A new version of Anadigm's programmable analog EDA tool, AnadigmDesigner2, gives trial users full access to all the software's features, including the ability to construct circuits that can be reconfigured on-the-fly by a system microprocessor. V2.3 of AnadigmDesigner2 further automates the analog design process with additional new configurable analog modules (CAMs) that users drag and drop to build a complex analog circuit.
"Dynamic reconfiguration is a totally new capability for programmable analog circuits, and system designers are seeing its potential to reduce the cost of designing, customising, and supporting their products," said Brian Hodges, vice president of worldwide marketing at Anadigm. "They are eager to see it in action, so now we are including this feature within every trial copy of AnadigmDesigner2."
Giving designers an analog equivalent to the FPGA, Anadigm's dynamically reconfigurable FPAAs implement signal conditioning, complex filtering, closed-loop control, and other analog applications in a wide range of embedded systems. They are the first programmable analog ICs on the market that can adapt within the system to perform different functions, adjust to different environmental conditions, or compensate for sensor degradation.
This EDA tool allows designers to construct circuits using pre-qualified, drag-and-drop CAMs for which they set the parameters. AnadigmAssistant tools included with AnadigmDesigner2 v.2.3 further abstract the analog design process to the functional level by automating the construction of complex filters and PID (proportional, integral, derivative) controllers.
In this version of AnadigmDesigner2, three new functions are added to the already comprehensive CAM library: a transimpedance amplifier, a gain limiter stage, and a gain switch. The transimpedance amplifier CAM is aimed at systems with a photodiode interface - such as medical diagnostic or currency validation equipment - where it allows the FPAA to convert an input current into an output voltage. Users simply point and click to set the ratio of the current-to-voltage conversion. The gain limiter CAM creates an adjustable gain function such that the output voltage is limited to a programmable level. As a result, the gain stage has a continuous input and continuous output that are always valid. The gain switch CAM creates a gain stage with two switchable input terminals.
A multimedia demonstration of AnadigmDesigner2 v2.3 can be viewed at www.anadigm.com and a free trial copy is available for download. A complete evaluation kit with a development board, entry-level software, and updated documentation is available through the local distributor.
For more information contact Memec SA, 011 897 8600.
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