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An Introduction to Digital Signal Processing

An Introduction to Digital Signal Processing

This article provides a general understanding of what DSP is, how it works, and what advantages it can offer. To appreciate the advantages of DSP, let’s first have a look at the conventional method of signal processing, i.e., analog signal processing.


How to Measure the Drive Level of a Quartz Crystal

How to Measure the Drive Level of a Quartz Crystal

Learn why the drive level of your quartz crystal oscillator is important and several methods for how to measure it.


Examining the Negative Resistance of a Quartz Crystal Oscillator

Examining the Negative Resistance of a Quartz Crystal Oscillator

This article discusses how we can examine the oscillator circuit to make sure that it has sufficient “negative resistance” or “oscillation allowance”.


Understanding the Operation of Quartz Crystal Oscillators

Understanding the Operation of Quartz Crystal Oscillators

In this article, we’ll try to develop a deeper insight into the operation of a quartz crystal oscillator.


Characterizing Frequency Deviations of Quartz Crystals: Frequency Tolerance, Frequency Stability, and Aging

Characterizing Frequency Deviations of Quartz Crystals: Frequency Tolerance, Frequency Stability, and Aging

Learn about some of the most important characteristics of quartz crystal frequency deviations.


LVDT Demodulation: Rectifier-Type vs. Synchronous Demodulation

LVDT Demodulation: Rectifier-Type vs. Synchronous Demodulation

Learn how two methods of demodulation compare: synchronous demodulation and rectifier-type demodulation. Here we discuss each method's advantages, drawbacks, and appropriate applications.


Learn About the Basics of LVDT Demodulator Circuits

Learn About the Basics of LVDT Demodulator Circuits

Learn where demodulator circuits are needed and how you can convert the AC output of an LVDT (linear variable differential transformer) into DC signals using a diode rectifier.


An Introduction to Switched-capacitor Circuits

An Introduction to Switched-capacitor Circuits

In this series of articles, we’ll discuss one of the fundamental building blocks of analog IC design: the switched-capacitor circuit.


Learn About Three-Op Amp Instrumentation Amplifiers

Learn About Three-Op Amp Instrumentation Amplifiers

In this article, we'll discuss instrumentation amplifiers (in-amps) which have high common-mode rejection and provide high and equal input impedances. We will also look at the advantages and disadvantages of a commonly-used in-amp often referred to as the three-op amp in-amp.


What Is the Power Spectrum of Quantization Noise?

What Is the Power Spectrum of Quantization Noise?

Our series on quantization noise begins with a clarification of the framework the author used to determine the scope of his investigation into quantization noise.


Adding a Low-pass Filter to an ADC Model and DAC Modeling

Adding a Low-pass Filter to an ADC Model and DAC Modeling

In the final part of this series on modeling ADCs, we discuss one more model and also briefly cover DAC models.


Modeling ADCs Using Intermodulation Polynomial and Effective Number of Bits

Modeling ADCs Using Intermodulation Polynomial and Effective Number of Bits

In this article, we discuss another methodology of how to model ADCs in system simulations, this time by using the effective number of bits and also adjusting our ADC by introducing a 5th order polynomial to the ideal quantizer input.


Modeling ADCs Using Effective Number of Bits (ENOB)

Modeling ADCs Using Effective Number of Bits (ENOB)

Learn about the concept of ENOB (effective number of bits) and how it can be used in modeling data converters in system simulations.


How Should Data Converters Be Modeled for System Simulations?

How Should Data Converters Be Modeled for System Simulations?

This article launches a series exploring the question of how to model data converters for system simulations.


Digital or Analog? How Should I and Q Combining and Separation Be Done?

Digital or Analog? How Should I and Q Combining and Separation Be Done?

How should I and Q combining be done? Through analog or digital means? This article will discuss the basics of the analog and digital IQ approaches.


PCB Layout Techniques for Reducing Harmonic Distortion of a Differential ADC Driver

PCB Layout Techniques for Reducing Harmonic Distortion of a Differential ADC Driver

Summary


6 Causes of MOS Transistor Leakage Current

6 Causes of MOS Transistor Leakage Current

Leakage current can contribute to power dissipation, especially at lower threshold voltages. Learn about six types of leakage current that can be found in MOS transistors.


Understanding the Leakage Current Components in Short Channel MOS Transistors

Understanding the Leakage Current Components in Short Channel MOS Transistors

This article covers the basics of MOS transistors with a view towards better understanding the leakage current that can occur in such transistors.


Introduction to Phototransistors

Introduction to Phototransistors

In this series of articles, we’ll explore higher-output-current alternatives to photodiodes.


Reducing Distortion in Tape Recordings with Hysteresis in SPICE

Reducing Distortion in Tape Recordings with Hysteresis in SPICE

Summary