Abstract: Mechanical misalignment and scaling factors lead to a mismatch between the values coming from a touchscreen panel (as translated by a touch screen controller) and the display (typically an LCD) on which the touch screenpanel is mounted. This tutorial discusses how to calibrate the touch screen panel to match the display.
Abstract: A perfect voltage reference produces a stable voltage independent of any external factors. Real-world voltagereferences, of course, are subject to errors caused by many external factors. One causeof these major errors istemperature. Without care, it is easy to operate a voltage reference outside its operating temperature range. Thisapplication note describes how references respond to temperature changes, and how self-heating can cause a voltagereference to operate outside its recommended temperature range. Once understood, this knowledge can then be used toavoid making this design error.
Abstract: Specifications such as noise, effective number of bits (ENOB), effective resolution, and noise-free resolution inlarge part define how accurate an ADC really is. Consequently, understanding the performance metrics related to noise isone of the most difficult aspects of transitioning from a SAR to a delta-sigma ADC. With the current demand for higherresolution, designers must develop a better understanding of ADC noise, ENOB, effective resolution, and signal-to-noiseratio (SNR). This application note helps that understanding.
Abstract: The MAX9930–MAX9933 family of RF controllers and detector can be used in a wide variety of applications. Anideal application is cable television (CATV) over fiber, where either a RF controller or a RF detector controls the gain of atransimpedance amplifier (TIA). This application note shows how the MAX9930 (RF controller) can be used as either theRF controller or detector.
Abstract: This application note presents an overview of the operational characteristics of accurate I²C real-time clocks (RTCs),including the DS3231, DS3231M, and DS3232. It focuses on general application guidelines that facilitate use of device resources forpower management, I²C communication circuit configurations, and I²C characteristics relative to device power-up sequences andinitializations. Additional discussions on decoupling are provided to support developing strategies for mitigating power-supply pushingof device frequency.
Abstract: Class D amplifiers are typically very efficient, making them ideal candidates for portable applications that require longbattery life and low thermal dissipation. However, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is an issue that commonly accompanies theClass D switching topology. Active-emissions limiting reduces radiated emissions and enables "filterless" operation, allowingdesigners to create small, efficient portable applications with low EMI.
Abstract: It is incredible how many programmable logic controls (PLCs) around us make our modern life possible and pleasant.Machines in our homes heat and cool our air and water, as well as preserve and cook our food. This tutorial explains the importanceof PLCs, and describes how to choose component parts using the parametric tools on the Maxim's website.A similar version of this article was published February 29, 2012 in John Day's Automotive Electronic News.
Abstract: The DS4830 optical microcontroller's analog-to-digital converter (ADC) offset can change with temperature and gainselection. However, the DS4830 allows users to measure the ADC internal offset. The measured ADC offset is added to the ADCoffset register to nullify the offset error. This application note demonstrates the DS4830's ADC internal offset calibration in theapplication program.
Abstract: A laser module designer can use a fixed resistor, mechanical pot, digital pot, or a digital-to-analogconverter (DAC) to control the laser driver's modulation and bias currents. The advantages of a programmablemethod (POT or DAC) are that the manufacturing process can be automated and digital control can be applied(e.g., to compensate for temperature). Using POTs can be a more simple approach than a DAC. There can be aslight cost advantage to using a POT, but this is usually not significant relative to other pieces of the design.Using a DAC can offer advantages, including improved linearity (translating to ease of software implementationand ability to hit the required accuracy), increased board density, a wider range of resolutions, a betteroptimization range, ease of use with a negative voltage laser driver, and unit-to-unit consistency
