Here, we review some common specifications for successive approximation register (SAR) and sigma delta analog to digital converters (ADCs.) For converters, resolution is the number of bits per conversion cycle that the converter is capable of processing. For example, a converter with 12 bits of resolution is often referred to as “12 bits wide,” since […]
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Top analog threads on EDAboard.com – December
(editor’s note: Intrigued by the problem? Have a question or another solution? Then click the “Read more” link and follow the conversation on EDAboard.com or log in to EDAboard and participate in the analog IC forum threads.) LM386 low noise (hiss) alternative? – I am building a direct conversion (regenerative) receiver that is followed by this […]
RTD vs. thermocouple vs. thermistor in temperature sensors
Temperature doesn’t change very quickly, and temperature sensors match that characteristic. Environmental temperature changes are generally slow, on the order of less than 0.1 sec/°C. Typical circuit temperature sensors are resistance temperature devices (RTDs), thermocouples, thermistors, or integrated silicon sensors. Trade-offs amongst these devices include cost, cost to operate, response time, noise immunity, operating temperature […]
The 10 most popular posts on Analog IC Tips for 2016
We went into our article archives to uncover the most widely read posts on analogictips.com over the past 12 months. Here for your reading (or re-reading?) pleasure are the top 10 stories: How IoT and mixed signal designs will drive SiP tech in 2016 How much math do you need to know to design electronics? […]
What is common-impedance coupling?
Common-impedance coupling occurs when two or more circuits share a common ground and is the result of a shared impedance in a shared ground path. The best way to explain it is by way of a common example, such as when the lights dim when an air conditioner is turned on; they probably share the […]
Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode: What is it?
Transients are sudden high-frequency overvoltages that can destroy a chip. A silicon Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) is a circuit protection component that either attenuates (reduces) or filters a transient voltage spike (overvoltage), thus protecting your circuit. Another type of TVS diverts a voltage spike away from your circuit (also known as shunting, clamping, or bypassing.) […]
Supercapacitor or ultracapacitor basics: What you need to know
A supercapacitor, also known as an ultracapacitor, is a high-capacity capacitor that possesses a lower energy density than batteries, but higher than conventional capacitors. In the race for longer smartphone life, batteries have not made as much progress in the capacity as semiconductors have made in power efficiency. However, semiconductors are fast approaching a point […]
A monopulse tracking system for satellite tracking
by Anil Pandey A tracking system in earth station antenna tracks the motion of the satellite. Especially in the case of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites, that appears for the small time window to earth station antenna, it’s necessary to communicate with satellite effectively in that short duration of time and receive or download all necessary data, […]
Top analog threads on EDAboard.com – November
(editor’s note: Intrigued by the problem? Have a question or optional solution? Then click the “Read more” link and follow the conversation on EDAboard.com or log in to EDAboard and participate in the analog IC forum threads.) Loop gain greater than 0db – In a typical feed-forward operational amplifier or for that matter any other […]
Measuring the linear operating region of instrumentation amplifiers
by Peter Semig and Collin Wells, Texas Instruments There are numerous publications from the past two years that discuss the theoretical linear operating region of instrumentation amplifiers. The publications cover the three primary topologies of instrumentation amplifiers: three-op-amp,[1] twoop-amp,[2] and two-op-amp with gain stage,[3] which are shown in Figure 1. Each publication derives the node […]
