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"No Talking...": Employee Shares Strict Workplace Rules, Calls It A "Jail"

The post details a highly restrictive environment where employees are forbidden from basic actions like looking away from their screens or using their phones.




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Watch: US Comedian's Hilarious Impersonation Of Trump In India Goes Viral

US-based comedian Austin Nasso is going viral online for his hilarious impersonation of US-President-elect Donald Trump during a fictional visit to India.




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Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad Airports Won’t Be Sold To Private Investors: Privatization Plan Put On Hold

The government is temporarily freezing the proposed sale of AAI’s stakes in the private joint ventures operating the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Reason The finance ministry has decided to defer for now the sale of the AAI’s residual stakes in these four joint ventures, the reason being that the valuations could be […]




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Brace For Impact! Maruti Will Increase Price Of Almost All Cars By This Date: Check Full Details

India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has announced that it will hike the prices of its models from January 2023. It said the increase will vary for different models. Why? In a statement the automaker explained its struggles and the reason behind the hikes. “The Company continues to witness increased cost pressure driven […]




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Exciting Details Of Redmi K60 Series Revealed: Will It Be 2023’s 1st Flagship Smartphone? Check Specs, USPs & More!

The success of the Redmi K50 series, especially the Redmi K50 Pro was resounding, and now, a lot of leaks about the Redmi K60 series have emerged as well. The box of the Redmi K60 was leaked recently, and promotional dates of the phone series have also appeared. Redmi K60 Features Leaked: All You Need […]




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Intel to spin-off and sell Wind River Software to TPG

Wind River, an IoT and industrial operating system owned by Intel will be acquired by TPG, global alternative asset firm. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Intel had bought Wind River Systems for $884 million in 2009

Wind River operates in several markets, including aerospace and defense, automotive, industrial, medical and networking technologies. Its core products in these markets are operating systems, software infrastructure platforms, device management, and simulation software. The IoT practice of Wind River provides consulting services for customers building IoT applications.

In a statement for Wind River, Nehal Raj, Partner and Head of Technology investing at TPG said “We see a tremendous market opportunity in industrial software driven by the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), intelligent devices and edge computing. As a market leader with a strong product portfolio, Wind River is well positioned to benefit from these trends. We are excited about the prospects for Wind River as an independent company, and plan to build on its strong foundation with investments in both organic and inorganic growth.”

Wind River’s main IoT product is Helix Device Cloud, a cloud-offering capable of managing deployed IoT devices and industrial equipment across a machine’s lifecycle. Helix can connect and manage devices remotely.

Helix platform’s key uses cases are gateway management, proactive maintenance, security updates, and device provisioning.




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Salesforce and other tech giants invest $24M in IFTTT to help it expand in enterprise IoT

IFTTT (If This Than That), a web-based software that automates and connects over 600 online services/software raised a $24M Series C led by Salesforce. Other investors include IBM and the Chamberlain Group and Fenox Venture Capital.

New apps and devices that made their way to IFTTT

The latest round brings IFTTT’s funding to $63M and it will use the funding proceeds to provide integration for enterprise and IoT services and hiring. In IFTTT’s platform, applets are code/script users need to deploy to integrate two or more services (such Google Drive’s integration with Twitter/Facebook).

“IFTTT is at the forefront of establishing a more connected ecosystem for devices and services. They see IFTTT as an important business, ecosystem, and partner in the industry,” said CEO Linden Tibbets.

Investment in IFTTT reveals that Salesforce is consolidating its presence in enterprise IoT space. It also acquired Mulesoft, an integration platform that rivals Microsoft’s BizTalk.

IBM’s investment in IFTTT is also noteworthy as the former is pushing its IBM Watson IoT platform. The following statement also shows its keen interest in IFTTT.

“IBM and IFTTT are working together to realize the potential of today’s connected world. By bringing together IBM’s Watson IoT Platform and Watson Assistant Solutions with consumer- facing services, we can help clients to create powerful and open solutions for their users that work with everything in the Internet of Things,” said Bret Greenstein, VP, Watson Internet of Things, IBM.

Other recent investments in IoT companies include $30M Series B of Armis and Myriota's $15M for its IoT satellite-based connectivity platform.

For latest IoT funding and product news, please visit our IoT news section.




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Sensor-based baby sock Owlet banks $24M Series B

Owlet, a connected-baby care company raised a $24 million Series B investment from Trilogy Equity Partners, with participation from existing investors, including Eclipse Ventures, Broadway Angels, and Enfield Ventures, and the addition Pelion Venture Partners.

Owlet Android App

Owlet’s core product is a baby sock that contains a smart sensor. The sensor monitors pulse oximetry, a technology used in hospitals to measure an infant's heart rate and blood oxygen levels. The vital signs are communicated to parents’ smartphone via Bluetooth connection. The product retails for $299 and parents can also choose from monthly payment plans.

Other IoT-health startups using sensors to monitor vital signs include Aifloo, a company selling wrist-bands for elders and Air by Propeller, a smart health company that provides an API to predict local asthma conditions.

SM
Owlet Smart Sock 2

A complete product package of Owlet monitor includes three fabric socks, smart sock sensor, a base station (which rings an alarm if a baby’s vital signs are abnormal), and charging cords.

Before the company raised the latest round, it closed a $15 million Series B round in late 2016. The recent investment brought Owlet’s total equity funding to $46M. Owlet plans to use the growth capital to launch more baby care products.

“As a company of parents, it is important to us to bring innovative technology into a family’s everyday life. This new round of funding will enable us to expand our product line, looking at ways we can support the health and wellness of families at all stages, from pregnancy on, as well as increase the brand’s availability internationally and improve our accessibility and affordability,”said Kurt Workman, Owlet Co-Founder and CEO.





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Vesper closes $23M Series B for its sensor-based microphone: Amazon Alexa Fund among investors

Vesper, the maker of piezoelectric sensors used in microphone production and winner of CES Innovation Award 2018 raised a $23M Series B round. American Family Ventures led the investment with participation from Accomplice, Amazon Alexa Fund, Baidu, Bose Ventures, Hyperplane, Sands Capital, Shure, Synaptics, ZZ Capital and some undisclosed investors.

Vesper VM1000

Vesper’s innovative sensors can be used in consumer electronics like TV remote controls, smart speakers, smartphones, intelligent sensor nodes, and hearables. The company will use the funding proceeds to scale-up its functions like mass production of its microphones and support expanded research and development, hiring, and establishing international sales offices.

The main product of Vesper is VM1000, a low noise, high range,single-ended analog output piezoelectric MEMS microphone. It consists of a piezoelectric sensor and circuitry to buffer and amplify the output.

Vesper VM1010

The hot-selling product of Vesper is VM1010 with ZeroPower Listening which is the first MEMS microphone that enables voice activation to battery-powered consumer devices.

The unique selling point of Vesper’s products is they are built to operate in rugged environments that have dust and moisture.

"Vesper's ZeroPower Listening capabilities coupled with its ability to withstand water, dust, oil, and particulate contaminants enables users that have never before been possible," said Katelyn Johnson, principal of American Family Ventures. "We are excited about Vesper's quest to transform our connected world, including IoT devices."

Other recent funding news include $24 raised by sensor-based baby sock maker Owlet, IFTTT banks $24M from Salesforce to scale its IoT Enterprise offering, and Intel sells its Wind River Software to TPG.




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Amber Solutions raises $3.3M Series A to fast track sales of its smart electrical products

Amber Solutions, an IoT product company that sells smart outlets, switches and circuit breakers closed Series A Preferred Stock round of financing that equals $3.3M in gross proceeds. Amber will use the funds to support the commercial development of Amber's core technologies.

One of Amber’s product is solid-state circuit interrupter (GFCI) that basically stops harmful levels of electricity from passing through a person. It operates as a safety device alerting the homeowner of electrocution incidents in real time.

"We are pleased that our investors are embracing Amber's vision of bringing superior IoT intelligence and connectivity to a highly strategic area--the single gang box locations within the standard electrical infrastructure in homes and buildings," said Amber Solutions CEO Thar Casey.
"Amber's smart outlets and switches strategically aggregate IoT sensors and functions within a structure's single gang box locations. This means a more discreet and yet wider array of IoT sensing and control in every room than is typical today,"Casey further added.

Amber Solutions’ core markets are builders that prepare smart home/smart building ready infrastructure, certified electrical contractors or remodelers, and electrical manufacturers.

Amber products

Other latest funding news include Owlet’s $24M Series B, Axonize’s $6M Series A round and addition of Deutsche Telekom as its strategic investor, and $30M Series B raised by Palo Alto-based Armis.




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Smart baby monitor Nanit closes $14M Series B investment

Smart baby monitor company Nanit raised a $14M Series B round led by Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP). Other investors that participated include existing investors Upfront Ventures, RRE Ventures, Vulcan Capital and Vaal Investment Partners. The latest investment brings total equity funding of Nanit to $30M.

Nanit Camera

Nanit announced it will use the funding proceeds to expand its team of computer vision and machine learning engineers and grow its sales in Europe and Canada.

Nanit’s baby monitor helps new parents oversee nursery conditions as it has built-in temperature and humidity sensors. The camera lets parents remotely monitor baby’s crib whereas sound and motion are detected via smart sensors.

Nanit's mobile app

The monitor’s insights can be accessed via an accompanying mobile app. Nanit charges $10 per month for its premium package.

The key use cases of Nanit’s baby monitoring technology include sleep insights, behavioral analysis, expert guidance, and nightly video summaries. The company currently sells its smart monitors via its website.




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Smart lock company LockState closes $5.8M Series A to fast track sales & partnerships

Smart Lock Company LockState raised $5.8M Series A in new investment to fund its aggressive sales and marketing and partner development plan. The company previously raised $740K seed round and $1M in a round led by angel investors. The lead investor in latest round was Iron Gate Capital. Other investors include Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc, Nelnet and Service Provider Capital.

Access Control Dashboard and WiFi Smart Locks

The company’s Wi-Fi-enabled RemoteLock is used by 1000s of Airbnb and other vacation rental hosts. It helps hosts remotely provide access to guests. Locking/unlocking codes can be generated via a host’s computer or smartphone.

RemoteLock’s prices start at $299 which is its algorithmic ResortLock. The most pricey lock by LockState is its ‘RemoteLock 7i Black WiFi Commercial Smart Lock’ which costs $479.

Another core product of LockState is its cloud-based remote access platform for internet-enabled locks. It implies users can remotely manage their (internet-enabled) locks via LockState’s cloud platform.

Unlike smartphones and watches, customers don’t look forward to upgrading their smart locks or buying one when new models are launched. Thus, smart lock companies offset this disadvantage by partnering with property management and short-term rental companies to get new customers.

LockState has partnered with vacation rental brands like Airbnb, HomeAway, and other listing partners to automate guest access.

“We are expanding our footprint and moving into a new warehouse office that is more than twice the size of our current office. We’re also staffing up our sales and marketing teams. We’ve accomplished a lot without investing heavily in marketing so we’ll support that area to keep our momentum going. We intend to expand into new business-to-business and enterprise verticals where we’re seeing the market grow. We are also dedicating budget toward development.” Nolan Mondrow, CEO of LockState in a statement released to news site Venture Beat

Igloohome a Singapore-based smart lock company also raised an investment of $4M in April this year.




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EV Ultimo launches platform in the Electric Vehicles ecosystem

EV Ultimo launches platform to assist brands, buyers, stakeholders in the Electric Vehicles ecosystem




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Murderer Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment

[SAPS] - The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the 15 years imprisonment term handed down to Bongani Motha (24) by Middleburg Regional Court on Wednesday, 05 November 2024.




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Gqeberha Flying Squad Clamp Down On Criminals

[SAPS] - Gqeberha Flying Squad members clamped down on criminals involved in illegal abalone activities and robbery suspects in two unrelated incidents.




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Five Suspects Appearing in Kariega Magistrate's Court for Possession of Cycads

[SAPS] - Five suspects are appearing in the Kariega Magistrate's Court today, after they were arrested and found in possession of cycads with an estimated value of R1 Million on Friday 08 November 2024.




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Almost 12 600 Suspects Arrested and 345 Firearms Recovered During October Operations

[SAPS] One hundred and seventy one (171) murder suspects, 261 attempted murder suspects and 250 suspected rapists were among 12 593 suspects who were arrested during various operations by police in KwaZulu-Natal in the month of October. During such operations police also managed to recover 345 firearms and 2 998 rounds of ammunition of various calibre of firearms. Among the recovered firearms were 23 rifles and 17 homemade illegal guns.




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Operation Shanela Yielded Good Results in the Joe Gqabi District

[SAPS] SAPS members' continued efforts to prevent and detect crime yielded the following successes within the Joe Gqabi District as part of Operation Shanela during the week and start of the weekend .




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Cape Town Secures Historic Bid to Host WorldPride 2028

[allAfrica] We are excited to share the momentous news that Cape Town Pride has officially won the bid to host WorldPride 2028. This significant event is a global celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and rights, marking a pivotal milestone not only for the LGBTQ+ community in the city but also for the entire African continent. This victory positions Cape Town as a leading symbol of inclusivity and diversity, showcasing its commitment to advancing a welcoming environment for all.




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South Africa's Civil Service Should Be Restructured, but a Plan to Reward Early Retirement Won't Solve the Problem - Economist

[The Conversation Africa] South Africa's finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, announced in his October mid-term budget policy statement that cabinet had approved funding for an early retirement programme to reduce the public sector wage bill. R11 billion (about US$627 million) will be allocated over the next two years to pay for the exit costs of 30,000 civil servants while retaining critical skills and promoting the entry of younger talent.





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Joburg's Water Restrictions Set to Tighten Further As Crisis Deepens

[Daily Maverick] Office of the Chief Justice reveals Constitutional Court has been unable to sit because of unreliable water supply. This article is free to read.Sign up for free or sign in to continue reading.Unlike our competitors, we don't force you to pay to read the news but we do need your email address to make your experience better.Create your free account or sign in FAQ | Contact Us Nearly there! Create a password to finish signing up with us: You want to receive First Thing, our flagship daily newsletter. Opt




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Gauteng Police to Raid Spaza Shops in Food Safety Crackdown - South African News Briefs - November 11, 2024

[allAfrica]




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Russian, South African Companies Join Forces On Nuclear Energy in Africa

[Namibian] Russian company Rosatom and South African AllWeld Nuclear and Industrial are joining forces to promote the sustainable development of nuclear energy in Africa.





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A South African Politician Ends Up Homeless in Nthikeng Mohlele's Spicy New Novel - but Is It Any Good?

[The Conversation Africa] Despite the flaws in the latest novel by South African writer Nthikeng Mohlele, there is something alluring about Revolutionaries' House. It is Mohlele's most political novel, and the parallels drawn between love and politics - and their pitfalls - are intriguing.




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These Matriculants Have Been Waiting for Their Matric Certificates for Three Years

[GroundUp] The education department says there's only one SETA official assisting all nine provinces




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DDR5 12.8Gbps MRDIMM IP: Powering the Future of AI, HPC, and Data Centers

The demand for higher-performance computing is greater than ever. Cutting-edge applications in artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and databases require high-speed memory systems to handle the ever-increasing volumes and complexities of data. Advancements in cloud computing and machine virtualization are stretching the limits of current capabilities. AI applications hosted in the cloud rely on fast access and reduced latency in memory systems, which is amplified by an increasing number of CPU and GPU cores.

Introducing the DDR5 Multiplexed Rank DIMM (MRDIMM), the next-generation memory module technology designed to meet the needs of high-performance computing (HPC) and AI in cloud applications. By leveraging existing DDR5 DRAM memory devices, MRDIMM modules not only double the DRAM data rate but also maintain the RAS capabilities of the industry-proven RDIMM modules, setting a new precedent for memory module performance.

Let’s compare RDIMM and MRDIMM modules using the same DRAM parts. Today, high-speed production DDR5 RDIMM modules run at 5600Mbps. Those modules use DDR5 DRAM parts, which also run at 5600Mbps. An MRDIMM module using the same DDR5 5600Mbps DRAM parts will run at a blazing 11.2Gbps.

One key metric for best-in-class performance, low bit error rate (BER), and ease of adoption is the eye diagram. The eye diagram illustrates at-speed system margin and accurately represents DDR system quality when captured with a pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS)-like pattern. The diagram below illustrates Cadence’s 3nm silicon write eye diagram for DDR5 MRDIMM IP running at 12.8Gbps.

Cadence 3nm DDR5 MRDIMM 12.8Gbps test chip write eye diagram, design kit is available today

The eye diagram is captured using a PRBS-like pattern, incorporating a package and system board representative of a typical MRDIMM channel. Using PRBS-like patterns is crucial for capturing accurate eye diagrams. Repetitive clock-like data patterns create deceptively “open eyes” that do not reflect the real system performance. Effects like intersymbol interference, simultaneous switching, reflections, and crosstalk are not accurately reflected in the eye diagrams for parallel interfaces like DDR using non-random data streams. Relying on improperly captured eye diagrams inevitably leads to a significantly worse real system BER than conveyed by that eye diagram.

Doubling the DDR5 RDIMM data rate is challenging. Achieving high performance while optimizing for area and power requires multiple design techniques. Feed-forward equalization (FFE), decision feedback equalization (DFE), continuous-time linear equalization (CTLE), and T-coils are required to reach 12.8Gbps MRDIMM data rates in multi-channel systems. Building a production-worthy 12.8Gbps DDR5 MRDIMM IP requires engineering expertise that comes from many generations of memory interface design and production experience. Cadence has developed this expertise through multiple DDR5/4, LPDDR5X/5, and GDDR6 designs in different technology nodes and foundries. For instance, Cadence’s GDDR6 IP is available in three foundries and ten process nodes, with mass production at speeds exceeding 22Gbps.

For your next project, consider DDR5 12.8Gbps MRDIMM, a technology that not only doubles the bandwidth of DDR5 RDIMM but also promises rapid proliferation into next-generation AI, data center, HPC, and enterprise applications. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the Cadence DDR5 12.8Gbps MRDIMM IP is ready to power the future of computing.




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The Future of Driving: How Advanced DSP is Shaping Car Infotainment Systems

As vehicles transition into interconnected ecosystems, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies become increasingly crucial. Infotainment systems have evolved beyond mere music players to become central hubs for connectivity, entertainment, and navigation. With global demand for comfort, convenience, and safety rising, the automotive infotainment market is experiencing significant growth. Valued at USD14.99 billion in 2023, it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2024 to 2030.

To keep pace with this evolution, infotainment systems must accommodate a range of workloads, including audio, voice, AI, and vision technologies. This requires a flexible, scalable Digital Signal Processor (DSP) solution that acts as an offload engine for the main application processor. Integrating a single DSP for varied functions offers a cost-effective solution for high-performance, low-power processing, which aligns well with the needs of Electric Vehicles (EVs).

If you missed the detailed presentation by Casey Ng, Product Marketing Director at Cadence at CadenceLIVE 2024, register at the CadenceLIVE On-Demand site to access it and other insightful presentations. Stay ahead of the curve and explore the future of innovative electronics with us.

Cadence Infotainment Solution: Leading the Charge

Cadence Tensilica HiFi DSPs play a crucial role in enhancing audio capabilities in vehicle infotainment systems. They support applications like voice recognition, hands-free calling, and deliver immersive audio experiences. This technology is also paramount for features such as active noise control, which reduces road and cabin noise, and acoustic event detection for identifying unusual sounds like broken glass. One notable innovation is the "audio bubble," enabling personalized audio zones within the vehicle, ensuring passengers enjoy distinct audio settings.

Cadence HiFi DSP technology enriches the driving experience for electric vehicles by mimicking traditional engine sounds, while its advanced audio processing ensures optimal performance across various digital radio standards. It significantly contributes to noise reduction, hence improving the cabin experience. Integrating a Double Precision Floating Point Unit (FPU) stands out, as it upgrades audio performance and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) through efficient 64-bit processing, allowing control over numerous speakers without hitches.

These advancements distinguish the DSP as an essential tool in evolving infotainment systems, offering unmatched performance and adaptability. Tensilica HiFi processors, crucial to advanced infotainment SoCs, serve as efficient offload processors, augmenting real-time execution and energy efficiency. Cadence’s ecosystem, with over 200 codecs and software partnerships, propels the evolution of innovative infotainment systems. Introducing the HiFi 5s DSP marks a new era in connected car experiences, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements.

Exploring Tomorrow with HiFi 5s DSP Technology

The HiFi 5s represents the apex of audio and AI digital signal processing performance. Built on the Xtensa LX8 platform, it introduces capabilities like auto-vectorization, which allows standard C code to be automatically optimized for performance. This synergy of hardware and software co-design marks a significant step forward in DSP technology. By leveraging its extended Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) capabilities alongside features like a double-precision floating-point unit (DP_FPU), the HiFi 5s delivers unparalleled precision and speed improvements in signal and audio processing tasks. Equally notable are its branch prediction and L2 cache enhancements, which optimize system performance by refining the control code execution and recognizing codec efficiency. The application of such enhancements are particularly beneficial in real-world scenarios.

AI-Powered Audio

Cadence's focus on AI integration with the HiFi 5s demonstrates significant improvements in audio clarity through AI-powered solutions.

  • AI models learn from real-world data and adapt dynamically, while classic DSP algorithms rely on fixed rules.
  • AI can be fine-tuned for specific scenarios, whereas classic DSP lacks flexibility.
  • AI handles extreme and marginal noise patterns better, generalizes well across different environments, and is robust against varying noise characteristics.

Cadence's dedication to artificial intelligence marks a pivotal shift in audio processing. Traditional DSP algorithms, bound by rigid rules, are eclipsed by AI's ability to learn dynamically from real-world data. This adaptability equips AI models to tackle challenging noise patterns and offer unmatched clarity even in noisy environments, making them ideal for automotive and consumer audio applications.

Realtime AI-Optimized Speech Enhancements by OmniSpeech and ai|coustics

OmniSpeech

Our partner, OmniSpeech, has advanced AI-based audio processing that enhances the performance of audio software, specifically for omnidirectional and dipole microphones. Impressively, their technology operates with less than 32MHz and requires only 418kB of memory.

Test results show that background noise is significantly reduced when AI employs a single omnidirectional microphone, outperforming non-AI solutions. Additionally, when using a dipole microphone with AI, there is a 3.5X improvement in the weighted Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and more than a 28% increase in the Global Mean Opinion Score (GMOS) across various background noise.

ai|coustics

ai|coustics, a Cadence partner specializing in advanced audio technologies, utilizes real-time AI-optimized speech enhancement algorithms. They leverage an extensive speech-quality dataset containing thousands of hours and 100 languages to transform low-quality audio into studio-grade audio. Their process includes:

  • De-reverb, which eliminates room resonances, echoes, and reflections
  • Removing artifacts from downsampling and codec compression
  • Dynamic and adaptive background noise removal
  • Reviving audio materials with analog and digital distortions
  • Providing support for all languages, accents, and a variety of speakers

Applications include:

  • Automotive: Enhances clarity of navigation commands and communication for driver safety
  • Consumer audio: Improves voice clarity for better dialogue understanding in TV programs. Optimizes speech intelligibility in communication for both uplink and downlink audio streams
  • Smart IoT: Boosts voice command detection and response quality

Performance Enhancements

The advancements in branch prediction and L2 cache integration have significantly boosted performance metrics across various systems. With HiFi 5s, branch prediction increases codec efficiency by an average of 5%, reaching up to 16% in optimal conditions. L2 cache improvements have drastically enhanced system-level performance, evidenced by a 2.3X boost in EVS decoder efficiency. Adding MACs and imaging ISA in imaging use cases has led to substantial advancements. When comparing HiFi 5s to HiFi 5, imaging ISA performance improvements range with >60% average performance improvements.

The Crescendo of the Future

As Cadence continues to blaze trails in DSP technology, the HiFi 5s emerges as the quintessential solution for consumer and automotive audio use cases. With a robust framework for auto-vectorization, an unmatched double-precision FPU, AI-driven audio solutions, and comprehensive system enhancements, Cadence is orchestrating the next era of audio processing, where every note is clearer, every sound richer, and every experience more engaging. It is not just the future of audio—it's the future of how we experience the world around us.

 Discover how Cadence Automotive Solutions can transform your business today!




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Driving Innovation: Cadence's Cutting-Edge IP on TSMC's N3 Node

Staying ahead of the curve is essential to meeting customer needs. Cadence has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation, and its latest IP portfolio available on TSMC's 3nm (N3) process is no exception. Today, rapid advancements in AI/ML, hyperscale computing (HPC), and the automotive industry are driving significant changes in technology. Let's explore the impressive array of IP that Cadence offers on this advanced node.

Memory Solutions: High-Speed and Power-Efficient

Cadence's DDR5 12.8G MRDIMM IP supports the highest speed grade Gen2 MRDIMMs and features a fully hardened PHY optimized to the customer's floorplan. The LPDDR5X IP is silicon-proven at 9.6Gbps and is ideal for power-sensitive applications, offering a fully integrated memory subsystem.

GDDR7: Leading the Way in Graphics Memory

Cadence has achieved a significant milestone with the world's first silicon-proven GDDR7 IP, supporting data rates up to 32Gbps. This IP offers the best price/performance ratio for AI interfaces, making it a game-changer in the graphics memory domain.

PCIe and CXL Solutions: Robust and Reliable

Cadence's PCIe 3.0 IP is a mature and production-proven solution available across a wide range of process nodes from 28nm to 3nm. It offers a versatile multi-link architecture for optimum SoC configurability and flexible use cases. The PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.x solutions are silicon-proven, power-optimized, and highly robust, with jitter-tolerant capabilities. These IP are the only subsystem proven with eight lanes of controller and PHY in silicon, ensuring interoperability with leading test vendors and OEMs.

UCIe PHY: Setting New Standards

The UCIe PHY IP from Cadence are set to be generally available after successful silicon characterization in both standard and advanced package options on the TSMC N3 (3nm) process. These IP demonstrate significantly better power, performance, and area (PPA) metrics than the specifications, with a bit error rate (BER) better than 1E-27 compared to the spec of 1E-15. The power consumption is also notably lower than the spec limit, ensuring a simpler integration with a best-in-class power profile.

112G PHY IP: Pushing the Boundaries of Performance

Cadence's 112G PHY IP are designed to meet the demands of high-speed data transmission. The 112G-ULR PHY IP, characterized in the 3nm process, showcases exceptional performance with support for insertion loss over 45dB at data rates ranging from 1.25Gbps to 112.5Gbps. This IP is optimized for both power and area, making it a versatile choice for various applications. The 112G-VSR/MR PHY IP also stands out with its excellent power and performance metrics, making it ideal for short-reach applications and optical interconnects. Additionally, the 112G PAM4 PHY solutions cater to hyperscale, AI, HPC, and optics applications, featuring a mature DSP-based SerDes architecture with advanced techniques such as reflection cancellation.

Cadence's IP portfolio on TSMC N3 shows innovation and expertise to solve today's design challenges. From high-speed PHY IP to robust PCIe and CXL solutions and advanced memory IP, Cadence continues to lead the way in semiconductor IP development. These solutions not only meet but exceed industry standards, ensuring that customers can confidently achieve their design goals. Stay tuned for more updates on Cadence's groundbreaking advancements in semiconductor technology.

Learn more about Cadence IP and other silicon solutions.




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Specifying the placement of submodules in the top module during the pnr using Innovus

Hi everyone,

I'm designing a digital chip that will be fabricated. I have a HDL top module that includes several submodules inside it. I want to define the position of some of the submodules during the PnR so that later I can specify there positions in the Micrograph photo after the IC fabrication. When I perform the PnR using Innovus, I always got a layout shape where the submodules seems to be flatted. I wonder if there is a way to specify the placement of each submodule in my top module  (maybe in the tcl file) during the PnR so later I can define there positions in the micrograph photo. 

Thanks in Advance!




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Off grid violations on M2 layer

Hi all,

I have off grid violations on M2 layer. I have tried ecoRoute -fix_drc and deleting violations and rerouting. But the tool is still placing these routes off grid. The on grid option in nanoroute is turned on. Since there is a fat metal closer to these routes, the tool is honouring the drc and not placing the metals on track. How do I ignore drc while routing? Also if there is any other way I can fix it, please let me know 




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IR Drop Criteria

IR criteria:

Static IR (STD) ~2%

Static IR (MEM) ~1%

Dynamic IR (STD) ~10%

Dynamic IR (MEM) ~5%

Anyone knows the reason behind this criteria? >.<




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Always on buffering

Hello All,

How do we control the Always on buffering for a power domain called B in Power domain A.

here B-power domain nets going through A , hence tool is inserting Always on buffers.

How do we avoid this specific power domain ?

Thanks,
Bshaik




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Pcell Inherited Connection

Hi! 

I am attempting to create a very simple test pcell that contains a single Nmos 4 terminal device (Gate, Source, Drain, Backgate). However, unlike other devices I have used in the past, the backgate terminal of the device I wish to include within the pcell is an inherited connection, and the other 3 are physical terminals. Note that for the pcell master, I do not want any inherited connections, just physical pins. Hence I need to drive this inherited connection with a pin within my pcell. I started implementing the symbol and schematic first, ensuring I could obtain the correct connectivity, extract netlist, etc. I thought I had it hooked up correctly, but alas I am failing to export the CDL. Let me explain my current approach.

Schematic:

Create the 4 physical pins using a combination of dbCreateInst (for the pin isnt), dbMakeNet, dbCreateTerm and dbCreatePin.

Create the device instance using dbCreateInstByMasterName and setting the desired cdf parameters + callbacks.

For the physical terminals of the device, I'm using dbCreateConnByName to make the connection to the appropriate net that was created above.

For the inherited connection, I am creating a netSet property like so: dbCreateProp(newinst deviceTermName "netSet" netName)

Symbol:

Create the 4 physical pins using a combination of dbCreateRect, dbMakeNet, dbCreateTerm, dbCreatePin.

And then create whatever symbol design I wish using the likes of dbCreateRect, dbCreateLine, etc. 

Everything works fine when using a device without an inherited connection, so I'm guessing I'm missing something along this line... Also, if I copy the contents of the pcell schematic to a regular schematic view, do a check and save, the view extracts just fine. So I wonder if the check and save it fixing the connectivity that I may not have. 

Thanks for any possibly engagement or suggestions 🙂

Keelan




ri

How to add custom indicators to Dynamic Display measuring HUD

I am attempting to use dbGetNeighbor() function inside the dynamic display HUD so that the distance to the next metal on that layer could be viewed. Think of another line in this dynamic table here... 

My SKILL code is essentially the following:

procedure(getNearestNeighborOnMetal(cv)
let((direction tmpBoundingBox)
direction = internal_function()
tmpBoundingBox = dbCreateRect(geGetEditCellView() "tmp" list(hiGetCommandPoint() hiGetCommandPoint()))
car(dbGetNeighbor(geGetEditCellView() tmpBoundingBox direction))
)
)

this returns the distance to the closest metal based on some tests.

Next, I try to register this function to work in the Dynamic Display / Info Balloon world by executing odcRegisterCustomFunc() for each and every object type (I know, absurd, but trying to debug)

In the dynamic display menu, I toggle the "Custom SKILL Function" check in layoutXL, then hit apply, then OK.

After this I find I am unable to view the changes reflected in any info balloons or in the drawing HUD (above) for this wire. I have tried replacing my function with the sample "customFunc" from the odcRegisterCustomFunc() documentation and was still unable to produce any new output.

Any help diagnosing the use of this feature would be very much appreciated




ri

Virtuoso Fluid Guard Ring Layout error "do_something=nil"

Hello,

When I draw a Fluid Guard Ring in Virtuoso, the layout is not visible, and instead, "do_something=nil" appears.

When I check the details with Q, it shows the same information as a regular NFGR guard ring, and Ctrl+F also displays the instance name, just like with a regular NFGR. 

Additionally, the Pcells of Fluid Guard Rings from previous projects appear broken. 

The version I’m currently using is not different from the one used in the past. Even when I access the same version as the one used during the project, the Pcells still appear broken.

These two issues are occurring, and I’m not sure what to check. I would greatly appreciate it if you could assist me in resolving this issue.

//

Reinstalling the PDK resolved the issue!

I’m not exactly sure what the problem was, but I suspect there might have been an internal issue with permissions or the PDK path.




ri

Refer instances and vias to technology library during importing

Hi,

My query is regarding importing of layout.

After importing, we see that the imported transistor instances and vias are all referring to the library in which they are imported, instead of referring to the technology library.

Please let me know how we can refer them to the technology library.

Will surely provide more details if my query is unclear.

Thanks,

Mallikarjun.




ri

Error ASSEMBLER-1600 when running script with two different MC simulations

Hello Community,

I have encountered an issue that is a mystery to me and hope somebody could give me a clue about what is happening in Cadence and maybe even a solution?

I am running a test scripted in a SKILL file that sequentially opens two different projects with MC analyses and in between I get an error message box and also multiple logs in CIW with exactly the same text.

 

Both projects run a simulation with a call like this:

historyName = maeRunSimulation(?session sessionName ?waitUntilDone t)

 

After this the script closes the current project, opens the next project and executes the same line with maeRunSimulation() for the second project. Then immediately this error message happens, and also is logged repeatedly in the CIW window

 

The message box looks like this:

The logs I get in CIW:

 

nil
hiCancelProgressBox(_axlNetlistCreateProgressBar)
nil
hiCancelProgressBox(_axlUILoadForm)
nil
when(dwindow('axlDataViewessWindow1) hiMapWindow(dwindow('axlDataViewessWindow1)))
t
when(dwindow('axlRunSummaryessWindow1) hiMapWindow(dwindow('axlRunSummaryessWindow1)))
t
ERROR (ASSEMBLER-1600): Cannot find an active session named fnxSession0.
You can only modify an ADE Assembler session that is active.
Perhaps the session name was misspelled or has not yet been created.
Verify the session name matches an existing ADE Assembler session.

1>
ERROR (ASSEMBLER-1600): Cannot find an active session named fnxSession0.
You can only modify an ADE Assembler session that is active.
Perhaps the session name was misspelled or has not yet been created.
Verify the session name matches an existing ADE Assembler session.

*WARNING* hiDisplayAppDBox: modal dbox 'adexlMessageDialog' is already displayed!
ERROR (ASSEMBLER-1600): Cannot find an active session named fnxSession0.
You can only modify an ADE Assembler session that is active.
Perhaps the session name was misspelled or has not yet been created.
Verify the session name matches an existing ADE Assembler session.

*WARNING* hiDisplayAppDBox: modal dbox 'adexlMessageDialog' is already displayed!
ERROR (ASSEMBLER-1600): Cannot find an active session named fnxSession0.
You can only modify an ADE Assembler session that is active.
Perhaps the session name was misspelled or has not yet been created.
Verify the session name matches an existing ADE Assembler session.




ri

Disappearing toolbar or docked menu

Disappearing toolbar or docked menu

Is there a way for the toolbar or floating menu from disappearing when a cells tab is added to a window?

I have created a skill toolbar and it disappeared when I add another cell or tab to a window.

The only toolbars that stay are the ones I have defined in the Layout.toolbar file.

Do I have to add a trigger to keep the toolbars visible or not disappearing from the window?

Cadence version IC23.1-64b.ISR7.27

Paul




ri

How to restrict the variable's data type of procedure with @key

Hi,

I want to define a procedure that with @key, and I also want to restrict the variable's datatype, I tried with folloing but I received error in CIW

procedure(tt(handler @key str1 str2 "ssS")
  printf("handler: %L " handler)
)

tt('test)

The error is like: *Error* tt: argument for keyword ?str1 should be a symbol (type template = "ssS") at line 11 of file

Thanks,

James




ri

μWaveRiders: New Python Library Provides a Higher-Level API in the Cadence AWR Design Environment

A new Python library has been written to facilitate an interface between Python and AWR software using a command structure that adheres more closely to Python coding conventions. This library is labeled "pyawr-utils" and it is installed using the standard Python pip command. Comprehensive documentation for installing and using pyawr-utils is available.(read more)




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μWaveRiders: Setting Up a Successful AWR Design Environment Design - UI and Simulation

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μWaveRiders: Cadence AWR Design Environment V22.1 Software Release Highlights

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AWR V22.1 software introduces the Pointer-Hybrid optimization method which uses a combination of optimization methods, switching back and forth between methods to efficiently find the lowest optimization error function cost. The optimization algorithm automatically determines when to switch to a different optimization method, making this a superior method over manual selection of algorithms. This method is particularly robust in regards to finding the global minima without getting stuck in a local minima well.(read more)




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μWaveRiders: Setting Up a Successful AWR Design Environment Design - Layout and Component Libraries

When starting a new design, it's important to take the time to consider design recommendations that prevent problems that can arise later in the design cycle. This two-part compilation of guidelines for starting a new design is the result of years of Cadence AWR Design Environment platform Support experience with designs. Pre-design decisions for user interface, simulation, layout, and library configuration lay the groundwork for a successful and efficient AWR design. This blog, part 2, covers the layout and component library considerations designers should note prior to starting a design.(read more)




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Unlock Your RF Engineering Potential with a Cadence AWR Free Academic Trial!

Are you ready to revolutionize your RF design experience? Look no further! Cadence AWR software is your gateway to mastering the intricacies of Radio Frequency (RF) circuit design, and now, you can explore its power with our exclusive Free Academic T...(read more)




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5X “Time Warp” in Your Next Verification Cycle Using Xcelium Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. Machine learning (ML) and its associated inference abilities promise to revolutionize everything from driving your car to making your breakfast. Verification is never truly complete; it is over when you run...(read more)