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Bluetooth LE: Security Modes and Procedures Explained

Bluetooth LE: Security Modes and Procedures Explained

In Bluetooth LE (BLE), security is a multifaceted beast. Learn the three main security modes of BLE, along with five critical BLE security procedures.


Assessing Conductor and Dielectric Losses in Transmission Lines

Assessing Conductor and Dielectric Losses in Transmission Lines

Understanding the causes of attenuation in a transmission line can help us choose the right solutions for our application. In this article, we’ll learn about attenuation caused by conductor loss and dielectric loss.


Introduction to Dielectric Loss in Transmission Lines

Introduction to Dielectric Loss in Transmission Lines

Understanding the effect of dielectrics on transmission lines is an important aspect of many high frequency system designs. This article will introduce concepts like relative permittivity and loss tangent and describe how they affect the performance of transmission lines.


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.


Understanding Security Keys in Bluetooth Low Energy

Understanding Security Keys in Bluetooth Low Energy

Learn the roles of the three security keys in Bluetooth LE—Long Term Key (LTK), Connection Signature Resolving Key (CSRK), and Identity Resolving Key (IRK).


Noise Figure Measurement Using the Y-Factor Method: Noise Source Uncertainty and Fixturing Losses

Noise Figure Measurement Using the Y-Factor Method: Noise Source Uncertainty and Fixturing Losses

The Y-factor method simplifies noise figure measurements by allowing the use of variable attenuators in place of a calibrated power meter. In addition to defining the Y factor, we will discuss noise source uncertainty and fixturing losses that can introduce errors in your noise figure measurements.


Lossy Transmission Lines: Introduction to the Skin Effect

Lossy Transmission Lines: Introduction to the Skin Effect

This article introduces high-frequency conductor losses in transmission lines caused by a phenomenon known as the skin effect.


Vulnerabilities and Attacks on Bluetooth LE Devices—Reviewing Recent Info

Vulnerabilities and Attacks on Bluetooth LE Devices—Reviewing Recent Info

To understand known vulnerabilities and attacks on Bluetooth LE devices, we review some studies from the past 4+ years.


Introduction to Lossy Transmission Lines

Introduction to Lossy Transmission Lines

This article will help you understand losses in high-frequency transmission lines that include traces on PCBs. We will also investigate how these losses impact signal propagation and the quality of digital signals.


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.


Gain Definitions for the Y-Factor Method of NF Measurements: Available Gain or Insertion Gain?

Gain Definitions for the Y-Factor Method of NF Measurements: Available Gain or Insertion Gain?

The Y-factor method is a widely used technique for measuring the gain and noise figure (NF) of RF components. This article will help you understand the differences between the insertion gain and the available gain, while avoiding potentially significant errors when measuring the noise figure.


Securing BLE Connections—An Overview of the Security Protocol

Securing BLE Connections—An Overview of the Security Protocol

Learn about Bluetooth LE's security features and tools, how to use them, and understand how they keep connections secure.


Breaking Down the BLE Link Layer—The 7 States of Bluetooth LE Radio

Breaking Down the BLE Link Layer—The 7 States of Bluetooth LE Radio

Explore the seven states of the Bluetooth LE radio, how the link layer state machine manages the LE radio, and the roles of these states in wireless communication.


Explore the Y Factor Method for Noise Figure Measurement

Explore the Y Factor Method for Noise Figure Measurement

Learn about measuring the noise figure (NF) using the Y factor method. We'll dive into using this to find the noise factor, how to calibrate for noise temperature, and much more.


Characterize RF Noise Components Using Equivalent Noise Temperature

Characterize RF Noise Components Using Equivalent Noise Temperature

Learn another way to characterize RF noise components using noise temperature and how this concept clears up how noise figure measurement instruments actually work.


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.


Exploring Single Stub Impedance Matching Through Smith Chart Examples

Exploring Single Stub Impedance Matching Through Smith Chart Examples

Learn about impedance matching using a single stub, transmission lines, and immittance Smith chart examples.


A Brief Introduction to Slot Antennas

A Brief Introduction to Slot Antennas

Learn about slot antennas, namely their history, characteristics, and electromagnetic (EM) behavior for low-voltage, small-form-factor electronic devices.


Designing L-type Matching Networks Using Series and Parallel RC and RL Circuits

Designing L-type Matching Networks Using Series and Parallel RC and RL Circuits

Learn about l-type impedance matching equations through the quality factor (Q factor) of RC and RL circuits and the series-parallel conversion of these circuits.l-


Using the Smith Chart to Design a T and Pi Matching Network

Using the Smith Chart to Design a T and Pi Matching Network

Learn more about L-sections and impedance matching by designing T and Pi matching networks using a Smith chart.