- SecureRF
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Claims to offer the first feasible security for RFIDs. Conventional public key cryptography (such as RSA) is far too computationally intensive for an RFID. SecureRF provides a similar technology at far lower footprint by harnessing a relatively obscure area of mathematics: infinite group theory, which comes (of all places) from knot theory, a branch of topology.
The simplicity of SecureRF’s Algebraic Eraser allows it to squeeze into 500,000 bit operations, appropriate for a processor included on an RFID. The algorithm is fast and scales linearly, whereas RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography scale geometrically.
One of SecureRF’s first applications is a pharmaceutical tracking device that can protect consumer privacy, prevent adulterated drugs from mascarading as good ones, and even determine whether temperature limits have been exceeded.
- UltraCell
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Makes a 25-watt methanol hydrogen fuel cell that the company claims will offer much longer power than conventional batteries of similar size and weight (1.3 kilograms). The fuel cells are safe (being two-thirds methanol and one-third water) and typically can go for eight hours before requiring a cartridge refill. They’re useful for military, mining, and other work out in the field. The cost will be somewhere in the thousands of dollars, with refills at a few tens of dollars per cartridge.
- Encirq
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Sells a software framework named DeviceSQL, comprised of development tools, run-time libraries, and starter applications for building the code that manages data inside embedded devices. Its hallmark is to provide developers unusual control over and flexibility in how they access, process, manage, and store their data. The DeviceSQL runtime libraries typically require less than 50 kilobytes in an application. On the performance side, Encirq claims that data management code built with the DeviceSQL Framework executes over 15 times faster than SQLite.
With DeviceSQL, programmers builds the data management portions of their applications with the DeviceSQL language and then compile it down to ANSI C and link it with the rest of the program so it can execute in-line in the target system. Because DeviceSQL allows users to define the programmatic interfaces to the generated code, it can be given a custom API to integrate it easily with existing applications. In Release 3.0, DeviceSQL provides an option direct C API as well as a dynamic DeviceSQL-interpreted API for added flexibility.
With DeviceSQL, data can be stored nearly anywhere: RAM, Flash, NVRAM, disk, network I/O, and more. DeviceSQL also enables relational data handling on live stream data, which can improve performance and reduce memory requirements. The latest release of DeviceSQL also includes a new tool called DeviceSQL Builder for graphically defining and developing data management components without having to program in DeviceSQL.
- CorEdge Networks
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Makes an integrated set of modules and test/development systems for Advanced Telecommunication Computing Architecture (ATCA) and the new MicroTCA standard. ATCA is an open standard for telecom equipment designed to allow interoperability across vendors, replacing proprietary systems. MicroTCA is an implementation of ATCA for a small form factor, ideal for widely distributed communications technologies such as WiMAX. ACTA features very high data transfer rates (on the order of many megabits per second, perhaps even a terabit per second) and works with a variety of physical networks. Video transmission (such as from a soldier in the field) is feasible.
- Virtutech
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Makes a software-based simulator that can reproduce an environment containing hundreds of processors (for instance, Iridium Satellite’s 66 satellites) on a desktop computer. Development kits make it easy to emulate all the popular chip sets, and emulation on the general-purpose computer gives programmers such time-saving features as the ability to run a program backward from a fault while debugging.
- Sensor Platforms
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Makes an IC with flexible support for a wide range of sensors; especially useful when fast, responsive control has to be built in to the device hosting the sensor. The IC interfaces directly to the sensor elements themselves without the need for any additional intervening circuitry.
- QuickFilter Technologies
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Sells a chip, as well as an integrated system, that filters input from A-to-D converters, relieving developers of a common design task.
I don’t know whether this introductory focus truly reflects a novice knowledge level among embedded developers. Nor do I know how many embedded developers will really expend the extra money and resources necessary to use dual-core processors.
