Analog-to-digital converters are the heart of most test equipment, setting the stage for the digital processing of analog signals. Several posts over the past year or so have involved digital signal processing. For example, we have covered the fast Fourier transform (FFT), the inverse FFT, and discrete convolution. To perform these operations on real-world signals, […]
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Design a circuit for ultra-low power sensor applications
Sensors monitoring mechanical and biological systems must often scavenge power from the thing being sensed. The oscillator circuits shown here let you operate those sensors. Sensor circuits that connect to thermocouples, electromagnetic mechanical-to-electrical transducers, and piezoelectric mechanical-to-electrical transducers often use oscillators powered through energy harvesting from solar cells and other sources. These power sources can […]
Do I need an analog switch or multiplexer?
If an application calls for a device with multiple inputs and a single output, it needs a multiplexer. A switch can be used if the need is for one input per output. Analog switches and multiplexers are used in a wide array of systems, including industrial, medical, military/aerospace, consumer, 5G infrastructure, and more. This article […]
What are the different taxonomies of RFID tags, and how do they differ? part 2
The second part of this FAQ focuses on how RFID tags are categorized based on frequency bands and the presence/absence of microchips in RFID tags. While the classification based on frequency is well known, it helps practicing engineers to know about chipless RFID tags. Types of RFID Tags based on frequency bands Categorizing RFID tags […]
What are the different taxonomies of RFID tags, and how do they differ? part 1
The common way of categorizing RFID tags is based on how they utilize power for communication between the reader and the tag. They can also be classified based on operating frequency and absence/presence of chips. This first part of the FAQ will cover the passive, semi-passive, and active RFID tags categorized based on power. Types […]
What are the different stages of PCB design, testing, and manufacturing?
A printed circuit board (PCB) provides the mechanical foundation, electrical interconnections, and signal routing for electronic devices and systems (Figure 1). By enabling compact, reliable, and high-performance circuit integration, PCBs support various industrial, medical, and consumer applications in data centers and at the intelligent edge. This article discusses the three pillars of effective PCB design […]
What is a PLL for analog signals?
A phase-locked loop (PLL) for analog signals generates an output with a phase that’s precisely matched to the phase of an input reference. Analog PLLs are widely used in high-frequency applications like communication systems and scientific equipment that need low jitter and precise synchronization. This article begins by looking at how PLLs for analog signals […]
What are the advantages of a three op-amp instrumentation amplifier?
An instrumentation amplifier (INA) built using three operational amplifiers (op amps) can provide performance advantages in terms of high input impedance, low output impedance, easily adjustable gain, excellent common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR), high accuracy, and high open-loop gain. This article examines the basic design of INAs and their performance benefits, then discusses some application considerations, […]
What are the three types of logic level translators (LLTs)?
Logic-level translators (LLTs) are electronic circuits that enable communication between devices operating at different voltage levels, such as 3.3V and 5V. Also known as voltage-level translators or level shifters, LLTs convert signals between incompatible logic standards. This article outlines key LLT specifications and features, reviewing bidirectional, high-to-low, and low-to-high LLTs. It also explores the role […]
How AI and ML optimize functional verification for EDA
Functional verification ensures that the register transfer layer (RTL) implementation of semiconductor designs operates according to specified requirements. Electronic engineers typically perform functional verification using hardware verification languages (HVLs) such as SystemVerilog paired with the universal verification methodology (UVM). Other HVLs, such as VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) and Property Specification Language (PSL), may be […]
