Latest Communication Technical Articles

This project brief describes how to build and use a four-channel differential line receiver module for balanced RS-422…

This project brief describes how to build and use a four-channel differential line receiver module for balanced RS-422 and RS-485 data links.

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.

This project brief describes how to implement a four-channel differential line driver module for reliable long-distance…

This project brief describes how to implement a four-channel differential line driver module for reliable long-distance data transmission over balanced twisted-pair lines.

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.

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 PLLs enable communication in which a clock signal is not transmitted with the data. We’ll look specifically…

Learn how PLLs enable communication in which a clock signal is not transmitted with the data. We’ll look specifically at return-to-zero (RZ) and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) data formats.

We use a Raspberry Pi and free software to build a test platform for IoT systems.

We use a Raspberry Pi and free software to build a test platform for IoT systems.

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.

High-speed data transmission interfaces such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet use differential signaling due to its superior…

High-speed data transmission interfaces such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet use differential signaling due to its superior noise immunity. Even so, some noise still appears. To remove it, we need to understand where it comes from and why.

Though both standards have long been used for serial communication, RS-485 offers valuable features that aren't available…

Though both standards have long been used for serial communication, RS-485 offers valuable features that aren't available from RS-232. Learn more in this article.

How does a Class B power amplifier work? What makes it more efficient than a Class A power amplifier? Learn the answers…

How does a Class B power amplifier work? What makes it more efficient than a Class A power amplifier? Learn the answers in this article.

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.

This four-part series walks through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things (IoT)…

This four-part series walks through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) hardware platform. In Part 3, we cover the manufacturing, assembly, and product testing of the board.

Pairing is an important concept in Bluetooth LE. Let’s examine the fundamentals of Bluetooth LE pairing, outlining how…

Pairing is an important concept in Bluetooth LE. Let’s examine the fundamentals of Bluetooth LE pairing, outlining how LE devices securely share keys between trusted devices.

To understand known vulnerabilities and attacks on Bluetooth LE devices, we review some studies from the past 4+ years.

To understand known vulnerabilities and attacks on Bluetooth LE devices, we review some studies from the past 4+ years.

Learn about Bluetooth LE's security features and tools, how to use them, and understand how they keep connections secure.

Learn about Bluetooth LE's security features and tools, how to use them, and understand how they keep connections secure.

Explore the seven states of the Bluetooth LE radio, how the link layer state machine manages the LE radio, and the roles…

Explore the seven states of the Bluetooth LE radio, how the link layer state machine manages the LE radio, and the roles of these states in wireless communication.

Take a closer look at the definition of the RF noise figure and discuss some subtleties to help avoid erroneous…

Take a closer look at the definition of the RF noise figure and discuss some subtleties to help avoid erroneous interpretations of this specification.