This book reflects parts of my 33 years of work in the Philips Natuurkundig
Laboratorium and its successor. If there is anything I would call “luck” in my life,
it was the opportunity to work in this place. The creativity, energy, opportunities,
and people in this laboratory are unique. It is not trivial to create such research
freedom in a financially driven industry. My 7 years as a mixed-signal department
head have taught me that. Therefore, I am truly grateful to those who served in the
management of Philips Research and backed me when working on things outside
the project scope or looking in unusual directions, namely, Theo van Kessel, Kees
Wouda, Gerard Beenker, Hans Rijns, and Leo Warmerdam.