National buys conversion expertise
In a move which strengthens its data conversion business, National Semiconductor is buying Xignal Technologies, a leading developer of continuous time sigma delta a/d converters.
Xignal’s technology enables high resolution (12bit and above) a/d conversion at megahertz rates, but at much lower power levels than traditional pipeline solutions. The continuous time architecture is also said to simplify system design as it allows incorporation of other signal path functions, such as on-board clocks, low-noise amplifiers and external filters.
According to NatSemi, the acquisition not only strengthens its position in the data conversion market, but also augments its sigma delta IP and complements its sigma delta technology development.
Initial products from the acquisition will be targeted at applications requiring a high level of signal path integration and extremely low power, such as medical ultrasound imaging, and will expand over time to address test and measurement and communication applications.
For more on Xignal's technology, click on the link below to download a pdf.
