Trends in electronic systems

Summary form only given. New forces are reshaping the world economy. The electronic industry is in the midst of a major paradigm shift. High-value added products such as computers are more and more reflecting the dynamics of commodity products. Intense competition in micro-electronics, computers, telecommunications, consumer electronics, requires to rethink the role of industry and its structure to survive. Major trends in product technologies are presented. The world markets are examined briefly and some implications are drawn. The electronic systems of tomorrow will be characterized by mixed hardware-software, mechanical-electrical, analog-digital designs. Major breakthroughs are required to open new paths for the designers of mixed systems. The role of programmable components and of software, the issues of integrated circuit manufacturing and of contract manufacturing are examined.