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. How to design a thermostat without microcontroller – I want to have an electronic thermostat when the temperature reaches to […]
Analog computation, Part 2: When and how
Analog circuits based on op amps can be used to implement mathematical functions and are still useful in many applications due to their unique attributes. Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basic need for and virtues of analog-based computational circuits. Part 2 looks at some implementation specifics and considerations. Q: What are the […]
Analog computation, Part 1: What and why
Analog circuits based on op amps can be used to implement mathematical functions and are still useful in many applications due to their unique attributes. Say the word “computer” or “computation” and the instinctively associated concept is “digital.” That makes sense since most computers and computation functions are implemented with general digital logic, specialized arithmetic […]
Synthesized tuning, Part 2: Advanced synthesizers and performance
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basic issues and topologies related to the challenge of frequency synthesis. Part 2 continues with advanced approaches and their attributes, as well as general concerns when choosing a synthesizer. Q: Are there other digitally-controlled synthesizer topologies? A: Yes. A widely used one is called the classical phase […]
Synthesized tuning, Part 1: Basic frequency-synthesizer principles
Frequency synthesizers of various architectures, made possible by IC technology, are a key building blocks for applications which must accurately tune multiple channels, and hop from one frequency to another while using a single signal source such as a crystal oscillator. When you want to tune a desired radio station — AM or FM — […]
Wheatstone bridge, Part 2: Additional considerations
Part 1 of this FAQ explained the basic principle of the Wheatstone bridge. This part will take the bridge configuration into modern applications and go beyond basic resistance measurements. Q: All this measurement via changing resistance or by measuring current seems very slow or static; how does it fit into today’s electronics? A: First, many […]
Wheatstone bridge, Part 1: Principles and basic applications
Although the electronics industry is relentlessly driven by advances in materials, components, and architectures, the “new” obviously also builds on the “old” and often still uses it, albeit in new guises. There’s still a viable place and need for old devices such as the transformer, solenoid, relay, and Wheatstone bridge. This FAQ will look at […]
Precision ADCs simplify calibration requirements close to O mA
Analog Devices has introduced today two multi-channel +/-10V and 0-20mA precision A/D converters that better enable implementation of programmable logic controller (PLC) and distributed control system (DCS) modules. Leveraging ADI’s iPassives integrated precision passives technology, the AD4111 and AD4112 A/D converters integrate precision matched current sense resistors and resistor dividers. The high degree of channel-to-channel […]
Why use an e-fuse? Part 1
The electronic fuse is a powerful and versatile tool in the designer’s kit, but building one requires careful selection of the core amplifier; IC embodiments solve the problem. The traditional thermal-based fuse, Figure 1, is a low-cost, widely used, well-understood, highly reliable, easy-to-apply circuit- protection component. It is available in a wide range of ratings, […]
20-mA current loops, Part 1: Basic functions
You’ve been given an “easy” assignment: get the low-rate data from a temperature sensor to a control computer located 100 feet (30 m) away, in an industrial setting. After much investigation and assessment, you choose a widely used standard called the 20-mA loop, which has been in use for over 50 years, rather than Wi-Fi, […]
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