Abstract: This application note Describes how to improve the speed of modular exponentiation by more than 50% whenusing MAXQ® microcontrollers that have a modular arithmetic accelerator (MAA).
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: 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.
Who has never experienced oscillations issues when using an operational amplifier? Opampsare often used in a simple voltage follower configuration. However, this is not the bestconfiguration in terms of capacitive loading and potential risk of oscillations.Capacitive loads have a big impact on the stability of operational amplifier-basedapplications. Several compensation methods exist to stabilize a standard op-amp. Thisapplication note Describes the most common ones, which can be used in most cases.The general theory of each compensation method is explained, and based on this, specific
Most circuit designers are familiar with diode dynamiccharacteristics such as charge storage, voltage dependentcapacitance and reverse recovery time. Less commonlyacknowledged and manufacturer specifi ed is diode forwardturn-on time. This parameter Describes the timerequired for a diode to turn on and clamp at its forwardvoltage drop. Historically, this extremely short time, unitsof nanoseconds, has been so small that user and vendoralike have essentially ignored it. It is rarely discussed andalmost never specifi ed. Recently, switching regulator clockrate and transition time have become faster, making diodeturn-on time a critical issue. Increased clock rates aremandated to achieve smaller magnetics size; decreasedtransition times somewhat aid overall effi ciency but areprincipally needed to minimize IC heat rise. At clock speedsbeyond about 1MHz, transition time losses are the primarysource of die heating.
This note Describes some of the unique IC design techniques incorporated into a fast, monolithic power buffer, the LT1010. Also, some application ideas are described such as capacitive load driving, boosting fast op amp output current and power supply circuits.
This application note Describes a Linear Technology "Half-Flash" A/D converter, the LTC1099, being connected to a 256 element line scan photodiode array. This technology adapts itself to handheld (i.e., low power) bar code readers, as well as high resolution automated machine inspection applications..
Highlights the LTC1062 as a lowpass filter in a phase lock loop. Describes how the loop's bandwidth can be increased and the VCO output jitter reduced when the LTC1062 is the loop filter. Compares it with a passive RC loop filter. Also discussed is the use of LTC1062 as simple bandpass and bandstop filter.
Abstract: We don't expect manufacturers to produce clothes that in one size that fits everyone. In thesame way, one ESD component can't solve all issues—each application has different ESD requirements.Knowing that "one size fits all" cannot apply to power design, the power designer, or the engineering"super hero," must consider all the potential disruptions to a steady flow of power and thenvarious waysto mitigate them. This tutorial Describes voltage- and current-limiting devices and risetime reducers tomanage the power. It also points to free and low-cost software tools to help design lowpass filters, checkcapacitor self-resonance, and simulate circuits.
Abstract: Investment in smart meters and smart grid end equipment continues to grow worldwide as countriestry to make their electric delivery systems more efficient. However, as critical as the electric deliveryinfrastructure is, it is normally not secured and thus subject to attack. This article Describes the concept oflife-cycle security—the idea that embedded equipment in the smart grid must have security designed into theentire life of the product, even back to the contract manufacturer. We also talk about how life-cycle securityapplies to embedded equipment in the smart grid. Potential threats are discussed, as are potential solutionsto mitigate the risks posed by those threats.
