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How to Estimate and Enhance the Dynamic Range of a Vector Network Analyzer

How to Estimate and Enhance the Dynamic Range of a Vector Network Analyzer

This article explains how to estimate the dynamic range a vector network analyzer (VNA) needs for a given measurement, then discusses four techniques for boosting the dynamic range to the required level.


Understanding the Significance of Dynamic Range and Spurious-Free Dynamic Range

Understanding the Significance of Dynamic Range and Spurious-Free Dynamic Range

In this article, we investigate two metrics used to characterize the performance of RF test and measurement systems.


TDK LAMBDA RGC Series DC-DC Buck-Boost Converters | New Product Brief

TDK LAMBDA RGC Series DC-DC Buck-Boost Converters | New Product Brief

The TDK-Lambda RGC Series Non-Isolated DC-DC Buck-Boost Converters provide a versatile power solution tailored for fanless conduction-cooled applications. Watch and learn all about their features, specs, applications, and more!


Understanding the Inner Workings of Vector Network Analyzers

Understanding the Inner Workings of Vector Network Analyzers

In this article, we explore how the signal source and receivers of a VNA enable its function.


Understanding RF Power Measurement Errors in Directional Couplers

Understanding RF Power Measurement Errors in Directional Couplers

Directional couplers are valuable tools for testing RF systems. However, the finite directivity of these devices can cause measurement uncertainty. Learn more in this article.


Balun Basics and Practical Performance Parameters

Balun Basics and Practical Performance Parameters

Learn about the balun, a special type of transformer used in mixers, amplifiers, and signaling.


Introduction to the Directional Coupler for RF Applications

Introduction to the Directional Coupler for RF Applications

As part of a vector network analyzer (VNA), a directional coupler enables us to characterize a device’s performance by its S-parameters. Read this article to learn more about this important piece of equipment.


Basic Principles of the Push-Pull Class B Power Amplifier

Basic Principles of the Push-Pull Class B Power Amplifier

Learn how a push-pull Class B amplifier functions, how to calculate its efficiency, and how its performance compares to the inductively-loaded Class A design.


Small-Signal MOSFET Models for Analog IC Design

Small-Signal MOSFET Models for Analog IC Design

The small-signal characteristics of MOSFETs play an important role in analog IC design. In this article, we learn how to model MOS transistors' small-signal behaviors.


Introduction to the Class B Power Amplifier

Introduction to the Class B Power Amplifier

How does a Class B power amplifier work? What makes it more efficient than a Class A power amplifier? Learn the answers in this article.


A Simple Procedure for Creating Any Resistance Using Standard Resistors

A Simple Procedure for Creating Any Resistance Using Standard Resistors

Have you ever needed an unusual, non-standard resistance value for the project you are building? This article will provide you with a simple series of steps to build the resistance you need from a collection of resistors.


A 1939 Audio Oscillator Caught Disney’s Eye—And Helped Launch HP

A 1939 Audio Oscillator Caught Disney’s Eye—And Helped Launch HP

75 years ago, one of the biggest electronics firms of the century got its start in a Palo Alto, California, garage—and it did so with the help of Mickey Mouse.


News Jan 01, 2024 by Duane Benson
Editor’s Choice: Our Top 10 News Articles of 2023

Editor’s Choice: Our Top 10 News Articles of 2023

Looking back on the year, here’s a review of the most popular News articles on All About Circuits.


News Dec 31, 2023 by Jeff Child
Introduction to the Inductively-Loaded Class A Power Amplifier

Introduction to the Inductively-Loaded Class A Power Amplifier

Learn how an inductively-loaded common-emitter stage can function as a power amplifier.


Can There Be Any Doubt? In Our Industry, 2023 Was ‘The Year of AI’

Can There Be Any Doubt? In Our Industry, 2023 Was ‘The Year of AI’

While the rest of the world spent 2023 playing with ChatGPT, the electronics industry put AI into everything from processors to edge IoT chips to EDA tools.


News Dec 27, 2023 by Jeff Child
Happy Holidays—It’s a People Business We’re In, and It Always Has Been

Happy Holidays—It’s a People Business We’re In, and It Always Has Been

On this Christmas day, let’s remember that this is a people business. Enjoy this round up of 2023 articles about people that performed extraordinary engineering work throughout history.


News Dec 25, 2023 by Jeff Child
Introduction to Class A Power Amplifiers: The Common-Emitter PA

Introduction to Class A Power Amplifiers: The Common-Emitter PA

RF amplifier design is a challenging task, involving trade-offs between linearity, efficiency, gain, and output power. Here, we examine how a common-emitter circuit can, or can't, function as a power amplifier.


Using the Available Power Gain to Design a Bilateral Low-Noise Amplifier

Using the Available Power Gain to Design a Bilateral Low-Noise Amplifier

Learn how the available power gain concept can help us solve the problem of designing a bilateral RF amplifier for a specified gain and noise figure.


SiTime Releases MEMS Oven-Controlled Oscillators as GPS Fail-Safe

SiTime Releases MEMS Oven-Controlled Oscillators as GPS Fail-Safe

This ruggedized version of SiTime's Epoch platform acts as a holdover when GPS signals drop because of inclement weather, spoofing, jamming, or other disruptions. 


News Dec 13, 2023 by Arjun Nijhawan
P-DUKE RED40U and RCD10U DC/DC Converter | Tech Explainer

P-DUKE RED40U and RCD10U DC/DC Converter | Tech Explainer

P-Duke, an industry leader in power conversion solutions, meets this escalating demand for improved performance and dependability with their new RCD10U and RED40U ultra-wide input DC-to-DC converters.