When you’re working with both analog and digital signals, simulation can get complicated if you have to handle the signals separately. But, what if you could simultaneously simulate both parts? Engin Ipek and Bruce Land explain how to build a mixed-signal simulator that you can use to gather analysis for display on a monitor (p. 14). The simulator was originally designed for use with small Atmel AT90S8515-based projects, but the source code can be modified to work with multiple processors.

Aubrey Kagan provides a solution to another problem (p. 44). In embedded systems, space is often critical. By carefully organizing hierarchal menus, Aubrey devised a way to reuse software for displaying and changing parameters in order to save ROM space. This is especially useful when your client’s requirements change; with a flexible menu, you can simply alter the flow of the hierarchy to modify the program.

This month, we’re also showcasing the winners of the Motorola Flash Innovation 2003 Design Contest (p. 22). The contestants worked with the HC08 Q-Family to develop a number of unique and exciting projects. For those of you who are interested in reading more about the winning designs, we have posted dozens of abstracts and full entries on our web site (www.circuitcellar.com/fi2003).

While you’re on the web site, you should also take the opportunity to check out the revised Author’s Guide (www.circuitcellar.com/authors). With the editorial calendar, you will find definitions of our monthly themes and suggestions for article topics. The issues fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to send in your proposals as early as possible. (Note that the deadlines are for final materials. Proposals should be submitted in advance.)

2004 Editorial Calendar

jennifer.huber@circuitcellar.com

Published: November 2003