This is the generic name for discrete devices and integrated circuits that can control the flow of electrical signals. Silicon is the basic material on which semiconductors are fabricated.

Industry term for third and fourth generation wireless mobile communications networks.

Analog-to-Digital Converter. This device is what all digital imaging systems use to get real-world pictures from a TV camera, for example into a computer.

Circuit board or other hardware in Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) that provides the physical interface to the communications network.

Analog is a continuous signal, measuring features that are difficult to break into digital components, such as pressure, temperature, voltage, current and air and water-flow. The circuits are used in products that involve sound (radios, TVs) and pressure (automotive air bags, anti-lock brakes).

One ten-billionth of a meter. Some chip layers are only 100 angstroms thick.

Application Specific Integrated Circuits

A step in semiconductor manufacturing in which the chip (die) is either encased in a plastic, ceramic or other package or assembled directly on a printed circuit board.

Application-Specific Standard Products. An integrated circuit that performs functions for a single application.

An analog measure derived from the difference between the highest and lowest frequency on a carrier wave. Also used to describe the amount of data that can be sent through a given communications circuit.