This guide equips designers with proven strategies for selecting overcurrent and overvoltage protection, along with low‑power control components, to safeguard smart power outlets and enhance their efficiency. Advances in wireless communications, the internet, and electronic circuitry have ushered i

Explore the foundational concepts of fiber‑optic communication systems in this comprehensive primer. This article explains the key components of optical communication systems and details the transmitter and receiver circuits used in fiber‑optic networks. What Is an Optical Communication System? Fo

For some of us, at-home work may be an extended reality beyond 2020. You’ll need the proper tools to accomplish your goals. One of the realities of 2021 is that many engineers are still stuck at home with all the cool gadgets and gizmos collecting dust at work. How will you rema

Discover the exact specifications required for both analog and digital IQ modulation/demodulation to achieve superior communication link performance. In the previous article we explored whether digital or analog methods are preferable for combining and separating I and Q components. This installment

Modeling Data Converters for Accurate System Simulations Engineers routinely face tight design schedules that leave little time to answer key questions about data‑converter performance. This series addresses those questions, beginning with a foundational exploration of how to model analog‑to‑digital

In this article, we discuss another methodology of how to model ADCs in system simulations, this time by using the effective number of bits and also adjusting our ADC by introducing a 5th order polynomial to the ideal quantizer input. So far in this series, we've discussed the merits

This article opens our in‑depth series on quantization noise, outlining the analytical framework guiding our exploration. This series continues work from two prior posts. The first examined whether in‑phase and quadrature (I/Q) combination and separation should be performed analogously or digitally

Using impulse radios as an example, well examine the advantages of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology compared to other short-range wireless communication technologies. Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a short-range wireless communication technology—like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth— that uses a ve

Learn how two methods of demodulation compare: synchronous demodulation and rectifier-type demodulation. Here we discuss each methods advantages, drawbacks, and appropriate applications. In a previous article, we discussed the operation and challenges of a diode rectifier demodulator. In

Understanding Quartz Crystal Frequency Deviations Accurate timing is essential for every electronic system, and quartz crystals are the industry’s go‑to solution. Their piezoelectric nature turns mechanical strain into voltage and vice versa, providing a highly reliable, low‑cost frequency reference

How Engineers Select the Optimal 5G Performance Band The 5G revolution is well underway, with networks now delivering higher data rates, lower latency, and greater bandwidth than ever before. 5G is not a single technology; it comprises three distinct frequency ranges, each offering unique trade‑offs

Why engineers should prioritize hardware security: design is the first line of defense Security is often viewed as an after‑thought in engineering, but the reality is that the most robust systems are built with security in mind from the outset. Understanding cryptography and common attack vectors al

RISC‑V hardware delivers robust security for IoT‑connected embedded devices, surpassing what software alone can achieve. As the Internet of Things expands, protecting embedded devices demands a shift from software‑centric cybersecurity to hardware‑based safeguards. RISC‑V provides that next‑level de

Learn how to configure Microchip’s RN487x family of Bluetooth modules for your low‑power peripheral projects. If you’re building a compact, energy‑efficient device, Bluetooth is almost always the communication choice of record. Over the years the standard has matured, and today a wide range of read

Build reliable digital input and output peripherals using the RN487x Bluetooth module In the second part of our three‑part series on Microchip’s RN487x Bluetooth modules, we’ll walk through creating a digital input (a switch) and a digital output (an LED). For background on module configuration, ref

Manufacturing remains the biggest bottleneck in the electrical engineering lifecycle, often extending project timelines to months or even years. While software and design tools evolve rapidly, the manufacturing stage has lagged behind since the 1980s. This sluggish turnaround stifles engineers’ crea

Exploring LoRa for Long‑Range, Low‑Power Smart Metering of Utilities The proliferation of connected devices is reshaping the smart‑metering landscape. Cities and enterprises are now turning to LoRa‑based solutions to monitor and control utilities more efficiently. According to IHS Markit, over 700

Why Reliability Verification Matters for AI/ML Processors With AI and machine learning now integral to a broad spectrum of applications—from autonomous vehicles to healthcare diagnostics—any failure in the underlying hardware can undermine the credibility of the entire system. Over the past few year

Stepper motors deliver precise, low‑power actuation for IoT devices—from camera positioning to valve and window cover control. Sensor‑enabled smart objects already serve as the IoT’s eyes and ears. For many years, however, practical, affordable “hands” that can move in response to data were scarce.

Securing IoT Embedded Designs with Advanced Security ICs In today’s connected world, every new smart device you develop carries the risk of becoming an attack vector. This article outlines the most pressing security threats for IoT designs, the essential functions that must be built in, and how mode