One of their bigger hits last years was in NXP Semiconductor (NXPI), a maker of Near-Field Communication semiconductors for mobile devices.

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Consider the two strong entrants in analog semiconductors, the devices that monitor and amplify signals: Linear Technology ( LLTC, 31) and Maxim Integrated Products ( MXIM, 27).

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Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions.

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Military satellites and other electronic devices using carbon nanotube semiconductors will be able to withstand solar flare-ups and nuclear radiation from attacks that often corrupt data in standard chips.

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The company was formed by three former Analog Devices engineers to replace silicon in semiconductors with a low-power gallium arsenide concoction that TRW once used to pass reams of top-secret data through satellites.

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Analogix Semiconductor, Inc. designs and manufactures semiconductors for the digital multimedia market, from portable devices such as smart phones to high-end graphics cards and large, high-definition displays.

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The production of semiconductors, the tiny chip that makes all sorts of electronic devices work, remains a major industry for the U.S. and a leading export.

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Nitride semiconductors have attracted attention for their potential applications in highly efficient optical and power devices for energy saving.

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