On-chip interconnect specialist Silistix will create a “demonstration chip” to show off its “self-timed interconnect” generation tools. The unnamed chip will run Linux on Tensilica's Diamond Standard 232L core, and will also integrate co-processor cores and IP (intellectual property) blocks from Denali, and Sci-worx. (more…)

With rising density and falling prices, NAND flash memory is finding its way into an increasing number of portable devices, including MP3 players, mobile phones, and digital cameras. Yet, NAND technology has inherent constraints that must be understood in order to use it successfully. (more…)

Former MontaVista VP of Marketing Kelly Herrell has been named CEO of Vyatta, a startup building open source router and firewall software for the SMB (small-medium business) market. Herrell will work closely with Vyatta Founder Allen Leinwand, who remains as chairman, the company says. (more…)

Intel will sell its XScale PXAxxx applications processor and 3G baseband processor businesses to Marvell for $600 million, plus existing liabilities. The deal could make Marvell the top supplier of 3G and later smartphone processors, and enable Intel to focus on its core x86 and wireless LAN chipset businesses, the companies say. (more…)

Introduction

The demand for NAND flash memory is growing at a phenomenal rate. In 2005, worldwide revenue for NAND flash rose to $10.8 billion, up 60 percent from 2004. The inclusion of NAND flash in an increasing number of MP3 players, high-end cell phones, and digital cameras has fueled expectations that NAND will overtake NOR in a number of markets. (more…)

Introduction

NAND flash memory densities for device-resident memory are increasing — and the price decreasing — with designers desiring to remove NOR flash devices from their design, and instead boot their processors from less expensive NAND. However, due to the architecture of NAND memory devices, NAND flash can't be used to boot processors unless the processor or the system contains some… (more…)

RE2 plans to integrate its JAUS (Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems) software development kit with RTI's data distributing middleware product. The effort aims to enable the use of RTI's Data Distribution Service (DDS) middleware in unmanned systems that are required by the U.S. Department of Defense to comply with JAUS. (more…)

Embedded software pioneer Jerry Fiddler has joined the board of embedded object database company Db4objects, and along with Vinod Khosla, Tim O'Reilly, and others, will take part in the company's second funding round. (more…)

A “hybrid” music entertainment company with several revenue models says it is shipping its first portable media player (PMP). Titan Global Entertainment's “Omni” PMP runs Linux, has a 4.3-inch QVGA display, and offers standard media recording and playback features, according to the company. (more…)

As predicted, the open source community has come up with a way to convert VxWorks-based LinkSys wireless WRT54G routers to Linux. The process does not require hardware hacking, and installs a recent version of “DD-WRT micro.” (more…)

Enterprise-focused fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) initiatives could help carriers, as well as enterprises, by driving adoption and usage of mobile devices, a report from research firm Unstrung Insider suggests. However, a battle between carriers and enterprises over control of converged networks may follow, the report warns. (more…)

IBM has published the following new technical articles, tutorials, and downloads on its DeveloperWorks website. They cover a range of interesting (though not necessarily embedded) technical topics, primarily related to Linux and open source system development. Some require free registration. Enjoy . . . ! (more…)

The Ohio LinuxFest is seeking presenters and sponsors for its fourth annual event, set for Sept. 30 in Columbus. The single-day event features sessions for expert, novice, and prospective Linux users, and was attended by 700 people last year, organizers say. (more…)

Dr. Dobbs Journal has published a detailed, technical paper chronicling a successful 22-month development effort by two Intellibot Robotics software engineers to port a $33,000, autonomous floor-scrubbing robot from an OS-less 68K-based design to embedded Linux running on an off-the-shelf x86-board. (more…)

CompuLab is shipping a version of its Bulverde-based embedded computer module with integrated WiFi. The CM-X270L has built-in 802.11b WiFi, with 802.11g expected soon. (more…)