Modern zero-drift amplifiers provide the extremely low drift and noise performance, needed for processing many optical biological, and physical-world signals near 0 Hz. Contrary to what you might think, mechanical chopping is still alive and useful. Given the outstanding performance of electronic components, using a high-performance zero-drift amplifier seems the way to go. That is […]
Analog IC Tips
Zero-drift amplifiers finesse ultralow-frequency signals, Part 2
Modern zero-drift amplifiers provide the extremely low drift and noise performance needed for processing many optical biological, and physical-world signals near 0 Hz. The ultimate limitations of chopping led designers to investigate another approach called auto-zeroing, which is especially feasible with integrated circuits. This is a dynamic correction technique that works by sampling and subtracting […]
Zero-drift amplifiers finesse ultralow-frequency signals, part 1
Modern zero-drift amplifiers provide the extremely low drift and noise performance needed for processing many optical biological, and physical-world signals near 0 Hz. In our world of ever-faster, wider-bandwidth signals and systems operating at higher and higher frequencies, it may seem that signals in the very-low-frequency range — down towards zero hertz (0 Hz) — […]
When to buffer and when to drive signals?
Buffers and drivers both provide impedance transformation between the input and output. The differences begin to appear when looking at the common types of buffers and drivers, for example, voltage and current buffers, clock buffers, line drivers, and gate drivers. Basic buffers and drivers have one input and one output, but there are others that […]
Ultra-low jitter SMD oscillators provide stable, accurate clock signals for high-speed applications
Abracon expands its line of high-performance ClearClock oscillators with the addition of the brand-new AK2A and AK3A-series oscillators. This new line of ultra-low jitter SMD oscillators from Abracon is designed to provide stable and accurate clock signals for a variety of high-speed applications such as optical transceivers and modules, data centers, network switches, and gateways, […]
How to specify and use analog switches
An analog switch is an IC that can be used to control connections to analog and digital signals. These switches provide bidirectional connections when ‘on’ and high impedance paths when ‘off.’ There’s a wide range of analog switches for special functions. In some instances, they are used in place of mechanical switches. In other embodiments, […]
IPX5-, IPX7-, and IPX8-rated speakers added to line of waterproof speakers
CUI Devices’ Audio Group announced the introduction of new IPX5, IPX7, and IPX8-rated speakers to its existing line of IP67-rated waterproof speakers. Ideal for protection against moisture and liquid ingress in harsh environments, the new CMS waterproof speaker models feature sound pressure levels from 85 to 108 dB and packages from 15 mm up to 57 mm with […]
Miniature SMT test point
A miniature SMT test point featuring a symmetrical flat-wire design to test PCBs efficiently and safely is one of many items available in the Keystone Electronics Corp. test points selection. This latest “Mini-pad” version enables high-strength, test point-to-PCB bonding, with a minimal footprint. In addition to cost-savings, this low-profile entry accepts a variety of gripping […]
How do comparators and op amps compare?
Operational amplifiers (op amps) and comparators have two inputs, inverting and noninverting, and an output that can usually swing from rail to rail and have the same schematic symbol. So, what’s the difference? This FAQ compares the two devices and digs into some of the similarities and differences. It begins with a top-level comparison of […]
How to specify and use voltage references
Voltage references are small components that can have a significant impact, either positive or negative, on system performance. They are precision devices that maintain a constant voltage output even in the presence of changes in temperature, input voltage, and other external parameters. When measuring the analog world voltage, references ensure that data converters, detection circuits, […]
