Latest Wireless Communication Technical Articles

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.

This article explores the concept of indirect FM generation and the basic operation of the Armstrong modulator.

This article explores the concept of indirect FM generation and the basic operation of the Armstrong modulator.

In this article, we examine two different methods of producing wideband FM signals. Both use crystal oscillators to…

In this article, we examine two different methods of producing wideband FM signals. Both use crystal oscillators to provide improved frequency stability.

In this article, we explore the limitations of LC oscillators for direct FM generation and how to deal with them using…

In this article, we explore the limitations of LC oscillators for direct FM generation and how to deal with them using multipliers and automatic frequency control (AFC) circuits.

Learn how a varactor diode's variable capacitance, together with an LC tank circuit, can drive a voltage-controlled…

Learn how a varactor diode's variable capacitance, together with an LC tank circuit, can drive a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to create FM waveforms.

In this article, we examine a reactance modulator design that employs the variable capacitance of a bipolar junction…

In this article, we examine a reactance modulator design that employs the variable capacitance of a bipolar junction transistor to modulate the output of a Colpitts oscillator.

In this article, we'll introduce the fundamental concepts of direct FM generation and examine a key FM modulation…

In this article, we'll introduce the fundamental concepts of direct FM generation and examine a key FM modulation circuit: the reactance modulator.

Along with introducing Carson's rule for bandwidth estimation, this article explains how to calculate the required…

Along with introducing Carson's rule for bandwidth estimation, this article explains how to calculate the required transmission bandwidth based on either the sidebands or the total power of the signal.

Learn how Bessel functions and the modulation index can help us understand the bandwidth of wideband frequency-modulated…

Learn how Bessel functions and the modulation index can help us understand the bandwidth of wideband frequency-modulated (FM) signals.

This article explores the effect of signal bandwidth on the linearity of power amplifiers, including the impacts of…

This article explores the effect of signal bandwidth on the linearity of power amplifiers, including the impacts of cascaded RF gain stages.