Zarlink analog PLL simplifies line card design

What is a semiconductor?
A class of materials, for instance silicon and germanium, whose electrical properties lie between those of conductors (such as copper and aluminum) and insulators (such as glass and rubber). It displays relatively high resistance in pure state and much lower resistance when it contains small amounts of certain impurities.

What does analog mean?
A continuously varying signal. For example, if an analog signal's range is from 0V to 5V, the signal can assume any voltage within that range such as 1.2, 2.4, or 4.7V. Microprocessors and microcontrollers usually cannot process analog signals directly and require conversion by an A/D converter before they can process the signal.