Latest Amplifiers Technical Articles

Explore how frequency-modulated waves resist interference. We break down the demodulator architecture and derive the…

Explore how frequency-modulated waves resist interference. We break down the demodulator architecture and derive the exact output signal power for a sinusoidal message.

Envelope detection is simple, but that simplicity has a noise-performance cost. Here’s how much SNR conventional AM…

Envelope detection is simple, but that simplicity has a noise-performance cost. Here’s how much SNR conventional AM gives up compared to its coherent counterparts.

Build an ultra-low-noise preamplifier with a JFE150 JFET and OPA202 op-amp, perfect for high-impedance sensors,…

Build an ultra-low-noise preamplifier with a JFE150 JFET and OPA202 op-amp, perfect for high-impedance sensors, hydrophones, guitar pickups, microphones, and turntables.

Using a graphical approach, we show that coherent SSB demodulation leaves the input and output SNR unchanged, then…

Using a graphical approach, we show that coherent SSB demodulation leaves the input and output SNR unchanged, then compare its noise performance to DSB-SC and baseband systems.

Visualizing how correlated and uncorrelated signals combine offers an intuitive look at power transformation. See how…

Visualizing how correlated and uncorrelated signals combine offers an intuitive look at power transformation. See how this difference boosts baseband power to double the output SNR.

Learn how to build a constant-bandwidth band-pass filter covering 20 kHz to 60 kHz, with an integrated frequency counter…

Learn how to build a constant-bandwidth band-pass filter covering 20 kHz to 60 kHz, with an integrated frequency counter for precise tuning.

In this article, we'll learn how to calculate the noise power and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a double-sideband…

In this article, we'll learn how to calculate the noise power and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a double-sideband suppressed-carrier communication system.

In this article, we explore when to choose a Class AB or Class D output stage for your piezo amplifier design. We'll also…

In this article, we explore when to choose a Class AB or Class D output stage for your piezo amplifier design. We'll also examine the Class D stage's power supply requirements.

In this article, we explore the operation of a Class D stage with a capacitive load and how it can be used in piezo…

In this article, we explore the operation of a Class D stage with a capacitive load and how it can be used in piezo amplifier design.

We examine the basic requirements of piezoelectric amplifiers and how Class AB operation can meet them.

We examine the basic requirements of piezoelectric amplifiers and how Class AB operation can meet them.

This article explores the operation of the Gilbert-cell phase detector for both small and large signals.

This article explores the operation of the Gilbert-cell phase detector for both small and large signals.

This project turns old-school analog ammeters into a working clock that can also display the ambient temperature.

This project turns old-school analog ammeters into a working clock that can also display the ambient temperature.

This article explores the Gilbert cell, a widely used analog multiplier circuit.

This article explores the Gilbert cell, a widely used analog multiplier circuit.

This article explores the effect of signal bandwidth on the linearity of power amplifiers, including the impacts of…

This article explores the effect of signal bandwidth on the linearity of power amplifiers, including the impacts of cascaded RF gain stages.

In this article, we’ll use phasor diagrams to compare narrowband FM and conventional AM. We’ll also discuss the…

In this article, we’ll use phasor diagrams to compare narrowband FM and conventional AM. We’ll also discuss the problem of oscillator phase noise and work through an example problem.

Using the third-order intercept point (IP3) metric, we examine how the nonlinearity of individual gain stages in a…

Using the third-order intercept point (IP3) metric, we examine how the nonlinearity of individual gain stages in a cascaded RF system affects the linearity performance of the cascade as a whole.

Gain compression causes power systems to transition from linear to nonlinear operation. Learn how the 1 dB compression…

Gain compression causes power systems to transition from linear to nonlinear operation. Learn how the 1 dB compression point is used to define the limits of linear operation.

We explore the basic concepts of analog predistortion for linearizing RF amplifiers and review some common implementations.

We explore the basic concepts of analog predistortion for linearizing RF amplifiers and review some common implementations.

Learn about an important design technique for high-power RF transmitters: feed-forward linearization, which operates on…

Learn about an important design technique for high-power RF transmitters: feed-forward linearization, which operates on the principle of distortion signal cancellation.