Latest Wireless Communication Technical Articles

In this article, we analyze how bandpass filtering affects the power spectral density (PSD) of noise and explore how…

In this article, we analyze how bandpass filtering affects the power spectral density (PSD) of noise and explore how noise can be described by in-phase and quadrature components.

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.

Learn how using a phase/frequency detector (PFD) in place of a phase detector improves the acquisition range of a PLL.

Learn how using a phase/frequency detector (PFD) in place of a phase detector improves the acquisition range of a PLL.

Learn about this simple sequential phase detector and how it compares to the XOR gate. We'll also examine some key…

Learn about this simple sequential phase detector and how it compares to the XOR gate. We'll also examine some key limitations and circuit implementations.

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 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.

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.

In this article, we will examine the basic principles of FM demodulation through the simplest frequency discriminator: a…

In this article, we will examine the basic principles of FM demodulation through the simplest frequency discriminator: a differentiator.

In this article, we'll solidify our understanding of the reactance modulator and Armstrong modulator circuits by working…

In this article, we'll solidify our understanding of the reactance modulator and Armstrong modulator circuits by working through a series of design problems.