Mixed-signal integrated circuit

A mixed-signal integrated circuits combines analog and digital circuitry.

Typically, these chips perform some whole function or sub-function in a larger assembly such as the radio subsystem of a cell phone, or the read data path and laser sled control logic of a DVD player. They often contain an entire system-on-a-chip.

Because of their use of both digital logic and analog circuitry, mixed-signal ICs are usually designed for a very specific purpose and their design requires a high level of expertise and careful use of the ECAD design automation tools. Automated testing of the finished chips can also be challenging. Teradyne and Agilent are the major suppliers of the test equipment for mixed-signal chips.