System composition reality: Complete the statement — “Most complex digital designs include ________.”

Introduction / Context:
Real-world products blend multiple hardware paradigms to meet performance, power, and cost goals. This question reinforces that most sophisticated systems are heterogeneous rather than built from a single class of devices.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• “Complex” suggests multitasking, I/O-rich, and performance-sensitive applications.
• Available hardware categories include microprocessors/DSPs, FPGAs/CPLDs, ASICs, memory, and standard logic.
• Designs must satisfy conflicting constraints (latency, flexibility, BOM cost).

Concept / Approach:
Partitioning is key: processors handle control and algorithms; programmable logic accelerates hot paths; ASICs optimize high-volume, power-critical functions; standard logic and power management glue subsystems together. Therefore, “a mix of different hardware categories” is the most accurate completion.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Teardowns of phones, routers, industrial controllers, and vehicles show SoCs plus memory, PMICs, RF, sensors, and sometimes programmable logic or dedicated ASICs all on the same board.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only one category: Unrealistic for complex systems.
• “Only memory and connectors”: Ignores compute and control components entirely.

Common Pitfalls:
Over-optimizing around a single device; ignoring that nonrecurring engineering and volumes drive ASIC vs. FPGA decisions; failing to consider firmware upgradability.

Final Answer:
a mix of different hardware categories