Latest Audio Technical Articles

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.

This project brief explains how to construct a PCB-based audio-processing platform with an ATmega328 microcontroller. A…

This project brief explains how to construct a PCB-based audio-processing platform with an ATmega328 microcontroller. A link to Arduino code for creating an audio echo is also provided.

In this article, we'll learn about several key applications of PLLs in communication systems, including tracking filters,…

In this article, we'll learn about several key applications of PLLs in communication systems, including tracking filters, frequency and phase modulation, and FM and AM demodulation.

The Hogge phase detector plays multiple roles in CDR circuits. In this article, we'll explore the Hogge detector's…

The Hogge phase detector plays multiple roles in CDR circuits. In this article, we'll explore the Hogge detector's behavior, highlight its main drawbacks, and introduce a different configuration that addresses them.

Learn how the Hogge detector addresses the challenges of clock and data recovery (CDR) for data signals with limited…

Learn how the Hogge detector addresses the challenges of clock and data recovery (CDR) for data signals with limited clock information.

In this project, we'll construct and test a microcontroller-based system that digitally generates analog signals.

In this project, we'll construct and test a microcontroller-based system that digitally generates analog signals.

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

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

Learn how to select the zero frequency, damping factor, and loop bandwidth for one of the most popular PLL configurations.

Learn how to select the zero frequency, damping factor, and loop bandwidth for one of the most popular PLL configurations.

This article explains how Type-2 PLLs with an integrator loop filter outperform Type-1 systems. To do so, we'll examine…

This article explains how Type-2 PLLs with an integrator loop filter outperform Type-1 systems. To do so, we'll examine the PLL behavior for frequency step and frequency ramp inputs.

Learn how using a pole-zero loop filter improves PLL performance and design flexibility over the simpler lag filter.

Learn how using a pole-zero loop filter improves PLL performance and design flexibility over the simpler lag filter.

In this article, we evaluate the designs of two simple frequency synthesizers to learn how a second-order PLL with a lag…

In this article, we evaluate the designs of two simple frequency synthesizers to learn how a second-order PLL with a lag filter can provide a faster rise time than a first-order PLL.

In this article, we analyze the steady-state errors and Bode plots for a second-order PLL with a simple, first-order loop filter.

In this article, we analyze the steady-state errors and Bode plots for a second-order PLL with a simple, first-order loop filter.

Learn how adding a lowpass loop filter to a PLL with a single integrator impacts both the frequency-domain and…

Learn how adding a lowpass loop filter to a PLL with a single integrator impacts both the frequency-domain and time-domain response.

Higher-order PLLs are more commonly used than first-order PLLs. To explain why, we explore the first-order PLL's behavior…

Higher-order PLLs are more commonly used than first-order PLLs. To explain why, we explore the first-order PLL's behavior in response to two inputs: a frequency step and frequency ramp.

In this article, we'll use a nonlinear mathematical model to improve our understanding of how a first-order PLL locks to a signal.

In this article, we'll use a nonlinear mathematical model to improve our understanding of how a first-order PLL locks to a signal.

The phase-locked loop (PLL) is widely used in contemporary analog and digital communication systems. In this article, we…

The phase-locked loop (PLL) is widely used in contemporary analog and digital communication systems. In this article, we develop a nonlinear model for the analog PLL by analyzing its key components.

PLL demodulators are popular, easy to implement, and offer superior noise performance compared to many other FM…

PLL demodulators are popular, easy to implement, and offer superior noise performance compared to many other FM demodulator circuits. Learn how they operate in this article.