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Interference, Pre-Emphasis, and the Capture Effect in FM and PM Systems

Interference, Pre-Emphasis, and the Capture Effect in FM and PM Systems

Interference in FM grows stronger with frequency offset, until pre-emphasis flattens the curve. See why a signal just twice as strong as a rival broadcast can completely capture the channel.


The Benefits and Limitations of Pre-Emphasis and De-Emphasis in FM Noise Reduction

The Benefits and Limitations of Pre-Emphasis and De-Emphasis in FM Noise Reduction

Pre-emphasis and de-emphasis boost noise performance in FM, but only up to a point—push the gain too far and you risk overmodulation.


Pre-Emphasis and De-Emphasis Filtering in FM Systems

Pre-Emphasis and De-Emphasis Filtering in FM Systems

Simple first-order pre-emphasis and de-emphasis filters can boost FM receiver SNR by more than 13 dB by exploiting the spectral differences between signal and noise.


FM Threshold-Extended Demodulators: Insights on FMFB and PLL-Based Designs

FM Threshold-Extended Demodulators: Insights on FMFB and PLL-Based Designs

Worked examples quantify just how much the FMFB loop shrinks noise bandwidth. We also show how the PLL demodulator offers a simpler alternative for reducing threshold.


SNR Analysis of FM Modulation with Arbitrary Message Signals

SNR Analysis of FM Modulation with Arbitrary Message Signals

Deriving a general signal-to-noise expression for frequency modulation with any message signal reveals a core trade-off: more deviation buys better noise performance, but only by using more bandwidth.


A Four-Channel RS-422 Differential Line Receiver Module

A Four-Channel RS-422 Differential Line Receiver Module

This project brief describes how to build and use a four-channel differential line receiver module for balanced RS-422 and RS-485 data links.


A Four-Channel RS-422 Differential Line Driver Module

A Four-Channel RS-422 Differential Line Driver Module

This project brief describes how to implement a four-channel differential line driver module for reliable long-distance data transmission over balanced twisted-pair lines.


The Isolated Half-Bridge: An IGBT Gate Driver Module with Current Sense

The Isolated Half-Bridge: An IGBT Gate Driver Module with Current Sense

This project brief describes how to assemble an isolated half-bridge IGBT gate driver module built around the NCD57085DR2G. It features onboard current sensing and overcurrent protection.


Understanding the Characteristics of Narrowband Noise in Communication Systems

Understanding the Characteristics of Narrowband Noise in Communication Systems

In this article, we analyze how bandpass filtering affects the power spectral density (PSD) of noise and explore how noise can be described by in-phase and quadrature components.


From Tracking Filters to Demodulation: Exploring the Applications of PLLs

From Tracking Filters to Demodulation: Exploring the Applications of PLLs

In this article, we'll learn about several key applications of PLLs in communication systems, including tracking filters, frequency and phase modulation, and FM and AM demodulation.


Class AB vs. Class D: Understanding the Trade-Offs for Piezo Driver Design

Class AB vs. Class D: Understanding the Trade-Offs for Piezo Driver Design

In this article, we explore when to choose a Class AB or Class D output stage for your piezo amplifier design. We'll also examine the Class D stage's power supply requirements.


Understanding the Hogge Detector and the Triwave Solution

Understanding the Hogge Detector and the Triwave Solution

The Hogge phase detector plays multiple roles in CDR circuits. In this article, we'll explore the Hogge detector's behavior, highlight its main drawbacks, and introduce a different configuration that addresses them.


Design and Performance of the Class D Output Stage for Piezo Drivers

Design and Performance of the Class D Output Stage for Piezo Drivers

In this article, we explore the operation of a Class D stage with a capacitive load and how it can be used in piezo amplifier design.


Operation of a Linear Phase Detector for Clock and Data Recovery

Operation of a Linear Phase Detector for Clock and Data Recovery

Learn how the Hogge detector addresses the challenges of clock and data recovery (CDR) for data signals with limited clock information.


Evaluating the Class AB Output Stage for Piezo Driver Design

Evaluating the Class AB Output Stage for Piezo Driver Design

We examine the basic requirements of piezoelectric amplifiers and how Class AB operation can meet them.


Understanding the Exclusive-OR Phase Detector

Understanding the Exclusive-OR Phase Detector

This article explores the operation of the simplest digital phase detector: the exclusive-OR (XOR) gate.


Diode-Based Phase Detectors: Key Principles and Example Circuits

Diode-Based Phase Detectors: Key Principles and Example Circuits

We examine phase detectors that leverage either the nonlinear characteristics or switching capabilities of diodes to perform multiplication.


Using Gilbert Multipliers as Phase Detectors in PLLs

Using Gilbert Multipliers as Phase Detectors in PLLs

This article explores the operation of the Gilbert-cell phase detector for both small and large signals.


Introduction to the Gilbert Multiplier

Introduction to the Gilbert Multiplier

This article explores the Gilbert cell, a widely used analog multiplier circuit.


Second-Order Type-2 PLLs: Bode Diagrams, Bandwidth, and Overshoot

Second-Order Type-2 PLLs: Bode Diagrams, Bandwidth, and Overshoot

Learn how to select the zero frequency, damping factor, and loop bandwidth for one of the most popular PLL configurations.