The digital revolution that's occurred over the past several years has relied heavily on advances in analog technology. Whenever new digital technologies emerge, the number of analog functions grows rapidly.
Most observers feel the value of analog chips in a system will continue to rise as the digital revolution continues. “Many of the features of the most popular digital products are differentiated more by analog innovation than digital circuitry,” says John Hussey, vice president at Analog Devices Inc.'s High-speed Signal Processing Group.
As digital still cameras have taken over, the cost of the analog front-end has grown from less than $2 to more than $4 today. Looking forward, analog and microelectromechanical systems are reducing blurriness by incorporating a gyroscope and data conversion to compensate for camera movement. “The value of analog content in new camera models may double again,” Hussey says.
The medical imaging field will also rely heavily on advances in analog technologies as design engineers push to give physicians more insight into patient maladies. “New advances in variable gain amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters are increasing dynamic range and improving image quality, while I/Q demodulator and phase-shifter ICs are enhancing the performance of Doppler ultrasound systems,” Hussey says.
In cell phones and other multi-function portables, analog technology makes it possible to add functions like high resolution cameras with zoom capabilities. These digital functions require different voltage inputs that require extensive analog controls.
“Managing up to 20 different regulated voltages, advanced power management and battery-charging ICs are required to ensure that camera performance doesn't come at the cost of battery life,” Hussey says. Analog technology is also riding along as television converts to the digital era. Today, the average digital TV has approximately $10 of analog content. “That will grow to about $22 per unit in 2009,” Hussey says.
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 More analog wafers are being fabricated every year. |
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