All About Circuits

Latest Audio Articles and Videos

Categories

Harmonics and THD in Audio Systems: Are You a Subjectivist or a Rationalist?

Harmonics and THD in Audio Systems: Are You a Subjectivist or a Rationalist?

THD of an audio system can be easily measured, but because the ultimate output of an audio system is a sound for humans to hear, human perception plays a role in determining what to do about THD.


Analyzing and Solving Fixed Frequency Spur Issues in High Precision ADC Signal Chains

Analyzing and Solving Fixed Frequency Spur Issues in High Precision ADC Signal Chains

This article will introduce approaches for determining the root causes of spur issues in high-resolution precision ADC applications and present solutions to solve them.


Harnessing High-Frequency Sound: A New Ultrasonic Controller from Texas Instruments

Harnessing High-Frequency Sound: A New Ultrasonic Controller from Texas Instruments

You can do a lot with ultrasound, and whatever you’re doing will be easier with a highly integrated IC such as the PGA460-Q1.


Understanding Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in Power Systems

Understanding Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in Power Systems

This article describes the cause and effect of total harmonic distortion (THD) in power systems. Some means of improving THD are also discussed.


FET vs. BJT vs. IGBT: What’s the Right Choice for Your Power Stage Design?

FET vs. BJT vs. IGBT: What’s the Right Choice for Your Power Stage Design?

This article will help the reader understand the different types of power semiconductors: how they work, their key parameters, and trade-offs.


New Class D Amplifiers and a DSP for Your Audio Applications

New Class D Amplifiers and a DSP for Your Audio Applications

In this article we’ll look at three new components for amplifying and processing audio signals.


News Mar 10, 2017 by Robert Keim
Teardown Tuesday: Sound-Activated LED Party Lighting

Teardown Tuesday: Sound-Activated LED Party Lighting

See what's inside a sound-activated LED for use in DJ environments.


News Mar 07, 2017 by Robin Mitchell
Developing Smarter, Safer Cars with ADAS (Automotive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) IP

Developing Smarter, Safer Cars with ADAS (Automotive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) IP

Optimizing performance, safety, and reliability in ADAS applications via design, verification, and processor IP and a holistic design approach.


Engineer Spotlight: NXROBO’s Dr. Tin Lun Lam on the Complexities of Designing Home Robots

Engineer Spotlight: NXROBO’s Dr. Tin Lun Lam on the Complexities of Designing Home Robots

NXROBO's Tin Lun Lam shares insights on designing home robots.


News Mar 06, 2017 by Dr. Steve Arar
Teardown Tuesday: Baofeng Amateur Radio Transceiver

Teardown Tuesday: Baofeng Amateur Radio Transceiver

This teardown looks at some of the circuitry inside Baofeng's dual-band handheld transceiver.


News Feb 28, 2017 by Mark Hughes
New Low-Power Op-Amps for Your Analog and Mixed-Signal Designs

New Low-Power Op-Amps for Your Analog and Mixed-Signal Designs

Yes, manufacturers are still improving op-amps. This article looks at new offerings from Maxim, Linear Tech, and STMicroelectronics.


News Feb 24, 2017 by Robert Keim
Understanding, Calculating, and Measuring Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

Understanding, Calculating, and Measuring Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

Total harmonic distortion (THD) is a measurement that tells you how much of the distortion of a voltage or current is due to harmonics in the signal.


Comparing the Electret to MEMS Microphones

Comparing the Electret to MEMS Microphones

This technical brief explains the physical characteristics and the benefits of microphones based on MEMS technology.


An Introductory Project for Software Defined Radio

An Introductory Project for Software Defined Radio

Learn how to listen to frequencies on the air with nothing more than a USB dongle: first FM radio, then voice signals.


Projects Feb 02, 2017 by Christi Durham
How Sonic Tractor Beams Work

How Sonic Tractor Beams Work

This practical tractor beam uses ultrasonic waves to levitate small spheres at short distances.


A New Nanoscale Metamaterial Could Conduct Better than Semiconductors

A New Nanoscale Metamaterial Could Conduct Better than Semiconductors

Despite being heavily replaced by semiconductors, a team of researchers has developed a nanoscale device that operates similarly to valves.


News Dec 07, 2016 by Robin Mitchell
The Holiday Season Analog Alarm! A Gift-Defending System

The Holiday Season Analog Alarm! A Gift-Defending System

Nowhere to hide presents this holiday season? No problem! This alarm will sound anytime a loved one tries to get a sneak peek at his or her surprise.


Projects Dec 05, 2016 by Ryan Jones
Tesla’s Towers: Pikes Peak, Wardenclyffe, and Wireless Power Transmission

Tesla’s Towers: Pikes Peak, Wardenclyffe, and Wireless Power Transmission

Even a genius like Tesla couldn't escape the market rules of product success: Be first to market, offer good value, and best the competition.


Practical Filter Design Challenges and Considerations for Precision ADCs

Practical Filter Design Challenges and Considerations for Precision ADCs

Precision analog-to-digital converters can be tricky. Here are some pointers to get the most out of them.


Overclocked Wearables Can Pick Up Bio-Acoustic Signals

Overclocked Wearables Can Pick Up Bio-Acoustic Signals

Software updates can make conventional wearables capable of recognizing the wearer's movements.


News Nov 25, 2016 by Dr. Steve Arar