For use with the IGLOO Icicle development kit, two plug-in daughter cards manage human machine interface (HMI) and miniature-motor control functionality. The HMI and motor-control cards promises to further extend the viability of the company's 5-µW IGLOO FPGAs in the portable market. The result of partnering with design-services company Ishnatek, the cards provide a platform-based design approach, enabling designers to address changing requirements, implement custom algorithms, and make design changes through device reprogramming. The HMI card demonstrates keypad control, brightness control for white LEDs, color mixing for RGB LEDs, and tone generation. The motor-control card demonstrates brushless-dc and stepper-motor control and supports a variety of functions found in portable medical, industrial, and consumer applications. Prices for the daughter cards are $139 (HMI) and $229 (motor control). ACTEL CORP., Mountain View, CA. (888) 992-2835.