ArWest Communications Chooses Analog Devices' Blackfin for Breakthrough Performance and Lowest-Power Processing in its Class.NORWOOD, Mass. -- Powered by Blackfin processor, ArWest's wireless communications solutions enable data acquisition for real-time inventory tracking, public safety, environmental monitoring Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, today announced that ArWest Communications has chosen Blackfin as its core processing platform, citing Blackfin's ability to handle both microcontroller (MCU (1) (MicroController Unit) A computer on a single chip. See microcontroller. (2) (Multipoint Control Unit) A device that is used to moderate a videoconference of three or more end points (users at computers or groups of users ) and signal processing tasks, while doing so with the lowest power consumption in its class, less than 300 mW. A global leader in the design, manufacturing, and implementation of radio data modems -- providing wireless data communications using software-defined radio (SDR See software defined radio. ) -- ArWest solutions are today in use to track inventory, monitor environmental conditions, improve public safety, reduce traffic flow, and more. The ArWest product line, AlphaWave, is designed to meet the varied needs of System Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) A process control application that collects data from sensors and machines on the shop floor or in remote locations and sends them to a central computer for management and control. ) users found in such diverse markets as public safety, utilities, oil & gas, asset management, water, environmental monitoring, agriculture, transportation and military. "We wanted a processor that could handle both MCU and signal processing tasks simultaneously," said Gagik Harutyunyan, Chief Technology Officer at ArWest, "and Blackfin was ideal." Blackfin was ideal because it combines breakthrough signal-processing performance and power efficiency in a RISC RISC in full Reduced Instruction Set Computing Computer architecture that uses a limited number of instructions. RISC became popular in microprocessors in the 1980s. programming model. The processors allow flexible resource allocation between complex real-time signal processing tasks and non-real-time control tasks, with system control tasks often running in parallel to signal-processing tasks. "Additionally, since our wireless communications systems are deployed in the field for rugged conditions, low power consumption and high reliability are an absolute must," said Barrie Hogarth, Vice President of Marketing at ArWest. "To meet our stringent design requirements, we wanted a processor with 240 MHz (MegaHertZ) One million cycles per second. It is used to measure the transmission speed of electronic devices, including channels, buses and the computer's internal clock. A one-megahertz clock (1 MHz) means some number of bits (16, 32, 64, etc. and power consumption less than 300 mW. With performance of 240 MHz, the Blackfin met our performance needs, and with the processor powered at 3.3 V, power dissipation was ideal for the solution." Added John Croteau, General Manager, Convergent Platforms and Services Group, Analog Devices, Inc.: "Analog Devices has a rich tradition building solutions for the wireless marketplace, from cellular handsets to basestations to portable devices requiring low power dissipation. Our Blackfin processors represent the new direction in embedded processing, convergence, moving toward low-power, high performance, fully programmable processors that can readily handle multiple processing tasks while remaining cost-effective." Blackfin in Convergent Processing Analog Devices' Blackfin(R) Processors embody a new breed of 16/32-bit embedded processor with the industry's highest performance and power efficiency for applications where a convergence of capabilities - multiformat audio, video, voice and image processing; multi-mode baseband and packet processing; and real-time security and control processing -- are critical. It is this powerful combination of software flexibility and scalability that has gained Blackfin widespread adoption in convergent applications such as portable and networked media players; automotive telematics, infotainment and driver assistance; satellite and terrestrial radio; and networked security systems. About ArWest Communications ArWest Communications Corporation (ArWest(TM)), of Campbell California is a privately held telecommunications company founded in 2003 by CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Thomas Chanian and CTO (Chief Technical Officer) The executive responsible for the technical direction of an organization. See CIO and salary survey. Gagik Harutyunyan. The company recently announced the launch of its AlphaWave (AW) range of narrow-band radio modems and associated management software AWare(TM). These high-performance radio modems are designed for the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (application) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition - (SCADA) Systems are used in industry to monitor and control plant status and provide logging facilities. SCADA systems are highly configurable, and usually interface to the plant via PLCs. (SCADA) market where robustness and reliability are paramount. The AW400(TM) has been approved by the relevant statutory bodies - FCC (1) (Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC, www.fcc.gov) The U.S. government agency that regulates interstate and international communications including wire, cable, radio, TV and satellite. The FCC was created under the U.S. , CE and CCC CCC A very speculative grade assigned to a debt obligation by a rating agency. Such a rating indicates default or considerable doubt that interest will be paid or principal repaid. Also called Caa. - for operation within their geographic regions. About Analog Devices Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing See DSP. Digital Signal Processing - (DSP) Computer manipulation of analog signals (commonly sound or image) which have been converted to digital form (sampled). applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) World's largest marketplace for securities. The exchange began as an informal meeting of 24 men in 1792 on what is now Wall Street in New York City. under the ticker "ADI" and is included in the S&P 500 Index. Blackfin is a registered trademark of Analog Devices, Inc. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners. |
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