[Ideas For Design] Build A Vector Network Analyzer
The vector network analyzer (VNA) is an essential tool for measuring the complex impedance of a circuit at a given frequency. The basic principles of operation are quite simple. So, by following the ideas presented here and adding a few op amps and...
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Contributing Author
[Ideas For Design] A Simple-To-Build Superhet Receiver
This idea presents a simple circuit for a superhet radio receiver that can be built up in sections, with each section tested before assembly. The receiver circuitry as presented here can be built for less than $50. Don’t be misled—even...
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Contributing Author
[Editorial] Can Computers Be Made As Easy To Use As Appliances?
When I turn on my laptop computer, I typically hear a series of beeps and I see command-line sequences checking my system and eventually, bring me to an opening screen. The total boot process takes about two minutes, which in my humble opinion is...
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Dave Bursky
[Pease Porridge] Bob's Mailbox
Sir: Very good letter and comments about analog test equipment with knobs instead of pull-down menus (Electronic Design, Feb. 21, p. 133). Our company just bought a Tektronix TDS-3014 and I'm frustrated by the menu structureBut...
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Bob Pease
[Viewpoint] Hardware And Software May Be Destined To Merge
With the increasing demand for consumer electronic products, embedded-systems developmentmade up of both hardware and software componentswill undoubtedly dominate the design world. Once this happens, codesign will again become a pressing...
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Contributing Author
[The Design Factory] Multitasking Engineers Isn't Always A Bad Idea
Companies increasingly view the multitasking of project team members as a necessary evil. They do it, but acknowledge that they shouldn't. Because multitasking is seen as an obvious evil, we should examine its disadvantages and advantages....
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Don Reinertsen
[Letters] Letters
It Takes Time To Get The Hang Of It I read with some amusement your all too true article, "You Would Think They Could Finally Get It Right" [March 20, p. 48]. I was an inflight comm. maintenance tech. on the...
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Various
[40 Years Ago] Diodes Allow Two-Wire Control Of Limit-Switched Motor
We wanted to control a dc permanent-magnet motor in a system containing limit switches to prevent overtravel. The control had to be accomplished using only one "hot" wire and the common ground lead which were available in the existing cable...
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Steve Scrupski
[40 Years Ago] Washington Report
Air Force Equipment Test Reports made in the course of its activities will be given very restricted distribution in the future. There have apparently been complaints that competitors have obtained copies of Air Force reports in which commercial...
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Steve Scrupski
[Forefront] Expanding Partnership Moves MEMS Toward Commericalization
The commercialization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is increasing. Just take a look at Microcosm Technologies Inc. of Cary, N.C. Three more companies have joined its MEMS Manufacturing Partnership ProgramApplied Microengineering...
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Roger Allan
[Forefront] Sensor Guides Electric Power Steering Into Mainstream
A new torque-and-position sensor will help drive electric power-steering systems out of the laboratory and onto the automotive assembly line. BI Technologies of Fullerton, Calif., a manufacturer of automotive sensors, developed the device using a...
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David G. Morrison
[Forefront] Company Wire
• Mindready Solutions, the telecommunications subsidiary of Informission Group Inc., has acquired Beltron Technologies Inc. The two companies will use their joint resources to meet the growing need for telecommunications...
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Staff
[Forefront] Complete Camera Module Delivers Light-To-Byte Solution
A complete imaging subsystem, the PCM2112, can capture 1280- by 1024-pixel high-resolution color images and deliver a digital byte stream. The compact module that contains the high-resolution image sensor has a base footprint of just 26.3 by 25.5 mm...
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Dave Bursky
[Forefront] Network Interface Modules Allow Remote Motor Configuration
Remote configuration and control are now possible for single-phase ac motor controllers with the S1631XXX (115 V) and SO1731XXX (230 V) network interface modules. These options are part of Anacon Systems' DigiDrive II modular motor-controller...
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Roger Allan
[Careers] Sell Your Ideas To Your Colleagues
Many of us who toil in the trenches have some definite opinions on our product or service, how we perform our jobs, and what we should do differently, now and in the future. Yet, in an existence that appears to strangely mirror Dilbert's, our...
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Peter Varhol