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Design a Two-element Matching Network Using the ZY Smith Chart

Learn about the immittance Smith chart (ZY Smith chart), the effect of adding series and parallel components, impedance matching, and finding a two-element matching network.

March 31, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

An Introduction to Power Analysis Side Channel Attacks

Learn the basics of how power-based side-channel attacks work and the different types of power analysis attacks, including simple power analysis (SPA), differential power analysis (DPA), and correlational power analysis (CPA).

March 26, 2023 by Jake Hertz

Analyze RLC Components Using the Admittance Smith Chart and Examples

Learn about the admittance Smith chart to analyze a parallel connection of resistors, capacitors, and inductors, and see the circuit's behavior over the swept frequency range.

March 24, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Multiphase DC-DC Converter Pros and Cons

This article will help you decide when to consider a multiphase approach to step-down, switch-mode voltage regulation.

March 19, 2023 by Robert Keim

Learn by Example—Using an Impedance Smith Chart

Learn how a series RLC circuit with arbitrary component values can be represented as a point on the Smith chart and how an impedance contour on the Smith chart can be used to describe the circuit's frequency response.

March 17, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Learn to Build a Photoelectric Sensor System Using an Arduino Uno and OpenPLC

Since photoelectric sensing can be achieved with electrical, electromechanical, and electronic components, learn to build, test, and implement a prototype photoelectric switch using off-the-shelf components with Arduino OpenPLC.

March 12, 2023 by Don Wilcher

Designing Firmware for Embedded Systems Using Warnier-Orr Diagrams

Go from chaos to clarity by learning how to design programs for embedded systems leveraging the Warnier-Orr diagrams.

March 10, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

Receiving and Sampling Signals in Digital Pulse Amplitude Modulation

The receiver in a digital PAM system must sample and measure the amplitude of a signal that is affected by the frequency response of the transmission channel.

March 05, 2023 by Robert Keim

The Smith Chart and Its Relation to the Reflection Coefficient and Impedance

Learn about the history and ins/outs of the Smith chart, as well as how it relates to the reflection coefficient and makes calculating impedance easier.

March 03, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Mismatch Loss and Mismatch Uncertainty Via Attenuators and Statistical Models

Learn about the effect of mismatch loss on a lossy line, a method to reduce the mismatch loss through fixed attenuators, and the statistical models of this error.

February 26, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Reducing Quantization Distortion Via Subtractive and Non-subtractive Dithering

Learn how dithering can suppress both harmonic and non-harmonic spurs and two different types of dithering systems: subtractive and non-subtractive topologies.

February 24, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Exploring the Basics of Bluetooth Low Energy: A Beginners Guide To BLE

Learn about the Bluetooth low energy (BLE) wireless communication protocol, namely its features, protocol stack, and how it communicates with devices.

February 19, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

Mismatch Loss Effect on RF Power Measurement and Gain of Cascaded Amplifiers

Using the mismatch loss equations, learn about the effect of mismatch loss on RF power measurement and the gain of cascaded amplifiers.

February 15, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Mismatch Loss and Mismatch Uncertainty in RF Systems

Learn more about RF wave reflection parameters, namely mismatch loss and mismatch uncertainty.

February 10, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Introduction to Multiphase DC-DC Converters

This article explores step-down switching power supplies that divide output current among multiple regulation subcircuits operating in parallel.

February 07, 2023 by Robert Keim

RF Design Basics: VSWR, Return Loss, and Mismatch Loss

Learn about voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), return loss, and mismatch loss, which helps characterize the wave reflections in a radio frequency (RF) design.

February 05, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Introduction to Double Date Rate (DDR) Memory

Learn about double date rate (DDR) memory key concepts and applications surrounding this digital communication technique, where two data words are transferred during one clock cycle.

February 03, 2023 by Robert Keim

Transmission Line Theory: Observing the Reflection Coefficient and Standing Wave

Learn about radio frequency (RF) wave propagation and reflection via transmission lines, equations, and example waveforms.

January 29, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Investigating Lossless Transmission Line Phase Constant and Infinite Bandwidth

Learn how to derive the wave equations for a lossless transmission line and look at its infinite bandwidth and phase constant.

January 27, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

A Primer on Digital Pulse Amplitude Modulation

An encoding technique used for digital communication, pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) converts a discrete-time signal into a variable-amplitude continuous-time signal that is suitable for high-speed wired communication systems.

January 22, 2023 by Robert Keim