The hysteresis effect is one of the main sources of loss in ferromagnetic materials. In this article, we learn to calculate the hysteresis loss of a magnetic…
The hysteresis effect is one of the main sources of loss in ferromagnetic materials. In this article, we learn to calculate the hysteresis loss of a magnetic core and work through some example problems.
In this article, we use the concept of magnetic field energy to explore the relationship between a core's hysteresis loss…
In this article, we use the concept of magnetic field energy to explore the relationship between a core's hysteresis loss and its B-H curve.
In this article, we explore the effect of dimensional resonance on the magnetic field distribution in high-frequency…
In this article, we explore the effect of dimensional resonance on the magnetic field distribution in high-frequency ferrite cores.
The formation of eddy currents can cause problems for magnetic cores at high frequencies. To mitigate these undesirable…
The formation of eddy currents can cause problems for magnetic cores at high frequencies. To mitigate these undesirable effects, we first need to understand them.
This article examines three different types of magnetic materials and how they react to an external magnetic field.
This article examines three different types of magnetic materials and how they react to an external magnetic field.
This article discusses the following basic concepts related to magnetic materials: the magnetic dipole moment,…
This article discusses the following basic concepts related to magnetic materials: the magnetic dipole moment, magnetization vectors, susceptibility, and permeability.
With the help of SPICE simulations, we examine two types of power dissipation that occur when BJTs are used as switches.
With the help of SPICE simulations, we examine two types of power dissipation that occur when BJTs are used as switches.
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.
In this article, we conclude our discussion of VNAs by walking through the steps of a SOLT calibration and examining the…
In this article, we conclude our discussion of VNAs by walking through the steps of a SOLT calibration and examining the potential non-idealities of its reference standards.
This article, the first in a two-part series on op amp signal swing, explains the characteristics and limitations of an…
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.
The 12-term error model is a simple, effective way of modeling systematic errors in vector network analyzer (VNA)…
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.
In this article, we investigate two metrics used to characterize the performance of RF test and measurement systems.
In this article, we investigate two metrics used to characterize the performance of RF test and measurement systems.
In this article, we explore how the signal source and receivers of a VNA enable its function.
In this article, we explore how the signal source and receivers of a VNA enable its function.
Directional couplers are valuable tools for testing RF systems. However, the finite directivity of these devices can…
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.
As part of a vector network analyzer (VNA), a directional coupler enables us to characterize a device’s performance by…
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.
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.
Learn about pressure transducers: devices used in a variety of industrial, medical, automotive, and consumer applications…
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.