In This Issue
Leading the Digital Revolution
15 years of DSP
Memory
Mixed-Signal and Analog
Networking
Wireless
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Going digital? Don't forget analogJust because the world is going digital doesn't mean analog should be left behind. In fact, the digital revolution that's affecting everything from data processing to mail delivery, is creating the demand for more, advanced mixed-signal and analog technology -- the kind delivered by Texas Instruments. Almost every digital application and every digital signal processing solution (DSPS) requires one or more analog interfaces. One of the best examples of this interdependent relationship is cellular phones, in which analog systems were used predominantly four years ago. Handsets were bulky and, by today's standards, expensive. Now digital system technology dominates in cellular phone handsets and digital system standards are emerging worldwide.
The advent of digital system technology has grown the overall market for wireless communications by expanding network capacity, providing better service and enhanced features ultimately making cellular phones more affordable. It has created demand for the semiconductors -- both digital and analog ICs -- that drive wireless communications. It also has pushed innovation as cellular phone manufacturers work to reduce handset size, weight and cost. Implications for analog manufacturers The push to lower the size, weight and power consumption of portable digital applications is pushing analog IC manufacturers to increase the functionality and improve the packaging of their devices. In higher-volume, standardized applications, semiconductor manufacturers are looking to integrate digital and analog technologies on a single piece of silicon. That raises challenges in areas including design and process technology and in packaging. Because TI is the world's leading provider of DSP Solutions and is No. 2 in the mixed-signal/analog market, the company is equipped to meet these challenges. TI's mixed-signal/analog products range from technically advanced building blocks to integrated solutions. One example is the IEEE 1394 high-performance serial bus, an area in which TI has been a pioneer. This data transfer standard enables a seamless digital home environment by connecting devices such as digital camcorders, digital VCRs, digital video disks and digital TVs to a central PC-like hub. In addition to supplying customers with design answers, TI is committed to providing them tools that make these products easy to use. Support is available online through the Internet including a selection guide, data sheets and application notes. Other support includes a worldwide network of distributors, a customer hotline, a CD-ROM version of the selection guide and evaluation models (EVMs), which allow quick evaluation, benchmarking and debugging of a product. Capitalizing on opportunity Analog technology will lead to more DSPs being used in many new, affordable applications such as voice and data communications, entertainment, digital motor control, health and safety. Clearly, the analog market continues to represent an attractive opportunity for TI and other semiconductor manufacturers, even as the world goes digital.
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