Stories with Tag Qualcomm

• ELD: A new open-source embedded linker tool for embedded systems

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  Posted: 2025-04-10 15:34:45

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  Qualcomm has open-sourced ELD, a new linker designed specifically for embedded systems. ELD aims to be faster and more memory-efficient than traditional linkers like GNU ld, especially beneficial for resource-constrained devices. It achieves this through features like parallel processing, demand paging, and a simplified design focusing on common embedded use cases. ELD supports ELF and is designed for integration with existing embedded workflows, offering potential improvements in link times and memory usage during development.

  Qualcomm Developer Technologies has announced the release of ELD, the Embedded Linker, a new open-source linker specifically designed for embedded systems. This linker aims to address the unique challenges and requirements of resource-constrained environments commonly found in embedded development. Traditional linkers, while generally powerful, often lack the fine-grained control and optimization capabilities crucial for embedded systems. ELD seeks to fill this gap by providing developers with a highly configurable and efficient linking process.

  Key features of ELD include enhanced control over memory layout, enabling developers to meticulously specify the placement of code and data segments in memory. This level of control is vital for optimizing performance and minimizing memory footprint, both critical factors in embedded systems. Furthermore, ELD boasts improved code size reduction compared to existing solutions. This is achieved through advanced optimization techniques, contributing to smaller binaries and therefore reduced memory usage, a valuable benefit in resource-limited embedded platforms.

  ELD's open-source nature, released under the permissive Apache 2.0 license, allows for community contributions and fosters collaborative development. This open approach promotes transparency, allowing developers to inspect, modify, and enhance the linker's functionality to suit their specific needs. Qualcomm emphasizes that ELD has been designed with extensibility in mind, facilitating integration with a wide range of embedded development toolchains and workflows.

  The developers highlight ELD's speed and efficiency, particularly crucial in iterative development cycles common in embedded projects. Faster linking translates to reduced development time and quicker feedback loops, ultimately increasing developer productivity. ELD also offers improved diagnostics and error reporting compared to traditional linkers, providing developers with more detailed and actionable information to quickly resolve linking issues.

  Qualcomm positions ELD as a modern, purpose-built linker explicitly designed for the complexities of modern embedded systems. They suggest that ELD is not simply a replacement for existing linkers but rather a significant advancement in linking technology for resource-constrained environments, empowering developers with the tools they need to create highly optimized and efficient embedded applications. The project is actively maintained and developed, with Qualcomm encouraging community involvement and contributions to further enhance ELD's capabilities and broaden its applicability within the embedded systems ecosystem.

  • ELD
  • linker
  • Embedded Systems
  • open-source
  • embedded software
  • development tools
  • Software Development
  • Qualcomm

  Summary of Comments ( 0 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43644966

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally expressed cautious optimism about ELD, Qualcomm's new embedded linker. Several commenters questioned its practical advantages over existing linkers like ld, particularly regarding its performance and debugging capabilities. Some wondered about its long-term support given Qualcomm's history with open-source projects. Others pointed out potential benefits like improved memory usage and build times, especially for complex embedded systems. The lack of clear benchmarks comparing ELD to established solutions was a recurring concern. A few users expressed interest in trying ELD for their projects, while others remained skeptical, preferring to wait for more evidence of its real-world effectiveness. The discussion also touched on the challenges of embedded development and the need for better tooling.

  The Hacker News post titled "ELD: A new open-source embedded linker tool for embedded systems" has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the new linker and its potential impact.

  One commenter expressed skepticism about the genuine openness of the project, pointing out Qualcomm's history with open-source projects and suggesting they might abandon it if it doesn't directly benefit their business interests. They questioned the long-term viability of relying on a tool from a vendor with such a track record.

  Another commenter focused on the technical merits, praising the linker's claimed performance improvements and the ability to perform link-time garbage collection, which can significantly reduce the size of embedded binaries. They expressed excitement about potentially integrating it into their own workflow.

  Several commenters discussed the challenges and complexities of embedded systems development, highlighting the fragmented tooling landscape and the difficulty of achieving optimal performance and code size. They saw ELD as a potential solution to some of these challenges, particularly for developers working with resource-constrained devices.

  One commenter, identifying as an embedded developer, shared their experience with existing linkers and expressed frustration with their limitations, especially when dealing with complex projects. They welcomed the introduction of a new linker, hoping it would offer improved performance and debugging capabilities.

  The discussion also touched upon the importance of build systems and the integration of ELD with existing tools. One commenter inquired about CMake integration, emphasizing the need for seamless integration with popular build systems for wider adoption.

  A few commenters mentioned other linkers like Mold and LLD, comparing their features and performance with ELD. They speculated on whether ELD could compete with these established tools and what advantages it might offer.

  Finally, some commenters expressed interest in learning more about the technical details of ELD, particularly its internal workings and optimization strategies. They hoped for more in-depth documentation and examples to facilitate experimentation and evaluation.

• Qualcomm wins licensing fight with Arm over chip designs

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  Posted: 2024-12-20 21:28:53

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  Qualcomm has prevailed in a significant licensing dispute with Arm. A confidential arbitration ruling affirmed Qualcomm's right to continue licensing Arm's instruction set architecture for its Nuvia-designed chips under existing agreements. This victory allows Qualcomm to proceed with its plans to incorporate these custom-designed processors into its products, potentially disrupting the server chip market. Arm had argued that the licenses were non-transferable after Qualcomm acquired Nuvia, but the arbitrator disagreed. Financial details of the ruling remain undisclosed.

  In a significant legal victory with far-reaching implications for the semiconductor industry, Qualcomm Incorporated, the San Diego-based wireless technology giant, has prevailed in its licensing dispute against Arm Ltd., the British chip design powerhouse owned by SoftBank Group Corp. This protracted conflict centered on the intricate licensing agreements governing the use of Arm's fundamental chip architecture, which underpins a vast majority of the world's mobile devices and an increasing number of other computing platforms. The dispute arose after Arm attempted to alter the established licensing structure with Nuvia, a chip startup acquired by Qualcomm. This proposed change would have required Qualcomm to pay licensing fees directly to Arm for chips designed by Nuvia, departing from the existing practice where Qualcomm licensed Arm's architecture through its existing agreements.

  Qualcomm staunchly resisted this alteration, arguing that it represented a breach of long-standing contractual obligations and a detrimental shift in the established business model of the semiconductor ecosystem. The legal battle that ensued involved complex interpretations of contract law and intellectual property rights, with both companies fiercely defending their respective positions. The case held considerable weight for the industry, as a ruling in Arm's favor could have drastically reshaped the licensing landscape and potentially increased costs for chip manufacturers reliant on Arm's technology. Conversely, a victory for Qualcomm would preserve the existing framework and affirm the validity of established licensing agreements.

  The court ultimately sided with Qualcomm, validating its interpretation of the licensing agreements and rejecting Arm's attempt to impose a new licensing structure. This decision affirms Qualcomm's right to utilize Arm's architecture within the parameters of its existing agreements, including those pertaining to Nuvia's designs. The ruling provides significant clarity and stability to the semiconductor industry, reinforcing the enforceability of existing contracts and safeguarding Qualcomm's ability to continue developing chips based on Arm's widely adopted technology. While the specific details of the ruling remain somewhat opaque due to confidentiality agreements, the overall outcome represents a resounding affirmation of Qualcomm's position and a setback for Arm's attempt to revise its licensing practices. This legal victory allows Qualcomm to continue leveraging Arm's crucial technology in its product development roadmap, safeguarding its competitive position in the dynamic and rapidly evolving semiconductor market. The implications of this decision will likely reverberate throughout the industry, influencing future licensing negotiations and shaping the trajectory of chip design innovation for years to come.

  • Qualcomm
  • Arm
  • Chip Design
  • Licensing
  • Legal Dispute
  • Semiconductors
  • Technology
  • Intellectual Property
  • CPU
  • Mobile Processors
  • Snapdragon
  • Business
  • Lawsuit
  • Electronics
  • Antitrust
  • Monopolies
  • Competition
  • Innovation
  • Patents
  • Royalties
  • Contract Law
  • Nuvia
  • CPU Architecture
  • ARM Architecture

  Summary of Comments ( 129 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42475228

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters largely discuss the implications of Qualcomm's legal victory over Arm. Several express concern that this decision sets a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing companies to sub-license core technology they don't fully own, stifling innovation and competition. Some speculate this could push other chip designers to RISC-V, an open-source alternative to Arm's architecture. Others question the long-term viability of Arm's business model if they cannot control their own licensing. Some commenters see this as a specific attack on Nuvia's (acquired by Qualcomm) custom core designs, with Qualcomm leveraging their market power. Finally, a few express skepticism about the reporting and suggest waiting for further details to emerge.

  The Hacker News post titled "Qualcomm wins licensing fight with Arm over chip designs" has generated several comments discussing the implications of the legal battle between Qualcomm and Arm.

  Many commenters express skepticism about the long-term viability of Arm's new licensing model, which attempts to charge licensees based on the value of the end device rather than the chip itself. They argue this model introduces significant complexity and potential for disputes, as exemplified by the Qualcomm case. Some predict this will push manufacturers towards RISC-V, an open-source alternative to Arm's architecture, viewing it as a more predictable and potentially less costly option in the long run.

  Several commenters delve into the specifics of the case, highlighting the apparent contradiction in Arm's strategy. They point out that Arm's business model has traditionally relied on widespread adoption facilitated by reasonable licensing fees. By attempting to extract greater value from successful licensees like Qualcomm, they suggest Arm is undermining its own ecosystem and incentivizing the search for alternatives.

  A recurring theme is the potential for increased chip prices for consumers. Commenters speculate that Arm's new licensing model, if successful, will likely translate to higher costs for chip manufacturers, which could be passed on to consumers in the form of more expensive devices.

  Some comments express a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging the pressure on Arm to increase revenue after its IPO. They suggest that Arm may be attempting to find a balance between maximizing profits and maintaining its dominance in the market. However, these commenters also acknowledge the risk that this strategy could backfire.

  One commenter raises the question of whether Arm's new licensing model might face antitrust scrutiny. They argue that Arm's dominant position in the market could make such a shift in licensing practices anti-competitive.

  Finally, some comments express concern about the potential fragmentation of the mobile chip market. They worry that the dispute between Qualcomm and Arm, combined with the rise of RISC-V, could lead to a less unified landscape, potentially hindering innovation and interoperability.