The following is a list of my articles on various topics. Besides technical articles, news pieces that might have useful technical information are also included. You can find my articles on FPGA programming and DSP concepts on another page.
Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT)
Hall Effect Sensors
Resistive Current Sensing
Pressure Sensors
MEMS Accelerometers
Piezoelectric Accelerometers
MEMS Gyroscopes
Thermocouples
Resistance Temperature Detectors
Quantization Noise
Offset Error, Gain Error, and Calibration
DNL and INL Errors
Calculating the Error Budget
Dithering
Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR)
ADC Testing Methods
Miscellaneous
Noise Figure
Lossless Transmission Lines
Lossy Transmission Lines
Mismatch Loss
Smith Chart
Impedance Matching Techniques
Linear RF Amplifier Design
Power Amplifier Design
Fundamentals of Vector Network Analyzers
RF Transformers and Baluns
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Miscellaneous
Sensors
Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT)
- Introduction to Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs)
- Learn About the Basics of LVDT Demodulator Circuits
- LVDT Demodulation: Rectifier-Type vs. Synchronous Demodulation
Hall Effect Sensors
- Hall Effect Magnetic Design: Head-on and Slide-by Configurations
- Hall Effect Position Sensing: Response Linearity and Slope for Slide-By Configurations
- Digital (ON/OFF) Hall Effect Devices: Switches and Latches
- Hall Effect Current Sensing: Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Configurations
Resistive Current Sensing
- Resistive Current Sensing: Low-Side vs. High-Side Sensing
- Using Single-Ended Amplifiers in Low-Side Current Sensing: Error Sources and Layout Tips
- Learn How Integrated Solutions Can Increase the Accuracy of Resistive Current Sensing
- Understanding the Amplifier Offset Voltage and Output Swing in Resistive Current Sensing
Pressure Sensors
MEMS Accelerometers
- Introduction to Capacitive Accelerometers: Measuring Acceleration with Capacitive Sensing
- Deriving the Transfer Function of a Capacitive Sensing Accelerometer
- MEMS Accelerometer Frequency Response and Bandwidth Specification
- Filtering Accelerometer Output for Noise Suppression and Bandwidth Improvement
- What Does an Accelerometer Output When It Isn’t Moving? Zero-g Bias
- Accelerometer Specifications: Measurement Range, Sensitivity, and Noise Performance
Piezoelectric Accelerometers
- Understanding Piezoelectric Accelerometer Basics
- Processing a Piezoelectric Accelerometer Output Using a Charge Amplifier
- Understanding Charge Amplifier Errors—Time Constant and Drift
- Piezoelectric Accelerometers With Integrated Electronics (IEPE)
- Piezoelectric Accelerometers: IEPE Sensors vs. Charge Output Sensors
- Accelerometer Mounting Methods: Types, Effects, and Solutions
MEMS Gyroscopes
Thermocouples
- Thermocouple Principles—the Seebeck Effect and Seebeck Coefficient
- Thermocouple Basics—Using the Seebeck Effect for Temperature Measurement
- What is Cold Junction Compensation in Thermocouples?
- Thermocouple Cold Junction Compensation Using Analog Temperature Sensors
- Unraveling the Thermocouple Approximation Error Using the Least Squares Method
- Exploring Monolithic Thermocouple Signal Conditioning Using AD849x and LT1025
- Thermocouple Signal Conditioners and Signal Conditioning Near the Cold Junction
Resistance Temperature Detectors
- RTD Basics—An Introduction to Resistance Temperature Detectors
- Modeling RTD Resistance-temperature Characteristics
- An Introduction to RTD Sensor Signal Conditioning Circuits
- RTD Signal Conditioning—Voltage vs Current Excitation in 3-wire Configurations
- RTD Signal Conditioning—4-Wire Configuration, Ratiometric Measurement, & Filtering
Test and Measurement
- Use Signal Averaging to Increase the Accuracy of Your Measurements
- Introduction to the Synchronous Demodulation
- Synchronous Demodulation Using Analog Multipliers vs. Switch-based Multipliers
- Analog and Digital Implementation of a Synchronous Demodulator
- Common-Mode Rejection: A Key Feature of Instrumentation Amplifiers
- Examining the Unbalanced Loading Effect of a Difference Amplifier on a Bridge Circuit
- Learn About Three-Op Amp Instrumentation Amplifiers
- Two Techniques to Linearize Resistive Sensor Bridges
- Understanding Digital Oscilloscope Sample Rate and Analog Bandwidth Specs
- Reed Relays Can Be the Best Solution for Signal Switching in T&M [News]
- Analog Discovery 2 vs. Other PC-Based Oscilloscopes. Is AD2 Worth the Hype? [News]
Electronic Components' Stability (Drift With Time and Temperature)
- Introduction to Allan Variance—Non-overlapping and Overlapping Allan Variance
- Temperature Drift in Resistors and Op-amps—Flicker Noise and Signal Averaging
- High-temperature Aging Method to Evaluate Electronic Component Aging and Stability
- Using the Arrhenius Equation to Predict Electronic Component Aging
- Electronic Component Aging—the Aging Effects of Resistors and Op-amps
- Electronic Component Aging—Long Term Drift (LTD) in a Voltage Reference
A/D Converters
Quantization Noise
- Understanding Amplitude Quantization Error for ADCs
- Quantization Noise and Amplitude Quantization Error in ADCs
Offset Error, Gain Error, and Calibration
- ADC Offset and ADC Gain Error Specifications
- Offset Error and Gain Error in a Bipolar ADC and Differential ADC
- Understanding CMRR and its Relationship With ADC Offset Error
- Trim Out ADC Offset and Gain Error Using Two Point Calibration
- Offset and Gain Calibration Functions in Precision ADCs: Self-calibration
- System Calibration and Background Calibration in Precision ADCs
DNL and INL Errors
- Understanding ADC Differential Nonlinearity (DNL) Error
- ADC Nonlinearity—Missing Codes, Monotonicity, and Nonlinearity Effect on SNR
- Understanding ADC Integral Nonlinearity (INL) Error
- ADC INL Errors—Best Fit Line, Total Unadjusted Error, Absolute and Relative Accuracy
- ADC Resolution vs. Accuracy—Sub-range ADCs, Two-step ADCs, and TUE
Calculating the Error Budget
Dithering
- What is Dithering? Using Dithering to Eliminate Quantization Distortion
- Reducing Quantization Distortion Via Subtractive and Non-subtractive Dithering
- Improving ADC SFDR Using Dithering for Communication System Applications
Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR)
- Understanding Different Definitions of the Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) Specification
- Assessing the ADC SNR and SFDR for Communications Systems
- Understanding Limitations to Increasing SFDR in High-speed ADCs
ADC Testing Methods
- Introduction to Servo-Loop ADC Testing
- Servo-Loop ADC Testing: Choosing the Parameters
- Histogram ADC Testing: The Linear Ramp Histogram Test
- ADC Linearity Testing: the Sinusoidal Histogram Method
Miscellaneous
- Understanding the Dynamic Range Specification of an ADC
- Learn About SAR ADCs: Architecture, Applications, and Support Circuitry
- Developing Voice-Activated Systems: A Low-Power Stereo ADC from Texas Instruments [News]
- An ADC for Low-Power Data Acquisition Designs: A DC-to-204 kHz, Configurable ADC from Analog Devices [News]
- New Dual Simultaneous Sampling ADCs from ADI Feature On-Chip Oversampling Blocks [News]
- Why Choose High-Precision Voltage Clamping for Low-Voltage Applications? [News]
- Continuous-Time Sigma-Delta ADCs: the “Alias-Free” ADC [News]
- Filters and Flexibility: TI’s New Delta-Sigma ADC Gives Designers Both [News]
D/A Converters
- What Are the DNL and INL Specifications of a DAC? Non-Linearity in Digital-to-Analog Converters
- DNL and INL Specifications of a DAC: Interpreting INL Shape
- The Operation and Characteristics of Voltage-Mode R-2R DACs
- On-Chip Diagnostic Features: A Single-Channel 16-Bit DAC from Analog Devices [News]
Voltage References
- Introduction to Bandgap Voltage References
- Understanding the Temperature Coefficient of a Voltage Reference
- Low-Noise Voltage References: Understanding the Noise Performance of a Voltage Reference IC
- A New High-Precision Low-Power Voltage Reference from TI, the REF3425-EP [News]
Operational Amplifiers And Comparators
- New Low-Power, Zero-Drift Operational Amplifier from Texas Instruments, the OPA2333P [News]
- Small Size, nanoPower: A New Comparator from Texas Instruments [News]
- A New 45V Zero-Drift Op-Amp from Microchip, the MCP6V51 [News]
Quartz Crystals
- Characterizing Frequency Deviations of Quartz Crystals: Frequency Tolerance, Frequency Stability, and Aging
- Understanding the Operation of Quartz Crystal Oscillators
- Assessing the Effect of Load Capacitance on the Frequency of a Quartz Crystal
- Examining the Negative Resistance of a Quartz Crystal Oscillator
- How to Measure the Drive Level of a Quartz Crystal
Thermal Design
- How Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance of an IC Package Affects Thermal Performance
- Theta JA (θJA) Test Conditions for Assessing IC Package Thermal Design
- Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance in Thermal Design
- Designing with a Heat Sink for Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance
- Introduction to Thermal Characterization Parameters
Understanding Noise
- What an Electronics Engineer Needs to Know About Noise
- Noise in Electronics Engineering: Distribution, Noise RMS and Peak-to-Peak Value, and Power Spectral Density
- Using Power Spectral Density (PSD) to Characterize Noise
- Analog Design Trade-Offs in Applying Linearization Techniques Using Example CMOS Circuits
- Understanding Active Noise Control Systems—the Tech Underlying Noise-Canceling Headphones [News]
- More on Noise-Canceling Headphones: Adaptive Controllers in Active Noise Control Systems [News]
Memory Technologies
- Using a Supervisory Circuit to Turn a Conventional SRAM into Fast Non-Volatile Memory
- How Does Non-Volatile Memory Express Reach Such High Data Transfer Rates? [News]
- Decision Feedback Equalization: the Technique Driving DDR5’s Blazing-Fast Transfer Rates [News]
- Boosting Memory Performance in the Age of DDR5: An Intro to DDR Training Modes [News]
Embedded C Programming
- Understanding Embedded C: What Are Structures?
- Understanding Memory: How to Use Structures in Embedded C Language
- Learn the Embedded C Programming Language: Understanding the Union Data Object
- Union in C Language for Packing and Unpacking Data
PCB Design and High-Speed Digital Circuit Considerations
- The Basics of Emitter-Coupled Logic
- Why Do We Need Matched Termination with High-Speed Logic Families?
- How a Ground Plane Reduces PCB Noise
- Mitigating Noise in Double-sided PCBs: Multipoint Grounding (Gridded Ground) in Two-layer PCB Design
- Common PCB Stackups for a Four-Layer Board
- Via Configurations for Connecting Decoupling Capacitors
- The Relationship Between Rise Time and Bandwidth in Digital Signals
- The Longer the PCB Trace, the Greater the Signal Distortion. Redrivers Can Help [News]
- Reducing Second Harmonic Distortion with Symmetrical PCB Layout
- How to Use Decoupling Capacitor Placement to Reduce Harmonic Distortion
- PCB Layout Techniques for Reducing Harmonic Distortion of a Differential ADC Driver
RF and Wireless Communication Technologies
Noise Figure
- Using the Noise Figure Metric to Analyze Noise in RF Circuits
- Understanding the RF Noise Figure Specification
- Noise Figure Concepts—Power Gain, Lossy Components, and Cascaded Systems
- Characterize RF Noise Components Using Equivalent Noise Temperature
- Explore the Y Factor Method for Noise Figure Measurement
- Gain Definitions for the Y-Factor Method of NF Measurements: Available Gain or Insertion Gain?
- Noise Figure Measurement Using the Y-Factor Method: Noise Source Uncertainty and Fixturing Losses
Lossless Transmission Lines
- RF Design Basics—Introduction to Transmission Lines
- Investigating Lossless Transmission Line Phase Constant and Infinite Bandwidth
- Transmission Line Theory: Observing the Reflection Coefficient and Standing Wave
- RF Design Basics: VSWR, Return Loss, and Mismatch Loss
Lossy Transmission Lines
- Introduction to Lossy Transmission Lines
- Lossy Transmission Lines: Introduction to the Skin Effect
- Demystifying the Skin Effect: Insights into AC Current Distribution
- The Skin Effect in Cylindrical and Rectangular Conductors: Eddy Currents and Current Crowding
- Introduction to Dielectric Loss in Transmission Lines
- Assessing Conductor and Dielectric Losses in Transmission Lines
- PCB Material Properties and Their Impact on Performance of High Frequency Boards
Mismatch Loss
- Mismatch Loss and Mismatch Uncertainty in RF Systems
- Mismatch Loss Effect on RF Power Measurement and Gain of Cascaded Amplifiers
- Mismatch Loss and Mismatch Uncertainty Via Attenuators and Statistical Models
Smith Chart
- The Smith Chart and Its Relation to the Reflection Coefficient and Impedance
- Learn by Example—Using an Impedance Smith Chart
- Analyze RLC Components Using the Admittance Smith Chart and Examples
Impedance Matching Techniques
- Design a Two-element Matching Network Using the ZY Smith Chart
- L-type Matching Network Basics—Examining L Network Frequency Response and Bandwidth
- Using the Smith Chart to Design a T and Pi Matching Network
- Designing L-type Matching Networks Using Series and Parallel RC and RL Circuits
- Introduction to Impedance Matching Using Transmission Line Elements
- Exploring Single Stub Impedance Matching Through Smith Chart Examples
- Learn Stub Tuning With a Smith Chart
Linear RF Amplifier Design
- Unconditional Stability and Potential Instability in RF Amplifier Design
- RF Amplifier Stability Factors and Stabilization Techniques
- Designing a Unilateral RF Amplifier for a Specified Gain
- How to Design a Bilateral RF Amplifier for Maximum Gain
- Using the Operating Power Gain to Design a Bilateral RF Amplifier
- Learn About Designing Unilateral Low-Noise Amplifiers
- Using the Available Power Gain to Design a Bilateral Low-Noise Amplifier
Power Amplifier Design
- Introduction to Class A Power Amplifiers: The Common-Emitter PA
- Introduction to the Inductively-Loaded Class A Power Amplifier
- Using the Load-Pull Technique in RF Power Amplifier Design
- Learn About Load-Pull Systems: Passive and Active Tuners
- Introduction to the Class B Power Amplifier
- Basic Principles of the Push-Pull Class B Power Amplifier
Fundamentals of Vector Network Analyzers
- Introduction to the Directional Coupler for RF Applications
- Understanding RF Power Measurement Errors in Directional Couplers
- Understanding the Inner Workings of Vector Network Analyzers
- Understanding the Significance of Dynamic Range and Spurious-Free Dynamic Range
RF Transformers and Baluns
- Understanding the Non-Idealities of Magnetically Coupled RF Transformers
- Balun Basics and Practical Performance Parameters
- Introduction to Transmission Line Transformers and the Bifilar Coil
- Understanding the Guanella Transmission Line Balun
Bluetooth
- Star vs. Mesh Networking Topology: IoT Wireless Connectivity Fundamentals
- An Introduction to Bluetooth Mesh Networking
- Bluetooth Mesh Network Basics—Nodes, Elements, and Node Features
- Lighting Systems Get an IoT Facelift With Bluetooth Mesh [News]
- Introduction to Bluetooth Mesh Models
- New Reference Design Highlights the Inner Workings of Beacon-Based, Social-Distancing Tech [News]
Wi-Fi
- The Next Evolution in Wi-Fi Will Eventually Meet Our Daily Needs [News]
- Wi-Fi Is a Power Guzzler. New Multi-Protocol Modules May Change the Game of Battery-Based IoT [News]
- Following Dialog Acquisition, Renesas Goes After Celeno for Wi-Fi 6/6E Boost [News]
- At Just $6, Raspberry Pi Pico W Brings Wi-Fi to IoT Designs
Miscellaneous
- Understanding Anechoic Chambers for Electromagnetic and RF Testing
- Why Thermal Management is a Hot Topic in 5G Design [News]
- As 5G Begins and Moore’s Law Ends, Multichip Packaging May Be a Memory Solution [News]
- Assessing the Advantages of Ultra-wideband Systems Through Impulse Radios
- Honda and Verizon Put 5G on Wheels With Mobile Edge Computing [News]
- ST Packs the Power and Connectivity Strengths of STM32 Into a Wireless MCU Module [News]
Mechanical Ventilation
- An Engineer’s Introduction to Mechanical Ventilation
- Using Pressure Sensors to Adjust the Oxygen Concentration: An Electrical Engineer’s Intro to Mechanical Ventilation
- How to Measure Gas Flow in a Mechanical Ventilator Using a Differential Pressure Sensor