A digital device processes electronic signals that represent either a one (on) or a zero (off). The ‘ones’ and ‘zeros’ represent data. Each one or zero is referred to as a bit and a group of 8 bits equals a byte. Digital devices are used in computers, phones, storage devices, keyboards, printers, etc. AI computing relies on digital devices, with very high-speed serial interfaces, for inter-chip communication.

A mixed-signal device is an integrated circuit that contains both analog and digital circuits. Mixed-signal devices are widely used in numerous applications. Let’s use your cell phone as an example. A mixed-signal device enables your voice, which is analog, to be digitally processed and then another mixed-signal device converts it to an RF signal that transmits your voice.

Mixed-signal devices include digital device capabilities and analog components such as digital to analog or analog to digital converters, amplifiers, filters, regulators, etc. Mixed-signal devices may have large amounts of digital and small amounts of analog or the other way around. Digital and mixed-signal devices are commonly referred to as System on a Chip (SoC) devices because they are made up of several components providing the building blocks to a complete system. They are commonly designed for specific applications such as a set top box for your TV, 5G handsets and infrastructure support, automotive, medical devices, professional audio and a vast array of other consumer applications.