Nicolas Mokhoff Editor, Special Issues/Features

The one constant about our annual 2003 Emerging Markets report is that the creative spirit of designers, engineers and scientists continues unabated, despite a dour politico-economic climate. Some markets are emerging faster than others, some are reemerging and some are in the perpetual state of emergence. Nevertheless, each one has unique requirements for just the right enabling technologies to trigger growth. One underlying theme for all markets ranging from ubiquitous computing to holographic storage is that integration is paramount; another is that software development has become crucial. Some enabling technologies, such as system-on-chip design and integration, are viable markets in their own right. Thus, one article addresses the testability of intellectual-property blocks that make up an SoC. Another looks in detail at the art of designing gigabit-per-second backplanes. Cellular technology's quest for meeting third-generation (3G) specs is highlighted, as is the phenomenon of the camera phone. In yet another story, we look at the transition to fabricating chips on 300-mm wafers, which should produce its own market after semiconductor demand starts picking up and technical kinks can be ironed out. This year's report includes 18 articles, researched and written by our global EE Times Network staff. In addition, 14 authors contribute their views on emerging markets.