Featured Articles

• Wireless IP Grows in Surprising Ways

  While growing, analog and wireless IP usage may face challenges in manufacturing preferences at lower nodes and emerging LTE technology trends. Does it even need to be stated that

• Fast and New Method for Cycle Slip Analysis in PLL: Part 1

  This article presents a fast and new approach to analyzing cycle slip in a phase-locked loop (PLL) with a saw tooth phase detector. PLL cycle slip analysis is a nonlinear and mathematical hand calculation is perceived to be complex. In most cases, powerful CAD software, such as Agilent Technologies’ Advanced Design System (ADS), is relied on to do the simulation, as it outputs accurate and reliable data. However, this article will elaborate on how cycle slip occurs and what actually happens during cycle slip. Linear analysis, such as Laplace and inverse Laplace transform, are used to analyze the time domain response between cycle slipping. One caveat is that strict conditions must be applied for the analysis to be accurate. Although this is the case, this analysis will give new perspective and thus will help one achieve a more intuitive, solid understanding as to why and what happens during cycle slip. Analysis results from this simple approach with different input conditions will be compared with accurate output from ADS.

• Make the Most of MCU Sleep Modes

  Predict how well an MCU will perform over its lifetime on a single battery charge, and make intelligent architecture choices. The advent of inexpensive, energy-efficient embedded processors

• How Low Can You Go?

  Ultra-low-power microcontroller technologies may revolutionize new designs. VDC Research embedded hardware team analysts left Embedded World 2012 with the impression that this is the

• Capacitive Proximity Sensing

  Remote interaction with user interface offers new opportunities for product differentiation. Capacitive touch technology is still all the rave in the user-interface space, as it rightfully

• MEMS and Packaging Hold Keys to Radio Connectivity

  A fully mobile and connected world full of “rich” user experiences won’t exist until radios can operate at ultra-high speed and ultra-low power in both existing 6-GHz and future 60-GHz spectrums.

• A View from the Floor at IMS 2011

  This year’s International Microwave Symposium introduced new GaN suppliers, rugged LDMOS transistors, and tighter integration between design and test.

• Official Guide to the 2011 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS)

  Things to Note for Your Ultimate Microwave Week Experience!

• Differentiation and Co-existence in WiMax and LTE

  In his article “The Era of Wireless Broadband,” EECatalog editor Cameron Bird compares expectations and realities of WiMax and LTE deployments. While forecasts ebb and f low, a

• Turn Up the Heat with an Electrical-Thermal MMIC Design Flow

  Integrated tools enable high power RF designers to optimize electrical performance and thermal operating properties. High-power and heat often go hand-in-hand. If you agree with