Integrated circuits, or ICs, have revolutionized the electronics industry and built the backbone of the digital revolution. Digital integrated circuit design and analog integrated circuit design have led to the development of ICs for a multitude of devices used in communications and digital appliances. Manufacturing of integrated circuits has brought enormous change to global industrial development and made ubiquitous computing possible.

The massive changes in telecommunications were made possible by the sophisticated design of communications ICs. Communication satellites employ millions of integrated circuits, and the over a billion cell phones in the world require a staggering amount of integrated circuits. The telephony IC manufacturing and distribution industry is a powerful force for globalization.

1. Manufacturers of integrated circuits design, develop and distribute new integrated circuits each business cycle. Near the end of the business cycle is the best time for discounts.

2. IC manufacturing requires the services of numerous secondary and tertiary industries, which creates a variety of business opportunities.

3. Communications ICs have made the world seem a little smaller by creating inexpensive cellular phones and robust compact switching units.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Deal with manufacturers of integrated circuits directly

Manufacturing integrated circuits is a cyclical business. Cycles are determined by supply and demand, as well as research and development. Although manufacturers employ brokers, they will often give deeper discounts directly to volume buyers.

I recommend: Work with NXP Semiconductors, which was founded by Phillips. They have a full line of microcontrollers, integrated circuits, sensors, processors and much more. Texas Instruments has been an industry leader in microcontrol devices for decades, and they offer a seemingly endless array of customization.

Get communications ICs that are easily upgraded

Swapping out an out-of-date communications IC should not be a laborious process. Each generation of communication ICs incorporates more capabilities into the same space. Integrated communications chips should be easy to replace, thus making an older information appliance perform like new.

I recommend: As one of the top communication companies, Broadcom has some of the finest high-speed CMOS-based optical networking chips on the market. Broadcom works directly with businesses to incorporate their ICs and offer 24 hour support. Megatone Electronics manufacturers a wide range of communication IC brands from numerous well known companies.

Buy products that have a proven integrated circuit design

Integrated circuits have complex design architecture which needs to be tested thoroughly. Do not buy a newly-developed integrated circuits in large amounts. Integrated circuits need to be robust and capable of continuous operation for thousands of hours without needing replacement. Leading edge integrated circuits often suffer recalls; system flaws require costly manufacturing delays.

I recommend: Integrated circuits and microcontrollers should be dependable, which is why Maxim offers an ironclad guarantee on its products. Formerly Motorola's Embedded Communications Computing, Emerson Network Power offers a full range of proven integrated circuits and embedded computing solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Establish a close working relationship with integrated circuit engineers in order to utilize the full capabilities of newly developed integrated circuits.