Mixed-signal semiconductor designs can offer consumer electronics manufacturers significant advantages in performance, size, cost and power consumption. One of the best known designers of such integrated circuits is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Silicon Laboratories (NASDAQ: SLAB) designs and develops analog-intensive, mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs) for a broad range of applications. Its products are commonly found in mobile handsets, satellite set top boxes, automotive sensors, radio tuners, industrial controls and optical networking equipment. Silicon Laboratories is a fabless company, employing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) to produce its ICs. Most sales are made to customers outside the United States. Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) is a major competitor.

The firm pleased investors last week when it reported Q3 EPS of 36 cents and revenues of $87.9 million. Analysts had been expecting 30 cents and $83 million. Management also guided Q4 revenues to $93-$97 million, versus consensus of $90 million. Wedbush Morgan, Lehman Brothers and Deutsche Securities subsequently reiterated "buy" recommendations on the issue. The share price popped on the news and then moved into a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern. Stocks frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.

Commercial radio audience surveys have traditionally required participants to keep a daily written log of listening activity. Now, the leading U.S. provider of survey statistics has devised an easier way. Listeners can just carry a cellphone-sized device that detects inaudible program codes and records the data automatically.

Arbitron (NYSE: ARB) is a media and marketing information company. The firm surveys radio listeners in some 300 U.S. markets, gathering information about listening habits, income, lifestyles and shopping habits. More than 4,600 radio stations and 2,100 advertising agencies subscribe to its services. Arbitron also offers market research to cable TV, internet and outdoor advertising clients. The company has developed the Portable People Meter system, a new technology for commercial radio ratings which will replace its current diary-based system with passive, electronic measurement. Plans call for the PPM to be deployed in the Top 50 radio markets by 2010.

The effective dispensing of fluid products is often a complex problem best left to specialists. A Crystal Lake, Illinois, firm ranks among the recognized experts in the field.

AptarGroup (NYSE: ATR) supplies a broad range of dispensing systems to the fragrance/cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, household and food/beverage markets. Offerings include spray pumps, dispensing closures, nasal pumps, aerosol valves and lotion pumps. The firm operates on five continents and sells most of its products through an in-house sales network.