In the engineering context, the phrase “channel diversity” refers to various techniques for getting a signal from point A to point B. The different approaches to diversity can be used individually or in combination. Q: What are the primary types of channel diversity in use? A: There are two primary types: space (spatial), and frequency. […]
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Optical tweezers move nano-objects, Part 3: The system
Part 2 of this article continued the exploration of the basic optical tweezer. This part builds up to a complete system, DIY optical tweezer systems, and extensions to the basic optical-tweezer arrangement. The optical tweezer is obviously not a simple system, and a complete system requires lenses, dichroic mirrors, a laser, video camera, isolation against […]
Optical tweezers move nano-objects, Part 2: The optical path
A combination of optics, lasers, electronics, and combined with advanced physics principles, allows “touch-free” physical manipulation of molecules, viruses, and other nano-sized objects. Part 1 of this article presented the goals of the optical-tweezer design and some of the reasoning which leads to it. This part continues to build up to a larger, complete system. […]
Optical tweezers move nano-objects, Part 1: The Principles
A combination of optics, lasers, electronics, and combined with advanced physics principles, allows “touch-free” physical manipulation of molecules, viruses, and other nano-sized objects. How do you manipulate and move tiny objects such as pieces of DNA or living cells? Conventional mechanical or vacuum tweezers, no matter how small, couldn’t grab them and would cause damage […]
The RF power amplifier, Part 1: Functions
In the RF signal chain, the power amplifier (PA) is the active element located between the transmitter signal chain circuitry and the antenna, Figure 1. It is often a single discrete component, one with requirements and parameters which differ from those of much of the transmit chain as well as the receiver circuitry. This FAQ […]
Class D audio, Gallium-Nitride versus Silicon – Virtual Roundtable (part 2 of 2)
In this second part of EEWorld’s “virtual roundtable” discussion on Class D audio, our panelists delve into the impact that the emergence of gallium-nitride (GaN) is having on Class D designs: Where are silicon devices still dominant? What are the performance benefits of using GaN in Class D amplifiers? And what are the anticipated future […]
Class D audio technology and applications – Virtual Roundtable (part 1 of 2)
The first part of EEWorld’s two-part “virtual roundtable” discussion on Class D audio considers technical challenges and design trade-offs for engineers using Class D audio technology. Joining us for this virtual roundtable are: Joshua LeMaire (JL), Audio Systems Architect at Analog Devices; Steve Colino (SC), Vice President Strategic Technical Sales with Efficient Power Conversion; and […]
RF/Microwave bandpass filter implementations, Part 3: Microstrip, coaxial, and helical filters
Part 2 looked at two types of RF/microwave filters, but there are many more, including ceramic coaxial filters and helical filters. They are discussed in this part. Microstrip filters Microstrip filters are built as a carefully defined pattern on a PC board. There is almost no limit to the filter designs which can be built […]
The single-chip loudspeaker: First fully MEMS-based speakers target earphone apps
What is billed as the world’s first monolithic true MEMS speaker is just one millimeter thick and is said to deliver high fidelity, full-bandwidth sound and low total harmonic distortion (THD) for sealed in-ear personal audio devices, including true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds. Called Montara by its creator xMEMS Labs in Los Altos, Calif., the […]
RF/Microwave bandpass filter implementations, Part 2: Cavity and comb filters
The well-known and extensively analyzed lumped-element bandpass filter is generally not suitable for the RF/microwave region, but there are many distributed-element, energy-based alternatives. Part 1 of this article established the context for these RF/microwave filters, which operate in the spectrum from several hundred MHz and higher, and increasingly cannot use discrete lumped-circuit elements (RLCs). Instead, […]
