The operational amplifier (op-amp) has been one of the most successful integrated circuits. A type of differential amplifier with high gain, the differential inputs and single output enable this small, inexpensive IC to use negative feedback in a wide variety of applications, in which its gain (hundreds of thousands of times higher than the difference […]
FAQ
Charging electric vehicles, Part 2: The connections
Part 1 introduced some of the issues related to charging of electric vehicles. Part 2 continues with a look at the hardware (which also involves software, of course). Q: What about the electrical and physical connections? A: There are three connection situations, called “cases”: Case A has the charger connected to the AC mains, and […]
RF Switches, Part 2: Analog and MEMS switches
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the venerable electromechanical RF switch – still widely used in some applications, where it is the only viable option – and use of PIN diodes as RF switches. This part looks at analog and MEMS-based switches. Q: What is an analog switch? A: It’s conceptually straightforward: in basic […]
Remote Communication with USBTMC
Simple connections employing USB can replace more expensive GPIB setups in test instrumentation. Aaron Fernando, B&K Precision Corp. Engineers from a variety of industries use USB and USBTMC (USB Test & Measurement Class) to remotely control test and measurement instruments from a host computer. It is useful to compare USBTMC to the widely used GPIB […]
Testing LVDS devices at the margins with an AWG
Advanced arbitrary waveform generators have simplified the testing associated with communications over low-voltage differential signaling lines. Chris Loberg | Tektronix First introduced in 1994, low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) has gone on to become widely used in products such as LCD panels, automotive infotainment systems, industrial cameras and machine vision, notebook and tablet computers, communications systems, […]
What you should know about Wi-Fi 6 and the 6-GHz band
While there are still interference issues to be resolved, new specifications for Wi-Fi in the 6-GHz band will bring instantly better wireless performance. Eve Danel | LitePoint Wi-Fi technology turns 20 this year, and it has proven to be successful beyond the wildest expectations. The recent announcement by the FCC to consider allowing 1,200 MHz […]
How standards and conformance tests shape the future of 5G New Radio
Specs for 5G NR release-15 have been finalized and plans call for product introductions this year. Sheri DeTomasi | Keysight Technologies, Inc. The development of 5G standards and their commercial rollout appears to be on a fast track. Mobile operators and network equipment makers are conducting field trials and the first smartphones are expected out […]
Charging electric vehicles, Part 1: the numbers
It’s nice to envision that recharging an electric vehicle is as straightforward as filling up an internal combustion vehicle, but it’s not: there are multiple charging, power, and connector options as well as limitations. You’re driving your internal-combustion (IC) car, and the gauge indicates it’s time to get “gas” (of course, it’s actually gasoline). So […]
Basics of cavity resonators
Experimenters beware! If you think it might be instructive to dismantle a microwave oven and power up the magnetron to make a space gun, don’t do it. A microwave gun (called a magnetron) in a state other than as manufactured has numerous potential hazards. (Nevertheless, you can find a lot of YouTube videos describing exactly […]
The electromagnetic rail aircraft launch system, Pt 2: Implementation and issues
Part 1 of this FAQ explored the basics of the EMALS “railgun” technology being implemented for launching aircraft from carriers; this part details the actual installation on a carrier. Q: What are the various subsystems the EMAL system? A: The overall design has six major functional blocks, (Figure 1). The Prime Power Interface, which is […]