Filters are essential functions in most circuits and systems; as frequencies extend into the multi-GHz range, surface acoustic wave (SAW) and bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters are needed to meet the design objectives. An engineer I worked with (and whose name I have forgotten) once remarked to about electronic filters (and he was serious): “like […]
MRI, Part 2: Historical development (and lawsuits)
The modern MRI system is an amazing blend of diverse technologies, based on the realization that a small but critical aspect of the spin of hydrogen nuclei could be leveraged to provide a safe, non-invasive way to see inside a human body. Part 2 of this FAQ looks at the physics and other advances that […]
Working with higher voltages, Part 2: Voltage multipliers
In part 1 of the FAQ, we looked at techniques for a modest amount of boosting of lower voltages, as well as for increasing a voltage to a much higher value. The techniques discussed thus far boost and thus multiply the voltage, but what are called voltage “multipliers” usually give push voltages to much-higher values. […]
Working with higher voltages, Part 1: Voltage boosters
Whether for efficiency or due to the device physics, many applications require voltages ranging in the tens, hundreds, or even thousands of volts; the circuits which produce these voltages start with basic charge pumps and extend to voltage multipliers with simple schematics but many subtleties. Lower-voltage circuitry is the trend, with ICs and designs operating […]
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Part 1: How it works
The modern MRI system is an amazing blend of diverse technologies, based on the realization that a small but critical aspect of the spin of hydrogen nuclei could be leveraged to provide a safe, non-invasive way to see inside a human body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an extraordinarily valuable and vital tool for non-invasive […]
Optical amplifiers, Part 2: Basic implementations
Part 1 of this FAQ began an overview into the arcane world of all-optical amplifiers including where and why they are needed. Part 2 will briefly describe the four types and identify the two most commonly used for optical-fiber link signal boosting. Q: How “accurate” will this presentation be? A: Frankly, it will have large-scale […]
Thermal Electric Generators, Part 2: Applications
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the principles and components of a basic TEG system. Part 2 looks at some applications ranging from very small to large, and from scavenged auxiliary to primary power. Q: It seems like TEGs are costly and complicated, despite the simple principle of operation. Is this the case? A: […]
Thermal electric generators, Part 1: Principles and implementation
TEGs – thermal electric generators – are used for energy harvesting and enhanced efficiency, as well as stand-alone primary power sources for both mundane and highly advanced situations. Every application needs a source of energy which can be “drawn down” to provide power for the system. Obviously, the easier and cheaper it is to get […]
Optical amplifiers, Part 1: Applications and considerations
We can now amplify electronic signals from low frequencies to the multi-GHz range without too much difficulty, but amplifying a stream of photons such as in an optical fiber has a very different meaning and is a challenge with no single or easy solution – but it is being done. Electronic and optics technologies are […]
Digital caliper, Pt 2: Implementation and extensions
Use of electronics and capacitive-based position sensing have transformed the caliper, a fundamental and essential instrument of precision linear-dimension measurement. Part 1 of this FAQ looked briefly at the basic mechanical, Vernier, and dial-readout calipers, as well as the micrometer. All these mechanical-only embodiments of the caliper were made obsolete within a few years with […]
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