Personal communication systems-integration opportunities and trends

The opportunity for system integration that is presented by the trend towards personal communication products is examined. It is pointed out that the performance of the semiconductor industry will be key in achieving the cost, size, and performance necessary to satisfy the needs of business and the mass market. A range of semiconductor capabilities will be needed which raise interesting questions concerning system partitioning and the choice of technology. It is noted that the current adoption of digital standards in Europe, North America, and Japan represents the first step towards the personal communicator. However, one of the main enabling factors in achieving this goals, a very low-cost terminal, will be an evolution which will take place in parallel with the growth of systems. It is concluded that the rate at which this will be achieved will be a consequence of commonality of standard