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For many embedded designs that require specialization, high performance, or (low) power, more and more developers are considering 'multicore' embedded systems. What are the issues surrounding multicore? What vendors have solutions for this new trend?

Starting with the biggest brand, Intel acknowledged the importance of multicore in embedded with their recent Core DUO announcement, but other major semiconductor companies have actually led Intel in exploring the technology. Texas Instruments, for example, has eagerly seized the concept with their DaVinci™ architecture, optimized for digital video. FPGA vendors are also keen on multicore - witness, Teja FP, a new platform that enables network OEMs to implement software-based FPGA multicore designs.

And what is a trend without a consortium, a.k.a The Multicore Association? Or, without a trade show, a.k.a., the just concluded MultiCore Expo? (If you missed the show, the proceedings can be purchased, here and don't miss the November show in Germany. Call for papers, here.)

Someday the machines will take over the world. But first, they will need to learn how to place cell phone calls. Wait, they are already learning! Machine-to-machine - the idea of machines talking to, interacting, and perhaps controlling each other - is a cutting edge area for embedded systems. Let us draw your attention to the basic concepts. First, why would you want M2M? Consider, for example, an oil well in the middle of nowhere - M2M means adding an embedded modem that can talk over the cell phone network, and call up (or use IP) to message the central station that it is in distress. M2M can mean taxi cab meters than can take VISA, or wireless modems that can keep tabs on trucks and seaport cargo. It can mean XML-based communication of database data across networks and devices.

New applications mean new devices and possibly new sources of revenue for you and your company.

• M2Mblog - Steve Pazol's gossipy blog on M2M.
• M2MExpo - May 2006 mover and shaker conference in Palm Springs, CA.
• M2M United - June 2006 mover and shaker conference in San Antonio, TX.
• M2M Magazine - new publication focused on the topic.

After educating yourself on the topic and figuring out a cool new application for your company's products, you next must determine two basic issues. One is designing or purchasing a wireless modem, especially one that can talk on a cellular network or perhaps Wi-Fi for short range applications. One of the leaders in the cellular area is Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.. Check out, for example, their recent ethernet cellular wireless router targeted at enterprise applications. In the Wi-Fi area, check out Digi's ConnectCore™ Wi-9C, an embedded core module with fully integrated wired 10/100 Mbit Ethernet and secure 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN networking capabilities. Then, for a cellular application, you have to find a carrier that concentrates on M2M cellular service. Consider Aeris.net, Motient Communications, Inc. or Kore Wireless Group, current leaders in this space.

(conference, 4 stars) - 5/8/2006, Las Vegas

Microsoft Mobile & Embedded DevCon 2006
Attend Mobile & Embedded DevCon 2006 and get the latest on building and bringing to market the next wave of devices, applications, content, and services for the Windows Mobile® and Windows Embedded platforms.

(conference, 5 stars) - 5/15/2006, San Jose

Spring Processor Forum
The dark side of performance is power consumption. Today's design-automation tools and fabrication processes allow developers to create chips with hundreds of millions of gates and multiple processor cores running at fantastic clock speeds. But it's all for nothing if the finished product is a black hole for battery power or a supernova of heat dissipation.

(conference, 4 stars) - 5/16/2006, New York

MPLS Con
Now entering its third year, MPLScon is the premier industry conference focusing on MPLS technologies, solutions, and industry trends. This year's event moves to New York City where we will focus on benefits, trends, and challenges in evaluating, buying, implementing and managing MPLS-VPN services from an end-user perspective.

(conference, 4 stars) - 5/16/2006, Long Beach

Military Embedded Electronics and Computing Conference
Focusing on the unique needs of both embedded users and suppliers, the all-new MEECC show is an essential forum for uniformed and non-uniformed persons engaged in the design, development, deployment and support of electronics and computers for the military. The agenda for MEECC 2006 is currently being developed. Organizations interested in providing speakers should contact Pete Yeatman, Program Organizer.