Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Nvidia Phasing Out Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs

2025-01-25

Nvidia is phasing out its Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPU architectures, moving them to a legacy driver branch. While CUDA support will remain, these GPUs will no longer receive new feature updates. The announcement marks the end of an era for GTX-series cards, with only the GTX 16-series and newer architectures receiving full support going forward. While game driver support for Maxwell and Pascal currently persists, the timeline for its termination remains unclear. This means no further performance improvements for users of these older cards.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware driver support

Steve Reich's Clapping Music, Reimagined with Flip-Disc Displays

2025-01-24

An artist ingeniously recreates Steve Reich's iconic 'Clapping Music' using two flip-disc displays. By controlling the flipping of individual segments, they produce a rhythmic sound reminiscent of clapping. The project showcases a blend of hardware and software, demonstrating a unique artistic approach to sound and visuals. The code is open-source, inviting others to experiment and build upon the work.

(hannahilea.com)

Hardware Creative

Roto VR: Revolutionizing VR Comfort with a Rotating Chair

2025-01-24

The Roto VR Explorer chair automatically rotates to match your head movements in VR, significantly enhancing comfort and immersion. By tracking a sensor on your headset, the chair synchronizes its rotation, mitigating motion sickness and improving comfort during extended VR sessions. A Pro version and add-ons are available for productivity, such as working with virtual monitors. While some lag and control issues exist, Roto VR's core concept is innovative, particularly excelling in relaxed VR experiences, showing immense potential for future development.

(skarredghost.com)

Hardware Haptic Feedback

Impact of Extremely Low Temperatures on 5nm SRAM Array Size and Performance

2025-01-24

New research explores the effects of extremely low temperatures (down to 10K) on the size and performance of 5nm FinFET SRAM arrays. Researchers found that at cryogenic temperatures, the maximum array size is limited by wordline parasitics, not leakage current, and performance is governed by both bitline and wordline parasitics. This has significant implications for future low-power, high-performance computing, offering valuable insights for optimizing SRAM arrays in extremely cold environments.

(semiengineering.com)

Hardware cryogenic temperatures

Intel's Modular PC Design: A Sustainable Approach to Reduce E-waste

2025-01-24

Addressing the growing e-waste problem, Intel introduces a modular PC design. This innovative approach allows for easy upgrades and repairs by modularizing key components, extending device lifespan and reducing electronic waste. Three levels of modularity—factory, field, and user—cater to different repair needs and skill levels. Intel aims to lower carbon footprint, support the right-to-repair, streamline manufacturing, and ultimately create a more sustainable PC lifecycle.

(community.intel.com)

Hardware modular design

Zen 5's Op Cache Disabled: A Deep Dive into its Clustered Decoders

2025-01-24

This article delves into the instruction fetch and decode mechanism of AMD's Zen 5 processor. Zen 5 uses a unique dual-decoder cluster architecture, with each cluster serving one of the core's two SMT threads. Normally, Zen 5 relies on a 6KB op cache to deliver instructions, with the decoders only activating on cache misses. The author disables the op cache, forcing the decoders to handle all instructions, to evaluate their performance. Tests reveal significant performance drops in single-threaded mode with the op cache disabled; however, in multi-threaded mode, the dual-decoder clusters effectively compensate for the performance loss, even showing performance gains in some multi-threaded workloads. The author concludes that Zen 5's dual-decoder cluster design isn't the primary instruction source but acts as a secondary mechanism, boosting performance in high-IPC and multi-threaded scenarios, complementing the op cache for a balanced performance and power consumption.

(chipsandcheese.com)

Hardware CPU Architecture

Geometric Series Solution for Capacitor Charge Under Square Wave Excitation

2025-01-24

This article analyzes the charge and discharge process of a capacitor under the influence of a symmetric square wave voltage. By establishing recursive equations for charging and discharging, the geometric series solution for the process is obtained. Special cases are discussed where the time constant is much smaller or larger than the period of the square wave. For example, when the time constant is much smaller than the period, the capacitor fully charges and discharges; when the period is much smaller than the time constant, the circuit acts as a low-pass filter.

(ivanbelenky.com)

Hardware capacitor square wave geometric series

DM50: A Cheap, Open-Source, High-Precision Calculator

2025-01-24

DM50 is a cheap, powerful, easy-to-build, open-source hardware calculator boasting high precision. The project is hosted on GitHub and offers downloads for PCBs, firmware, bezels, and a 3D-printed case. Recent updates include finalizing the casing design, battery life testing, key model selection, and processor advancements. DM50 aims to provide a user-friendly, high-performance calculator experience.

(50calc.com)

Hardware

Intel's Modular PC Design: A New Approach to E-Waste?

2025-01-23

Intel has proposed a modular PC design aimed at reducing e-waste by simplifying repairs and upgrades. Current PC designs are typically monolithic, leading to disposal when a component fails or becomes obsolete. Intel's approach allows for easy component replacement, extending device lifespan. Three designs targeting different market segments are proposed: Premium Modular PC, Entry/Mainstream Modular PC, and Desktop Modular PC. While modular PCs aren't new, Intel's proposal directly addresses the growing e-waste problem and aligns with the right-to-repair movement. However, widespread adoption depends on cost-effectiveness and market acceptance.

(www.theregister.com)

Hardware Modular PC E-waste Right to Repair

Dhruv Vidyut: Bolt-On E-Conversion Kit for Bikes

2025-01-23

Dhruv Vidyut offers a revolutionary electric conversion kit (DVECK) for bicycles and tricycles. Easily retrofitted, DVECK transforms any bike into an e-bike, providing a comfortable, efficient, and eco-friendly ride on any terrain. The company offers various options and welcomes business inquiries, including bulk purchases, dealership opportunities, and overseas imports.

(dhruvvidyut.co.in)

Hardware e-bike conversion kit electric bicycle

Liberux NEXX: The Privacy-Focused Linux Phone You've Been Waiting For

2025-01-23

The Liberux NEXX is a phone running LiberuxOS, a mostly open-source and ethical operating system based on Debian 13 Linux. Boasting an 8-core processor, 32GB RAM, and 2TB storage, it prioritizes user privacy and security. Integrated PC desktop functionality allows connection to external displays, keyboards, and mice. Liberux NEXX aims to combat data exploitation by large corporations, giving users complete control over their device and digital lives.

(liberux.net)

Hardware Linux phone

Building an Open-Source Laptop from Scratch: The anyon_e Project

2025-01-22

Bryan embarked on an ambitious journey to build a highly integrated open-source laptop, anyon_e, from the ground up. The resulting machine boasts a 4K AMOLED display, a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard, and impressive performance running games like Minecraft and 7B parameter LLMs, all while maintaining ~7 hours of battery life. The project involved designing a custom motherboard around an RK3588 SoC, a dedicated power controller (ESP32-S3), and creating a mechanical keyboard and trackpad. This interdisciplinary endeavor, spanning hardware design, software development, and mechanical engineering, showcases the power of open-source collaboration and the drive to push boundaries.

(www.byran.ee)

Hardware

Retro DIY Home Computer: 4x the Power of a C64!

2025-01-22

A developer built a retro home computer using just 61 74HCxx logic ICs, 2 6C1008 SRAM chips, and 4 39SF0x0 FLASH chips – boasting 4x the processing power of a Commodore C64! The Minimal 64x4 features 64KB RAM, a 512KB FLASH SSD, VGA output, and a PS/2 port. It has 256 instructions and a complete toolchain including an OS, text editor, assembler, and a Python-like interpreter. The open-source project includes classic games like Tetris and Space Invaders.

(github.com)

Hardware

DIY Studio-Grade Ribbon Mic: From ModMic Rage-Quit to Amazing Sound

2025-01-22

In a fit of pique, the author snipped their ModMic cable and decided to build a replacement: a studio-grade ribbon microphone. The post details the entire process, from material selection (using artist's silver leaf, unexpectedly), mechanical design (an ingenious corrugation method), to the circuit design (employing a Lundahl transformer). The resulting DIY microphone not only works perfectly, but sounds amazing, receiving praise for its realistic and immersive sound quality.

(khz.ac)

Hardware Microphone Audio Engineering

Reverse-Engineering a Pentium's Clever BiCMOS Circuits

2025-01-21

This post details the reverse engineering of interesting BiCMOS circuits within Intel's Pentium processor, focusing on the output circuitry of the constant ROM in the floating-point unit. The author meticulously explains the layered structure, the use of MOS transistors, and the unique aspects of the BiCMOS driver. A deep dive into the multiplexers, latches, and driver design reveals the intricate design of the Pentium and highlights the role of BiCMOS technology in enhancing performance. The article ultimately illustrates the remarkable growth in processor complexity as described by Moore's Law.

(www.righto.com)

Hardware BiCMOS circuits

Bambu Lab Addresses Security Update Controversy: Third-Party Integration and Optional LAN Mode

2025-01-20

Bambu Lab responded to the controversy surrounding its security update for X-series printers. The company denied online accusations of remotely disabling printers, restricting functionality, and including backdoors. To balance security and flexibility, they introduced an optional LAN mode with a standard mode (default, prioritizing security) and a developer mode (for advanced users to assume responsibility for their network security). Bambu Lab emphasizes that its Connect platform is designed to ensure continued third-party integration, and it's actively working with developers like Orca Slicer to maintain user experience and security.

(blog.bambulab.com)

Hardware security update third-party integration

ROCm Device Support Wishlist: Community Input Sought for Future GPU Compatibility

2025-01-20

The AMD ROCm open-source compute platform is seeking community input to determine which GPUs will receive driver support in the future. Currently, ROCm supports select AMD Instinct and Radeon cards, but many users are requesting support for more models, particularly those with 16GB or more VRAM, and reinstatement of support for older AMD GPUs that have lost ROCm compatibility. A GitHub discussion thread has generated significant community engagement, with users actively voting on their desired GPU support.

(github.com)

Hardware Open-Source Compute

Using eSIMs on Devices with Only Physical SIM Slots: A 9eSIM Review

2025-01-20

This blog post details using a 9eSIM SIM card to enable eSIM functionality on devices that only accept physical SIM cards, tested on Android and Linux. The author purchased a 9eSIM bundle including the SIM, smartcard reader, and adapter. Initial setup proved slightly tricky, requiring the SIM card to be used within its original packaging for proper reader connection. Adding, switching, and deleting eSIM profiles was straightforward using an Android app or the Linux command-line tool lpac (and its GUI, EasyLPAC). Tests were conducted with free test eSIM profiles and a paid LycaMobile eSIM, successfully achieving eSIM connectivity on a Debian Linux laptop.

(neilzone.co.uk)

Hardware physical SIM

SATA SSD's DRM Functions and Accessibility Limitations

2025-01-20

A Linux kernel log shows warnings about an Intel SSDSCKJF360A5L SSD: "supports DRM functions and may not be fully accessible." This relates to an ATA protocol extension allowing the storage device to respond differently based on whether a request is signed by the mainboard's trusted platform module. This enables features like preventing modification of video players. Linux might have an incomplete view of the SSD, hence the warning. Additionally, the log notes the SSD's read cache is enabled but doesn't support outdated DPO or FUA techniques, which are irrelevant for SSDs.

(unix.stackexchange.com)

Hardware

Bambu Connect's X.509 Certificate and Private Key Extracted

2025-01-20

Following Bambu Lab's announcement of locking down network access to its X1-series 3D printers with new firmware, the X.509 certificate and private key from the Bambu Connect application have been extracted by hWuxH. This application was intended to be the sole method for third-party software to send print jobs to Bambu Lab hardware. The Bambu Connect app, a relatively simple Electron application, employed obfuscation and encryption, but not enough to deter determined users. The de-obfuscated main.js file reveals the certificate and private key used to encrypt HTTP traffic with the printer, the only obstacle preventing tools like OrcaSlicer from communicating with authentication-enabled Bambu Lab printers. Bambu Lab's next steps are unclear, highlighting the ineffectiveness of security through obfuscation alone.

(hackaday.com)

Hardware 3D printer security X.509 certificate private key leak

Revisited: JTAG 'Hacking' of the Original Xbox After 20 Years

2025-01-20

This blog post details the author's successful attempt to 'hack' the original Xbox using its Intel Pentium III CPU's JTAG interface. The original Xbox's security relied on a 512-byte secret bootrom hidden within the NVIDIA MCPX Southbridge. While early researchers considered using the CPU's JTAG capabilities, it was deemed impractical due to the TRST# pin being grounded. The author designed a custom CPU interposer PCB to circumvent this, and using a vintage CodeTAP debugger, successfully dumped the secret bootrom via JTAG, proving a 20-year-old theory. This work is historically significant and provides valuable experience and resources for x86 JTAG research.

(blog.ret2.io)

Hardware Original Xbox

Hacking the Yamaha DX9 to Mimic the DX7

2025-01-19

A vintage synth enthusiast reverse-engineered and rewrote the firmware ROM of the Yamaha DX9, significantly enhancing its functionality to closely match the DX7. By cleverly overcoming hardware limitations and restoring missing features like two additional operators, the hacker enabled the DX9 to load and play DX7 patches. Fixes included improved MIDI handling and a pitch envelope generator. The project's source code is publicly available, showcasing impressive technical skill and passion for vintage synthesizers, even if the target audience is small. This unexpected feat delighted the retro synth community.

(ajxs.me)

Hardware firmware hacking vintage synthesizer

Calculator Forensics: Uncovering Chip Design Secrets

2025-01-19

This article introduces 'calculator forensics,' a technique that analyzes the results of embedded algorithms in calculators to identify the origins and evolution of different calculator chip designs. The author devised a standardized algorithm and compiled results from numerous calculators, creating comparison tables to trace the design history and technological lineage of calculator chips. This technique is significant for studying calculator history and chip design, particularly useful when official documentation is scarce, enabling researchers to understand the relationships between different calculators.

(www.rskey.org)

Hardware chip design

ThinkPad's Iconic TrackPoint is Gone (From Some Models)

2025-01-19

Lenovo has removed the iconic TrackPoint from its new ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition laptops. While the TrackPoint will remain in other ThinkPad models, this decision marks a significant shift. Lenovo argues the TrackPoint, a legacy design, doesn't resonate with all demographics in a predominantly touchpad world. The new Aura Edition laptops boast Intel's Lunar Lake processors, premium OLED displays, and local AI powered by Meta's Llama 3.0, aiming for broader market appeal.

(www.pcworld.com)

Hardware

Reverse Engineering VanMoof's E-Shifter: Decoding the Mystery

2025-01-19

A hacker successfully reverse-engineered the communication protocol of VanMoof's e-bike shifter. Using a logic analyzer and PulseView, they determined a 9600bps data rate and identified the use of Modbus RTU. Analysis of request and response packets revealed the bike sends register read commands, with the shifter returning data. While the exact register meanings remain unclear, this work provides a crucial foundation for building a replacement module to address the shifter's notorious unreliability, a major factor in VanMoof's bankruptcy.

(mikecoats.com)

Hardware e-shifter

AMD Instinct™ MI300X Boosts Ansys Fluent CFD Performance

2025-01-19

AMD released a blog post showcasing the impressive performance of its Instinct™ MI300X accelerator in Ansys Fluent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Benchmarks using four benchmark models (sedan car, aircraft wing, exhaust system, and F1 race car) on both AMD MI300X and NVIDIA H100 platforms showed up to a 10% improvement in time-to-solution for the MI300X. This is attributed to the MI300X's 192GB HBM3 memory capacity and high memory bandwidth, along with AMD Infinity Cache™. The blog details the testing methodology, system configurations, and a step-by-step guide to installing and running the benchmarks. The MI300X proves to be an excellent choice for applications requiring steady-state analysis.

(rocm.blogs.amd.com)

Hardware

Intel's Skymont: A Deep Dive into the E-Core Architecture

2025-01-18

Intel's latest mobile chip, Lunar Lake, features Skymont, a new E-core architecture replacing Meteor Lake's Crestmont. Skymont significantly improves both multi-threaded performance and low-power background task handling. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Skymont's architecture, covering branch prediction, instruction fetch and decode, out-of-order execution engine, integer execution, floating-point and vector execution, load/store, and cache and memory access. While Skymont excels in some benchmarks, its advantages over Meteor Lake's Crestmont cores and AMD's Zen 5c cores aren't always clear-cut. This highlights the crucial role of cache architecture in CPU performance and the challenges of designing a single core architecture to handle both low-power and high-performance multi-threaded workloads.

(chipsandcheese.com)

Hardware E-core

Reverse-Engineering a Pentium's Carry-Lookahead Adder

2025-01-18

Ken Shirriff's blog post details the reverse engineering of an 8-bit adder within the Pentium's floating-point unit. This adder, a Kogge-Stone carry-lookahead adder, accelerates addition by calculating carry bits in parallel. The post meticulously explains the carry-lookahead adder's principle, showcasing the Pentium's hardware implementation—a four-layer circuit structure employing the Kogge-Stone algorithm. It also discusses the adder's role in the Pentium's floating-point division unit and its connection to the infamous Pentium FDIV bug.

(www.righto.com)

Hardware carry-lookahead adder

Laser Fault Injection on a Budget: RP2350 Edition

2025-01-18

This article details how a custom-built, low-cost laser fault injection platform was used to successfully bypass the secure boot mechanism of Raspberry Pi's RP2350 microcontroller. Using an infrared laser, the platform cleverly circumvented the RP2350's glitch detectors. A single laser pulse injected a fault, altering the boot ROM's instruction flow, ultimately revealing hidden data. The author provides detailed explanations of the platform's hardware design, software architecture, and the attack process, including manufacturing files and source code.

(courk.cc)

Hardware Laser Fault Injection

ESP32 Rainbow: A Colorful DIY Project

2025-01-18

Want to create your own personalized ambient lighting? The ESP32 Rainbow light project offers a simple and easy way to do just that. By controlling an ESP32 chip, you can easily achieve various color gradients and transitions, creating stunning lighting effects. This project is suitable for both electronics enthusiasts and beginners interested in DIY. With simple programming and circuit connections, you can experience the fun of programming and the satisfaction of creation. Whether it's a romantic candlelit dinner or a vibrant party atmosphere, the ESP32 rainbow light can easily handle it, adding a splash of color to your life.

(www.esp32rainbow.com)

Hardware Rainbow Light

Category: Hardware