Real-time oscilloscopes capture a signal in a single pass, while sampling oscilloscopes, sometimes called digital communication analyzers or equivalent-time sampling oscilloscopes, take multiple samples over several periods of a signal, allowing for a slower sampling rate and potentially higher resolution. Both are subcategories of digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs). Real-time scopes are ideal for capturing one-shot events […]
How does a coating thickness gauge work and how are they used to value classic cars?
A coating thickness gauge, also known as a paint meter or paint thickness gauge, measures the total thickness of paint and other coatings. It determines the distance between the probe and the base material, including all layers of paint, primer, and any additional materials, such as filler. Common sensor technologies used include magnetic induction, eddy […]
How you can use smart design to enhance rare earths recycling
Rare earth elements (REEs) are important for society because they enhance the performance of a wide range of green energy, industrial, medical, aerospace, and consumer devices. They are rare because, while not uncommon, they are widely dispersed in the Earth’s crust and not generally found in high concentrations. That makes their extraction difficult and expensive. […]
What is second generation beamforming?
Second-generation beamforming refers to advanced designs using more sophisticated signal processing algorithms, larger antenna arrays, and the ability to generate higher quality, more focused beams that dynamically adapt to user movement and changing environments. This article looks at how basic beamforming works and how second-generation beamforming contributes to improved network efficiency. It closes by considering […]
What is bit jitter, and what are its component jitters?
Bit jitter can be a problem. A digital data stream is composed of a series of rapidly changing “ones” and “zeros.” Bit jitter can make it difficult to tell the difference and result in data errors. This article begins by defining jitter, then looks at its component jitters, compares bit jitter with clock jitter, considers […]
What are the three levels of TEMPEST testing?
Telecommunications electronics materials protected from emanating spurious transmissions (TEMPEST) testing, also called emission security (EMSEC) by the National Security Agency (NSA), is an NSA specification and is defined in the NATO SDIP-27 standard. TEMPEST is designed to deny unauthorized access to information derived from intercepting and analyzing unintended electrical signals, sounds, and vibrations emanating from […]
How can EMI be weaponized?
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can be an unwanted and disruptive aspect of electronic system designs. It can also be amplified and weaponized. EMI is being weaponized in purpose-built high-power microwave (HPM) tactical systems that devastate electronics without the side effects of physical destruction. The initial weapons have been deployed, and a roadmap has been outlined for […]
Controlling EMI and improving sustainability
Optimized designs require less electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and other materials, improving sustainability. Improved EMI performance extends system life and reduces e-waste, further enhancing sustainability. More sustainable shielding materials are being developed for use when shielding is required. This article reviews the basics of EMI, examines common shielding materials to provide a baseline for comparing […]
How to measure PCB trace or power/return plane impedance
PCB impedances can adversely affect signal quality and EMI. Make sure those impedance values are what you expect. Uncontrolled or unexpected impedances on printed circuit board (PCB) traces and power/return planes can negatively impact the performance of electronic devices. Those impedances result from unavoidable but controllable parasitic capacitances and inductances that result from PCB structures […]
What’s a half digit and are they all the same?
The most significant digit on a DMM’s display often doesn’t count 0 through 9.
