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Foreword The reality of the world and the laws of physics dictate that systems will always need power and must interface with the outside world, whether linking internal components, connecting to a sensor, or interfacing with an antenna. In these instances—and many more—analog principles and functions are indispensable and unavoidable. Even the growth of AI in various forms highlights the need for more analog functions, especially in power supplies and input/output ports that allow these powerful computing systems to function. From a high-level perspective, the term "analog" involves four closely related roles: X Defining critical functions in the system and signal chain X Providing the hardware components, primarily but not exclusively ICs, to implement the needed functions X Applying many analog-dependent design techniques to ensure that the circuit and end product will perform as needed in the system X Efficiently providing, delivering, and managing the power (i.e., voltage and current) that every system needs, from minuscule amounts for individual ICs in health-oriented wearables to the much greater amount required for electric vehicles and data centers In short, analog is everywhere because it provides the underlying foundation and operating environment that allows all the other electronic functions, including digital and software, to exist and operate. This foundation includes sensor signal conditioning, processing, filtering, and management, along with the power- supply functions from the AC grid and batteries that these functions require. It takes more than just the hardware of analog components to succeed in the real world and the physical level of circuits and systems. A solid understanding of analog-related issues and their impact will reduce design risk while improving performance and efficiency—even if the design looks satisfactory in concept, simulation, or prototype physical construction. Among the many complex concerns that will always be with designers are noise in its various manifestations, electromagnetic interference (EMI), crosstalk, circuit-board layout and wire routing, and circuit protection against many types of transients and overloads. These issues must be understood, managed, attenuated, and contained for a successful, robust, and safe design execution, which must also meet a long list of performance demands and safety and regulatory mandates. The articles in this eBook highlight both the breadth of analog and power considerations and their ubiquitous presence. They cover common design issues such as: X Minimizing the impact of EMI and surges on power circuits X Leveraging gallium nitride (GaN) power-device process technology to improve system efficiency while reducing size and thermal issues X Suppressing the generation of EMI by power circuits while improving their efficiency X Addressing, tolerating, and recovering from power-supply glitches, usually (but not always) due to noise X Developing negative voltages from a positive-only source (such as a battery) X Combating parasitic FET oscillation in hot-swap circuits The focus on analog and power issues in the following articles offers valuable insight and perspectives. This knowledge can better equip designers to meet stringent performance and safety standards. The insights gained will serve as a solid foundation for future projects, ensuring continued innovation and success in analog design. By Martin Keenan, Senior Marketing Manager, Analog Devices, Inc. 3 Advanced Power Solutions for Efficiency and Robustness | ADI Adobe Stock / Sergey Ryzhov – stock.adobe.com