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 […]
RF/Microwave noise, Part 2: Noise temperature and applications
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basic specifications of noise factor and noise figure, widely used in RF/microwave system and circuit analysis to predict and assess both requirements and performance. This part looks at the additional parameter of noise temperature, as well as the impact this parameter has on system performance. It also […]
RF power measurement, Part 2: What and how
Part 1 of this FAQ introduced some of the basic issues related to the measurement of RF power, which is a primary parameter in most RF designs. Part 2 continues the discussion, looking at RF waveforms and sensors. Q: The term “power” is fairly broad; what are the specifics? A: There are actually several basic […]
RF power measurement, Part 1: Why and where
When the subject is RF design, the word “power” dominates much of the discussion. This FAQ looks at some perspectives related to the measurement of this vital RF parameter. Not only is power and measuring it among the most important RF design considerations, but it is also generally difficult to assess accurately, and it is […]
The RF power amplifier, Part 2: Considerations
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basic role and function of the RF power amplifier (PA). This part looks at some of the factors to consider when looking at possible PA devices. It is not a detailed run-through of the many parameters which characterize PAs, including many which are unique to the PA […]
Impedance matching and using the Smith chart, Part 1
In circuit designs spanning low-frequency audio through high-frequency RF, there’s considerable discussion about impedance matching between components or subcircuits, with various tools such as the Smith chart with is used to facilitate the matching. Q: What is impedance matching? A: Impedance matching means that a signal source sees a load impedance which is the complex […]
Apps framework helps build traditional MIMO and Massive MIMO prototypes
NI , the provider of platform-based systems that enable engineers and scientists to solve the world’s greatest engineering challenges, today announced the world’s first MIMO Application Framework. When paired with NI software defined radio hardware, this software reference design provides a well-documented, reconfigurable, parameterized physical layer written and delivered in LabVIEW source code that enables […]
Wide-band instruments in the 5G Era
by David Hall, Principal Product Manager, RF and Wireless Communications, National Instruments, Corp. Just a decade ago, signal analyzers with 20 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth were considered state-of-the-art. Within a decade, signal analyzers with no less than 2 GHz of bandwidth will likely be entry-level devices. Clearly there’s a trend toward signal analyzers supporting wider […]
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