Today’s world is fast paced and driven by information and just about all this data is in the form of digital information. However, there is still a need for old fashion analog technology and mixed signal design blends some of the best features of both. Here are some important benefits we receive today.
What is Analog Technology?
An analog signal is continuous and it can be variable. The term “analog” means to compare one to another. Analog signals can be measured in voltage, pressure, width and length. They have been in use for many years. For example, when you turn on the light switch to a room (and the ceiling light comes on) you have just activated an analog circuit (of about 120 volts AC). Initially, the light has no power, but when the switch is flipped, the circuit is opened and this allows power to complete the light circuit.
What Are Digital Circuits?
Digital circuitry is all about numbers. In other words, an audio playing device does not receive a sound signal from a conductor (as an analog device does). The sound must be first turned into numbers and it can then be stored on the device to play whenever you wish. Thousands of numbers every second are used to create sound. To hear your favorite songs, you turn the device on and all these numbers are turned into voltage waves which match the original music.
Mixed Signal Design
When you think of the term “mixed signals” you may conjure up images of confusion because to receive mixed signals means you are confused. However, mixed signal circuits are not confusing at all and they are useful for combining digital and analog. For example, if you have a digital FM receiver it requires analog FM radio waves to hear the channels you like. The receiver must then convert this analog signal to digital. Therefore it requires both old and new technology. In fact, many systems today utilize digital converters for sound technology.
Challenges with Mixed Signal Design
Perhaps the most difficult problem facing this blend of technologies is power sources. It is not usually possible to use the same power supply for both digital and analog components, and this is not easy solved with a tiny microchip. Plus, devices like smart phones must have separate systems (chips) to change analog to digital and to meet the demands placed on them by wireless Internet technology. This requires people with a great deal of training and experience in many technologies, and this is why one should always choose experienced sources for the latest in mixed signal design.
