Power ICs cover a variety of functions, from high voltage application-specific ICs (HV-ASICs) to power management ICs (PMICs). Each type of power IC has unique design challenges and needs specific design tools. This FAQ reviews some of the challenges related to HV-ASICs for applications like gate drivers for power semiconductor devices, pin drivers for automatic […]
Analog IC Tips
94GHz swivel lid elastomer socket for BGA196
Quickly and easily Socket your 0.8mm pitch 14×14 array, BGA196 packages on any application board with performance equivalent to direct solder version using high speed and low inductance elastomer that operates from -55C to +160C.
If you’re designing RFICs, here are some tools to consider
Radiofrequency ICs (RFICs) are found in consumer devices, portable electronics, automotive, military, and medical systems. They typically operate from several hundred MHz to multiple GHz. Those high frequencies present designers with significant layout challenges to ensure proper functioning, including the use of transmission line technology for efficient operation. This FAQ presents several options for RFIC […]
Design an analog front end for a pH probe
pH probes, with their bipolar voltage outputs and high output impedance, need signal conditioning through an analog front end to make them compatible with measurement circuits such as A/D converters. People who work in healthcare, food and beverage, water treatment, chemical processing, agriculture, and environmental monitoring rely on pH meters to make decisions about hydrogen-ion […]
What are the computational requirements of immersive audio?
There are several ways to implement immersive audio, each with different computational and hardware needs. Calculation of the head-related transfer function (HRTF) is an important aspect of deploying immersive audio. This FAQ begins by detailing what an HRTF is, looks at an open-source program for calculating HRTF, and then considers how cameras and inertial measurement […]
What’s the difference between object- and channel-based audio?
Immersive audio uses various channel- and object-based techniques to deliver a high-quality listening experience. There are three general categories of spatial audio: channel-based audio (CBA), object-based audio (OBA), and scene-based audio (SBA) — that’s the next generation of OBA. CBA is the simplest form of spatial audio, but it’s not immersive. The basic form of […]
What codecs are there for immersive and 3D audio?
Immersive audio is a three-dimensional (3D) sound field created by combining lateral and overhead speakers. A variety of industry standard and custom codecs are available for implementing immersive audio. This FAQ reviews the operation of the MPEG-H Audio (universal immersive audio coding) codec and the still-under-development MPEG-I Immersive Audio (compressed representation for virtual and augmented […]
Ultra-low noise, 5 to 6 GHz LNA for receiver applications in the C-band
Guerrilla RF, Inc. announces the formal production release of the GRF2110, an ultra-low noise amplifier that delivers an exceptionally flat gain response over a single 5 to 8 GHz broadband tune. When operated at 6 GHz, the device delivers 16.3 dB of gain, 22 dBm of OP1dB compression, 38 dBm of OIP3 linearity, and a low […]
Managing design complexity and global collaboration with IP-centric design
Semiconductor design complexity has increased exponentially in recent years, and this challenge is exacerbated by the need to collaborate and scale across multiple, globally distributed teams while accelerating time to market. On top of these elements, the industry has been confronted with a major obstacle: the current talent shortage. There is no quick fix to […]
Filters limit EMI and audio distortion
TDK Corporation has announced the introduction of its compact MAF1005FR series of EMC components, measuring 1.0 mm (L) x 0.5 mm (W) x 0.5 mm (H). These multilayer chip components are designed to improve sound quality and reduce noise interference in the audio lines (sound lines) of smartphones and other devices such as tablets, wearables, […]