Latest Wireless Communication Technical Articles

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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.

September 24, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

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.

September 15, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

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).

August 13, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

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.

July 16, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

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.

June 28, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

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.

June 23, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

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.

June 16, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

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.

June 11, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

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.

May 28, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

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.

May 07, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Exploring Single Stub Impedance Matching Through Smith Chart Examples

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

May 05, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

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.

April 16, 2023 by Robert Keim

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-

April 14, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

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.

April 12, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

L-type Matching Network Basics—Examining L Network Frequency Response and Bandwidth

Learn about two-element networks (L-sections or L-networks), how they transform one impedance to another, their frequency response, estimating their bandwidth, and their limitations leading to T networks.

April 07, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Design a Two-element Matching Network Using the ZY Smith Chart

Learn about the immittance Smith chart (ZY Smith chart), the effect of adding series and parallel components, impedance matching, and finding a two-element matching network.

March 31, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Analyze RLC Components Using the Admittance Smith Chart and Examples

Learn about the admittance Smith chart to analyze a parallel connection of resistors, capacitors, and inductors, and see the circuit's behavior over the swept frequency range.

March 24, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Learn by Example—Using an Impedance Smith Chart

Learn how a series RLC circuit with arbitrary component values can be represented as a point on the Smith chart and how an impedance contour on the Smith chart can be used to describe the circuit's frequency response.

March 17, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

The Smith Chart and Its Relation to the Reflection Coefficient and Impedance

Learn about the history and ins/outs of the Smith chart, as well as how it relates to the reflection coefficient and makes calculating impedance easier.

March 03, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Mismatch Loss and Mismatch Uncertainty Via Attenuators and Statistical Models

Learn about the effect of mismatch loss on a lossy line, a method to reduce the mismatch loss through fixed attenuators, and the statistical models of this error.

February 26, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar