Free-space optical links provide a reliable, cost-effective, and quick way to link two fixed communication nodes located a few kilometers apart. When engineers think of “optical data links” or “optical communications” they almost invariably think of light (visible or not) in an optical fiber carrying data at high rates for tens or even thousands of […]
Analog IC Tips
Including the often overlooked 1/f current noise
It is tempting to center your attention only on voltage noise when using operational amplifiers in the circuit. This impulse is attractive because the current noise is always well below the voltage noise specifications. But be careful. Don’t jump to conclusions without looking at all the elements in this noise challenge. This blog explores the […]
Surface Mount Technology and devices – Past and present
By Louis Squeo, Product Manager, Signal Transformer (Bel Group) There is a strong likelihood of at least one PCB on a circuit design inside any product today. Electronic components enable all classes of end-products, providing everything from power conversion to process control. The need for densely populated PCBs is apparent for small and portable devices, […]
Silicone sponge gaskets, pads carry ESD-preventive conductive coating
Stockwell Elastomerics announces the availability of a new brochure with sample packets demonstrating the performance properties of its closed cell silicone sponge products with T62 conductive coating for ESD protection. Test engineers, manufacturing engineers, and technicians seeking a soft, resilient sponge gasket material that performs well in temperatures from -70°F to 300°F with ESD grounding properties […]
What is passive intermodulation?
Passive intermodulation (PIM) is a pernicious and destructive phenomenon for cellular network operators. PIM shows up as a set of unwanted signals created by mixing two or more strong RF signals. Mixing generally produces the sum and difference frequencies of the two transmit signals F1 and F2. These signals are F1 + F2 and F1 […]
Pin packages for standard logic devices enable large logic functions to be included in small form factor systems
Nexperia announced the world’s smallest and lowest profile 14,16, 20, and 24 pin packages for standard logic devices. For example, the 16 pin DHXQFN package is 45% smaller than the industry-standard DQFN16 leadless device. Not only has it a smaller footprint compared to competitors, but the new package also offers a 25% saving in the PCB […]
Audio filters: Understanding acoustic waves – Part 2
In the previous tutorial, sound waves and their properties were discussed. Now, let’s learn about acoustic waves. Sound waves typically refer to frequencies that are audible to humans, which are in the 20 Hz to 20 kHz range. However, waves with frequencies that are greater than 20 kHz are ultrasonic waves. And, those in the […]
Audio filters: Understanding sound waves – Part 1
Audio electronics is a sector that refers to the circuit design that converts sound into electrical signals or electrical signals back into sound. Together, several circuits form an audio system. An audio system has several functions and, typically, can: Receive audio signals (via a microphone) Record and save audio Transmit audio (through wired or wireless […]
Bug Hunt! Spiraling in on formal coverage closure
By Ping Yeung Ph.D., Principal Engineer, Siemens EDA Many companies have used formal verification to verify complex SoCs [1][2] and safety-critical designs. Using formal verification to confirm design functionalities and uncover functional bugs is emerging as an efficient verification approach. Although formal verification will not handle the complexity of a design at the SoC level, […]
Double-latch open-top sockets handle TQFP144 packages
A new stamped-spring pin socket, CBT-QFE-3025, addresses high-performance requirements for testing 144-lead Quad flat pack packages. The contactor used in the CBT-QFE-3025 socket is a stamped-spring pin with a 17-gm actuation force per ball and a cycle life of 10,000+ insertions. The self inductance of the contactor is 0.88 nH, the insertion loss is less […]