Analog Unveils New Digital Signal Chips

U.S. chip maker Analog Devices Inc. unveiled a new line of digital signal processors today that can enhance video and other functions on devices such as hand-held computers.

The Blackfin chips, using an architecture developed jointly with Intel Corp., incorporate a programmer-friendly design to speed development of software and hardware, including applications that will be key to the success of next-generation wireless devices.

Analog Devices also announced a power management chip that would cut the DSP’s power consumption by more than 60%, by adjusting voltage and frequency to minimize the amount of energy used for any given processing task.

The new Blackfin DSP runs at 300 megahertz, and chips will eventually be rolled out that deliver up to 1 gigahertz, the company said.

The fast-growing market for DSP chips for cell phones and other devices is dominated by Texas Instruments Inc.

Chip makers have been racing to develop faster, power-saving, easily programmable chips to meet the demands of advanced wireless technology.

The technology includes third-generation cell phone services due for launch in Japan in the fall that will offer such sophisticated functions as videoconferencing and high-speed Internet connections.

In April, Norwood, Mass-based Analog Devices said fiscal second-quarter earnings and revenue will be lower than expected because of canceled orders.

The company expects earnings of 31 cents to 33 cents a share on sales of $600 million to $620 million, up 3% to 7% from a year ago.

On Friday in New York Stock Exchange trading, shares of Analog Devices fell $1.99 to close at $49.31.