Latest Technical Articles

In this article, we’ll learn about the limitations of magnetically coupled transformers in RF applications by modeling…

In this article, we’ll learn about the limitations of magnetically coupled transformers in RF applications by modeling the devices' high-frequency non-idealities.

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

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

As part of a vector network analyzer (VNA), a directional coupler enables us to characterize a device’s performance by…

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.

Learn how a push-pull Class B amplifier functions, how to calculate its efficiency, and how its performance compares to…

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.

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

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.

How does a Class B power amplifier work? What makes it more efficient than a Class A power amplifier? Learn the answers…

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.

In this article, we explore the types of impedance tuners most commonly used for load-pull measurement—their…

In this article, we explore the types of impedance tuners most commonly used for load-pull measurement—their advantages, their disadvantages, and the methods by which they synthesize impedance.

Have you ever needed an unusual, non-standard resistance value for the project you are building? This article will…

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.

The output power and efficiency of a power amplifier (PA) are highly dependent on its load terminations. Learn how to…

The output power and efficiency of a power amplifier (PA) are highly dependent on its load terminations. Learn how to characterize a PA's performance by analyzing load lines and estimating the load-pull contours of constant output power.

In the final installment of our series on the development of the Anthilla Controller, we look at the legal requirements…

In the final installment of our series on the development of the Anthilla Controller, we look at the legal requirements for bringing the project to market in the European Union.

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

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

This four-part series walks through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things (IoT)…

This four-part series walks through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) hardware platform. In Part 3, we cover the manufacturing, assembly, and product testing of the board.

RF amplifier design is a challenging task, involving trade-offs between linearity, efficiency, gain, and output power.…

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.

In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things…

In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) hardware platform. Part 2 explains the process and requirements of obtaining an open-source hardware certification.

Learn how the available power gain concept can help us solve the problem of designing a bilateral RF amplifier for a…

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.

In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source IoT hardware…

In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source IoT hardware platform. Part 1 introduces the project's specifications and explains key design decisions.

In this article, we learn about noise parameters and use Smith charts to design a unilateral low-noise amplifier (LNA)…

In this article, we learn about noise parameters and use Smith charts to design a unilateral low-noise amplifier (LNA) for a specified gain.

This project will cover the design, construction, and testing of an analog filter meeting the ITU-R BS.468-4…

This project will cover the design, construction, and testing of an analog filter meeting the ITU-R BS.468-4 specification, which aims to evaluate the disturbing effects of noise on audio broadcast signals.

Learn about pressure transducers: devices used in a variety of industrial, medical, automotive, and consumer applications…

Learn about pressure transducers: devices used in a variety of industrial, medical, automotive, and consumer applications to sense pressure and convert it into electrical energy.