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How to Optimize the Transient Response of a Phase-Locked Loop

How to Optimize the Transient Response of a Phase-Locked Loop

In this article we’ll explore the mathematical relationships that will help you to design a PLL that quickly and smoothly locks onto the input frequency.


Understanding Phase-Locked Loop Transient Response

Understanding Phase-Locked Loop Transient Response

In this article we’ll use SPICE simulations to take a close look at how a phase-locked loop enters the locked state.


How to Simulate a Phase-Locked Loop

How to Simulate a Phase-Locked Loop

This article presents an LTspice circuit that can be used to explore the behavior of a phase-locked loop.


What Exactly Is a Phase-Locked Loop, Anyways?

What Exactly Is a Phase-Locked Loop, Anyways?

This article introduces a phase-based feedback system that plays an important role in many applications.


What Exactly Is a Quartz Crystal, Anyways? A Look at Quartz Crystal Oscillators

What Exactly Is a Quartz Crystal, Anyways? A Look at Quartz Crystal Oscillators

This article explains some theory behind an extremely common electronic component.


Design a Custom Microcontroller Programming and Testing Board

Design a Custom Microcontroller Programming and Testing Board

In this article we’ll discuss the design for a custom microcontroller programming/debug/extension PCB and we’ll look at an example project.


Projects Feb 25, 2018 by Robert Keim
How to Monitor Current with an Op-Amp, a BJT, and Three Resistors

How to Monitor Current with an Op-Amp, a BJT, and Three Resistors

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, explains the functionality of a clever circuit that accurately measures supply current.


The Why and How of Pipelining in FPGAs

The Why and How of Pipelining in FPGAs

This article explains pipelining and its implications with respect to FPGAs, i.e., latency, throughput, change in operating frequency, and resource utilization.


When a Diode Simply Isn’t Good Enough: The Superdiode

When a Diode Simply Isn’t Good Enough: The Superdiode

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, discusses an interesting circuit in which an op-amp and an ordinary diode work together to create a superdiode.


Capacitive Control Panel PCB Design Considerations for TI’s MSP430FR2633 Microcontroller

Capacitive Control Panel PCB Design Considerations for TI’s MSP430FR2633 Microcontroller

This article provides a closer look at the PCB design considerations and programming of a custom capacitive touch interface device.


Implementing Your Phase-Shift Oscillator: Frequency Response and Amplitude Stabilization

Implementing Your Phase-Shift Oscillator: Frequency Response and Amplitude Stabilization

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, explores a handy circuit that can generate sustained sinusoidal oscillations.


Power over Ethernet (PoE) with Microchip’s EoE!

Power over Ethernet (PoE) with Microchip’s EoE!

Embrace the power of Power over Ethernet with Microchip's Ethernet of Everything!


Projects Jan 26, 2018 by Ryan Jones
How to Generate a Sine Wave: The Phase-Shift Oscillator

How to Generate a Sine Wave: The Phase-Shift Oscillator

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, explains a fairly straightforward circuit that can be used as part of an analog oscillator.


Designing a Self-Biasing Class C Amplifier

Designing a Self-Biasing Class C Amplifier

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, explores a self-biased class C stage that could be used in an RF power amplifier.


Building a Capacitive Touch Interface with the Texas Instruments MSP430FR2633

Building a Capacitive Touch Interface with the Texas Instruments MSP430FR2633

The MSP430FR2633 is a low-power microcontroller with multiple GPIOs and capacitive touch pins. This project creates a circuit that supports a custom capacitive touch panel with LED and haptic feedback.


Projects Jan 12, 2018 by Mark Hughes
An Op-Amp Limiter: How to Limit the Amplitude of Amplified Signals

An Op-Amp Limiter: How to Limit the Amplitude of Amplified Signals

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, explores the design and functionality of an op-amp-based limiter.


How to Multiply RF Signals without a Multiplier: The Switching Mixer

How to Multiply RF Signals without a Multiplier: The Switching Mixer

This article introduces an important technique used to perform frequency mixing in modern RF circuits.


The FitByte: How to Make an ATtiny85 Powered Activity Tracking Wearable

The FitByte: How to Make an ATtiny85 Powered Activity Tracking Wearable

This is a protoype of a fitness wearable device designed to vibrate when it detects stagnation.


Projects Dec 13, 2017 by Demsey Kirkwood
High-Speed Waveform Generation with an MCU and a DAC

High-Speed Waveform Generation with an MCU and a DAC

In this article, we’ll evaluate different firmware strategies in our pursuit of maximum-frequency analog signal generation.


Projects Dec 08, 2017 by Robert Keim
How to Generate a High-Precision Waveform Using a DAC and a Custom PCB

How to Generate a High-Precision Waveform Using a DAC and a Custom PCB

In this article, we’ll develop firmware that will serve as the basis for high-precision, high-speed signal generation.


Projects Dec 01, 2017 by Robert Keim