Finding the right analog filter to build a sensor circuit doesn’t have to be complicated. Understandably, the plethora of filter options can be overwhelming. Also, selecting a less-than-ideal filter may result in compromises, potentially increasing system cost, or affecting performance. To help simplify filter selection, this series of blogs explore key considerations when assessing your […]
Analog ICs
An overview of filters and their parameters, Part 4: Time and phase issues
Understanding how filters are characterized is the first step in choosing an appropriate topology with suitable specifications. Thus far, we have focused on filters primarily in terms of their frequency response. However, it is equally legitimate to look at their time-domain and phase-related performance, and in many cases, just as or even more important. Q: […]
An overview of filters and their parameters, Part 1: Context
Understanding how filters are characterized is the first step in choosing an appropriate topology with suitable specifications. Mention “filters” to electrical engineers of the older persuasion, and you’ll likely see a look of nostalgia mixed with fear. Why so? Because “back in the day” a course on filter theory was mandatory for nearly all EE […]
A look at intrinsic broadband noise spectral density
You can think of noise as an unwanted signal. This signal creates an error by combining with the desired signal in your circuit. Exterior sources can couple into your circuits, such as your 50 or 60 Hz DC mains signal or your cell phone. The starting point in your circuit’s noise evaluation is to reach […]
Squash 1/f noise with zero-drift amplifiers
There is a device that squashes all the 1/f voltage and current noise calculations with a chopper amplifier algorithm that corrects offset and drift characteristics. These amplifiers are zero-drift, auto-zero, or choppers that all achieve nanovolt-level offsets and extremely low offset drifts due to time and temperature. But back to our noise discussion, these devices […]
Free-space optical links, Part 1: Principles
Free-space optical links provide a reliable, cost-effective, and quick way to link two fixed communication nodes located a few kilometers apart. When engineers think of “optical data links” or “optical communications” they almost invariably think of light (visible or not) in an optical fiber carrying data at high rates for tens or even thousands of […]
What are the applications of 3D and 4D printed electronics?
3D printing is the fabrication of a three-dimensional object under computer control, with one or more materials being added layer by layer. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is used across various electronics applications, including circuit boards, energy storage devices, actuators, and sensors. It can be implemented using a variety of technologies, including selective laser sintering […]
Including the often overlooked 1/f current noise
It is tempting to center your attention only on voltage noise when using operational amplifiers in the circuit. This impulse is attractive because the current noise is always well below the voltage noise specifications. But be careful. Don’t jump to conclusions without looking at all the elements in this noise challenge. This blog explores the […]
Audio filters: Understanding sound waves – Part 1
Audio electronics is a sector that refers to the circuit design that converts sound into electrical signals or electrical signals back into sound. Together, several circuits form an audio system. An audio system has several functions and, typically, can: Receive audio signals (via a microphone) Record and save audio Transmit audio (through wired or wireless […]
Bug Hunt! Spiraling in on formal coverage closure
By Ping Yeung Ph.D., Principal Engineer, Siemens EDA Many companies have used formal verification to verify complex SoCs [1][2] and safety-critical designs. Using formal verification to confirm design functionalities and uncover functional bugs is emerging as an efficient verification approach. Although formal verification will not handle the complexity of a design at the SoC level, […]
