Latest Communication Technical Articles

In this article, we'll learn about several key applications of PLLs in communication systems, including tracking filters,…

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.

The Hogge phase detector plays multiple roles in CDR circuits. In this article, we'll explore the Hogge detector's…

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article explains how Type-2 PLLs with an integrator loop filter outperform Type-1 systems. To do so, we'll examine…

This article explains how Type-2 PLLs with an integrator loop filter outperform Type-1 systems. To do so, we'll examine the PLL behavior for frequency step and frequency ramp inputs.

In this article, we derive design equations for a second-order PLL with a lag-lead filter by examining its Bode plots.

In this article, we derive design equations for a second-order PLL with a lag-lead filter by examining its Bode plots.

In this article, we evaluate the designs of two simple frequency synthesizers to learn how a second-order PLL with a lag…

In this article, we evaluate the designs of two simple frequency synthesizers to learn how a second-order PLL with a lag filter can provide a faster rise time than a first-order PLL.

Higher-order PLLs are more commonly used than first-order PLLs. To explain why, we explore the first-order PLL's behavior…

Higher-order PLLs are more commonly used than first-order PLLs. To explain why, we explore the first-order PLL's behavior in response to two inputs: a frequency step and frequency ramp.

In this article, we'll use the linearized model of a first-order PLL to understand its response to a simple input change.…

In this article, we'll use the linearized model of a first-order PLL to understand its response to a simple input change. We'll then use Matlab simulations to visualize the signals.

In this article, we'll use a nonlinear mathematical model to improve our understanding of how a first-order PLL locks to a signal.

In this article, we'll use a nonlinear mathematical model to improve our understanding of how a first-order PLL locks to a signal.

The phase-locked loop (PLL) is widely used in contemporary analog and digital communication systems. In this article, we…

The phase-locked loop (PLL) is widely used in contemporary analog and digital communication systems. In this article, we develop a nonlinear model for the analog PLL by analyzing its key components.

PLL demodulators are popular, easy to implement, and offer superior noise performance compared to many other FM…

PLL demodulators are popular, easy to implement, and offer superior noise performance compared to many other FM demodulator circuits. Learn how they operate in this article.

Learn how an analog multiplier or AND gate can function as a quadrature detector for FM demodulation.

Learn how an analog multiplier or AND gate can function as a quadrature detector for FM demodulation.

Learn how the Foster-Seeley discriminator, a classic analog circuit for FM demodulation, achieves its superior linearity.

Learn how the Foster-Seeley discriminator, a classic analog circuit for FM demodulation, achieves its superior linearity.

In this article, we'll analyze the single-tuned discriminator for FM-to-AM conversion. We'll then discuss the balanced…

In this article, we'll analyze the single-tuned discriminator for FM-to-AM conversion. We'll then discuss the balanced discriminator and how it provides improved linearity across a wider bandwidth.