Latest Wireless/RF 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

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.

September 03, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

The Challenge of Integrating an Antenna Into Small IoT Devices

Designing antennas for compact IoT devices is a tricky task, but an increasingly important one. Learn more about this challenge and how to meet it.

August 18, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

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

Whitening Filters Help Low-Power Radios Tackle Issues Caused by Long Identical Bit Sequences

Learn how whitening filters solve problems in low-power radios when transmitting long identical bit sequences. Explore their significance in protocols like BLE and ZigBee.

August 02, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

ATT and GATT—How Bluetooth LE Devices Store Data

Learn how ATT and GATT protocols help Bluetooth LE devices store and manage data, making it easier for connected devices to work together seamlessly.

July 21, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

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.

July 19, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

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

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.

July 12, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

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.

July 05, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

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

Designing a Wideband Analog Voltage and Current Meter

Design a wideband analog multimeter to measure AC voltages and currents from 20 Hz to 1 MHz with a selectable sensitivity from 1 mV to 100 V, while the ammeter has a selectable current sensitivity of 10 mA to 10 A.

May 03, 2023 by John Woodgate

Learn Stub Tuning With a Smith Chart

Learn about impedance matching stub tuning using a Smith chart, as well as single and double stub tuning, impedance contour, and the "forbidden region" of a Smith chart.

April 21, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar