Embedded Insights Question of the Week (Guest Blog) Robert Cravotta of Embedded Insights shares weekly questions that explore the issues affecting today’s embedded developers.https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/atomTelligent Community (Build: 11.1.7.15705)2011-12-15T14:37:47ZHow could easing restrictions for in-flight electronics affect designs?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/how-could-easing-restrictions-for-in-flight-electronics-affect-designs2012-03-28T15:23:29Z2012-03-28T15:23:29Z<p>The FAA has given permission some airlines permission for their pilots to use electronic devices (iPad) in lieu of paper charts and manuals during a flight. This may mark the beginning of a process to allow more devices to be used – possibly even by passengers. Is this wishful thinking or a real possibility as product designers examine the incentives of providing devices that gain permission for unrestricted use on aircraft?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/how-could-easing-restrictions-for-in-flight-electronics-affect-designs">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=643622&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389When is running warm – too hot?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/when-is-running-warm-too-hot2012-03-24T01:45:11Z2012-03-24T01:45:11Z<p>As mobile devices deliver more capabilities, including better graphics, in small form factors, the design challenges of keeping a warming system from becoming too hot become more visible to the end user. When is running warm – too hot?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/when-is-running-warm-too-hot">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=640276&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Are random numbers a solved function?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-random-numbers-a-solved-function2012-03-20T13:56:12Z2012-03-20T13:56:12Z<p>Random number generators have been used by developers for many decades with varying levels of success and lessons learned about what constitutes a suitable nature of random numbers (think music players selecting random tracks). Are creating and using random numbers a solved function for system developers?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-random-numbers-a-solved-function">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=636113&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Do you refactor embedded software?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/do-you-refactor-embedded-software2012-03-01T21:09:24Z2012-03-01T21:09:24Z<p>Software refactoring involves modifying the internal structure of software without changing its external behavior. Because embedded software typically has a tighter level of coupling with the target hardware than application software, do you perform software refactoring on embedded software?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/do-you-refactor-embedded-software">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=616954&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Are you looking at USB 3.0?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-you-looking-at-usb-3-02012-02-25T01:55:04Z2012-02-25T01:55:04Z<p>Does the recent SuperSpeed USB certification of Intel processors mean that more consumer devices will begin to support higher data rates? Will this cause a trickle down into other devices that are increasingly connected to the network and other devices within the shop and home environments? Are you looking at USB 3.0 for any of your upcoming projects?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-you-looking-at-usb-3-0">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=611534&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Are you using Built-in Self Tests?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-you-using-built-in-self-tests2012-02-17T00:53:01Z2012-02-17T00:53:01Z<p>The opportunity to avoid catastrophic operation of safety critical or high costs systems via use of built-in self tests makes a lot of sense. Is a built-in self test a luxury or necessity for other types of less critical designs? Are you using Built-in Self tests in your designs?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-you-using-built-in-self-tests">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=603929&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Do you ever think about endianess?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/do-you-ever-think-about-endianess2012-02-10T14:51:05Z2012-02-10T14:51:05Z<p>I remember when knowing your machine’s endianess was important – especially when implement assembly language programs. With efficient compilers and supplied drivers from tool providers, do software developers have common reason to be aware of endianess anymore?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/do-you-ever-think-about-endianess">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=597773&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Are software development tools affecting your choice of 8-bit vs. 32-bit processors?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-software-development-tools-affecting-your-choice-of-8-bit-vs-32-bit-processors2012-02-02T18:32:23Z2012-02-02T18:32:23Z<p>8-bit processors are still represented in a significant number of embedded designs. Is there a capability gap growing in the software development tools for 8- versus 32-bit processors that are affecting your choice of when to use either size architecture?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-software-development-tools-affecting-your-choice-of-8-bit-vs-32-bit-processors">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=590263&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Do you employ “Brown M&Ms” in your designs?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/do-you-employ-brown-m-amp-ms-in-your-designs2012-01-27T23:48:05Z2012-01-27T23:48:05Z<p>A rock band used a contract requirement using a bowl of M&Ms with the brown ones removed as a nearly costless cost way to see how well a contractor followed their large list of requirements. Do you employ any nearly costless methods to verify the environmental conditions that your systems are asked to operate on to improve quality and reliability?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/do-you-employ-brown-m-amp-ms-in-your-designs">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=585545&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Are you using accelerometers and/or gyroscopes?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-you-using-accelerometers-and-or-gyroscopes2012-01-20T05:56:34Z2012-01-20T05:56:34Z<p>The Nintendo 3DS provides a unique 3D feel by combining a 3D display with an inertial sensing capability. Inertial sensing has been used to help protect equipment from the impact of a fall, and it has found use in binoculars and cameras to provide superior image quality. Are you using or aware of accelerometers and/or gyroscopes being used in similarly innovative ways?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-you-using-accelerometers-and-or-gyroscopes">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=579160&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Is College necessary for embedded developers?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/is-college-necessary-for-embedded-developers2012-01-13T15:11:09Z2012-01-13T15:11:09Z<p>A recent bill mandates that high school students must apply for college. Does college prepare students for embedded development, or does the amount of on-the-job learning that is required dwarf the contribution that college could provide?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/is-college-necessary-for-embedded-developers">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=573665&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Are you using Arduino?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-you-using-arduino2012-01-05T18:41:12Z2012-01-05T18:41:12Z<p>The Gingerbreadtron is a recent example of an Arduino project. Is this open source electronics prototyping platform finding its way into your projects or does it squarely target casual or hobby projects?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/are-you-using-arduino">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=566966&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389Is the rate of innovation stagnating?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/is-the-rate-of-innovation-stagnating2011-12-30T01:47:29Z2011-12-30T01:47:29Z<p>An article suggests that the rate of innovation is stagnating and that large companies might be holding back their innovations. Do these observations have merit?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/is-the-rate-of-innovation-stagnating">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=562960&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389How long should testing changes take?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/how-long-should-testing-changes-take2011-12-23T00:43:17Z2011-12-23T00:43:17Z<p>When marketing/management request changes to a system, it is not uncommon for the engineering team to push back because there was not enough time to properly perform the change and testing before the delivery date. How long should implementing and testing changes take?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/how-long-should-testing-changes-take">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=560275&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389What embedded development tool do you want?https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/what-embedded-development-tool-do-you-want2011-12-15T22:37:47Z2011-12-15T22:37:47Z<p>Embedded development keep delivering more capability at lower cost each year. What tool do you find indispensable? What capability would you like to see delivered by future development tools?</p>(<a href="https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b/embeddedinsights/posts/what-embedded-development-tool-do-you-want">read more</a>)<img src="https://e2e.ti.com/aggbug?PostID=554898&AppID=533&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Robert Cravottahttps://e2e.ti.com:443/members/1622389