Go reconfigure [programmable logic in handheld devices]

Author

Tredennick, Nick ; Shimamoto, Brion

Volume

40

Issue

12

fYear

2003

fDate

6/25/1905 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

36

Lastpage

40

Abstract

The article discusses why only programmable handheld devices can do the job of any 10 different gizmos. The development of a chameleon-like handheld device is also described. The programmable logic device (PLD), a semiconductor containing a personalization memory and logic elements, can make it possible to have a pocket-electronics device consolidated with a number of features including adaptability to any network, capability to fit new standards, and having an upgradeable security system for the latest virus. Conventional PLDs are big, slow, power hungry, and expensive, but, like the microprocessors, PLDs can evolve in time into higher-level logic primitives that make them suitable for untethered applications.

Keywords

SRAM chips; cellular radio; consumer electronics; field programmable gate arrays; notebook computers; chameleon-like handheld device; device evolution; logic elements; personalization memory; pocket-electronics device; programmable handheld devices; programmable logic device; upgradeable security system; Batteries; Cellular phones; Digital cameras; Handheld computers; Microelectronics; Microprocessors; Mood; Personal digital assistants; Portable media players; Programmable logic devices;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Spectrum, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9235

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MSPEC.2003.1249977

Filename

1249977