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Understanding CMRR and its Relationship With ADC Offset Error

Learn how variations of the common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) can affect an analog-to-digital converter's (ADC) performance.

November 04, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

An Introduction to RTD Sensor Signal Conditioning Circuits

Learn about the basics of different signal conditioning circuits for RTD applications, including a voltage divider, Wheatstone bridge circuit, and delta-sigma (ΔΣ) converter.

October 30, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Magnetic Field Strength Meter and Calibrator

This project will explain how to develop a system to measure magnetic field emissions at frequencies up to 150 kHz from high-current power cables without cutting or disturbing the cable.

October 28, 2022 by John Woodgate

Modeling RTD Resistance-temperature Characteristics

Model the characteristic curve of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) and the common standards used to characterize these devices like the alpha parameter and Callendar-Van Dusen equation.

October 23, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

What is Clock Skew? Understanding Clock Skew in a Clock Distribution Network

Learn about clock skew, what it is, and its impact on modern systems through understanding synchronous circuitry, clock delivery, and clock distribution networks.

October 21, 2022 by Jake Hertz

Fourier Series Circuit Analysis—An Intro to Fourier Series Representation

Learn about the importance of the Fourier series in circuit analysis and the Fourier series equations, while gaining insight into how this analysis tool works.

October 16, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Thermocouple Signal Conditioners and Signal Conditioning Near the Cold Junction

Learn about monolithic thermocouple signal conditioners and signal conditionings through example products like AD594 / AD595, MAX6675, and ADS1220.

October 14, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

RTD Basics—An Introduction to Resistance Temperature Detectors

Learn the basics of RTDs, namely the trade-offs of using RTD temperature sensors, the metals used in these sensors, thin film RTDs, and wire-wound RTDs.

October 09, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Ratiometric Resistance Measurement Basics Using an Analog to Digital Converter

Learn the basics of ratiometric resistance measurements in analog to digital (A/D) converters, how it's measured, and example uses in a digital multimeter (DMM), microprocessor, and various resistive sensors.

October 07, 2022 by Harry Trietley

Exploring Monolithic Thermocouple Signal Conditioning Using AD849x and LT1025

Learn about thermocouple signal conditioning and thermocouple nonlinearity through two different monolithic thermocouple amplifier solutions: the AD849x family and the LT1025.

October 06, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

The Basics Behind a MEMS Capacitive Humidity Sensor

Learn the basics of MEMS capacitive humidity sensors, namely their structure, performance metrics, dew point, and applications.

September 30, 2022 by Harry Trietley

Unraveling the Thermocouple Approximation Error Using the Least Squares Method

Learn about the linear approximation error for a type k thermocouple and how to use the least squares method and Matlab to find the line of best fit that minimizes the approximation error.

September 25, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Introduction to Temperature Sensors: Thermistors, Thermocouples, RTDs, and Thermometer ICs

Learn about different temperature sensors, namely: thermistors, thermocouples, RTDs (resistive temperature detectors), analog thermometer ICs and digital thermometer ICs.

September 16, 2022 by Nick Davis

Electronic Component Aging—Long Term Drift (LTD) in a Voltage Reference

Learn how manufacturers characterize and estimate the long-term drift (LTD) of a voltage reference for electronic component aging prediction.

September 11, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Thermocouple Cold Junction Compensation Using Analog Temperature Sensors

Learn how analog circuits can be used to implement cold junction compensation using examples from Analog Devices and Texas Instrument's TMP35 and LM335 temperature sensors, respectively.

September 09, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

DC and Steady-state AC Circuit Analysis Made Easy with Python

Learn how utilizing Python and SymPy in DC and steady-state AC circuit analysis can help speed up and simplify calculations like mesh current and phasor current.

September 04, 2022 by Darby Hewitt

H-bridge DC Motor Control Using Complementary PWM, Shoot-through, and Dead-time

Learn about the role of non-overlapping or complementary pulse width modulation (PMW) in DC motor control using an h-bridge circuit, taking into consideration PWM shoot-through and dead-time PWM.

August 29, 2022 by Jake Hertz

Electronic Component Aging—the Aging Effects of Resistors and Op-amps

Learn about the aging behavior of resistors and amplifiers using temperature calculations and the Arrhenius equation to understand resistor drift, resistor stability, and op-amp drift.

August 28, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

What is Cold Junction Compensation in Thermocouples?

Learn about the theory behind cold junction compensation in thermocouples using the Seebeck voltage, reference tables, and by finding the hot junction temperature.

August 21, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Using the Arrhenius Equation to Predict Electronic Component Aging

Learn about calculating the activation energy of the aging process and some of the contradictory opinions about the Arrhenius equation's usefulness when predicting a crystal's aging process.

August 18, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar