Latest Wireless/RF 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 explore how modal analysis can be applied to problems of balance and common-mode current.

In this article, we'll explore how modal analysis can be applied to problems of balance and common-mode current.

In this article, we'll use practical examples to define and demonstrate the concept of electrical balance. In particular,…

In this article, we'll use practical examples to define and demonstrate the concept of electrical balance. In particular, we’ll examine differential signals and coax currents.

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.

The Hogge phase detector plays multiple roles in CDR circuits. In this article, we'll explore the Hogge detector's…

The Hogge phase detector plays multiple roles in CDR circuits. In this article, we'll explore the Hogge detector's behavior, highlight its main drawbacks, and introduce a different configuration that addresses them.

Learn how the Hogge detector addresses the challenges of clock and data recovery (CDR) for data signals with limited…

Learn how the Hogge detector addresses the challenges of clock and data recovery (CDR) for data signals with limited clock information.

In this project, we'll construct and test a microcontroller-based system that digitally generates analog signals.

In this project, we'll construct and test a microcontroller-based system that digitally generates analog signals.

Learn how PLLs enable communication in which a clock signal is not transmitted with the data. We’ll look specifically…

Learn how PLLs enable communication in which a clock signal is not transmitted with the data. We’ll look specifically at return-to-zero (RZ) and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) data formats.

This article explains the importance of incorporating delay into the feedback path of a phase/frequency detector (PFD)…

This article explains the importance of incorporating delay into the feedback path of a phase/frequency detector (PFD) and examines its effect on performance.

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.

This article explores the operation of the simplest digital phase detector: the exclusive-OR (XOR) gate.

This article explores the operation of the simplest digital phase detector: the exclusive-OR (XOR) gate.

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 examine how adding a zero to the PLL loop filter affects the transient behavior and steady-state errors.

In this article, we examine how adding a zero to the PLL loop filter affects the transient behavior and steady-state errors.

In this article, we derive design equations for a second-order PLL with a lag-lead filter by examining its Bode plots.

In this article, we derive design equations for a second-order PLL with a lag-lead filter by examining its Bode plots.