computing market. Designers want components that can be quickly and effectively customized for their application, yet they also want to take advantage of the price points and common architectures of mass-produced parts. Processors are the most advanced in availability for configurable variations. Technology improvements make it possible to get a customized processor either through ASCIs and FPGAs with a standard processor core and custom peripherals, or for high unit volume applications, a processor modified to your specifications from a major processor supplier.

Software is going through its own changes. Commercially available packages for operating systems have been around for several years, but now a great selection of middleware, databases, drivers, and other foundation code is available. This reduces the amount of effort needed to get the basic functionality in place for an embedded design. Instead, the designer can focus on the application.

While more packages are available, a new wave of tools for testing and simulation is simplifying the entire software development process. Simulation tools enable a tremendous amount of software development to be completed, evaluated, and tested prior to the arrival of first hardware. At the same time, new tools make it easier to manage multiple configurations of the finished product that meet the requirements of many different customers.

This year promises to be an exciting one for Embedded Computing Design. The editorial calendar for 2007 has been structured to include a special feature written by our editorial staff for each issue. These will be in-depth articles examining key topics facing embedded computing systems designers and managers. Embedded Computing Design will also have hardware and software feature tracks. The hardware track will cover technologies and trends of interest with expanded coverage of processors, boards, and systems. The software track will discuss software topics ranging across the entire design cycle from requirements definition to test, plus trends and new developments in firmware, operating systems, and middleware.

The rampant proliferation of embedded electronics is one of the driving factors for the changes we’ve made to Embedded Computing Design for 2007. We will still cover technology used in communications, automotive, telematics, transportation, medical, simulation, and test and measurement applications, plus broaden the coverage to include electronics used in consumer devices.

The Embedded Computing Design team and I look forward to covering all of your great stories for 2007!

Jerry Gipper
Editorial Director
Embedded and Test & Analysis Group
OpenSystems Media, LLC