The days of a proprietary radio-access network are vanishing as carriers look for disaggregated systems that bring more flexibility while reducing cost.
RF transformer specifications – Making the best of a non-ideal situation
As discussed in Parts 1 & 2 of this FAQ series, RF transformers are complex devices and include parasitic resistances, inductances, and capacitances, which are non-linear and complex effects that compromise performance. Several fabrication methods including core-and-wire, low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC), and transmission line topologies have been developed to mitigate the impact of the various […]
RF transformer fabrication – Making the best of a non-ideal situation
As discussed in part 1 of this series, physical RF transformers are non-ideal devices and include parasitic resistances, inductances, and capacitances, which are non-linear and complex effects that compromise performance. Several fabrication methods have been developed to mitigate the impact of the various parasitics and help to optimize RF transformer characteristics for the needs of […]
Dealing with non-ideal transformers – Basic RF transformer theory of operation
When current goes through the primary winding of a theoretical (ideal) transformer, it generates a magnetic field which induces a voltage across the secondary winding. Connecting a load to the secondary causes an AC current to flow in the load. However, a physical transformer is far from ideal and includes parasitic resistances, inductances, and capacitances, […]
Working with scope-based spectrum analyzers
The spectrum analyzer is a member of the oscilloscope family. An electrical signal is fed, by means of a BNC cable or probe, into an input port on the front panel, and its graphic image appears on the LCD screen. But rather than the oscilloscope’s familiar time domain graph, in which amplitude in volts is […]
Bolt-on or replace? Options for bringing your factory into Industry 4.0
By Cliff Ortmeyer, Global Head of Technical Marketing and Regional Marketing at Newark Manufacturers often assume that data gleaned from the factory floor can only come from the newest machinery, built from the ground-up with built-in intelligence and network connectivity. Those seeking to modernize for what some call the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) are […]
Basics of voltage doubler circuits
Voltage can be doubled (and therefore multiplied by any power of two using cascading devices) through purely electronic means without resorting to a transformer. Voltage-current ratios apply, so doubling is not a question of getting free electrical energy that did not previously exist. Doubling the voltage and thus reducing the current available at the output […]
Basics of troubleshooting power supplies
When a piece of equipment turns up completely dead, one of the first things to look at is the power supply. If using an oscilloscope for this sort of troubleshooting, it should be a hand-held, battery-powered instrument isolated from ground, at least at the outset. The reason is there may be internal voltages that are […]
The microstrip antenna, Part 2: Implementation
The microstrip antenna is a convenient, planar, easy-to-fabricate antenna with some attractive attributes and features, as well as some distinct limitations. Part 1 of this FAQ was a brief review of antennas and introduced to microstrip antenna design. This part continues that exploration along with related issues. Q: What’s the difference, if any, between a […]
The microstrip antenna, Part 1: Basics
The microstrip antenna is a convenient, planar, easy-to-fabricate antenna with some attractive attributes and features, as well as some distinct limitations. The passive antenna is a critical part of any wireless communications link, for both transmit and receive sides. Depending on the application, the same antenna may be used for both roles, or radically different […]
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