Mixed-signal considerations when integrating systems

Companies such as Lucent Technologies, which was involved in pioneering efforts such as the AT&T DSP16C in 1989, have been integrating mixed-signal and DSP for close to ten years. New techniques and expertise support integration earlier in the product life-cycle with minimal risk. In fact, many mixed-signal integrated solutions implemented by Lucent's technical staff achieved fully functional first silicon. Techniques such as those described in this paper are necessary steps along the way to achieving fully integrated digital communication ultrachips.