Part 1 of this FAQ established the context for the quartz crystal as the core of an oscillator whether used as a system clock or as a frequency-setting element in a tuning circuit. This part looks at the achievable performance, the factors that affect it, and what can be done for highest performance. Q: What […]
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Quartz crystals and oscillators, Part 1: Crystal basics
An oscillator or clock function is key to nearly all electronic circuits, and in most (but not all) cases, the heart of this oscillator circuit is a tiny piece of quartz, called the crystal blank or slab. It’s easy and commonplace to think of the crystal as a simple component, but as with most components, […]
GPS, Part 2: Implementation
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basic principles of the GPS system. Part 2 looks at some hardware circuitry used to implement a GPS receiver as well as the unappreciated role that Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity plays in providing an accurate GPS. Q What are the key elements of a GPS receiver? […]
20 mA current loops, Part 2: Advanced features
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basics of the 20-mA current loop, why it is still used extensively, and its primary attributes. In this part, we’ll look at how the analog current loop is used for digitized signals and at self-powered loops – two developments which have extended its life and viability. Q: […]
20-mA current loops, Part 1: Basic functions
You’ve been given an “easy” assignment: get the low-rate data from a temperature sensor to a control computer located 100 feet (30 m) away, in an industrial setting. After much investigation and assessment, you choose a widely used standard called the 20-mA loop, which has been in use for over 50 years, rather than Wi-Fi, […]
Active noise cancellation, Part 2: Implementation
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basic concept of active noise cancellation, how it might be implemented in principle using analog circuitry, and the harsh reality of actually providing the ANC function. Part 2 looks at modern ANC systems and how they function, as well as their practical issues. Q: Is ANC using […]
Evaluation and development platform targets wrist-worn heart-rate and activity monitor apps
Designers can extract vital signs and raw data for their wearable designs with the MAX-HEALTH-BAND, as well as monitor clinical-grade electrocardiograph (ECG) and heart rate with the MAX-ECG-MONITOR from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. The MAX-HEALTH-BAND evaluation and development platform, a wrist-worn heart-rate and activity monitor, features the MAX86140 optimized optical pulse-oximeter/heart-rate sensor, the MAX20303 wearable power-management solution, and Maxim’s motion-compensated algorithms. The MAX-ECG-MONITOR evaluation and […]
DC-DC buck regulator modules operate over 4 to 42-V input range, come in ultra-small packages
Designers working on space-constrained applications can now dramatically reduce solution size and increase efficiency with the family of micro system-level IC (“uSLIC”) modules from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. The MAXM17532 and MAXM15462 ultra-small (2.6mm x 3.0mm x 1.5mm), integrated DC-DC power modules are part of Maxim’s extensive portfolio of Himalaya power solutions that enable industrial, healthcare, communications, and consumer […]
Longer battery life for hearables and wearables
Single-inductor, multiple-output circuitry can provide the kind of high conversion efficiency necessary for super-small consumer electronics. Cary Delano, Reno Rossetti | Maxim Integrated When you’re designing hearables and wearables, user experience dictates that long battery life is a key requirement. Nobody wants to stop and recharge the batteries on their earbuds during a long walk […]
Power management ICs feature single-inductor multiple-output buck-boost regulators for wearables and hearables
Designers of Bluetooth headphones, activity monitors, smart garments, smartwatches, and other size-constrained devices can now increase battery life and efficiency using the MAX77650 / MAX77651 power management ICs (PMICs) from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. MAX77650 information: https://bit.ly/MAX77650 MAX77651 information: https://bit.ly/MAX77651 Video: https://bit.ly/MAX77650-51_video Image: https://bit.ly/MAX77650-51_image Diagram: https://bit.ly/MAX77650-51_diagram Size is critical for hearables and wearables as they […]