Broadcast FM radio has extended its user-friendly capabilities through the addition of embedded, backward-compatible functionality which adds text and even graphics to the radio display. This part looks at other radio-receiver upgrades that preceded RDS. Q: Is this the first time that FM radio has been “upgraded”? A: No, not at all. In the 1970s, […]
Analog IC Tips
The Radio Data System: FM radio adds features to stay viable, part 1
Broadcast FM radio has extended its user-friendly capabilities through the addition of embedded, backward-compatible functionality which adds text and even graphics to the radio display. From the late 1920s and for decades afterward, AM-based broadcast radio was the primary real-time mass media in the US and the world. In the AM band (550 kHz to […]
94 GHz elastomer socket for 300 W device
Ironwood announced a 94 GHz elastomer socket for 300 W GPA3184. With lever operated mechanism, users can quickly and easily socket a 0.92 mm pitch, 56 x 45mm size with 3184 contacts on any development platform. Performance is equivalent to direct solder version using high speed and low inductance elastomer that operates from -55C to […]
Copolymer resins enhance durability of components in EVs and battery storage applications
SABIC introduced three new LNP CRX copolymer resins to give customers in the mobility and industrial sectors new material options that can resist both harsh chemicals and challenging environmental conditions. The new specialized polycarbonate (PC) copolymer-based LNP CRX products deliver the chemical resistance expected from this portfolio, in combination with exceptional weather ability (UL74C F1 […]
FAQ on fractal antennas, Part 2
Antennas based on fractal mathematics offer some significant advantages but also some controversy. The first part of this article looked at the basic concept and history of fractals. This part looks at the relationship between fractals and antennas. Q: All this fractal discussion is interesting, but what does it have to do with antennas? A: […]
FAQ on fractal antennas, Part 1
Antennas based on fractal mathematics offer some significant advantages but also some controversy Although all antenna designs are derived from either the basic dipole or monopole/ground-plane configurations, there are almost countless antenna variations in use (Figure 1). Each one offers a different combination of key attributes such as center frequency, bandwidth, bandwidth, side lobes, front-to-back […]
Instrumentation amps measure small voltages in EVs
Diodes Incorporated introduces a series of high-precision current shunt monitors designed to measure small sense voltages across a wide common-mode voltage range in electric vehicles (EVs): the ZXCT21xQ family. Automotive applications for these single-stage instrumentation amplifiers include current sensing of load/rail currents in brushless DC (BLDC) motor controllers, e-compressors, high-power DC-DC converters, on-board chargers (OBC), battery […]
SP4T switches boast frequency coverage up to 8 GHz
pSemi Corporation announced its newest SP4T switches featuring industry-leading broadband frequency coverage of up to 8 GHz. The PE42445 high-isolation 3×3 mm package and the PE42446 high-isolation 4×4 mm package switches deliver high linearity and best-in-class isolation performance, essential in 5G base stations. The new PE42445 and PE42446 switches integrate seamlessly into 4G and 5G […]
Free, online tool simplifies configuration of custom LXI RF and microwave switching systems
Pickering Interfaces announced its Microwave Switch Design Tool, a new free online tool for configuring flexible LXI microwave switching products. The dedicated tool will simplify the configuration of custom LXI RF & microwave switching systems, helping bring powerful, flexible microwave design functionality to customers building systems for signal routing applications across 5G, wireless & telecommunications, […]
94GHz elastomer socket for BGA324
GT sockets are ideal for prototyping and testing almost any BGA device application that requires high signal integrity. This new elastomer technology has silver particles held in conductive column-like buttons which are embedded in a non-conductive polymer substrate on a proper pitch that provides high compliance and works in extreme temperature ranges.