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The Kilo Lamp: An Interactive Lamp Controller

The Kilo Lamp: An Interactive Lamp Controller

This project brief provides the instructions for building a weight-sensitive LED lamp with an Arduino Uno and a handful of commercially available parts.


Introduction to the Balanced Modulator for AM Signals

Introduction to the Balanced Modulator for AM Signals

Learn how the balanced modulator addresses shortcomings of the square-law modulator when generating DSB-SC and conventional AM signals.


Introduction to Modulation Techniques in RF Systems

Introduction to Modulation Techniques in RF Systems

In this article, we discuss the basics of RF modulation and how it affects the performance of communication systems.


Building a Resistor Color Code Calculator and Ohmmeter Using Arduino

Building a Resistor Color Code Calculator and Ohmmeter Using Arduino

For this project, I built a handheld resistor color code calculator and ohmmeter using the ATmega328 microcontroller and a 1.8-inch color LCD display.


Introduction to MOSFET Switching Losses

Introduction to MOSFET Switching Losses

This article will help you optimize your switch-mode regulator and driver circuits by explaining important sources of MOSFET power dissipation.


Understanding RF Calibration Using Short, Open, Load, and Through Terminations

Understanding RF Calibration Using Short, Open, Load, and Through Terminations

In this article, we conclude our discussion of VNAs by walking through the steps of a SOLT calibration and examining the potential non-idealities of its reference standards.


How to Estimate and Enhance the Dynamic Range of a Vector Network Analyzer

How to Estimate and Enhance the Dynamic Range of a Vector Network Analyzer

This article explains how to estimate the dynamic range a vector network analyzer (VNA) needs for a given measurement, then discusses four techniques for boosting the dynamic range to the required level.


Understanding the Significance of Dynamic Range and Spurious-Free Dynamic Range

Understanding the Significance of Dynamic Range and Spurious-Free Dynamic Range

In this article, we investigate two metrics used to characterize the performance of RF test and measurement systems.


Understanding the Inner Workings of Vector Network Analyzers

Understanding the Inner Workings of Vector Network Analyzers

In this article, we explore how the signal source and receivers of a VNA enable its function.


Understanding RF Power Measurement Errors in Directional Couplers

Understanding RF Power Measurement Errors in Directional Couplers

Directional couplers are valuable tools for testing RF systems. However, the finite directivity of these devices can cause measurement uncertainty. Learn more in this article.


Balun Basics and Practical Performance Parameters

Balun Basics and Practical Performance Parameters

Learn about the balun, a special type of transformer used in mixers, amplifiers, and signaling.


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.


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.


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.


Histogram ADC Testing: The Linear Ramp Histogram Test

Histogram ADC Testing: The Linear Ramp Histogram Test

Histogram testing is the most popular method for determining analog-to-digital converter (ADC) static parameters. In this article, learn the basics of histogram testing and the specifics of how to use a linear ramp histogram test.


Servo-Loop ADC Testing: Choosing the Parameters

Servo-Loop ADC Testing: Choosing the Parameters

In this article, we’ll take a look at how servo-loop ADC test parameters can be chosen based on the noise level of the ADC and the desired measurement precision.


Introduction to Servo-Loop ADC Testing

Introduction to Servo-Loop ADC Testing

Servo-loop testing allows the determination of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) transfer function. This article will describe the basics of servo-loop ADC testing and illustrate several different servo-loop test configurations.


Improving ADC SFDR Using Dithering for Communication System Applications

Improving ADC SFDR Using Dithering for Communication System Applications

Learn more about dithering, namely improving the spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that exhibits differential nonlinearity (DNL) errors.


Analyzing a Negative Voltage Charge Pump in LTspice—Source and Load Resistance

Analyzing a Negative Voltage Charge Pump in LTspice—Source and Load Resistance

Learn about using LTspice simulations to provide important insight into the performance of a switched-capacitor voltage-inverting power supply.


Understanding Limitations to Increasing SFDR in High-speed ADCs

Understanding Limitations to Increasing SFDR in High-speed ADCs

Learn about two nonlinearity sources, spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) in analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).