In this article, we'll explore how modal analysis can be applied to problems of balance and common-mode current.
In this article, we'll explore how modal analysis can be applied to problems of balance and common-mode current.
In this article, we'll use practical examples to define and demonstrate the concept of electrical balance. In particular,…
In this article, we'll use practical examples to define and demonstrate the concept of electrical balance. In particular, we’ll examine differential signals and coax currents.
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.
The 12-term error model is a simple, effective way of modeling systematic errors in vector network analyzer (VNA)…
The 12-term error model is a simple, effective way of modeling systematic errors in vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements. Learn about this model and an associated error correction technique in this article.
In this article, we compare the scope of factory and user calibration for vector network analyzers (VNAs). We then learn…
In this article, we compare the scope of factory and user calibration for vector network analyzers (VNAs). We then learn about the types of errors that calibration techniques can't correct.
Learn the basics of how vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration techniques correct measurement errors.
Learn the basics of how vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration techniques correct measurement errors.
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.
Learn about the balun, a special type of transformer used in mixers, amplifiers, and signaling.
Learn about the balun, a special type of transformer used in mixers, amplifiers, and signaling.
In this article, we explore the types of impedance tuners most commonly used for load-pull measurement—their…
In this article, we explore the types of impedance tuners most commonly used for load-pull measurement—their advantages, their disadvantages, and the methods by which they synthesize impedance.
The output power and efficiency of a power amplifier (PA) are highly dependent on its load terminations. Learn how to…
The output power and efficiency of a power amplifier (PA) are highly dependent on its load terminations. Learn how to characterize a PA's performance by analyzing load lines and estimating the load-pull contours of constant output power.
Learn how an inductively-loaded common-emitter stage can function as a power amplifier.
Learn how an inductively-loaded common-emitter stage can function as a power amplifier.
RF amplifier design is a challenging task, involving trade-offs between linearity, efficiency, gain, and output power.…
RF amplifier design is a challenging task, involving trade-offs between linearity, efficiency, gain, and output power. Here, we examine how a common-emitter circuit can, or can't, function as a power amplifier.
Learn how the available power gain concept can help us solve the problem of designing a bilateral RF amplifier for a…
Learn how the available power gain concept can help us solve the problem of designing a bilateral RF amplifier for a specified gain and noise figure.
In this article, we learn about noise parameters and use Smith charts to design a unilateral low-noise amplifier (LNA)…
In this article, we learn about noise parameters and use Smith charts to design a unilateral low-noise amplifier (LNA) for a specified gain.
This article explores the design of bilateral RF amplifiers for maximum transducer gain, and explains how to assess…
This article explores the design of bilateral RF amplifiers for maximum transducer gain, and explains how to assess whether an RF amplifier is bilateral or unilateral.
Learn about the role of gain analysis in the design of unilateral RF amplifiers, first by reviewing the basic concepts…
Learn about the role of gain analysis in the design of unilateral RF amplifiers, first by reviewing the basic concepts and then by working through a pair of design examples.
Stability analysis is an integral part of RF design. Learn the basics of stability analysis, including how to determine…
Stability analysis is an integral part of RF design. Learn the basics of stability analysis, including how to determine whether a device is unconditionally stable or potentially unstable.
Understanding the causes of attenuation in a transmission line can help us choose the right solutions for our…
Understanding the causes of attenuation in a transmission line can help us choose the right solutions for our application. In this article, we’ll learn about attenuation caused by conductor loss and dielectric loss.
The distribution of AC currents in real conductors with finite dimensions and circular or rectangular cross-sections is…
The distribution of AC currents in real conductors with finite dimensions and circular or rectangular cross-sections is non-uniform. This article will discuss Faraday's law and how AC currents create eddy currents and current crowding in real conductors.
The Y-factor method simplifies noise figure measurements by allowing the use of variable attenuators in place of a…
The Y-factor method simplifies noise figure measurements by allowing the use of variable attenuators in place of a calibrated power meter. In addition to defining the Y factor, we will discuss noise source uncertainty and fixturing losses that can introduce errors in your noise figure measurements.
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