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.
Application considerations and circuits for the LT1001 and LT1002 single and dual precision amplifiers are illustrated in a Number of circuits, including strain gauge signal conditioners, linearized platinum RTD circuits, an ultra precision dead zone circuit for motor servos and other examples.
Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit Design
I enjoyed reading this book for a Number of reasons. One reason is that itaddresses high-speed analog design in the context of microwave issues. This isan advanced-level book, which should follow courses in basic circuits andtransmission lines. Most analog integrated circuit designers in the past workedon applications at low enough frequency that microwave issues did not arise.As a consequence, they were adept at lumped parameter circuits and often notcomfortable with circuits where waves travel in space. However, in order todesign radio frequency (RF) communications integrated circuits (IC) in thegigahertz range, one must deal with transmission lines at chip interfaces andwhere interconnections on chip are far apart. Also, impedance matching isaddressed, which is a topic that arises most often in microwave circuits. In mycareer, there has been a gap in comprehension between analog low-frequencydesigners and microwave designers. Often, similar issues were dealt with in twodifferent languages. Although this book is more firmly based in lumped-elementanalog circuit design, it is nice to see that microwave knowledge is brought inwhere necessary.Too many analog circuit books in the past have concentrated first on thecircuit side rather than on basic theory behind their application in communications.The circuits usually used have evolved through experience, without asatisfying intellectual theme in describing them. Why a given circuit works bestcan be subtle, and often these circuits are chosen only through experience. Forthis reason, I am happy that the book begins first with topics that require anintellectual approach—noise, linearity and filtering, and technology issues. Iam particularly happy with how linearity is introduced (power series). In therest of the book it is then shown, with specific circuits and numerical examples,how linearity and noise issues arise.
Abstract: The rapid build out of today's smart grid raises a Number of security questions. In this article,we review two recent well-documented security breaches and a report of a security gap. These situationsinclude a 2009 smart-meter hack in Puerto Rico; a 2012 password discovery in grid distributionequipment; and insecure storage of a private key in distribution automation equipment. For each of theseattacks, we examine the breach, the potential threat, and secure silicon methods that, as part of acomplete security strategy, can help thwart the attacks.
Abstract: There are many things to consider when designing a power supply for a field-programmablegate array (FPGA). These include (but are not limited to) the high Number of voltage rails, and thediffering requirements for both sequencing/tracking and the voltage ripple limits. This application noteexplains these and other power-supply considerations that an engineer must think through whendesigning a power supply for an FPGA.
Abstract: Rail splitting is creating an artificial virtual ground as a reference voltage. It is used to set the signalto match the op amp's "sweet spot." An op amp has the most linear- and distortion-free qualities at that sweetspot. Typically, the sweet spot occurs near the center between the single power rail and ground. In the case ofa Number of signals, the virtual ground can control channel DC errors when multiplexing or switching thesignals.
A Number of conventional solutions have been available forthe design of a DC/DC converter where the output voltageis within the input voltage range—a common scenarioin Li-Ion battery-powered applications—but none werevery attractive until now. Conventional topologies, suchas SEPIC or boost followed by buck, have numerousdisadvantages, including low effi ciency, complex magnetics,polarity inversion and/or circuit complexity/cost. TheLTC®3785 buck-boost controller yields a simple, effi cient,low parts-count, single-converter solution that is easyto implement, thus avoiding the drawbacks associatedwith traditional solutions.
