Abstract
Higher Performance Requirements Force ADC Manufacturers to Enhance their
Process Technologies
Growing end user demand for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with higher
speed and better resolution are compelling manufacturers to enhance their
process technologies. They are increasingly deploying smaller line-width
processes that are likely to improve conversion speed and also aid in the
reduction of form-factor. However, the limitations imposed on the accuracy
levels by the progressively shrinking geometries are forcing ADC manufacturers
to incorporate proficient error correction methods in correlation with
calibration algorithms.
Frost & Sullivan?fs latest research examines the world analog-to-digital
converters market on the basis of ADC architecture {includes flash, successive
approximation register (SAR), pipeline, Sigma Delta, and dual slope ADCs} and
end-user markets (communications, industrial, and consumer).
Digitization of Control Mechanisms Encourage Market Growth
The progressive shift from mechanical to electrical monitoring in many
industries over the years has led to the emergence of digitized control methods.
This has increased the demand for ADCs as they are required for conversion of
the frequently measured analog parameters such as temperature and pressure into
digital equivalents.
"The market for ADCs is likely to grow at a pace corresponding to the
rate of transition from mechanical to electrical controls," says the
analyst. "Given the importance of digitization in creation of completely
electronic-controlled environment, the demand for ADCs is only expected to
increase further."
Wide-Ranging Applications Expand Market Horizons
ADCs are extensively used in a broad spectrum of applications spanning across
the communications, consumer, and industrial segments. Many industries require
ADCs with different architecture to suit their specific applications. For
instance, communications applications need high speed converters, thereby
driving the uptake of flash and pipeline ADCs; whereas instrumentation and
industrial applications require precision converters, which are boosting demand
for SAR and Sigma Delta ADCs.
"The resurgence of the communications market with the advent of 3G
services is likely to encourage the sales of ADCs," says the analyst.
Besides this, the development of numerous disease-screening devices such as
computer tomography equipment, X-ray radiography instruments, and resonance
imaging equipment is also expected to play a key role in market growth.
Participants have to scale their technology and manufacturing processes to
maximize the performance of different topologies and architectures of ADCs. This
is likely to assist them in meeting end users?f requirement for varied
specifications and cost-effective ADCs.
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