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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 Class A Power Amplifiers: The Common-Emitter PA

Introduction to Class A Power Amplifiers: The Common-Emitter PA

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.


Is Every Conductor an Antenna?

Is Every Conductor an Antenna?

Learn how conductive circuit components can function as antennas, even when they aren't intended to.


X7R, X5R, C0G…: A Concise Guide to Ceramic Capacitor Types

X7R, X5R, C0G…: A Concise Guide to Ceramic Capacitor Types

This technical brief attempts to dispel some of the fog surrounding the three-character naming convention used to describe ceramic caps.


PCB Material Properties and Their Impact on Performance of High Frequency Boards

PCB Material Properties and Their Impact on Performance of High Frequency Boards

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.


Is Assembly Language Still Relevant for Embedded Software Development?

Is Assembly Language Still Relevant for Embedded Software Development?

As embedded systems continue to evolve, you might wonder: should I learn assembly language for embedded software development? Learn the answer in this article.


Basics of Millimeter Wave Technology

Basics of Millimeter Wave Technology

What is millimeter wave technology and how is it characterized compared to other lower-frequency technologies?


Intro to 5G NR

Intro to 5G NR

Learn the basics of 5G NR (New Radio), including its frequency bands, applications, and what technologies make it possible.


Digital or Analog? How Should I and Q Combining and Separation Be Done?

Digital or Analog? How Should I and Q Combining and Separation Be Done?

How should I and Q combining be done? Through analog or digital means? This article will discuss the basics of the analog and digital IQ approaches.


The Glass Cockpit: The Story of Display Technologies in Space Shuttles

The Glass Cockpit: The Story of Display Technologies in Space Shuttles

In this final part of the Glass Cockpit series, we look at how displays have reached their current iteration in Space X shuttles.


Display Technologies for Aerospace Applications: The F/A-18 Super Hornet

Display Technologies for Aerospace Applications: The F/A-18 Super Hornet

Learn about real-world display technology design in aerospace applications in a legendary example—the F/A-18 Super Hornet—from an engineer who's flown them.


Touchscreen vs. Button Interface Design: Capacitive and Resistive Touchscreens and Haptics

Touchscreen vs. Button Interface Design: Capacitive and Resistive Touchscreens and Haptics

Learn about some of the most important fundamentals for understanding how interface technologies have evolved.


Introduction to Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology

Introduction to Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology

Learn the basics of the ultra-wideband short-range wireless protocol, a technology that can be found in cutting-edge devices.


 Real Time Clocks (RTCs) in Microcontroller Timers

Real Time Clocks (RTCs) in Microcontroller Timers

This article is the third of a series on microcontroller timers which describes the RTCs inside a microcontroller.


Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) Structure, Characteristics, and Applications

Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) Structure, Characteristics, and Applications

Learn about the structure, characteristics, and applications of a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM).


What Is Brown Out Reset in Microcontrollers? How to Prevent False Power-Downs

What Is Brown Out Reset in Microcontrollers? How to Prevent False Power-Downs

Brown Out Reset is an important function to increase the reliability of a microcontroller after start-up. Normally used to solve problems with the power supply, this article shows how Brown Out Reset can prevent another problem.


Introduction to the Terahertz Band

Introduction to the Terahertz Band

Learn about the terahertz band, its properties, and the applications where it's finding utility.


How Do Time of Flight Sensors (ToF) Work? A Look at ToF 3D Cameras

How Do Time of Flight Sensors (ToF) Work? A Look at ToF 3D Cameras

How do time of flight sensors determine distances? Learn more about ToF cameras using an example 3D camera.


How to Choose Microcontroller Peripherals for Digital Signal Processing Applications

How to Choose Microcontroller Peripherals for Digital Signal Processing Applications

This article continues a discussion of microcontroller features and characteristics that are particularly important when you’re thinking in terms of DSP capabilities.