How to choose a sensible sampling rate
by David B. Stewart
Trial and error testing is neither the fastest nor the best way to determine the sampling rate for a given application, although itís probably the most common. Systematic engineering analysis, plus a few guided experiments, will help you find the right answer quickly.

TCP for transactions
by Michael Mansberg
At the transport layer, itís often difficult to decide between TCP and UDP, with their respective benefits of reliability and efficiency. Fortunately, thereís a third choice: a little-known standard called T/TCP offers the best features of both protocols.

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Clash of the Titans
by Michael Barr
The increasing overlap between hardware and software leads to much uncertainty about future markets. Traditional hardware and software tool vendors are eyeing each other nervously across this narrowing digital divide.

Programmer's Toolbox
The curmudgeon strikes back
by Jack Crenshaw
The days of the Bad Guys list have ended. From now on, only the elite Good Guys are worthy of mention. Assume everyone else is bad.

Beginner's Corner
Introduction to MISRA C
by Nigel Jones
In 1998, the UKís Motor Industry Software Reliability Association established a set of 127 guidelines for the use of C in safety-critical systems. Here's a look at the rules, what they mean, and how they can work for you.

Programming Pointers
Sequence points
by Dan Saks
Overcomplex statements can confuse your compiler. Knowing where the sequence points are can help make your intentions clear.

Break Points
Measuring bugs
by Jack G. Ganssle
Bugs are more manageable than you think. Tracking their patterns will help you get them under control.

Hardware Tools

• Two- to four-channel scopes

Software Tools

• Test software

Chips

• New ARM10E micro
• 64-bit MIPS processor