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Understanding the Non-Idealities of Magnetically Coupled RF Transformers

Understanding the Non-Idealities of Magnetically Coupled RF Transformers

In this article, we’ll learn about the limitations of magnetically coupled transformers in RF applications by modeling the devices' high-frequency non-idealities.


Small-Signal MOSFET Models for Analog IC Design

Small-Signal MOSFET Models for Analog IC Design

The small-signal characteristics of MOSFETs play an important role in analog IC design. In this article, we learn how to model MOS transistors' small-signal behaviors.


A Simple Procedure for Creating Any Resistance Using Standard Resistors

A Simple Procedure for Creating Any Resistance Using Standard Resistors

Have you ever needed an unusual, non-standard resistance value for the project you are building? This article will provide you with a simple series of steps to build the resistance you need from a collection of resistors.


Introduction to the Inductively-Loaded Class A Power Amplifier

Introduction to the Inductively-Loaded Class A Power Amplifier

Learn how an inductively-loaded common-emitter stage can function as a power amplifier.


RF Amplifier Stability Factors and Stabilization Techniques

RF Amplifier Stability Factors and Stabilization Techniques

Learn ways to test an RF amplifier's stability, techniques to stabilize its operation, and how RF design software can help you do both.


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.


MOSFET Non-Idealities in Analog IC Design

MOSFET Non-Idealities in Analog IC Design

MOS transistors exhibit a wide variety of second-order effects not covered by ideal models. To design analog integrated circuits that will work in the real world, we need to understand these non-idealities.


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.


Output Voltage and Diode Current in a Boost Converter

Output Voltage and Diode Current in a Boost Converter

Learn how output voltage and diode current affect the behavior of a step-up switching regulator.


Inductor Current in a Boost Converter: a SPICE Analysis

Inductor Current in a Boost Converter: a SPICE Analysis

With the help of LTspice, we examine how inductor current affects the functioning of a boost converter.


Choosing Capacitance Values for a Step-Down Switching Regulator

Choosing Capacitance Values for a Step-Down Switching Regulator

Designing a buck converter? Read this article for practical guidance on selecting an output capacitance value.


The Skin Effect in Cylindrical and Rectangular Conductors: Eddy Currents and Current Crowding

The Skin Effect in Cylindrical and Rectangular Conductors: Eddy Currents and Current Crowding

The distribution of AC currents in real conductors with finite dimensions and circular or rectangular cross-sections is non-uniform. This article will discuss Faraday's law and how AC currents create eddy currents and current crowding in real conductors.


Choosing the Right Type of Output Capacitor for a Switching Regulator

Choosing the Right Type of Output Capacitor for a Switching Regulator

Capacitors are a crucial component of step-down switching regulators. Learn about the different capacitor types and how each one affects regulator performance.


Selecting Inductors for Step-Down Switching Regulators, Continued

Selecting Inductors for Step-Down Switching Regulators, Continued

Are you picking out components for a step-down switching regulator? Learn how to think about inductance values and inductor current when choosing an inductor.


Choosing Inductor Values for Step-Down Switching Voltage Regulators

Choosing Inductor Values for Step-Down Switching Voltage Regulators

Proper inductor selection is one key to the successful design and implementation of a switching regulator. This article will help you understand the relationship between the inductor value and circuit performance.


Demystifying the Skin Effect: Insights into AC Current Distribution

Demystifying the Skin Effect: Insights into AC Current Distribution

This article will demonstrate that the AC current density decreases exponentially into a conductor. It will also explain why we can assume that the total current has a uniform distribution from the surface down to one skin depth of the conductor.


Exploring Output Ripple in a Negative Voltage Charge Pump Using LTspice

Exploring Output Ripple in a Negative Voltage Charge Pump Using LTspice

In this article, we’ll use LTspice simulations to more thoroughly understand output-voltage ripple and consider techniques for mitigating it within a charge pump circuit.


Explore Negative Voltage Using LTspice and a Negative Voltage Generator

Explore Negative Voltage Using LTspice and a Negative Voltage Generator

In this article, we’ll use SPICE simulations to explore the theory and behavior of negative voltages.


Analyzing a Negative Voltage Charge Pump in LTspice—Source and Load Resistance

Analyzing a Negative Voltage Charge Pump in LTspice—Source and Load Resistance

Learn about using LTspice simulations to provide important insight into the performance of a switched-capacitor voltage-inverting power supply.


Understanding the RF Noise Figure Specification

Understanding the RF Noise Figure Specification

Take a closer look at the definition of the RF noise figure and discuss some subtleties to help avoid erroneous interpretations of this specification.