In this project, we mix the old and the new by integrating present-day BLE technology with a vintage Science Fair computer kit.
In this project, we mix the old and the new by integrating present-day BLE technology with a vintage Science Fair computer kit.
To avoid distortion and slow transitions in an operational amplifier's output signal, it's important to understand slew…
To avoid distortion and slow transitions in an operational amplifier's output signal, it's important to understand slew rate. In this article, we examine its causes and effects.
In this article, we conclude our discussion of VNAs by walking through the steps of a SOLT calibration and examining the…
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.
This article explains how to estimate the dynamic range a vector network analyzer (VNA) needs for a given measurement,…
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.
In this article, we investigate two metrics used to characterize the performance of RF test and measurement systems.
In this article, we investigate two metrics used to characterize the performance of RF test and measurement systems.
In this article, we explore how the signal source and receivers of a VNA enable its function.
In this article, we explore how the signal source and receivers of a VNA enable its function.
Directional couplers are valuable tools for testing RF systems. However, the finite directivity of these devices can…
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.
As part of a vector network analyzer (VNA), a directional coupler enables us to characterize a device’s performance by…
As part of a vector network analyzer (VNA), a directional coupler enables us to characterize a device’s performance by its S-parameters. Read this article to learn more about this important piece of equipment.
A PIR sensor detects objects to allow a Raspberry Pi Pico running MicroPython code to adjust the frequency of a Science…
A PIR sensor detects objects to allow a Raspberry Pi Pico running MicroPython code to adjust the frequency of a Science Fair electronic oscillator circuit with audio output.
This article, the second in a series on hysteresis, explains two types of hysteresis found in engineered systems.
This article, the second in a series on hysteresis, explains two types of hysteresis found in engineered systems.
This article explains how to use a histogram test with a sinusoidal input to determine analog-to-digital converter (ADC)…
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 testing is the most popular method for determining analog-to-digital converter (ADC) static parameters. In this…
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.
In this hands-on project, we will update a 1980s version of a one-shot (monostable multivibrator) circuit by giving it a…
In this hands-on project, we will update a 1980s version of a one-shot (monostable multivibrator) circuit by giving it a modern, colorful output while also examining the circuit's operation.
Continuing our in-depth look at a simple SPICE circuit that can generate a negative supply voltage, we’ll consider the…
Continuing our in-depth look at a simple SPICE circuit that can generate a negative supply voltage, we’ll consider the effect of oscillator frequency on the system’s performance parameters.
Learn more about dithering, namely improving the spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of an analog-to-digital converter…
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.
Learn about two nonlinearity sources, spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) in…
Learn about two nonlinearity sources, spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) in analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).
In this project, learn to create a digitally-controlled oscillator or DCO-based audio synthesizer with an Arduino Nano or…
In this project, learn to create a digitally-controlled oscillator or DCO-based audio synthesizer with an Arduino Nano or an Arduino Uno.
Learn how dithering can suppress both harmonic and non-harmonic spurs and two different types of dithering systems:…
Learn how dithering can suppress both harmonic and non-harmonic spurs and two different types of dithering systems: subtractive and non-subtractive topologies.
Learn about digital square wave generators using a ring oscillator, a 555 timer-based oscillator, and an…
Learn about digital square wave generators using a ring oscillator, a 555 timer-based oscillator, and an Arduino-generated square wave oscillator.
Learn how dithering can be added to a signal to improve the performance of an analog-to-digital conversion system by…
Learn how dithering can be added to a signal to improve the performance of an analog-to-digital conversion system by eliminating quantization error and distortion.
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