Lines carrying symmetric signals, i.e. those with opposite polarities but with equal amplitudes on each line are commonly called balanced. But the correct term is differential signaling. While balanced lines and differential signaling may be used together, they are actually quite different. The key point that distinguished balanced lines from single-ended lines is that both […]
FAQ
What materials can be used to make miniature antennas?
Many antennas are mechanically simple and electrically complex at the same time. Mechanically an antenna usually has only one or two components, a dielectric layer (which can be the entire antenna) and a conductive layer. This FAQ begins with a brief review of dielectric materials and their importance to antenna performance. It then explores developments […]
Will internal IO copper cables for data centers become standardized?
Data-center passive DAC external cables have been standardized and interoperable for decades. However, the mating, inside-the-box cables have yet to be fully standardized. In general, inside-the-box IO interface interconnections have been a competitive value point for those OEMs and suppliers that offer quality options. Providing reliable connectors and twin-axial cables configured in an ideal layout […]
What can you make with MEMS technology?
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) has several names, including micro-electro-mechanical systems, and micromechatronic systems. In Japan, MEMS is called micromachines, while in Europe, it’s referred to as microsystem technology (MST). Whatever name that’s used, MEMS devices are made using components measuring from 1 to 100 μm (0.001 to 0.1 mm), with MEMS devices ranging from 20 μm […]
How do you use a current mirror?
Current mirrors are common circuits but are mostly invisible, except to designers of analog or mixed-signal integrated circuits who can use large numbers of current mirrors on a single chip. A current mirror copies a current through one active device (such as a BJT or MOSFET) by controlling the current in another active device. If […]
Securing automotive ICs with formal methods
Best practices for protecting vehicles from hackers now include advanced verification techniques. John Hallman, David Landoll, Siemens EDA It’s no secret that much of the control for modern vehicles takes place via ICs, and any access to them may give an outsider uninvited control of the car. It is a challenge to identify the security […]
How do you make inductors with films, foils, and flat wires?
Wire wound structures are the most common, but far from only, way to make inductors for audio, power conversion, radio frequency (RF), and other applications. Inductors are key components in various circuits, and designers need to fully understand available options. This FAQ starts with a brief background on wirewound inductors and then digs into the […]
Analyzing jitter with an oscilloscope
Jitter–basically the deviation between true and measured periodicity–is harmful beyond a certain level. In measuring jitter, we are calculating RMS, peak-to-peak deviation or spectral density. Jitter at frequencies below 10 Hz is known as wander. High-frequency signals are more prone to jitter than low-frequency signals. The deviation in periodicity that constitutes jitter may be in […]
What are wirewound, carbon, and film resistors good for?
Resistance is one of the most basic concepts in electricity and electronics. And resistors are simple-looking devices. Given their apparent simplicity, the range of resistor types and their capabilities can be surprising. This FAQ looks at some common resistor types and tradeoffs between stability, precision, size, power handling, and so on. It briefly considers mounting […]
3D printing and bacteria blend for solar harvesting
Leveraging apparently unrelated technologies links bacteria and photosynthesis to additive manufacturing for energy harvesting. Additive manufacturing—perhaps better known as 3D printing—has radically changed the production reality for everything ranging from unique, one-of-a-kind structures to spare-parts inventory to lower-volume, tooling-free productions. It’s also enabled the creation of structures that would be difficult if not impossible to […]