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Understanding and Using the SAM4S Digital-to-Analog Converter

Understanding and Using the SAM4S Digital-to-Analog Converter

Part Two in this three-article series explores the SAM4S DAC. We’ll look at hardware configuration, electrical characteristics, and the application programming interface.


Projects May 04, 2016 by Robert Keim
Classification of Signals used in Electrical Engineering

Classification of Signals used in Electrical Engineering

Classifying signals is a way to organize the signals that surround us. It focuses design, testing requirements, measurement tools, and expected results. There are many ways to classify signals!


PWM Digital-to-Analog Conversion with the SAM4S Xplained Pro

PWM Digital-to-Analog Conversion with the SAM4S Xplained Pro

In this article we’ll use the SAM4S Xplained Pro development platform to get some hands-on experience with a PWM DAC.


Projects Apr 19, 2016 by Robert Keim
Low-Pass Filter a PWM Signal into an Analog Voltage

Low-Pass Filter a PWM Signal into an Analog Voltage

In this article we will take a closer look at how to effectively low-pass filter a PWM signal into an analog voltage.


Turn Your PWM into a DAC

Turn Your PWM into a DAC

If your microcontroller doesn’t have a digital-to-analog converter, you can make a passable replacement with nothing more than a pulse-width-modulated signal and a low-pass filter.


How to Buffer an Op-Amp Output for Higher Current, Part 4

How to Buffer an Op-Amp Output for Higher Current, Part 4

If you choose to buffer with MOSFETs instead of BJTs, you need to consider the relationship between gate capacitance and instability.


How to Buffer an Op-Amp Output for Higher Current, Part 3

How to Buffer an Op-Amp Output for Higher Current, Part 3

The previous two articles focused on bipolar junction transistors. In this article, we’ll look at buffering with MOSFETs instead of BJTs.


How to Buffer an Op-Amp Output for Higher Current, Part 2

How to Buffer an Op-Amp Output for Higher Current, Part 2

In this article, we will look at two variations on the basic BJT current-buffering circuit.


How to Buffer an Op-Amp Output for Higher Current, Part 1

How to Buffer an Op-Amp Output for Higher Current, Part 1

Op-amps become even more versatile if you can use them in high-current applications. In this article, we will look at a basic current-buffering circuit.


Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 1: The Circuit

Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 1: The Circuit

Invoke the power of the PID (proportional–integral–derivative controller)! The key components in this design are an EFM8 microcontroller, a DAC, and the MAX31855 thermocouple-to-digital converter.


Projects Feb 01, 2016 by Robert Keim
A Breakdown of Class D Amplifiers

A Breakdown of Class D Amplifiers

Ever wanted to find out more about Class D amplification? Here's a handy breakdown.


Negative Feedback, Part 10: Stability in the Time Domain

Negative Feedback, Part 10: Stability in the Time Domain

The transient response of a negative-feedback amplifier can help us to understand the nature of stability and convey useful information about the stability characteristics of a particular circuit.


Negative Feedback, Part 9: Breaking the Loop

Negative Feedback, Part 9: Breaking the Loop

A simple “break-the-feedback-loop” simulation technique makes for convenient stability analysis, especially with complex circuits.


Negative Feedback, Part 8: Analyzing Transimpedance Amplifier Stability

Negative Feedback, Part 8: Analyzing Transimpedance Amplifier Stability

The techniques discussed in previous articles can help us to understand and remedy stability problems observed in a common circuit used to amplify photodiode signals.


Negative Feedback, Part 7: Frequency-Dependent Feedback

Negative Feedback, Part 7: Frequency-Dependent Feedback

This article will help you to understand why the frequency response of a feedback network can seriously, and sometimes unexpectedly, degrade stability.


Negative Feedback, Part 6: New and Improved Stability Analysis

Negative Feedback, Part 6: New and Improved Stability Analysis

This article will show you a handy alternative approach to assessing stability via open-loop gain and the feedback factor.


Negative Feedback, Part 5: Gain Margin and Phase Margin

Negative Feedback, Part 5: Gain Margin and Phase Margin

How to use frequency-domain simulations to analyze loop gain and evaluate the stability of your amplifier circuit. We need a way to determine whether a circuit is sufficiently stable—in other words, stable enough to ensure that the circuit will perform properly despite part-to-part variations and environmental or operational conditions that affect the characteristics of the open-loop gain or the feedback network. There is where gain margin and phase margin come into play.


Use LTspice to Understand the LM741 OpAmp: Part 2

Use LTspice to Understand the LM741 OpAmp: Part 2

How an op amp works with LTspice simulation. We left off last time finishing up how the input stage of an op-amp works. The next important stage is made up by transistors Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, and Q7.


Understanding Analog-to-Digital Converters: Deciphering Resolution and Sampling Rate

Understanding Analog-to-Digital Converters: Deciphering Resolution and Sampling Rate

Resolution and sampling rate are two important factors to consider when selecting an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In order to understand these fully, concepts such as quantisation, and the Nyquist Criterion must be understood to a certain degree.


Negative Feedback, Part 4: Introduction to Stability

Negative Feedback, Part 4: Introduction to Stability

Why are negative-feedback amplifiers susceptible to oscillation? What is the fundamental criterion for stability? Let’s find out.