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 […]
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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 […]
Surface Mount Technology and devices – Past and present
By Louis Squeo, Product Manager, Signal Transformer (Bel Group) There is a strong likelihood of at least one PCB on a circuit design inside any product today. Electronic components enable all classes of end-products, providing everything from power conversion to process control. The need for densely populated PCBs is apparent for small and portable devices, […]
What is passive intermodulation?
Passive intermodulation (PIM) is a pernicious and destructive phenomenon for cellular network operators. PIM shows up as a set of unwanted signals created by mixing two or more strong RF signals. Mixing generally produces the sum and difference frequencies of the two transmit signals F1 and F2. These signals are F1 + F2 and F1 […]
Audio filters: Understanding acoustic waves – Part 2
In the previous tutorial, sound waves and their properties were discussed. Now, let’s learn about acoustic waves. Sound waves typically refer to frequencies that are audible to humans, which are in the 20 Hz to 20 kHz range. However, waves with frequencies that are greater than 20 kHz are ultrasonic waves. And, those in 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, […]
VSWR and impedance, Part 6: Microstrip and stripline
Understanding the role and implications of impedance in RF transmission lines and antennas is vital to successful system performance. The traditional matching approaches are still in wide use, but new application requirements and advances in components, modeling and simulation, and manufacturing precision have also provided new ways to address the matching problem. Q: What is […]
VSWR and impedance, Part 5: Making a match
Understanding the role and implications of impedance in RF transmission lines and antennas is vital to successful system performance. The importance of impedance matching, minimizing reflections, and keeping a low VSWR means these topics have been studied extensively, ranging from analytical perspectives through many physical designs and implementations. This section looks at some matching techniques. […]