Fundamentally, you need to know four basic things when selecting a new power supply for a broken electronics device. The voltage coming from the socket at the wall (Europe/Japan/US), the voltage output, the current, and the type of connector (USB Type-B mini, barrel, USB-C). What most of us don’t know is that there are some […]
FAQ
Overcoming the challenges of USB PD 3.0’s Fast Role Swap
by Zhigang Liang, Renesas Electronics America The USB-C interface is revolutionizing the way we connect our electronics devices. Thanks to high-speed data transfer and high power delivery, USB-C port adoption is accelerating, and the USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 and USB-C specifications are maturing. While consumer electronics OEMs move fast implementing USB Type-C as their […]
What are the applications and measurements of S-parameters? (Part 2)
Part 1 of this FAQ was a basic introduction to the context and concept of s-parameters. Part 2 looks at their measurement and application and relationship to the time domain. Q: How do you actually measure s-parameters? A: In general, except for approximate measurements, you cannot use a spectrum analyzer alone for this frequency-domain test. […]
Differences between stand-alone and scope-based spectrum analyzers
Most oscilloscope manufacturers also offer an extensive line of spectrum analyzers. There are similarities as well as differences between these two distinct instruments. The oscilloscope is optimized to display signals in the time domain, its default mode. Additionally, pressing Math>FFT, the same signal appears in the frequency domain. In the Tektronix MDO (mixed domain oscilloscope), […]
What are the functions and principles of S-parameters (Part 1)?
As design frequencies now routinely go into the hundreds of MHz and tens of GHz range, conventional voltage and current measurements are not useful, but scattering (s) parameters can fully characterize the RF component or path performance. For engineers with experience focused from DC to several hundred megahertz, it is usually sufficient to characterize components […]
The ups and downs of oscillators in test equipment
Examine the low-frequency signal source in many kinds of test equipment and you are likely to find a harmonic oscillator. A harmonic oscillator typically consists of an amplifier that gets its input from its own output. A part of the output feeds back to input while the rest is an output signal. To support oscillations, […]
Bringing science to the selection of mica capacitors
An RF modeler makes it easy to predict in-circuit S-parameters for mica capacitors used at microwave frequencies. Sam G. Parler, Jr., P.E. | Cornell Dubilier The choice of capacitor can particularly impact the performance of circuits handling RF and microwave frequencies. Specifying passive components operating in this region can seem more like art than science. […]
Optimizing discrete SiC devices
SiC FETs now include measures aimed at keeping losses down while managing fast switching waveforms. Dr. Anup Bhalla | UnitedSiC Silicon carbide (SiC) FETs have low on-resistances, fast switching speeds, and intrinsic diodes with low reverse recovery charge (QRR) and low forward-drop (VF) qualities. These qualities make SiC FETs suitable for use in active-front-end three-phase […]
Polymer capacitors show promise as MLCC alternatives
It pays to know how different capacitor technologies behave when shortages force a search for good substitutes. Randall Scasny | element14 The demand for MLCCs (multilayer ceramic capacitors) has outstripped supplies since 2017. Industry observers expect the shortage will dissipate by 2020, but product manufacturers remain concerned. In a quest to find suitable alternatives, an […]
Fluxgate compasses, Part 2 – Issues and enhancements
Part 1 of this FAQ examined the underlying context of fluxgate compasses and navigation, as well as the basic principles of the fluxgate design. This part looks at additional fluxgate-compass issues and advances in their implementation. The fluxgate compass is fairly simple in principle. However, as with all things related to magnetism in general and […]