Development of analog integrated circuits

 The current state of analog integrated circuits

The use of analog IC has been dominated by consumer electronics, which has been growing steadily in recent years.The global simulation market grew ata compound rate of 12 percent from 2003 to 2009, according to Databeans research on the simulated IC market.This figure is higher than the growth rate of other products.This also indicates that the high performance simulation market has great potential in the future.According to the market statistics of the semiconductor industry association (SIA), the analog market will rapidly surpass the digital market in the next 2-3 years.Simulators will become the mainstream of analog IC applications in the digital age of market and products.

Analog IC is mainly used in electronic systems to perform the functions of receiving, mixing, amplifying, comparing, multiplying and dividing, logarithmic operation, analog-digital conversion, sample-holding, modulation-demodulation, voltage boosting, voltage lowering and voltage stabilizing.Circuit form data converter (such as A/D converter, D/A converter, etc.), operational amplifier, large amplifier, broadband amplifier, etc.), nonlinear amplifier (analog multiplier, digital/anti-digital amplifier, etc.), multichannel analog switch, (linear voltage regulator, switching power controller, etc.), intelligent power all kinds of special IC.Simulation IC has formed its own design idea and process system in the development of its design and process technology.In the level of technological development, product categories, limits to meet the needs of information technology;Its application has penetrated into various fields and simulated important roles in modern military and civil electronic systems.In various occasions of informatization, high performance analog IC is indispensable, and the level of analog IC performance often determines the level of electronic products or systems.

In terms of devices, as the application of analog IC requirements vary, so in terms of devices, not only developed more than 10 categories of analog IC products, but also for various types of simulation hundreds, thousands of products, product types and performance levels have everything, can meet the different needs of applications.

Development of analog integrated circuits

1. Currently, analog circuits show three prominent trends: high-performance discrete devices, modular hybrid and SOC (SystemonChip)

There are many kinds of analog integrated circuits and their performance requirements are different.The pursuit of higher performance will be the main development direction of simulator in the future.Li jinhua, regional business manager of ling in China, simply summed it up as "three liters and three drops", that is, the speed, accuracy and efficiency increased, while the power consumption, size and number of peripheral components decreased.For amplifier, it will develop to higher speed, lower noise and larger dynamic range.For data converter, it will develop to higher speed and higher precision.In signal processing, rf circuits, power management and other fields, the development of higher accuracy, speed and efficiency, while power consumption, size and the number of peripheral components will continue to decline.In mobile phones, for example, consumers are demanding clearer speech, a brighter screen and a longer standby time, all of which pose higher requirements for simulator manufacturers and greater challenges for designers.Discrete analog circuits can do these very high performance.For example, Maxim has achieved a conversion rate of 2GSPS, which cannot be achieved with SOC (system chip).

2. Analog circuit can be used as the entry point for the future development of integrated circuits in China

After more than 30 years of development, China's integrated circuit industry has formed a good industrial foundation.In 2004, China's IC design industry has been a breakthrough and chip manufacturing, IC market demand of 24.3 billion pieces, but in the 24.3 billion pieces of integrated circuit, the Chinese native less than 8% of the product, which contains huge business opportunities, both at the same time also reflects the gap between China's IC design industry and international IC design industry.China's IC industry is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges.In 2005, China's consumer electronics industry maintained rapid growth, and the demand for integrated circuit products increased significantly.

The broad application market of analog IC in China brings enough development space for analog IC technology.Analog circuit can be used as the starting point of the future development of integrated circuits in China.Do CPU a lot of knowledge is not from the book can learn, but experience and tips.China is short of such talent and needs a long period of experience.In addition, the cost is also an issue, each chip chip needs to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars, and high performance CPU chip seven or eight is very normal.The level of Chinese integrated circuits in general CPU products is even 20 to 30 years away.