The reference voltage, supply voltages, and ground are also important. Section 4 of this book willaddress the issues associated with grounding and decoupling, and this section discusses the ones listedabove.
Abstract: This tutorial discusses proper printed-circuit board (PCB) grounding for mixed-signal designs. Formost applications a simple method without cuts in the ground plane allows for successful PCB layouts withthis kind of IC. We begin this document with the basics: where the current flows. Later, we describe how toplace components and route signal traces to minimize problems with crosstalk. Finally, we move on toconsider power supply-currents and end by discussing how to extend what we have learned to circuits withmultiple mixed-signal ICs.
Abstract: What can be simpler than designing with CMOS and BiCMOS? These technologies are very easy to use butthey still require careful design. This tutorial discusses the odd case of circuits that seem to work but exhibit somepeculiar behaviors—including burning the designer's fingers!
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: This tutorial discusses methods for digitally adjusting the output voltage of a DC-DC converter. The digital adjustmentmethods are with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a trim pot (digital potentiometer), and PWM output of a microprocessor.Each method is assessed and several DACs and digital potentiometers presented.
Abstract: This article discusses application circuits for Maxim force/sense digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Applications include:selectable fixed-gain DAC, programmable gain DAC, photodiode bias control, amperometric sensor control, digitally programmablecurrent source, Kelvin load sensing, temperature sensing, and high current DAC output. A brief description of the various DAC outputconfigurations is also given.
Abstract: Nonideal cable dispersive effects can affect system performance. This application note discusses the twomain loss effects related to cables (skin-effect and dielectric losses), and presents a simple method of modeling thecable for use in standard SPICE simulators.
Abstract: Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are used in a wide variety of applications and end markets, including digital signalprocessing, medical imaging, and high-performance computing. This application note outlines the issues related to powering FPGAs.It also discusses Maxim's solutions for powering Altera® FPGAs.
Abstract: This article discusses the requirements and design considerations for automotive applications, including those for enginecontrol, infotainment, and body electronics. It also discusses several Maxim devices that are ideal for automotive applications.
The core voltages for FPGAs are moving lower as a resultof advances in the fabrication process. The newest FPGAfamily from Altera, the Stratix® II, now requires a corevoltage of 1.2V and the Stratix, Stratix GX, HardCopy®Stratix and CycloneTM families require a core voltage of1.5V. This article discusses how to power the core and I/Oof low voltage FPGAs using the latest step-down switchmode controllers from Linear Technology Corporation.
