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Simulating the Switching Power Dissipation of a CMOS Inverter

Simulating the Switching Power Dissipation of a CMOS Inverter

When a CMOS inverter switches logic states, power is consumed due to its charging and discharging currents. Learn how to simulate these currents in LTspice.


Building a Circuit to Measure the Effect of Noise on Audio Signals

Building a Circuit to Measure the Effect of Noise on Audio Signals

This project will cover the design, construction, and testing of an analog filter meeting the ITU-R BS.468-4 specification, which aims to evaluate the disturbing effects of noise on audio broadcast signals.


Projects Dec 10, 2023 by John Woodgate
RF Amplifier Stability Factors and Stabilization Techniques

RF Amplifier Stability Factors and Stabilization Techniques

Learn ways to test an RF amplifier's stability, techniques to stabilize its operation, and how RF design software can help you do both.


Implementing a Current-Mode-Controlled Buck Converter in LTspice

Implementing a Current-Mode-Controlled Buck Converter in LTspice

In this article, we use LTspice to discuss the operation of the voltage error amplifier and PWM generator in a current-mode-controlled (CMC) step-down regulator.


An A-Weighted Analog Filter that Mimics the Response of the Human Ear

An A-Weighted Analog Filter that Mimics the Response of the Human Ear

In this project, we design an A-weighted analog noise filter for audio frequencies. The filter provides a variable frequency gain response that is similar to that of our hearing.


Projects Oct 29, 2023 by John Woodgate
Designing a Current-Mode-Controlled Buck Converter in LTspice

Designing a Current-Mode-Controlled Buck Converter in LTspice

In this article, we’ll learn about current-mode control (CMC) for switching regulators by examining the layout of an example circuit in LTspice.


Closed-Loop Control for an LTspice Switching Regulator

Closed-Loop Control for an LTspice Switching Regulator

Learn how to simulate a switching voltage regulator with a voltage-controlled PWM waveform in LTspice.


All About the Inverting Buck-Boost Converter

All About the Inverting Buck-Boost Converter

Learn about the inverting buck-boost converter, a switching voltage regulator designed to handle unstable input voltages.


Building a One-Shot Multivibrator with an ESP32 Terminal Display:  A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

Building a One-Shot Multivibrator with an ESP32 Terminal Display:  A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

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.


Projects Sep 17, 2023 by Don Wilcher
Inductor Current in a Boost Converter: a SPICE Analysis

Inductor Current in a Boost Converter: a SPICE Analysis

With the help of LTspice, we examine how inductor current affects the functioning of a boost converter.


Understanding the Operation of a Boost Converter

Understanding the Operation of a Boost Converter

Learn how a step-up switching regulator generates an output voltage higher than its input voltage.


Introduction to the Boost Converter: Structure and Design

Introduction to the Boost Converter: Structure and Design

What is a boost converter? This article discusses key initial design tasks for a step-up voltage regulator and describes its structure.


Choosing Capacitance Values for a Step-Down Switching Regulator

Choosing Capacitance Values for a Step-Down Switching Regulator

Designing a buck converter? Read this article for practical guidance on selecting an output capacitance value.


Choosing the Right Type of Output Capacitor for a Switching Regulator

Choosing the Right Type of Output Capacitor for a Switching Regulator

Capacitors are a crucial component of step-down switching regulators. Learn about the different capacitor types and how each one affects regulator performance.


Selecting Inductors for Step-Down Switching Regulators, Continued

Selecting Inductors for Step-Down Switching Regulators, Continued

Are you picking out components for a step-down switching regulator? Learn how to think about inductance values and inductor current when choosing an inductor.


Choosing Inductor Values for Step-Down Switching Voltage Regulators

Choosing Inductor Values for Step-Down Switching Voltage Regulators

Proper inductor selection is one key to the successful design and implementation of a switching regulator. This article will help you understand the relationship between the inductor value and circuit performance.


LTspice Lab: Buck Converter Current and Voltage Dynamics

LTspice Lab: Buck Converter Current and Voltage Dynamics

Improve your understanding of switch-mode voltage regulators by examining the electrical characteristics of a step-down converter during the on and off portions of its switching cycle.


An RMS Detector for a Wideband Voltmeter—Design and Operation

An RMS Detector for a Wideband Voltmeter—Design and Operation

This project demonstrates the design and operation of a root-mean-squared (RMS) detector for inclusion in a wideband voltmeter. The RMS detector is useful for measuring certain signal types, including noise, since it provides an indication of the energy in a signal.


Projects Jun 25, 2023 by John Woodgate
What Is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?

What Is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?

This FEQ (Frequent Engineering Question) gives you essential information about the most important and widespread technique for converting a theoretical circuit into a functional physical device.


Obtaining Convergence for High-Q XTAL Oscillators

Obtaining Convergence for High-Q XTAL Oscillators

Learn a method of attaining convergence when simulating very high Q crystal oscillators using Cadence’s Virtuoso Periodic Steady State (PSS) analysis.