Microcontroller units (MCUs) never stop evolving; a more functional, featured MCU follows every model. Embedded systems have grown with continually growing MCU technology, yet there are many traditional MCUs that are still selling in high volumes. Atmel 8051 is one of those legendary MCUs which have developed a considerable demand in the market. The Atmel […]
Filters, Part 1: Analog, switched, and digital filters
Filters are essential functions in most circuits and systems; as frequencies extend into the multi-GHz range, surface acoustic wave (SAW) and bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters are needed to meet the design objectives. An engineer I worked with (and whose name I have forgotten) once remarked to about electronic filters (and he was serious): “like […]
MRI, Part 2: Historical development (and lawsuits)
The modern MRI system is an amazing blend of diverse technologies, based on the realization that a small but critical aspect of the spin of hydrogen nuclei could be leveraged to provide a safe, non-invasive way to see inside a human body. Part 2 of this FAQ looks at the physics and other advances that […]
Working with higher voltages, Part 2: Voltage multipliers
In part 1 of the FAQ, we looked at techniques for a modest amount of boosting of lower voltages, as well as for increasing a voltage to a much higher value. The techniques discussed thus far boost and thus multiply the voltage, but what are called voltage “multipliers” usually give push voltages to much-higher values. […]
Working with higher voltages, Part 1: Voltage boosters
Whether for efficiency or due to the device physics, many applications require voltages ranging in the tens, hundreds, or even thousands of volts; the circuits which produce these voltages start with basic charge pumps and extend to voltage multipliers with simple schematics but many subtleties. Lower-voltage circuitry is the trend, with ICs and designs operating […]
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Part 1: How it works
The modern MRI system is an amazing blend of diverse technologies, based on the realization that a small but critical aspect of the spin of hydrogen nuclei could be leveraged to provide a safe, non-invasive way to see inside a human body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an extraordinarily valuable and vital tool for non-invasive […]
When asked the impossible, ask questions before proceeding
Sometimes a client will ask for the impossible and expect it at low cost. Or worse yet, the sales engineer in your company will win a project on a low bid because he/she thought it could be accomplished in a “creative” (but impossible) way. What if you were tasked with a wirelessly communicating embedded project […]
Understanding single-ended and differential communication systems
Do you know the difference between single-ended and differential communication schemes? And when should you use them, which one you should use, and why? Single-ended communications set ups are meant to be used only for short runs or to provide communication between devices on the same Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Single-ended communications will reference the […]
Optical amplifiers, Part 2: Basic implementations
Part 1 of this FAQ began an overview into the arcane world of all-optical amplifiers including where and why they are needed. Part 2 will briefly describe the four types and identify the two most commonly used for optical-fiber link signal boosting. Q: How “accurate” will this presentation be? A: Frankly, it will have large-scale […]
Thermal Electric Generators, Part 2: Applications
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the principles and components of a basic TEG system. Part 2 looks at some applications ranging from very small to large, and from scavenged auxiliary to primary power. Q: It seems like TEGs are costly and complicated, despite the simple principle of operation. Is this the case? A: […]
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