Picking up where we left off in Part 1, we need to explore some methods to mitigate problems caused by unpredictable ground currents. Let’s start with some simplification, although we may need to first complicate things to then simplify them. First, let’s arrange a massive ground plane around the analog circuitry on the PC board. […]
Analog ICs
Power-supply supervisors keep circuits in check: part 2
Is my power supply OK, and what if it isn’t? Is my microprocessor still working? In part 1, we examined the operation of power supply supervisory ICs that can detect when the supply voltage is too low, and what might happen if so. We will continue that analysis and then consider ways to keep an […]
Power-supply supervisors keep circuits in check: part 1
Is my power supply OK? What about my microprocessor? What if something goes wrong? Simulations show what happens if DC voltage drops. Microprocessors can behave in unwanted ways when their power supplies don’t deliver the expected voltage. Errors can occur, circuits can unexpectedly reset or even go rogue. To prevent such problems, many devices use […]
How op amps work and why you should use them: part 3
Operational amplifiers (op amps) are almost the perfect amplifier. As long as you keep a few important details in mind, their imperfections will seem invisible. In part 1, Equations 2 and 3 used the term AV for the voltage gain of the simple noninverting amplifier shown in Figure 1. The equations use α for the […]
ADCs target mid-tier audio market
Cirrus Logic has announced the release of four new audio converters for its Pro Audio product family: two analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and two digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The components are designed for HiFi playback systems, installed audio infrastructure, professional audio equipment, musical instruments, and USB audio interfaces. The devices expand the company’s existing converter portfolio to […]
EE Training Days kicks-off 2025 with The A to Z of Multi-die Design
Did you know that multi-die architectures now represent over 50% of new semiconductor designs, marking a significant shift in chip development strategy? It’s true. There’s now a clear trend towards more multi-die designs, especially in data center, AI, and server applications where the complexity of the chips is too large to fit on a single […]
ATE test contactors for Analog/RF/MMWave device testing
Ironwood Electronics introduces its new Raptor line of ATE (automatic test equipment) test contactors. The cartridges, configured as quickly replaceable cartridges — a first for ATE applications — utilize Ironwood’s proprietary lamination technology for increased precision, convenience, and Mean Time Between Assist (MTBA). PicoRaptor high-performance rigid contact pins provide both high bandwidth and high insertion […]
Eight-channel driver and photo receiver join precision IC family
Apex Microtechnology announced the addition of two new devices to its Precision IC product line: an 8-channel driver and a photo receiver amplifier IC. These devices join the family of nine linear amplifier ICs and four driver and sensor ICs, expanding the range of products providing supply voltages up to 350V with multi-channel architectures. The […]
Mixed-signal platform operates at 175° C for industrial use
onsemi has launched its Treo Platform, a new 65 nm BCD process integrates analog and mixed-signal functions operating from 1-90 V at temperatures up to 175° C. The process platform targets power management and sensing applications across automotive, medical, industrial and data center markets. The platform’s modular architecture helps customers streamline design processes and reduce […]
New collaboration brings industry-grade chip fabrication to Georgia Tech students
Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Texas Instruments (TI) have announced a strategic collaboration to advance analog circuit education and prepare students for the growing demand in the semiconductor industry. The collaboration centers around the launch of a new course, ECE 4804: Analog VLSI (Very-Large-Scale Integration) I: Tapeout, which […]
