As we approach the pervasive-computing vision, designers and customers alike are starting to expect universal connectivity in almost every embedded device. A ubiquitous network connection can enhance an embedded design in a number of ways, such as eliminating the hardware required for a local user interface or improving customer satisfaction with remote operation, software updates, troubleshooting, and automatic usage monitoring. Designers can also increase the apparent performance of an embedded product by offloading computing tasks to remote processors.

A major challenge for embedded designers is to pick the appropriate connection mechanism depending on the product’s deployment location and security requirements. Designers must choose from a wide range of networking interface standards, including Modbus or Ethernet for hardwired connections or Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and cellular for wireless links.

To ensure that these networking protocols track user requirements and match new applications, standards organizations are constantly updating and extending their offerings. For example, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) recently released their version 4.0 specification that includes low energy Find Me and proximity profiles to locate or disable portable devices when they are separated from the authorized user by a specified distance. In addition to the obvious smartphone and laptop location tools, the Bluetooth SIG envisions new proximity-sensing applications that protect valuables, pets, and even children. It is easy to predict scores of new personal security products for the mass market based on this innovation.

In this issue of Embedded Computing Design, we present a variety of technical content and opinions from experts in the embedded community. For example, Joachim Hallwachs of DesignArt Networks outlines the infrastructure changes that we can expect in data-centric networks, along with the role of a new generation of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology to simplify the transition. In the Silicon Q&A section, Dr. Øyvind Strøm of Atmel covers the latest ZigBee specifications and their use in low-power, smart energy embedded applications. In addition, Elie Ayache of Silicon Labs explains recent innovations and changes in timing components and how they will affect embedded designs. Mitch Little of Microchip Technology also answers our questions about the technical challenges and future opportunities facing embedded design teams.

In our Software section, Kim Hartman of TenAsys Corporation uncovers the price and performance implications of virtualization for real-time embedded applications employing multicore processor technology. He looks at techniques to combine a software platform requiring deterministic performance with a General-Purpose Operating System (GPOS) for a graphics-rich user interface. In the same section, Ken Karnofsky of MathWorks answers a series of questions covering the fundamentals, trends, and advantages of employing model-based design for embedded projects.

The Strategies section of this issue includes an in-depth technical article by Johnson Yan of aJile Systems covering new innovations in Java technology from the Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi) Alliance tailored toward embedded devices. These innovations, along with new silicon-based platforms for direct Java bytecode execution, promise to enable Java-based systems that meet the performance, cost, and security requirements of today’s embedded devices. In a Strategies Q&A session, Chuck Kostalnick of Avnet Embedded discloses that many of his customers are looking for off-the-shelf products to reduce schedules and avoid the costs of board layout, manufacturing, and life-cycle management. Logic PD’s Mark Benson covers the radio frequency emissions, security, and data integrity issues facing designers of wireless in-home telehealth devices.

This issue also includes our annual Resource Guide, with a host of embedded products divided into dozens of categories to simplify your next design project. You can find wide-ranging off-the-shelf modules along with specialized embedded components to solve your unique requirements. You will also find plenty of embedded support software including OSs, development aids, and design automation tools.

The articles, interviews, and product listings in this issue cover a broad section of the embedded industry that can serve as a valuable technical reference for your next project. Please give us your ideas on future topics and information that we can provide to support your design efforts. If you have an idea for a technical article that would be of interest to the embedded design community, please send me a short abstract.

Warren Webb, Editorial Director wwebb@opensystemsmedia.com