RF amplifier design is a challenging task, involving trade-offs between linearity, efficiency, gain, and output power. Here, we examine how a common-emitter…
RF amplifier design is a challenging task, involving trade-offs between linearity, efficiency, gain, and output power. Here, we examine how a common-emitter circuit can, or can't, function as a power amplifier.
In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things…
In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) hardware platform. Part 2 explains the process and requirements of obtaining an open-source hardware certification.
Learn how the available power gain concept can help us solve the problem of designing a bilateral RF amplifier for a…
Learn how the available power gain concept can help us solve the problem of designing a bilateral RF amplifier for a specified gain and noise figure.
In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source IoT hardware…
In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source IoT hardware platform. Part 1 introduces the project's specifications and explains key design decisions.
In this article, we learn about noise parameters and use Smith charts to design a unilateral low-noise amplifier (LNA)…
In this article, we learn about noise parameters and use Smith charts to design a unilateral low-noise amplifier (LNA) for a specified gain.
Learn how conductive circuit components can function as antennas, even when they aren't intended to.
Learn how conductive circuit components can function as antennas, even when they aren't intended to.
Should your IoT design use a wireless module or a System-on-Chip (SoC)? This article presents a deep dive into the cost…
Should your IoT design use a wireless module or a System-on-Chip (SoC)? This article presents a deep dive into the cost implications of each option, assisting you in making an informed, cost-effective decision.
A PIR sensor detects objects to allow a Raspberry Pi Pico running MicroPython code to adjust the frequency of a Science…
A PIR sensor detects objects to allow a Raspberry Pi Pico running MicroPython code to adjust the frequency of a Science Fair electronic oscillator circuit with audio output.
This article explores the design of bilateral RF amplifiers for maximum transducer gain, and explains how to assess…
This article explores the design of bilateral RF amplifiers for maximum transducer gain, and explains how to assess whether an RF amplifier is bilateral or unilateral.
Learn about the role of gain analysis in the design of unilateral RF amplifiers, first by reviewing the basic concepts…
Learn about the role of gain analysis in the design of unilateral RF amplifiers, first by reviewing the basic concepts and then by working through a pair of design examples.
Stability analysis is an integral part of RF design. Learn the basics of stability analysis, including how to determine…
Stability analysis is an integral part of RF design. Learn the basics of stability analysis, including how to determine whether a device is unconditionally stable or potentially unstable.
This article introduces and compares Bluetooth Low Energy’s legacy advertising, extended advertising, and…
This article introduces and compares Bluetooth Low Energy’s legacy advertising, extended advertising, and connection-oriented data transfer modes.
In Bluetooth LE (BLE), security is a multifaceted beast. Learn the three main security modes of BLE, along with five…
In Bluetooth LE (BLE), security is a multifaceted beast. Learn the three main security modes of BLE, along with five critical BLE security procedures.
In this hands-on project, we will update a 1980s version of a one-shot (monostable multivibrator) circuit by giving it a…
In this hands-on project, we will update a 1980s version of a one-shot (monostable multivibrator) circuit by giving it a modern, colorful output while also examining the circuit's operation.
Understanding the causes of attenuation in a transmission line can help us choose the right solutions for our…
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.
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.
Designing antennas for compact IoT devices is a tricky task, but an increasingly important one. Learn more about this…
Designing antennas for compact IoT devices is a tricky task, but an increasingly important one. Learn more about this challenge and how to meet it.
Learn the roles of the three security keys in Bluetooth LE—Long Term Key (LTK), Connection Signature Resolving Key…
Learn the roles of the three security keys in Bluetooth LE—Long Term Key (LTK), Connection Signature Resolving Key (CSRK), and Identity Resolving Key (IRK).
Learn how whitening filters solve problems in low-power radios when transmitting long identical bit sequences. Explore…
Learn how whitening filters solve problems in low-power radios when transmitting long identical bit sequences. Explore their significance in protocols like BLE and ZigBee.
Electromagnetic-based side-channel attacks are non-invasive, meaning the attacker does not need physical access to the…
Electromagnetic-based side-channel attacks are non-invasive, meaning the attacker does not need physical access to the device to steal information. We’ll look at how these EM side-channel attacks work.