Latest IC Design Technical Articles

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 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.

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.

In this article, we examine the oscillation behavior of an LED blinker circuit in QSPICE and learn how to control its…

In this article, we examine the oscillation behavior of an LED blinker circuit in QSPICE and learn how to control its ON-time and pulse repetition frequency.

Learn how to design and verify analog circuits using SLiCAP, a Python-based symbolic simulator program.

Learn how to design and verify analog circuits using SLiCAP, a Python-based symbolic simulator program.

In this article, we'll walk through the process of importing SPICE models into QSPICE and demonstrate the basics of using…

In this article, we'll walk through the process of importing SPICE models into QSPICE and demonstrate the basics of using the QSPICE waveform viewer, including measurement markers.

In this article, we'll walk through the process of moving an LTspice circuit into QSPICE and learn some QSPICE schematic…

In this article, we'll walk through the process of moving an LTspice circuit into QSPICE and learn some QSPICE schematic techniques.

This article, the first in a four-part series on moving from LTspice to QSPICE, introduces an LED blinker circuit that…

This article, the first in a four-part series on moving from LTspice to QSPICE, introduces an LED blinker circuit that we’ll simulate with both programs.

The common-drain amplifier is a single-stage configuration that uses the gate as its input and the source as its output.…

The common-drain amplifier is a single-stage configuration that uses the gate as its input and the source as its output. Learn about its small-signal characteristics in this article.

Also known as the source follower, the common-drain amplifier is notable for its low output impedance. This article…

Also known as the source follower, the common-drain amplifier is notable for its low output impedance. This article introduces the basic common-drain configuration and examines its large-signal characteristics.

This article demonstrates the operation of an LTspice shift register and discusses details of its schematic and timing…

This article demonstrates the operation of an LTspice shift register and discusses details of its schematic and timing relationships.

We explore the design and functionality of a digital shift register intended for use in mixed-signal circuit simulations.

We explore the design and functionality of a digital shift register intended for use in mixed-signal circuit simulations.

Customizing the device parameters of LTspice's logic gates and flip-flops can help you more accurately simulate these…

Customizing the device parameters of LTspice's logic gates and flip-flops can help you more accurately simulate these components. This article walks through the specification process and provides some helpful tips.

This article explains how to successfully integrate logic gates into an LTspice simulation.

This article explains how to successfully integrate logic gates into an LTspice simulation.

In this article, we use a SPICE model for 90 nm CMOS to plot key electrical relationships of an NMOS transistor.

In this article, we use a SPICE model for 90 nm CMOS to plot key electrical relationships of an NMOS transistor.

SPICE models designed for specific CMOS process nodes can enhance simulations of integrated-circuit transistors. Learn…

SPICE models designed for specific CMOS process nodes can enhance simulations of integrated-circuit transistors. Learn where to find these models and how to use them.

Current briefly flows through both transistors during logic-level transitions. This article explores the resulting power…

Current briefly flows through both transistors during logic-level transitions. This article explores the resulting power dissipation and provides some helpful LTspice tips for measuring current and power.