Sound is an analog or linear phenomenon. Traditional audio amplifiers such as Class A and Class AB operate the amplifying transistors in the linear mode. Class A and AB amplifiers can provide clean sound, but are inefficient, like linear power supplies. Class D amplifiers are similar to switched-mode power supplies and use various pulse modulation […]
Featured
The microstrip antenna, Part 2: Implementation
The microstrip antenna is a convenient, planar, easy-to-fabricate antenna with some attractive attributes and features, as well as some distinct limitations. Part 1 of this FAQ was a brief review of antennas and introduced to microstrip antenna design. This part continues that exploration along with related issues. Q: What’s the difference, if any, between a […]
End-to-end automation is the next leap forward for DFT
by Jay Jahangiri, Product Manager for Mentor, a Siemens Business, Tessent product family The increase in IC design size and complexity adds a number of new challenges to the design flow, including design-for-test (DFT). One of the most successful changes in design-for-test (DFT) flows in recent years has been the deployment of hierarchical DFT. For […]
What is signal attenuation?
Many use the term “attenuation” without completely understanding it. The term is used in several areas, including medical, audio, and even attenuation terminology associated with brewing beer. Generally speaking, attenuation means “lessening” the thing that’s being attenuated. For example, sunglasses attenuate the sunlight reaching your eyes. Attenuating an electrical signal can mean that the act […]
Cloud-based PCB design software helps share layouts and models
Altium has launched a new cloud-based application that redefines the way that printed circuit board designs are shared between designers, part suppliers, and manufacturers. The A365 Viewer, powered by the Altium 365 cloud platform, is a brand new, and innovative way to view and share electronic designs through a browser on any web-enabled desktop, phone […]
E-commerce site offers designers device models on demand
MoDeCH Inc. launched its English language ecommerce site, “Model On! Search.” Previously available only in Japan, Model On! was developed over the past 15 years based on various proprietary modeling technologies for analog, high speed digital, and power electronics markets. “With Model On! Search, access to design and simulation models is now a one-stop shop […]
Integrating absolute encoders – An overview of SPI, RS-485, and SSI protocols
Opportunities for electrically-propelled autonomous mobility and advanced automation continue to multiply in the quest for greater industrial productivity, smarter living, and increased energy efficiency. Encoders can play a large part in these applications as motors require precisely tracked position and motion. However, with multiple encoder types and communication protocols on the market, what are the […]
Analog Top Talks in November 2019 on EDABoard.com
Peer-to-peer, engineer-to-engineer questions and answers from the EDABoard.com engineering community around analog ICs and analog design. Click the “Read more” link and follow the entire conversation and maybe add your two cents by logging in to EDAboard.com. NPN having its VBE protected against reverse voltage – The attached circuits provide an 8.3V rail which supplies […]
Vacuum tubes we still (have to) use: The traveling wave tube, Part 1
The previous parts of this article explored the photomultiplier tube (Part 1 and Part 2), which is based on a simple, fairly clear physics principle, although building a high-performance PMT is an art and requires various skills, of course. This part looks at a microwave/mm-wave amplifier called the traveling wave tube (TWT – often pronounced […]
Vacuum tubes we still (have to) use: The traveling wave tube, Part 2
We live in a world of solid-state active devices that have made most vacuum tubes obsolete, but a few types remain as they are still indispensable. The previous part of this article introduced the traveling wave tube and its basic operation, along with some attributes. This part delves into some related issues. Q: What’s the […]