This slide takes a look at the VCU. Communication outside the system is becoming more important than ever before. PLC is one method that customers are using to integrate networking and it is a popular method because it leverages existing infrastructure instead of having to install separate, dedicated networks such as Ethernet. However, the power line is a very noisy environment, so the designer needs to do a lot of processing power for filtering, FFT processing, and decoding, to accurately transmit data. In addition to the complexity, developing and evolving protocol standards make it even harder for engineers to create the right solution. Right now, developers have to use a dedicated device to add PLC. This is necessary because of the required processing bandwidth, and it keeps the system relatively modular for future changes in protocols and standards. However, Piccolo with the VCU can eliminate that extra device from the system. The VCU presents a balance of hardware acceleration to increase processing proficiency and flexibility to reprogram for new or updated protocols and standards. This reduces system cost and complexity from both hardware and software standpoints. PLC is just one example of a technology that benefits from the VCU. Other applications such as automotive radar and power electronics safety and reliability measurements (such as vibration analysis) benefit from the additional optimized performance.