Latest Technical Articles

In this article, we explore two different methods for analyzing the impedance transformation ratio of a transmission line…

In this article, we explore two different methods for analyzing the impedance transformation ratio of a transmission line transformer.

The full-wave bridge rectifier converts an AC input voltage to a DC power supply voltage. Learn about the operation of…

The full-wave bridge rectifier converts an AC input voltage to a DC power supply voltage. Learn about the operation of this essential circuit.

In this project, which uses the Arduino IDE, we create and demonstrate a digital drawing pad using an ESP32-based e-paper…

In this project, which uses the Arduino IDE, we create and demonstrate a digital drawing pad using an ESP32-based e-paper display dev board, rotary encoders for drawing control, and an accelerometer for shake detection to initiate an erase.

In this article, we conclude our discussion of VNAs by walking through the steps of a SOLT calibration and examining the…

In this article, we conclude our discussion of VNAs by walking through the steps of a SOLT calibration and examining the potential non-idealities of its reference standards.

Learn how to design the battery array that best fits your system’s power requirements. This article will help you…

Learn how to design the battery array that best fits your system’s power requirements. This article will help you interpret battery specifications, estimate operating life, and understand the relationship between capacity, load, and environment.

Learn about the characteristics and limitations of an operational amplifier’s output voltage range.

Learn about the characteristics and limitations of an operational amplifier’s output voltage range.

This article, the first in a two-part series on op amp signal swing, explains the characteristics and limitations of an…

This article, the first in a two-part series on op amp signal swing, explains the characteristics and limitations of an operational amplifier’s input voltages.

The 12-term error model is a simple, effective way of modeling systematic errors in vector network analyzer (VNA)…

The 12-term error model is a simple, effective way of modeling systematic errors in vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements. Learn about this model and an associated error correction technique in this article.

In this article, we compare the scope of factory and user calibration for vector network analyzers (VNAs). We then learn…

In this article, we compare the scope of factory and user calibration for vector network analyzers (VNAs). We then learn about the types of errors that calibration techniques can't correct.

In this project article, we design a handheld gaming console with wireless multiplayer functionality using ESP8266…

In this project article, we design a handheld gaming console with wireless multiplayer functionality using ESP8266 microcontrollers. We then program a game for it with the Arduino IDE.

In this article, we learn about the frequency response of the MOSFET common-source amplifier by examining its s-domain…

In this article, we learn about the frequency response of the MOSFET common-source amplifier by examining its s-domain transfer function.

Learn the basics of how vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration techniques correct measurement errors.

Learn the basics of how vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration techniques correct measurement errors.

In this article, we cover the basic behavior of the MOSFET common-source amplifier with different types of load.

In this article, we cover the basic behavior of the MOSFET common-source amplifier with different types of load.

This article explains how to estimate the dynamic range a vector network analyzer (VNA) needs for a given measurement,…

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.

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

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

In this project, we’ll use a Raspberry Pi Pico to build an adjustable clock with an LED display. We’ll then integrate…

In this project, we’ll use a Raspberry Pi Pico to build an adjustable clock with an LED display. We’ll then integrate the clock with a Radio Shack Science Fair Microcomputer Trainer programmed to function as a 7-bit binary counter.

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

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

Learn how bifilar coils can be used to build Gustav Guanella’s classic RF balun.

Learn how bifilar coils can be used to build Gustav Guanella’s classic RF balun.

Directional couplers are valuable tools for testing RF systems. However, the finite directivity of these devices can…

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.