Tag Archives: Analog Devices

Here’s a series of video tutorials on filtering from Analog Devices. First in the series (embedded above) covers simple single pole filters made out of resistors and capacitors. The series moves onto active filtering with op-amps, and finishes with multi-pole Sallen-Key filters. Geek alert: theory and math zone!

Here’s a web video series from Analog Devices describing thermocouples (TC) and how to get the most out of them. TC is a temperature sensor that outputs a voltage dependent on the temperature difference between these two ends.

Here’s an article from Analog Devices going into the details of high-speed PCB layout design. While the article mainly focuses on analog electronics, lots of good tips can be picked up for digital designers as well. Intelligent circuit-board layout is important to successful op-amp circuit design, especially for high-speed circuits. A good schematic is the […]

Analog Devices describes why it’s a bad idea to drive capacitive loads with op amps. If you’re forced to drive a capacitive load, this video also provides a possible solution to the stability issues.

Here is an article from Analog Devices discussing the theory and application of detecting human falls with 3-axis accelerometers. While the article focuses on the ADXL345 3-axis accelerometers, the theory and principle behind it can be applied to other devices as well. This article, based on research into the principles of fall detection for an […]

Here’s an article from Analog Devices detailing the differences between current-sense amplifiers and difference amplifiers in high side current measurement. Current sense amplifiers offer measurement of the instantaneous current, while difference amplifiers offer average current measurements.  While current-sense amplifiers offer better current consumptions and lower noise, the difference amplifiers are more robust. Both types of […]

How HDTV systems impact audio noise, and how to limit it: Ensuring a pop and click free audio signal chain requires careful design on behalf of both the hardware engineer and software engineer. This article discusses how hardware system and software functionality issues cause pops and clicks and how engineers can prevent them

Here’s an FAQ from Analog Devices regarding proper grounding techniques. Engineer Walt Kester answers questions with references and schematics to better explain his points. All in all, a very good read that might help you catch stray signals problems in your next project.

Analog Devices explains when the maximum supply current given by the datasheet could lead you astray: For most integrated circuits, a maximum supply current is listed on the data sheet. Often overlooked are the measurement conditions. For some rail-to-rail output op amps, certain operation can result in supply currents two to ten times higher than […]

Sequentially connecting optocouplers for better isolation slows things way down, digital isolators don’t suffer as much. The advantages of digital isolators over opto-couplers [PDF!] in layered isolation: Creating double insulation barriers with sequential optocouplers is problematic because the data integrity is poor, and there is no compact inexpensive way to provide power to the interface […]

Analog Devices discusses ground loops and how to manage them: Transmitting data over long distances is fraught with potential problems. A ground loop can be a source of interference that can induce a noise voltage between the grounds on either end of the transmission. If this voltage is large enough, it can cause data errors […]

Analog Devices discusses the sensitivity of analog and digital microphones. Sensitivity, the ratio of the analog output voltage or digital output value to the input pressure, is a key specification of any microphone. Mapping units in the acoustic domain to units in the electrical domain determines the magnitude of the microphone output signal, given a […]