Requirements vary enormously among the different analog
functions and various systems where they are used, so TI’s
development of analog technologies follows several distinct
paths. In some cases TI pursues a strategy of integrating
all critical analog and digital functions required to support
a specific application in System on Chip (SoC) designs. This
approach requires that the same advanced CMOS processes used
to create high-performance DSPs, microcontrollers and ASICs
also support some analog components.
But many analog functions are not optimized for integration
with high-speed digital logic. In these cases, TI analog product
development teams focus on analog-only integration, with optimized
components for precision, speed and power. Different systems
demand different analog processes that feature component characteristics
tailored for the requirements of signal conditioning, data
conversion and power supply in those systems.
Leveraging Technology
TI’s process development teams continually share learning
across specific areas of expertise to improve future generations
of products. Today's CMOS digital processes include increasing
analog capabilities, and our analog processes offer high-performance
logic and dense memory integration.
Digital design is more two-dimensional because it makes complicated
logic patterns out of theoretically identical transistors
that simply turn on and off. By contrast, analog design is
multidimensional because it uses transistors and other components
that operate over a wide range of characteristics. This multi-dimensional
complexity allows analog components to modify signals in a
variety of ways, but it also means that high-performance analog
processes take longer to mature than high-speed digital processes.
Our analog process development teams continue building onto
existing technology, adding components that extend the range
of capabilities in the basic process to new application areas.
TI has the expertise to mature a technology node from a leading-edge
digital process with limited analog functionality, to a leading
analog process that continues to integrate high-speed logic,
to analog processes that add specialized functions such as
high power for specific applications. This capability gives
TI a unique advantage in creating complete system solutions
for customers. In addition, the long life span of re-use of
existing facilities used in analog manufacturing gives TI
tremendous financial leverage on its capital investment and
provides a critical feedback loop for its process technology
development. |
