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The growth in applications related to the Internet of Things (IoT) is also creating
more opportunities for classic analog components such as op-amps and
comparators. This is primarily due to the many sensors (e.g., temperature,
pressure, humidity, air quality, motor speed) that need signal interfacing and
conditioning, as well as actuators that need drive circuitry, Figure 1. The
critical functions provided by these analog components cannot be eliminated
or avoided, while integrating them within mostly-digital ICs is often technically
impractical.
Figure 1: The industrial environment is now laced with IoT sensors for many physical and
operating parameters, many of which require analog signal-conditioning components for
their front-end circuitry. (Source: Texas Instruments)
This IoT growth is also changing the nature of these analog components,
while rearranging the top-tier parameters that vendors focus on providing and
Low-Quiescent Places Among Top Op-Amps
By Bill Schweber for Mouser Electronics
Basic analog components, such
as op-amps and comparators
with ultralow quiescent
current, maximize battery life
in IoT, automotive, and other
applications, yet do not require
unacceptable performance
compromises.
