Hardware

Just about every “getting started with microcontrollers” kit, Arduino or otherwise, includes an ultrasonic distance sensor module. Given the power of microcontrollers these days, it was only a matter of time before someone asked: “Could I do better without the module?” Well, [Martin Pittermann] asked, and his answer, at least with the Pi Pico, is a resounding “Yes”. A micro and a couple of transducers can offer a better view of the world.

The project isn’t really about removing the extra circuitry on the SR-HC0, since there really isn’t that much to start. [Martin] wanted to know just how far he could push ultrasound scanning technology using RADAR signal processing techniques. Instead of bat-like chirps, [Martin] is using something called Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave, which comes from RADAR and is exactly what it sounds like. The transmitter emits a continuous carrier wave with a varying frequency modulation, and the received wave is compared to see when it must have been sent. That gives you the time of flight, and the usual math gives you a distance.

This pioneering microprocessor was a classified military secret from 1970 to 1989, as a vital part of an advanced fighter aircraft’s control systems.

It's not a matter of if; rather when.

No relief in sight for RAM buyers.

A new DARPA- and Texas-backed facility will focus on 3D heterogeneous integration, stacking, and combining multiple materials and chip types to advance U.S. capabilities in defense, AI, and HPC.

Archived version: https://archive.is/newest/https://www.tomshardware.com/darpa-invests-1-4-billion-to-build-texas-foundry-for-next-gen-3d-chip-integration

New quantum hardware and software upgrades put IBM on track for a 2026 quantum advantage claim

Archived version: https://archive.is/newest/https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/ibm-unveils-new-120-qubit-processor-and-software-stack

Microsoft has detailed a new Azure AI datacenter site in Atlanta, which will connect to its Wisconsin site and existing supercomputers.

If you want to build an actual HAL 9000, all you need is an LED, some carpentry skills, and any laptop accessing a talking AI. If you want to build your own R2D2, you’ll have a tougher job assembling a range of materials, motors, and electronics. But what if you wanted to make your own working version of TARS, that bizarre, blocky robot from Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar that looks like a stainless steel ATM with metal posts for legs sprouting from its shoulders?

SteamOS-powered headset sports semi-modular design, wireless “low-latency” PC streaming.

SteamOS-powered cube for your TV targets early 2026 launch, no pricing details.

New components make it more useful and powerful but no less odd.

Supply will remain deficient for a few years.

But chipmakers already know this empirically.

Jalisco plans to develop the first state-owned chip design park in Latin America to expand Mexico’s semiconductor production capacity.

Following development

Link to official blog post (somehow still blames people for correctly understanding their first statements)

Of Note:

• No dates were specified, No commitments made.

• Day 1 game support was not promised, just individual game support.

• They still plan on splitting the development for RDNA1 and RDNA2 from RDNA3 and RDNA4 development, giving only the latter support for new features.

Bolt talks the software behind its upcoming GPU; AI not mentioned once

RISC-V is an industry standard, like USB or Wi-Fi. The specifications are publicly available under the Creative Commons license and every engineer, wherever they are in the world, can use them to design their products locally, while engaging with the global RISC-V ecosystem.

This standard is defined by RISC-V International and its members. Decisions are voted upon collectively, ensuring every member is heard. It’s a model that has worked for us for many years, ensuring any updates to the RISC-V ISA happen transparently, without breaking existing designs, and always in service of the broader ecosystem.

The RISC-V ISA is already an industry standard and the next step is impartial recognition from a trusted international organization.

Today, I’m excited to announce that we have taken that first step. RISC-V International has been approved as a recognized PAS (that’s publicly available specification) Submitter by the ISO/IEC Joint Technical Committee (JTC 1).

This means we’re able to submit draft international papers, starting with the The RISC-V Instruction Set Manual, for consideration as true, international standards.