Using a simple example, this article examines the frequency spectra of frequency-modulated (FM) and phase-modulated (PM) waves for a low modulation index.
Using a simple example, this article examines the frequency spectra of frequency-modulated (FM) and phase-modulated (PM) waves for a low modulation index.
Learn why phase modulation (PM) and frequency modulation (FM) can produce waveforms that are nearly identical or…
Learn why phase modulation (PM) and frequency modulation (FM) can produce waveforms that are nearly identical or completely different from one another, depending on the nature of the message signal.
Learn to confidently determine intermodulation distortion products and the third-order intercept point of RF circuits by…
Learn to confidently determine intermodulation distortion products and the third-order intercept point of RF circuits by working through a selection of example problems.
In this article, we’ll explore the mathematical relationship between phase modulation (PM) and frequency modulation…
In this article, we’ll explore the mathematical relationship between phase modulation (PM) and frequency modulation (FM). We’ll then learn how a PM modulator can be used to generate FM signals, and vice versa.
Learn how the two-tone input test helps us evaluate the nonlinearity of RF systems operating on real-world signals.
Learn how the two-tone input test helps us evaluate the nonlinearity of RF systems operating on real-world signals.
In this article, we introduce the basic principles of phase modulation (PM) and use example waveforms to clarify the…
In this article, we introduce the basic principles of phase modulation (PM) and use example waveforms to clarify the often-confusing relationship between the PM wave and the message signal.
In this article, we discuss the basics of RF modulation and how it affects the performance of communication systems.
In this article, we discuss the basics of RF modulation and how it affects the performance of communication systems.
Learn how anti-parallel diodes protect Class D amplifiers from the effects of reactive loads and inductive kickback.
Learn how anti-parallel diodes protect Class D amplifiers from the effects of reactive loads and inductive kickback.
Learn the basics of how vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration techniques correct measurement errors.
Learn the basics of how vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration techniques correct measurement errors.
Learn how bifilar coils can be used to build Gustav Guanella’s classic RF balun.
Learn how bifilar coils can be used to build Gustav Guanella’s classic RF balun.
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.
Learn how a push-pull Class B amplifier functions, how to calculate its efficiency, and how its performance compares to…
Learn how a push-pull Class B amplifier functions, how to calculate its efficiency, and how its performance compares to the inductively-loaded Class A design.
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.
RF amplifier design is a challenging task, involving trade-offs between linearity, efficiency, gain, and output power.…
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.
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.
This technical brief attempts to dispel some of the fog surrounding the three-character naming convention used to…
This technical brief attempts to dispel some of the fog surrounding the three-character naming convention used to describe ceramic caps.
Understanding PCB material parameters such as relative permittivity and loss tangent allows us to discuss some important…
Understanding PCB material parameters such as relative permittivity and loss tangent allows us to discuss some important considerations for choosing the right material when designing a high-speed/high-frequency application.
As embedded systems continue to evolve, you might wonder: should I learn assembly language for embedded software…
As embedded systems continue to evolve, you might wonder: should I learn assembly language for embedded software development? Learn the answer in this article.