I remember the heady days of the 1970s, when new and exciting 8-bit processor architectures were sprouting like metaphorical mushrooms. I’m sure that, like me, you are thinking of little beauties like the 8008 (1972), 8080 (1974), and 8085 (1976) from Intel, the 6800 (1974) from Motorola, the 6502 (1975) from MOS Technology, and the Z80 (1976) from Zilog.
However, there were many other contenders that deserve mention, such as the 8-bit PPS-8 (1974) from Rockwell International, which … Read More → "Efficient Computer’s Efficient Computer is 100X More Energy Efficient than Other General-Purpose Processors"
Hello there. Welcome to 2Q 21C. We hope you’ll enjoy your stay. (2Q 21C is the
notation I’ve invented to indicate the second quarter of the 21st century—you’re welcome.)
Over the past few years, we’ve been introduced to a cornucopia of new processor designs, many of which target artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications.
Most of these … Read More → "A 4-Bit CPU for the 21st Century"
As I’ve mentioned before (and as I will no doubt mention again), I was at the front of the queue when the first commercial version of the Oculus Rift made its debut in 2016 with an orchestral flourish of ophicleides (and you don’t forget one of those in a hurry).
To be honest, I was never a big gamer before the introduction of virtual reality (VR) … Read More → "Resurrecting Dead Grandmothers (Again)"
People frequently ask me if I have a favorite podcast episode. Well folks, here are my favorites for 2025! The top of the list is an episode called “Have Your Cake and Eat The Batteries too!. In this episode, I explore how fungi can function as organic memory devices, the details of RoboCake, a multi-tiered dessert featuring various edible components and the world’ … Read More → "Fish Fry Special Edition: Amelia’s Favorite Episodes for 2025"
My head hurts. As usual, I’ve been floundering around in embedded space (where no one can hear you scream). And as a result, I’ve been introduced to something with so many possibilities and potentialities that I don’t know whether I’m coming or going or doing something else entirely.
I was just chatting with Rolf Segger, the Founder, Owner, and Chief Strategist, and Dirk … Read More → "A Blob No More"
In this week’s podcast, we’re diving into a world you can barely see—the world of micro-manufacturing. The technology that’s quietly powering the next generation of everything from advanced displays and tiny sensors to biomedical devices. My guest Dr. Patrick Heißler, CEO of Scrona, and I chat about how Scrona fits into the micro-manufacturing … Read More → "Scrona and A New Era of Micro-Manufacturing"
