Latest Wireless Communication Technical Articles

Explore how frequency-modulated waves resist interference. We break down the demodulator architecture and derive the…

Explore how frequency-modulated waves resist interference. We break down the demodulator architecture and derive the exact output signal power for a sinusoidal message.

Envelope detection is simple, but that simplicity has a noise-performance cost. Here’s how much SNR conventional AM…

Envelope detection is simple, but that simplicity has a noise-performance cost. Here’s how much SNR conventional AM gives up compared to its coherent counterparts.

Using a graphical approach, we show that coherent SSB demodulation leaves the input and output SNR unchanged, then…

Using a graphical approach, we show that coherent SSB demodulation leaves the input and output SNR unchanged, then compare its noise performance to DSB-SC and baseband systems.

Visualizing how correlated and uncorrelated signals combine offers an intuitive look at power transformation. See how…

Visualizing how correlated and uncorrelated signals combine offers an intuitive look at power transformation. See how this difference boosts baseband power to double the output SNR.

In this article, we'll learn how to calculate the noise power and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a double-sideband…

In this article, we'll learn how to calculate the noise power and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a double-sideband suppressed-carrier communication system.

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.