The continuing drive to improve the Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) of electronics becomes challenging with consumer-off-the-shelf (COTS) lumped element components since the designers are limited by the physical size of packaged components and limitations of assembly processes. Moreover, as spectrum congestion forces new systems to move higher in frequency, the performance of radio frequency [...]
Radio Frequency (RF) Filters are special circuits that allow a signal of interest to pass through while attenuating any undesired signals. And while there are a large number of different filter topologies, there are generally 4 filter responses, or shapes, when plotted in the frequency domain. These four shapes are: Low Pass High Pass Band [...]
An RF circuit that generates a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, is very sensitive to power supply noise. If not controlled, the power supply noise can significantly degrade the performance of the system. So, what are the sources of noise and how can they be addressed? The first potential source of noise is the power source. [...]
Without additional information, a statement that a product is MIL-STD-810 certified or a requirement that a product be developed to meet MIL-STD-810 does not provide meaningful information about the environmental resiliency of a product. MIL-STD-810 is a test method standard that defines the environmental test procedures and engineering considerations for the design of a product. [...]
From the moment that a modulated Radio Frequency (RF) signal leaves a Power Amplifier and begins its journey to a receiver, the amplitude with respect to the ambient noise starts to decrease. When the signal arrives at the receiver, it needs to be sufficiently higher than the noise for the receiver to properly demodulate the [...]
In today’s complex world of wireless communications, the radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) provides the final boost in power prior to a signal going out over the air or down a cable. However, choosing the appropriate amplifier for your system can be challenging. While there are many different characteristics of PAs, this blog will [...]
