An analog switch is an IC that can be used to control connections to analog and digital signals. These switches provide bidirectional connections when ‘on’ and high impedance paths when ‘off.’ There’s a wide range of analog switches for special functions. In some instances, they are used in place of mechanical switches. In other embodiments, […]
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Analyze signal integrity in serial links with pyBERT
EE World spoke with David Banas, who demonstrated pyBERT, the free and open software for signal-integrity analysis where he explains the motivation for its creation.
What is de-embedding and how do I perform it (part 2)?
When testing a device in a fixture, you can use transfer scattering parameters (T-parameters) to help remove the fixture’s contribution from your measurement result.
How do brain-computer Interfaces use sensors
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) activated prosthetics and other applications need sensors to provide feedback. Intensive work has been and continues to be done in this area. For example, researchers have reported their progress on an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based motor imagery BCI to control the movement of a prosthetic hand. The hand was instrumented with force and angle […]
Extended Power Range GaN-based USB-C adapters and chargers deliver increased performance
By Peter Bredemeier, Principal Engineer for Power Systems and Solutions Division, Infineon Technologies An innovative, highly integrated combo controller for the joint control of the PFC and the hybrid flyback stage. The Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Specification (Revision 3.1, Version 1.1) (USB-PD) standard enables higher power levels of up to 240 W. The wide […]
How can sensors protect vulnerable areas? Pt 4
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ongoing efforts to address the unintended contamination and purposeful contamination of the nation’s water supplies. Sensing technologies are an integral part of the strategy. In 2023, the EPA proposed new limits to drinking water contamination from toxic “forever chemicals” or per fluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Used widely […]
How do comparators and op amps compare?
Operational amplifiers (op amps) and comparators have two inputs, inverting and noninverting, and an output that can usually swing from rail to rail and have the same schematic symbol. So, what’s the difference? This FAQ compares the two devices and digs into some of the similarities and differences. It begins with a top-level comparison of […]
How can sensors protect vulnerable areas? Pt 3
Today, advertisements for Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements are frequently seen on cable and network TV. Another frequently cited water disaster occurred in Flint, Michigan. Detecting Lead in Drinking Water On April 25, 2014, the City of Flint changed their water supply source from Lake Huron water (supplied by Detroit) to the Flint River. Subsequently, water […]
Experiments bring hope for 6G above 100 GHz
Efforts to explore and “unlock” this frequency region require an interdisciplinary approach with high-frequency RF semiconductor technology. The THz region also shows great promise for many application areas ranging from imaging to spectroscopy to sensing.
How test executives automate equipment and processes
Working through test-program sets and drivers, test executives let engineers organize tests into logical sequences. They provide user interfaces for test technicians and store test results for analysis. Manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical devices rely on test instruments to generate stimuli and measure responses. While manually performing tests on the engineering bench might work for […]