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RF Amplifier Stability Factors and Stabilization Techniques

RF Amplifier Stability Factors and Stabilization Techniques

Learn ways to test an RF amplifier's stability, techniques to stabilize its operation, and how RF design software can help you do both.


Using the Operating Power Gain to Design a Bilateral RF Amplifier

Using the Operating Power Gain to Design a Bilateral RF Amplifier

For newbie RF designers, the field's variety of power gain definitions can cause confusion. This article explains how, why, and when to use the operating power gain definition in RF amplifier design.


Is Every Conductor an Antenna?

Is Every Conductor an Antenna?

Learn how conductive circuit components can function as antennas, even when they aren't intended to.


Wireless Module or SoC? Cost Considerations in IoT Design

Wireless Module or SoC? Cost Considerations in IoT Design

Should your IoT design use a wireless module or a System-on-Chip (SoC)? This article presents a deep dive into the cost implications of each option, assisting you in making an informed, cost-effective decision.


A Raspberry Pi Pico Controlled Frequency Shift Audio Oscillator:  A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

A Raspberry Pi Pico Controlled Frequency Shift Audio Oscillator:  A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

A PIR sensor detects objects to allow a Raspberry Pi Pico running MicroPython code to adjust the frequency of a Science Fair electronic oscillator circuit with audio output.


Projects Nov 26, 2023 by Don Wilcher
Adding Hysteresis to a Comparator Circuit: LTspice Lab

Adding Hysteresis to a Comparator Circuit: LTspice Lab

This article uses SPICE simulations to explain the functionality of hysteresis based on positive feedback in a comparator circuit.


Understanding Hysteresis in Electronic Components and Circuits

Understanding Hysteresis in Electronic Components and Circuits

Learn about the behavior and benefits of hysteresis in comparator circuits, magnetic components, and high-power devices.


How to Design a Bilateral RF Amplifier for Maximum Gain

How to Design a Bilateral RF Amplifier for Maximum Gain

This article explores the design of bilateral RF amplifiers for maximum transducer gain, and explains how to assess whether an RF amplifier is bilateral or unilateral.


Introduction to Hysteresis: Rate-Dependent and Rate-Independent Hysteresis

Introduction to Hysteresis: Rate-Dependent and Rate-Independent Hysteresis

This article, the second in a series on hysteresis, explains two types of hysteresis found in engineered systems.


What is Hysteresis? An Introduction for Electrical Engineers

What is Hysteresis? An Introduction for Electrical Engineers

Found both in nature and in engineered systems, hysteresis is a crucial design technique in certain electronic applications. In this article, we'll introduce its theoretical underpinnings.


MOSFET Non-Idealities in Analog IC Design

MOSFET Non-Idealities in Analog IC Design

MOS transistors exhibit a wide variety of second-order effects not covered by ideal models. To design analog integrated circuits that will work in the real world, we need to understand these non-idealities.


Analyzing a Current-Mode-Controlled Buck Converter in LTspice

Analyzing a Current-Mode-Controlled Buck Converter in LTspice

In this article, we use voltage waveforms to explore the electrical behavior of key subcircuits within a CMC buck converter.


Implementing a Current-Mode-Controlled Buck Converter in LTspice

Implementing a Current-Mode-Controlled Buck Converter in LTspice

In this article, we use LTspice to discuss the operation of the voltage error amplifier and PWM generator in a current-mode-controlled (CMC) step-down regulator.


Designing a Unilateral RF Amplifier for a Specified Gain

Designing a Unilateral RF Amplifier for a Specified Gain

Learn about the role of gain analysis in the design of unilateral RF amplifiers, first by reviewing the basic concepts and then by working through a pair of design examples.


MOSFET Structure and Operation for Analog IC Design

MOSFET Structure and Operation for Analog IC Design

Learn about the theory and implementation of MOSFETs, a key component of today’s analog integrated circuits.


An A-Weighted Analog Filter that Mimics the Response of the Human Ear

An A-Weighted Analog Filter that Mimics the Response of the Human Ear

In this project, we design an A-weighted analog noise filter for audio frequencies. The filter provides a variable frequency gain response that is similar to that of our hearing.


Projects Oct 29, 2023 by John Woodgate
Introduction to Analog IC Design

Introduction to Analog IC Design

Interested in learning about analog integrated circuits? This article explores the design metrics and applications of these essential but underappreciated ICs.


Unconditional Stability and Potential Instability in RF Amplifier Design

Unconditional Stability and Potential Instability in RF Amplifier Design

Stability analysis is an integral part of RF design. Learn the basics of stability analysis, including how to determine whether a device is unconditionally stable or potentially unstable.


From VHDL Code to Real Hardware: Designing an 8-bit ALU

From VHDL Code to Real Hardware: Designing an 8-bit ALU

In this project we create an 8-bit arithmetic logic unit (ALU) in the VHDL language and run it on an Altera CPLD development board connected to a custom PCB with input switches and LED display.


ADC Linearity Testing: the Sinusoidal Histogram Method

ADC Linearity Testing: the Sinusoidal Histogram Method

This article explains how to use a histogram test with a sinusoidal input to determine analog-to-digital converter (ADC) parameters, along with the advantages of doing so.