Portable device terminology: Fill in the blank — The proliferation of small handheld consumer equipment such as digital video cameras, cellular phones, handheld computers (________), portable audio systems, and other devices has driven demand for tiny logic packages.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: PDAs

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Consumer electronics have pushed digital integrated circuits toward smaller footprints, lower power, and higher integration. In the early era of mobile computing, “handheld computers” were widely referred to as PDAs, or personal digital assistants. This terminology shows up frequently in packaging and power discussions for digital logic families.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We are identifying the common acronym for “handheld computers.”
  • Context includes mobile devices such as cameras, phones, and portable audio systems.
  • The focus is on how such products influenced IC package evolution.


Concept / Approach:
PDAs predate and overlap with smartphones and tablets, representing an important market for early low-power, small-outline packages (SOIC, TSSOP, QFN, CSP) and low-voltage logic families. Identifying PDAs in the historical text connects device demand to IC packaging advancements and logic family choices (e.g., low-voltage CMOS with high ESD robustness and low quiescent power).


Step-by-Step Solution:

Parse the sentence: “handheld computers (______).”Recognize the period-correct and industry-standard term: PDAs.Fill in PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) as the correct expansion.


Verification / Alternative check:
Industry literature from the 1990s–2000s references PDAs as a key driver for miniaturized logic packaging and battery-friendly operation.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • HDLs: Hardware description languages; not a device category.
  • GDAs: Not a standard term here.
  • TTLs: A logic family, not a product class.
  • ASICs: Application-specific ICs; again, not a handheld product category.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing logic acronyms with product types; overlooking historical terminology that influenced packaging and design trends.


Final Answer:
PDAs

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion