Designers Corner

This column explains system design using examples, starting with the design of an Internet appliance. This Internet appliance is different from a network PC. The hardware we will design enables the connection of any appliance, device, computer, or gadget to the Internet. The appliance could be a cell phone, a sprinkler, or a light bulb. The appliance hardware can be reconfigured or changed over the Internet. This allows bugs to be fixed, or updates to be made, or even allows an appliance to perform multiple functions — all controlled using the Internet. Reconfiguring an Internet CD appliance would allow you to play regular CDs, DVDs, or MP3 CDs, or you could reconfigure your cell phone to work in different countries that use different standards.