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Analog Design Trade-Offs in Applying Linearization Techniques Using Example CMOS Circuits

This article will look at the trade-offs we face when trying to improve the linearity of a circuit.

4 days ago by Steve Arar

AXI Interconnects Tutorial: Multiple AXI Masters and Slaves in Digital Logic

This article will explore AXI interconnects, the digital logic that allows multiple AXI masters and AXI slaves to communicate.

November 28, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

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.

October 30, 2019 by Kevin Aylward

Introduction to the Advanced Extensible Interface (AXI)

This article will introduce the Advanced Extensible Interface (AXI), an extension of AMBA.

October 17, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

IC Design Resources Roundup: Mentor, Cadence, and Synopsys

The design of a modern IC is a truly monumental undertaking, and IC design tools make the job possible.

August 05, 2019 by Gary Elinoff

The Arm Architecture Explained

Learn more about the Arm computer architecture, including ISA, execution states, and processor families.

April 10, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

Running Hard Real-Time Applications and Linux on PolarFire SoC

This article discusses the RISC-V-based SoC FPGA architecture for PolarFire SoC, which allows hard real-time applications and Linux applications to coexist.

March 26, 2019 by Tim Morin, Microchip

Securing Embedded Processors on RISC-V

This article explores the equal importance of software and hardware security for IoT devices and provides actionable steps for securing embedded processors on RISC-V.

October 31, 2018 by Dan Ganousis, Dover Microsystems

Intro Software Walkthrough: Fast Fourier Transforms and the Xilinx FFT IP Core

This article will explain some of the most important settings and design parameters for the Xilinx FFT IP core and function as a basic walkthrough of the Fast Fourier Transform interface.

October 17, 2018 by Steve Arar

RISC-V: Opening a New Era of Innovation for Embedded Design

This article explores the benefits behind RISC-V's open-source hardware model, discussing it's longevity, portability, and reliability.

June 27, 2018 by Ted Marena, Microsemi

A Simple, Compact Power Supply for Analog and Mixed-Signal Systems

This project demonstrates and discusses the performance and functionality of an inductorless ±5 V power-supply circuit.

June 18, 2018 by Robert Keim

RISC-V: Transforming the Development of SoC Devices that Combine FPGAs and Microcontrollers

Until recently, developers integrating a FPGA fabric with a microcontroller were severely limited in their choice of IP licensing options. Using open-source tools with a RISC-V core in a FPGA is present a solution to that problem.

September 06, 2017 by Ted Marena, Microsemi

Maxim Integrated’s Sound Activated NeoPixel Rave Goggles

Be the spectacle at this summer's music festival with these sound activated rave goggles!

July 07, 2017 by Ryan Jones

Op-Amp Input Overvoltage Protection: Clamping vs. Integrated

High precision op amps enable system designers to create circuits that condition signals (amplify, filter, and buffer) while maintaining the precision of the original signal. The precision of the total system depends on maintaining the precision of the signal path.

June 20, 2017 by Daniel Burton, Analog Devices

Convenient Rotational Measurements: A New Angle-Sensor SoC from Allegro

Hall-effect-based ICs such as the A1337 can help your device to perform a variety of sensor tasks related to angular motion.

May 11, 2017 by Robert Keim

Dealing with Variable Lighting: CMOS Vs CCD Image Sensors

Despite the convenience of CMOS imagers, CCD imagers still have their place. And if you really need low-light performance, consider a device with EMCCD technology, such as the KAE-02152.

May 03, 2017 by Robert Keim

Design Considerations for Digital VLSI

In this article, we discuss metastability, setup time, and hold time in designing a digital VLSI circuit.

April 26, 2017 by Mohammad Amin Karami

The CMOS Transmission Gate

This technical brief presents a simple MOSFET configuration that can be used as a voltage-controlled switch.

August 12, 2016 by Robert Keim

Make a PWM Driver for FPGA and SoC Design Using Verilog HDL

An FPGA is a crucial tool for many DSP and embedded systems engineers. However, the learning curve when getting started can be fairly steep. This project introduces the Quartus II and ModelSim software suites as well as a background on FPGA design flow for system on chip development. The development board used was a Terasic DE1-SoC, which has the Altera Cyclone V SoC chip. This IC contains an FPGA and an integrated ARM Cortex A9 as a hard processor system.

December 29, 2015 by William Coventry

Introduction to Microcontroller Timers: Periodic Timers

This article, the first in a series on “timer/counter” functions in microcontrollers, discusses periodic timers.

3 days ago by Stephen Colley

How an Internal Faraday Shield and Small Ci-O Improve Optocoupler Galvanic Isolation

This article discusses how the use of three key design methods utilized in optocouplers improves galvanic isolation performance and presents an accompanying high voltage surge test as proof. 

3 days ago by Lim Shiun Pi, Broadcom Inc

Analog Design Trade-Offs in Applying Linearization Techniques Using Example CMOS Circuits

This article will look at the trade-offs we face when trying to improve the linearity of a circuit.

4 days ago by Steve Arar

Neural Network Architecture for a Python Implementation

This article discusses the Perceptron configuration that we will use for our experiments with neural-network training and classification, and we’ll also look at the related topic of bias nodes.

January 09, 2020 by Robert Keim

Implementing LoRa-based Solutions for Smart Metering

This article explores the use of LoRa devices for long-range, low power smart metering of utilities, which allows for remote daily operations and the collection of data.

January 07, 2020 by Rémi Demerlé, Semtech

Understanding Training Formulas and Backpropagation for Multilayer Perceptrons

This article presents the equations that we use when performing weight-update computations, and we’ll also discuss the concept of backpropagation.

December 27, 2019 by Robert Keim

How to Train a Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network

We can greatly enhance the performance of a Perceptron by adding a layer of hidden nodes, but those hidden nodes also make training a bit more complicated.

December 26, 2019 by Robert Keim

The Sigmoid Activation Function: Activation in Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks

In this article, we’ll see why we need a new activation function for a neural network that is trained via gradient descent.

December 25, 2019 by Robert Keim

Advanced Machine Learning with the Multilayer Perceptron

This article explains why high-performance neural networks need an extra “hidden” layer of computational nodes.

December 24, 2019 by Robert Keim

Assessing the ADC SNR and SFDR for Communications Systems

In this article, we will see how we can determine the SFDR for an ADC used in a radio receiver. Also, we’ll examine the ADC SNR requirement for this application.

December 22, 2019 by Steve Arar

Understanding Learning Rate in Neural Networks

This article discusses learning rate, which plays an important role in neural-network training.

December 19, 2019 by Robert Keim

How Software Automation in PCBA Manufacturing Helps Quicken Innovation

Manufacturing still takes a large portion of time in the electrical engineering cycle. This article discusses how software-driven automation and the IIoT can help hasten the manufacturing process.

December 17, 2019 by Shashank Samala, Tempo Automation

How to Calibrate an Microcontroller Internal Oscillator: A DIY Trimming Procedure Algorithm

This article presents an algorithm intended for humans to calibrate the internal oscillator of an MCU, with the help of an oscilloscope and a spreadsheet. An example experiment with numbers is also shown.

December 13, 2019 by Eduardo Corpeño

How to Calibrate MCU Internal Oscillators

This article describes the internal RC oscillator calibration mechanism available in low-end microcontroller units. A basic calibration procedure and considerations on automated calibration are presented.

December 12, 2019 by Eduardo Corpeño

Introduction to the Synchronous Demodulation

This article will discuss the basic idea behind the synchronous demodulation technique.

December 11, 2019 by Steve Arar

The Good and the Bad of MCU Internal Oscillators

This article describes the benefits and requirements of the internal RC oscillator often available inside many low-cost Microcontroller units, including the calibration procedure to obtain the best possible accuracy.

December 11, 2019 by Eduardo Corpeño

Predicting Battery Degradation with a Trinket M0 and Python Software Algorithms

Learn how to build a setup that will help you predict a battery's performance as it ages using a Trinket M0 and software algorithms.

December 09, 2019 by Aaron Hanson

An Introduction to Training Theory for Neural Networks

In this article, we’ll explore Perceptron training from a more theoretical perspective, focusing on the “error bowl.”

December 05, 2019 by Robert Keim

Utilizing INICnet for Automotive Networking and Connectivity

In this article, learn about INICnet and how it helps to solve the question of how designers can create a safe and effective connectivity method for vehicles.

December 03, 2019 by Carmelo De Mola, Microchip

Understanding Different Definitions of the Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) Specification

In this article, we’ll look at the spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) which is a popular specification for quantifying the linearity of a circuit.

December 01, 2019 by Steve Arar