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Understanding Input Signal Swing in Op Amps

Understanding Input Signal Swing in Op Amps

This article, the first in a two-part series on op amp signal swing, explains the characteristics and limitations of an operational amplifier’s input voltages.


Understanding the 12-Term Error Model and SOLT Calibration Method for VNA Measurements

Understanding the 12-Term Error Model and SOLT Calibration Method for VNA Measurements

The 12-term error model is a simple, effective way of modeling systematic errors in vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements. Learn about this model and an associated error correction technique in this article.


Understanding the Significance of Dynamic Range and Spurious-Free Dynamic Range

Understanding the Significance of Dynamic Range and Spurious-Free Dynamic Range

In this article, we investigate two metrics used to characterize the performance of RF test and measurement systems.


Understanding the Inner Workings of Vector Network Analyzers

Understanding the Inner Workings of Vector Network Analyzers

In this article, we explore how the signal source and receivers of a VNA enable its function.


Understanding RF Power Measurement Errors in Directional Couplers

Understanding RF Power Measurement Errors in Directional Couplers

Directional couplers are valuable tools for testing RF systems. However, the finite directivity of these devices can cause measurement uncertainty. Learn more in this article.


Introduction to the Directional Coupler for RF Applications

Introduction to the Directional Coupler for RF Applications

As part of a vector network analyzer (VNA), a directional coupler enables us to characterize a device’s performance by its S-parameters. Read this article to learn more about this important piece of equipment.


Introduction to the Class B Power Amplifier

Introduction to the Class B Power Amplifier

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.


Learn About Load-Pull Systems: Passive and Active Tuners

Learn About Load-Pull Systems: Passive and Active Tuners

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.


Using the Load-Pull Technique in RF Power Amplifier Design

Using the Load-Pull Technique in RF Power Amplifier Design

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.


Introduction to Pressure Transducers

Introduction to Pressure Transducers

Learn about pressure transducers: devices used in a variety of industrial, medical, automotive, and consumer applications to sense pressure and convert it into electrical energy.


Assessing Conductor and Dielectric Losses in Transmission Lines

Assessing Conductor and Dielectric Losses in Transmission Lines

Understanding the causes of attenuation in a transmission line can help us choose the right solutions for our application. In this article, we’ll learn about attenuation caused by conductor loss and dielectric loss.


Demystifying the Skin Effect: Insights into AC Current Distribution

Demystifying the Skin Effect: Insights into AC Current Distribution

This article will demonstrate that the AC current density decreases exponentially into a conductor. It will also explain why we can assume that the total current has a uniform distribution from the surface down to one skin depth of the conductor.


What is an Application-specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)?

What is an Application-specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)?

Indispensable for modern electrical engineering, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) form a diverse group of integrated circuits (ICs) that help designers to optimize sophisticated electronic devices.


Controlling a Potentiometer-based Servo Motor Using a M5Stack Core

Controlling a Potentiometer-based Servo Motor Using a M5Stack Core

In this project, learn how to use a potentiometer's reading on the M5Stack core to control a servo motor.


Projects Jun 04, 2023 by Don Wilcher
What is an Image Processor? Turns Out the Answer is Hazy

What is an Image Processor? Turns Out the Answer is Hazy

Real-time image processing is a resource-intensive task that often requires specialized hardware. With that in mind, let's explore processors that are designed specifically for photo and video applications.


Characterize RF Noise Components Using Equivalent Noise Temperature

Characterize RF Noise Components Using Equivalent Noise Temperature

Learn another way to characterize RF noise components using noise temperature and how this concept clears up how noise figure measurement instruments actually work.


Understanding the RF Noise Figure Specification

Understanding the RF Noise Figure Specification

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


Introduction to Impedance Matching Using Transmission Line Elements

Introduction to Impedance Matching Using Transmission Line Elements

Learn about an impedance-matching technique using transmission line elements.


Design a Two-element Matching Network Using the ZY Smith Chart

Design a Two-element Matching Network Using the ZY Smith Chart

Learn about the immittance Smith chart (ZY Smith chart), the effect of adding series and parallel components, impedance matching, and finding a two-element matching network.


Multiphase DC-DC Converter Pros and Cons

Multiphase DC-DC Converter Pros and Cons

This article will help you decide when to consider a multiphase approach to step-down, switch-mode voltage regulation.