Servo - November 2012

rule-based (symbolic) computer processors and the oftentimes mind-boggling possibilities of neural networks (artificial intelligence). Following the introductory explanation of the science and history of development, Iovine delves deeper into the subject, covering additional topics such as: biological and mathematical neurons, a neural network speech recognition circuit, neural paradigms, back propagation, teaching computers to speak, computers that smell fuzzy logic, plus more.

If these subjects intrigue you, Understanding Neural Networks will help you understand the nuts-and-bolts of neural networks, along with the whys, hows, and what-ifs.

For further information, please contact:

Images, Co.

Website: www.imagesco.com/ servo/ pssmc-m.html

New Embedded Wi-Fi® Development Boards

Microchip Technology, Inc., announces the integration of its Wi-Fi® modules from the recent Roving Networks acquisition into its flexible, modular Explorer development systems supporting all of Microchip's eight-, 16-, and 32-bit PIC® microcontrollers. The RN-131 and RN-171 PICtail™/PICtail Plus daughterboards are the first

22 SERVO 11.2012

two products developed by Microchip based on Roving Networks modules.

These modules use a simple serial interface to connect with any PIC, and expand Microchip's wireless portfolio with the industry's lowest power consumption along with an integrated TCP/IP stack in a certified Wi-Fi solution.

The Roving Networks RN-171 and RN-131 fully certified modules from Microchip are comprehensive networking solutions that include a true 802.11 b/g radio, baseband processor, TCP/IP stack, and a host of networking application features. No external processor drivers are required, enabling Wi-Fi connectivity for four-, eight-, 16-, and 32-bit processors. This onboard stack approach significantly reduces customer’s integration time and development efforts in a small form factor, while offering ultra-low power consumption (down to 4 µA in sleep,

35 mA in receiver, and 120 mA in transmit mode).

The RN-131 PICtail daughterboard is available for $44.95 each; the RN-171 PICtail daughterboard is available for $39.95 each.

For further information, please contact:

Microchip Technology, Inc.

Website: www.microchip.com

$10 System On a Chip

The ARM BASIC Chip from Coridium Corp is a system on a chip with IEEE floating point support for $10. The ARM BASIC Chip is ideal for: • Students learning how to program and develop applications.

• Educators and reseachers designing prototypes.

• DIYers exploring robotics, wireless, and sensors.

• Factory automation and data collection.

Technical specifications include: • 50 MHz ARM M0 32-bit CPU (LPC1114).

• Programmable in a compiled BASIC.

• Operates faster than 10 million BASIC lines per second.

• IEEE 754 floating point support.

• Internal 12 MHz 1% oscillator.

• DIP28 - 1.4’ x .06” size.

• Storage of 32K Flash memory; 4K RAM memory; 20K user Flash space; and 2K user RAM.

• Power is less than 50 m W; 3.3V DC input; 22 TTL compatible; 2.4V threshold, 5V tolerant.

• Connections for 22 digital I/O.

The ARM BASIC Chip is easy to use and program in compiled BASIC. Check out the websites for a comprehensive description of the product's features, benefits, and technical specifications.