Issei Masaie, et al. “Design and development of a card-sized virtual keyboard using permanent magnets and hall sensors.” Electronics & Communications in Japan 92.3 (2009): 32-37.
This paper proposes a method to distinguish the key-type of human fingers attached to small permanent magnets. It explains how the various Hall sensors within an area roughly the size of a credit card are able to feel the distribution of the magnetic field along the top of the card which is induced by the process of key typing movements which mimics the existence of a keyboard.
The resulting signal that is produced from the key typing is analyzed using a computer algorithm resulting in a program being able to distinguish what keys were “pressed”. Utilizing this particular method a keyboard can be shrunk to the size of a credit card size.
Oskin, Mark. “The Revolution inside the Box.” Communications of the ACM 51.7 (2008): 70-78.
The article discusses computer architecture, examining the manner in which changes in the field will impact those in the information technology (IT) industry. Desktop manufacturers have adopted multicore central processing units (CPUs).
The article states, expecting software developers to use an unfamiliar model of programming. Topics include computer architecture research from 1998-2008, microarchitectural innovations such as pipelining, and computer architecture as a solved problem. Also discussed is the hardware/software interface.
Goldsborough, Reid. “PC a Little Sluggish? It Might Be Time for a New One — Or Not.” Community College Week 2008: 30.
This article reflects on how to replace older desktop personal computers (PCs) for an upgrade. PCs have advanced, but the technology in older models can still apply to newer models, by replacing or adding individual components such as random access memory (RAM), internal hard drive, video card, monitor, accessories, and others. He highlights the changes in PC’s have created “multi-core” central processing units (CPUs) and the operating systems. He suggests that in purchasing new computers, the owner should determine what they would be used for.
Kubota, S., A. Taguchi, and K. Yazawa. “Thermal challenges deriving from the advances of display technologies.” Microelectronics Journal 39.7 (2008): 942-949.
This article initially presents a brief overview on the development history of solid-state light sources, an light-emitting diodes (LED)-backlit liquid crystal display television (LCD-TV) and a diffractive micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) (GxL) laser projector are characterized for key performance indicators for their light sources, with the highlight on thermal noise caused by Brownian motion of GxL ribbons.
Deen, Mueez. “Memory fuels performance engine.” Electronic Engineering Times (01921541) 1509 (2008): 48.
The article discusses the contribution of memory in electronic devices and explores the possibility of further developments in this field to enhance the performances of personal computers (PCs) for interactive entertainment and graphic animation purposes.
It is reported that with advances in random access memory (RAM) technology, there is a high probability of merging communications with entertainment. An overview is presented of the impact of improved memory technology on the gaming industry.
Bursky, Dave. “Stunning Advances To Captivate ISSCC Attendees.” Electronic Design 53.2 (2005): 26.
This article highlights the IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference held at the San Francisco Marriott on February 7-10, 2005. Highlighted developments range from nanotechnology to billion-plus transistor CPU and 8-Gbit flash memories.
Three plenary sessions that all focus on the impact of nanotechnology on different aspects of the industry officially kicks off the conference. High-speed interfaces and backplane transceivers take center stage as designers improve the data bandwidth between chips or boards on a motherboard or backplane.
Several other specialized sessions on image sensors, mass storage, non-imaging sensor technology, and advanced array structures appeared in the menu.
Murphy, David. “Upgrade to Gigabit Networking for Faster Transfers.” PC World 27.12 (2009): 113-114.
This article provides a guide for upgrading to a gigabit network for speedier file transfers, video streaming, and network gaming. As the amount of data downloaded and transferred continues to increase connections with speeds up to 5 to 15 Mbps (megabytes per second) are actually beginning to become archaic as consumers demand higher speeds and more bandwidth in order to properly accommodate their increasing hunger for high-speed connections. The article explains how new developments in high-speed internet technology have developed 1-gigabyte network connections enabling faster than ever file transfers and downloads.
Merritt, Rick. “SERVER MAKERS GET GOOGLED.” Electronic Engineering Times (01921541) 1553 (2008): 22.
The article reports that Google Inc.’s unique PC server design begins to concern the rest of the industry. It mentions that Google uses bid clusters of commodity x86 servers. It highlights that it created a motherboard design for big data centers.
It states that the company has not yet disclosed the details of the design mainly for its own use. It notes that other companies follow the effort to reduce servers’ need for space and power including Rackable Systems Inc.
Gonsalves, Antone. “Nvidia shaves costs of graphics processing.” Electronic Engineering Times (01921541) 1509 (2008): 6.
The article reports the introduction of Hybrid SLI, a technology with low heat and power consumption, by Nvidia Corp. at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). It is stated that the technology makes it possible for the motherboard-embedded graphics processing unit of Nvidia to work cooperatively with an Nvidia graphics card added to a system.
It is reported that with the help of these less-expensive cards, video can be watched on a personal computer (PC) and pictures can also be manipulated.
Davis, Sam. “High Efficiency Challenges Power-Management Design.” Electronic Design 56.5 (2008): 37-40.
The article focuses on the challenges faced by power designers to provide high-efficiency power management for processors. According to the author, designers can deliver low-voltage, high-current microprocessor supplies, but when the requirement for high efficiency, the technology falls a bit short.
It added that a voltage regulator-down (VRD) configuration with all of its components mounted directly on a computer’s motherboard now powers most processors. Most VRD has an 8-bit voltage identification (VID) code whose eight input lines connect to the corresponding eight VID pins of the processor.
Upadhya, Girish, and Fred Rebarber. “Liquid Cooling Helps High-End Gamer PCs ‘Chill Out.’.” Canadian Electronics 23.3 (2008): 22.
The article describes a closed-loop micro-structure liquid cooling system (LCS) designed to achieve the level of thermal management needed for a gamer’s personal computers (PCs).
Factors that contribute to the superior thermal performance of such systems are cited, including unique attachment mechanisms. One of the technical issues affecting PC operation and user enjoyment is excessive noise caused by numerous air-cooled fans of the system.
“Point cooling advances for hot ICs.” EDN 54.5 (2009): 16.
The article reports that researchers from Intel, Nextreme Thermal Solutions, and RTI International have discovered a novel way of spot cooling integrated circuits (IC). It elaborates on how the various researchers were able to develop a type of superlattice film using specialized nanoscale (smaller than the width of a hair) layers embedded into the structure. In order to accomplish this, the researchers were able to package the assembly in such a way that they were able to attach the film that was created to the backside of a die which was then placed below a region of high ambient temperature (significantly above room temperature) located in the circuitry. The article claims that the process utilized in this particular example is the first-ever proven method of chip-scale-refrigeration technology that actually worked.
Perenson, Melissa J. “Blu-ray on the PC: A Slow Start.” PC World 27.4 (2009): 94.
The article discusses the limited growth of Blu-ray technology on computers. Blu-ray technology is beginning to go mainstream because of powerful processors plus high-resolution screens as well as the increasing viability of putting a computer at the center of an entertainment system. Blu-ray technology has the ability to play a movie and burn up to 50 gigabytes of data with the computer. However, the Blu-ray Disc drives within desktops and entertainment laptops just read Blu-ray content and cannot write to the discs. Also, Blu-ray media and burners remain expensive in the market.
“A Word on Storage.” Digital Content Producer 33.3 (2008): 39.
The article offers information on long-term storage and archiving devices. These are the hybrid hard drive (HHD) which is considered as a default archiving medium, optical discs such as Blu-ray, as well as super digital linear tape (SDLT) and linear tape open (LTO) drives which offer reliability within media libraries of all types.
Medford, Cassimir. “Music Labels, SanDisk in CD Rewind.” Red Herring (2008): 8.
This article reports on the introduction of a new physical music format called slotMusic by four major labels in the music industry. The new format is a micro Secure Digital (SD) card that is preloaded with music that can play on cell phones, personal computers (PC), and digital music players. SanDisk is the developer of the slotMusic cards. Traditional compact disc (CD) sales are affected by the digital music revolution, as well as the emergence of music download sites. These cards are expected to be digital rights management-free and cost $15 each.
Gomes, Lee. “KEYS TO THE KEYBOARD.” Forbes 184.4 (2009): 40.
The article reports on the computer industry and keyboards. There are many technological innovations within the computer industry related to replacing or supplementing the traditional keyboard. Apple Inc.’s tablet computer has replaced the keyboard. There have also been developments in using voice programs to replace the keyboard.
Works Cited
Bursky, Dave. “Stunning Advances To Captivate ISSCC Attendees.” Electronic Design 53.2 (2005): 26.
Davis, Sam. “High Efficiency Challenges Power-Management Design.” Electronic Design 56.5 (2008): 37-40.
Deen, Mueez. “Memory fuels performance engine.” Electronic Engineering Times (01921541) 1509 (2008): 48.
Digtial Content.”A Word on Storage.” Digital Content Producer 33.3 (2008): 39.
GOLDSBOROUGH, REID. “PC a Little Sluggish? It Might Be Time for a New One — Or Not.” Community College Week 2008: 30.
Gomes, Lee. “KEYS TO THE KEYBOARD.” Forbes 184.4 (2009): 40.
Gonsalves, Antone. “Nvidia shaves costs of graphics processing.” Electronic Engineering Times (01921541) 1509 (2008): 6.
Issei Masaie, et al. “Design and development of a card-sized virtual keyboard using permanent magnets and hall sensors.” Electronics & Communications in Japan 92.3 (2009): 32-37.
Kubota, S., A. Taguchi, and K. Yazawa. “Thermal challenges deriving from the advances of display technologies.” Microelectronics Journal 39.7 (2008): 942- 949.
Medford, Cassimir. “Music Labels, SanDisk in CD Rewind.” Red Herring (2008): 8.
Merritt, Rick. “SERVER MAKERS GET GOOGLED.” Electronic Engineering Times (01921541) 1553 (2008): 22.
Murphy, David. “Upgrade to Gigabit Networking for Faster Transfers.” PC World 27.12 (2009): 113-114.
OSKIN, MARK. “The Revolution Inside the Box.” Communications of the ACM 51.7 (2008): 70-78.
Perenson, Melissa J. “Blu-ray on the PC: A Slow Start.” PC World 27.4 (2009): 94.
EDN.”Point cooling advances for hot ICs.” EDN 54.5 (2009): 16.
Upadhya, Girish, and Fred Rebarber. “Liquid Cooling Helps High-End Gamer PCs ‘Chill Out.’.” Canadian Electronics 23.3 (2008): 22.