Homepage Archive June 2013

The Young Squirt's Fourth

Epistle to the Old Man

"Throwing the works to my bottle." Any idea what that means? Neither did I. "You went out just like a Swedish match in a Kansas hurricane..." Ever heard that saying? Neither had I. I never knew Swedish matches had a reputation for easily going out. I never knew the swedes made matches. Evidently the tech jargon in 1935 was a bit different than today. This story from QST will introduce you to many new terms with a fairly short read. The guy in the story looks a lot like the Ham in the 2013 Field Day patch (sans specs). 

Tales from the Cube:

Beauty and the Bad Board

This latest installment of EDN's Tales from the Cube series. In it, author Bruce Mainwaring describes his ingenious process for emergency testing assembled and ready to ship product for a bad inductor. It involved building an EM simulation model for the test implement and then qualifying it with a Kappa analysis inductor. The action saved his company significant embarrassment.

Many thanks to WOKEN

Technology for Their Support

WOKEN specializes in microwave/RF coaxial connectors, cables, cable assemblies, microwave/RF antennas and RF accessories. With the experienced R&D engineers & technicians, active marketing staff, up-to-date production equipment and measuring instruments, WOKEN designs its own RF / microwave products for meeting all kinds of requirements demanded by its customers at communication markets.

Need to Parallel Park Your Car?

There's an App for That

Bosch has been at the forefront in automobile navigation automation for many years. They developed some of the first systems for keeping cars in lines of traffic without the driver needing to constantly apply brakes or step on the gas (or battery) pedal. You can find lots of cool videos on their work. This video shows a new system for automatically parking a car via a smartphone app. I'm sure somewhere there is a group of lawyers just salivating at the prospect of lawsuits when someone gets her legs pinned between cars in the process. Maybe it will just be a smashed bicycle, or flattened puppy, but you know they can't wait for an opportunity.

RF Cafe Quiz #50

Microstrip Lines and Slotlines

This quiz is based on the information presented in Microstrip Lines and Slotlines, by Ramesh Garg, Inder Bahl, and Maurizio Bozzi. The book was graciously provided by Artech House. As with many books used for quizzes, this one will eventually be made available as prize for the RF Cafe monthly book drawing.

These quizzes are also good fodder for selecting interview questions for applicants and for brushing up on the basics if you are the interviewee.

PMI Intros 100 MHz to 2 GHz

SP4T Absorptive Switch

PMI Model No. P4T-100M2G-50-T-SFF-IN is an absorptive, single pole, four throw solid-state switch that operates over the 100 MHz to 2.0 GHz frequency range. The insertion loss is less than 3dB and offers port to port isolation of over 50 dB. The switching speed is 25 nsec maximum and the rise and fall times are less than 10 nsec. The control is via four independent TTL lines with Logic "0" being the low-loss state and Logic "1" being the isolation state. This switch operates on ±5 VDC

Kitmondo Listing Added

for Used Test Equipment

Mr. Richard Barker, of Kitmondo, wrote to request a listing on my Test Equipment (new & used) vendor resource page. Kitmondo is based in the UK and is "an online marketplace where buyers and sellers of used business and industrial equipment can find each other and trade safely." They currently have many pieces of TE and individual RF components like amplifiers and attenuators.

Crowdfunding Flow Chart

Crowdfunding is a scheme whereby inventors and other types of startup individuals and groups pitch their plan to the public and solicit payment of funds with the promise of certain goods or services when and if the monetary goal is met or exceeded. If, for instance, I wanted to develop new RF system planning software and needed, say, $100,000 to produce a beta version, I might promise $50 donors ('investors') a specially designed T-shirt, $100 donors an early beta for evaluation and discount on first release, and $500 donors a full release version.

Notable Tech Quote

Inc magazine had as their June edition theme leadership. If nothing else, the collection of articles proved the old adage about opinions being like ***holes - everybody has one. There were some worthwhile tidbits, though, like this quote from Captcha co-founder Luis Von Ahn: "Competition among investors is good. If you are talking to one big VC and wind up talking to another, they will find out. How much that matters is insane."

Linx DP1203 Series Radio-Only

Xcvr to Optimize RF

The new DP1203 Series radio-only RF transceiver module is designed for the wireless transmission of digital data at data rates of up to 152.3 kbps. Operating in the 433, 868 and 915 MHz license-free ISM frequency bands, this module series is ideal for applications that require full-control of the radio channels and configuration, without having to go through the effort and expense of a discrete RF design. The module has a maximum output power of +15 dBm and a receiver sensitivity of –111 dBm. This gives the module a typical line of sight range of 2 to 3 miles at the maximum output power with typical monopole whip antennas, depending on frequency.

RF & Microwave Crossword

for June 14, 2013

Take a break and let this week's engineering-themed crossword puzzle be a Father's Day present to yourself. All the words are pulled from a hand-built list of terms, names, and abbreviations that have only to do with science, mathematics, and engineering. If you want a crossword with names of movie stars and obscure countries, try the local newspaper. If you want to exercise your nerd knowledge, this is the one for you.

Top 10 Countries Requesting

Data from Tech Companies

Here is an interesting chart from Reuters that shows which countries have the highest rate of collecting data from tech companies. Google, Microsoft, Skype, and Twitter are evidently the top suppliers of personal data. I'm guessing the U.S. is at the top at least partially because the tech companies are based in the U.S. and therefore the FBI, NSA, IRS, DHS, and other 3-letter agencies are able to exert the most influence. Of course what is not shown are countries that make no pretense of granting citizens a right of personal privacy such as Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and other Communist regimes. Our government exploits a populace that actually expects privacy because the Constitution mandates it. They don't need to heed no stinking Constitution.

An Impedance-Matching

Transformer Tutorial

The word 'transformer' in the title for this article does not refer to a mutual inductance transformer, but an impedance transformer for matching transmission lines to antennas (or anything else for that matter). Author T.A. Gadwa gives examples of impedance-matching circuits both for when the antenna impedance is lower than the characteristic impedance of the transmission line and when the antenna impedance is higher than that of the feed line. "L," "pi," and a couple other circuit configurations are covered. 

Sherlock Ohms: Bulging

Capacitors & Dopey Design

In the latest adventure of Sherlock Ohms, Mr. Frank Karkota tells of his experience with a used digital satellite receiver for reception of free-to-air (FTA) programs. "The receiver worked great, and I mapped hundreds of television and radio stations on the various satellites. Later, some of the stations disappeared. Then, more started disappearing, until I couldn't find any stations. Since my analog receiver still worked, I concluded that the digital receiver had failed. I opened the receiver and found that in one corner was the RF section, another corner had the digital section, and the other side housed the power supply..."

Skyworks and SMC Networks

Solutions for Connected Home

Skyworks Solutions today announced that it is partnering with SMC Networks, a leading customer premise equipment manufacturer for multi-service operators (MSOs), to develop wireless connectivity solutions for security, monitoring and automation (SMA) applications in the emerging connected home market. SMC is utilizing Skyworks' wireless networking and ZigBee® front-end solutions for security sensors, smoke alarms, motion detectors and touch pads. “SMC is joining forces with Skyworks to deliver innovative solutions for the connected home,” said Max Brogi, vice president of product management at SMC Networks.

AWR Design Forum 2013

Korea & Japan Agendas

AWR, the innovation leader in high-frequency EDA software, has finalized the agendas and opened registration for the summer AWR Design Forums (ADF) 2013 being held in Seoul, Korea on Monday, July 8th and Tokyo, Japan on Friday, July 12th. The ADF is a free and open event where designers of microwave and RF circuits and systems such as MMICs, RF PCBs, and LTE communication systems can network, share useful information and resources pertinent to high-frequency design, and collaborate on industry issues and trends.

Magnetic Phenomena Quiz

If terms like 'magnetostriction,' mu-metal,' and 'D-ring' arouse your technostimulus receptors, then this quiz on magnetics should be just what you've been waiting for. It appeared in a 1962 edition of Popular electronics, but the principles therein have not changed since then. I must admit that I had never given thought to the orientation in which bar magnets should be stored when in close proximity to each other.

Featured Book
Please Support RF Cafe!

High-Frequency Integrated Circuits, by Rosin Voinigescu. A transistor-level, design-intensive overview of high speed and high frequency monolithic integrated circuits for wireless and broadband systems from 2 GHz to 200 GHz, this comprehensive text covers high-speed, RF, mm-wave, and optical fibre circuits using nanoscale CMOS, SiGe BiCMOS, and III-V technologies. Step-by-step design methodologies, end-of chapter problems, and practical simulation and design projects are provided, making this an ideal resource for senior undergraduate and graduate courses in circuit design. With an emphasis on device-circuit topology interaction and optimization, it gives circuit designers and students alike an in-depth understanding of device structures and process limitations affecting circuit performance. This book is the subject to RF Cafe Quiz #49.

Please Thank Wenteq

Microwave for Their Support

Wenteq provides a wide range of high quality RF and microwave products with quick delivery time at very competitive low prices. Their products include coaxial connectors and adapters, circulators, isolators, low noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, broadband amplifiers, terminations and more, covering the frequency range of 100 MHz to 110 GHz.

RF Cafe Poll

Started June 11, 2013

Please take a moment and vote in this poll. No sign-in-required. Results are displayed automatically. Thanks! See current.

Hittite Intros GaAs MMIC

I/Q Up & Downconverters

Hittite Microwave has launched several new, highly integrated I/Q upconverter and downconverter products which cover the licensed 38 GHz and 42 GHz bands in microwave radios for cellular backhaul radio links. The HMC6787ALC5A and the HMC6146BLC5A are GaAs MMIC I/Q variable gain upconverters which form a competitive and cost-effective microwave radio transmitter solution which has been designed to meet or exceed all of the performance criteria required for modern high capacity QAM microwave radios. The HMC6787ALC5A operates from 37 to 40 GHz and provides a small signal conversion gain of 10 dB with 17 dBc of sideband rejection, and 13 dB of gain control.

Practical Applications

of Simple Math

Many people were reluctant to approach the theoretical aspect of electronics as it applied to circuit design and analysis, QST (the ARRL's monthly publication) included equations and explanations in many of their project building articles. Occasionally, an article was published that dealt specifically with how to use simple mathematics for electronics calculations. In the July 1944 edition is the third installation of at least a four-part tutorial that covers resistance and reactance, amplifier biasing oscillators, feedback circuits, etc. I do not have Part I from the May 1944 edition or Part IV from the August 1944 edition, but if you want to send me those editions, I'll be glad to scan and post them.

Wherefore PRISM?

NSA's PRISM program has been in the headlines lately because of its omnipotent, omnipresent purpose of recording every possible form of electronic communication into, out of, and within the U.S. Per the Constitution's 4th Amendment: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." What part of that is difficult to understand? If such blatant disregard for the law is deemed necessary to protect the country, why didn't it prevent the Benghazi, Ft. Hood, and Boston Marathon terrorist attacks? The government had ample info on record about all three but ignored it for political correctness reasons. Surely they knew the Benghazi attack was not due to "an offensive video" prior to selling the lie to the public. Yet, when it comes to targeting specific political groups, the IRS seems to know all it needs to manipulate national elections. Think you're safe from PRISM, et al, since you've done nothing wrong? Watch who you offend - if not today then tomorrow when control changes hands.

Linx and DComponents

Distribution Agreement

Linx Technologies, a developer and manufacturer of wireless products such as radio frequency RF modules, announces a distribution agreement with DComponents Corporation, a global electronics distributor with a strong presence worldwide that provides catalog distribution catering to design engineers, engineering students, research labs and Original Equipment Manufacturers. DComponents Corporation will sell and support Linx modules, connectors and Antenna Factor antennas.

Your Antenna - Key to

World-Wide DX

Here is a quick course on how to point antennas for over-the-horizon (DX) reception, and, if you also happen to have a license to transmit, for broadcasting. It covers how to determine the shortest straight-line path by stretching a string around a globe (remember those spherical maps that used to be a mainstay of every household and schoolroom?) and using a protractor (a what?) to get the angle. Author Edward Noll uses a simple 1/2-wave dipole antenna radiation pattern as an example of how directivity is affected by frequency (relative to the fundamental).

The Amazing

Electron Microscope

Optical magnification is only useful to the point where resolution is limited by the wavelength of light representing the object under observation. Astronomer William Dawes first provided a means of quantification based on an ability to visually resolve closely spaced stars. Known as the Dawes Limit, a value of 4.56/D arc seconds was empirically determined (D is aperture of instrument in inches). A theoretical upper limit to magnification of any optical system with perfect optics is around 2,000. The electron microscope removed that resolving limit by shooting a stream of electrons with radii much less than the wavelength of visible light, and measuring its reflection. Images are necessarily in 'false color' because we cannot perceive the real wavelength/color of the surface revealed by the electron beam.

Congrats to May Book Drawing

Winner Bogdan V.  !!!

Each month I select someone to receive a free book from those provided by Artech House or Cambridge University Press. They are often books I have used to create quizzes. How to enter? Either buy one of my inexpensive software offerings or send me an e-mail. This month's winner, Bogdan V., selected Introduction to RF Design Using EM Simulators (Artech House), by Hiroaki and Yoshie Kogure, and James Rautio. "Richly illustrated, this resource provides novice engineers and engineering students with a solid introduction to the use of EM simulation in RF design. This book describes exactly how microwave and high-speed digital circuits operate, offering practitioners clear troubleshooting guidance for their work with these circuits. DVD is included."

Notable Tech Quote

"That's one of the reasons we can't sell a telecom switch in most countries, for instance." - Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, on news of NSA's ubiquitous PRISM spy program that coerces companies into complying with demands for user data. (what a difference 5 years makes - video)

Science & Engineering

Crossword for June 9, 2013

Every Sunday I create an engineering-themed crossword puzzle using a word list that I personally created and added to during over a decade of making puzzles. All of the words are related to engineering, science, mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, etc. There are no numbnut clues about movie stars or clothing designers. Enjoy.

Pinpoint Laser Software

On-the-Fly Alignment Data

Pinpoint Laser Systems has introduced a new and improved data accessory named “Pinpoint Capture™” for the popular Laser Microgage industrial measuring and alignment system. Pinpoint Capture™ allows operators to quickly grab measurement readings, on the fly, from as many as four remote laser receivers to analyze the alignment and performance of their production machinery and industrial equipment. The software is a powerful, Windows-based application that quickly records incoming readings, displays results and enables added control.

A "Monode" Noise Generator

Calibrated noise diodes are fairly inexpensive these days and are widely used for measuring noise figure of systems and for generating specific signal-to-noise ratios when testing receiver performance. This article from a 1967 edition of QST describes a method for using a 'hot resistor,' aka 'monode,' as a noise reference source. When the temperature (T) and the resistance (R) is known, a noise power can be calculated with a precision limited by the precision of the T and R measurements. The tungsten filament of a pilot lamp is used as the resistor.

F_f - Ever Heard of It?

Unless I have just forgotten, I never remember seeing the math term F_f (pronounced "eff-sub-eff") prior to the other night while reading an article on dark matter. Now that I know, I'll be sure to use it in my writing somewhere. Highlight the following text to see what it stands for if you don't already know. "F_f = Fudge factor"

Many Thanks to Reactel

for Their Ongoing Support

Established in 1979, Reactel is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of RF and microwave filters, diplexers, and sub-assemblies. They offer a line of filters covering DC-50 GHz. The latest in CAD/CAM methods and equipment in all design and manufacturing processes are used along with a machine shop complete using CNCs, which gives the ability to produce long production runs quickly and economically. The testing department is equipped with the latest in Agilent network analyzers offering quick, dependable, and accurate measurements.

Popular Electronics Quiz: LSI

Gives Semiconductors a "Trip"

I have no idea why this quiz is titled what it is. LSI stands for "Large Scale Integration" and is generally applied to integrated circuits, not discrete components. The quiz's creator has come up with 17 questions, only the first of which has anything to do with LSI circuits. The other 16 are on topics like capacitor plate spacing, magnetorestrictive material, and coaxial cable. I realize that LSI attempts to minimize the number of external components necessary by absorbing them into the IC, but I'm just not sure what that has to do with whether a submarine can communication via SHF while submerged.

Skyworks Captures Strategic

Automotive Design Wins

Skyworks Solutions today announced that an increasing number of its products are enabling telematics and infotainment systems in the automotive market. Telematics is the term used to describe the integrated use of computers and electronic technology in automobiles for wireless communication applications such as cell phones, the Internet and GPS receivers. Skyworks' industry-leading SOI switching technology is already being utilized by global car manufacturers for seamless low noise and broadband handoffs between audio, Blu-ray/DVD, navigation, cell phone and vehicle security display inputs.

Hallicrafters 1944 QST

D-Day Advertisement

With today being the 69th anniversary (June 6, 1944) of the D-Day invasion of Normandy on the coast of France, I thought posting this advertisement by Hallicrafters from the July 1944 edition of QST would be apropos. This issue of the magazine probably arrived in ARRL member's mailboxes within a few weeks of the miraculously successful invasion of Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach. When you consider that in those days - and also not so long ago for that matter - the lead time for going to the printing presses was measured in months, the fact that this ad made the final cut for the next month's issue (July) is noteworthy. Hence, I duly make note.

IEEE Job Site Career Alert

Each month the IEEE JobSite sends out an e-mail with a few helpful hints and stories regarding job hunting. Even though the stock market is soaring, employment is not, so you can probably use any help available to find a new job - whether you are currently employed or unemployed.

-  Mastering the Art of Giving a Job Reference

-  How Veteran HR Professionals Really Feel about Job Seekers from Millennial Generation

-  1 in 10 Young People Losing out on Jobs Because of Pics and Comments on Social Media

Skyworks Intros Breakthrough

LNAs at MTT-S 2013

Skyworks Solutions today unveiled a portfolio of LNAs that provide best-in-class noise figure, a critical component to boosting weak incoming signals for today's 4G wireless infrastructure as well as diverse broad market systems including GPS, broadband, military and satellite communications.  OEMs can now leverage a single Skyworks LNA to address all cellular, ISM and military bands, enabling unconditional stability and simple band specific external matching across a wide voltage range.

Build Numeric Glow Tube

(Nixie) DCU

The mere sight of a Nixie tube evokes passion and nostalgia in the hearts and minds of vintage electronics aficionados. For the uninitiated, Nixie tubes were one of the most successful early numeric display formats. They had wire filaments shaped in the form of numerals 0 through 9, stacked front-to-back inside a vacuum tube enclosure. Rather than the filament (wire) doing the glowing, the neon gas (plus traces of others) fluoresces (glows) in the vicinity of the wire. 7-segment LED displays had not yet hit the commercial market when this story was published in 1970, so even though the numeric display uses vacuum tubes (Nixie) the power supply, counter, and display driver circuits use semiconductors rather than vacuum tubes.

Featured Book
(Please support RF Cafe w/purchase)

Design of CMOS Operational Amplifiers, by Rasoul Dehghani. CMOS op amps are one of the most important building blocks in many of today s integrated circuits. This cutting-edge volume provides you with an analytical method for designing CMOS Op Amp circuits, placing emphasis on the practical aspects of the design process. This unique book takes an in-depth look at CMOS differential amplifiers, explaining how they are the main part of all Op Amps. Complete chapters dedicated to the critical issues of CMOS output stages, fully differential Op Amps, and CMOS reference generators.

NuWaves Showcases New

PA Modules at IMS 2013

NuWaves Engineering is exhibiting its high performance, miniaturized RF products and is also introducing and demonstrating the latest product entry to the NuPower™ product line of small, lightweight, and power-efficient RF PA modules – an S- & C-band power amplifier – at the 2013 IMS hosted by the MTT-S. The NuPower™ S- & C-band PA joins a growing line of high-performance RF PA modules that cover VHF, UHF, L-band, S-band, and C-band frequencies in miniature and ruggedized packages as small as 1.3 cubic inches. The PA accepts delivers at least 15 watts of saturated power across 2500-6000 MHz.

3D Printing - Not Just for

the R&D Lab Anymore

Headlines are filled every day with new, radical applications for the rapidly advancing 3D printer phenomenon. 3D-printed prototypes for developmental models have been around for a few years now, but the paradigm is changing to include finished products. Just as you can send a file for a printed circuit board that you design to a vendor for rapid turn-around fabrication, you can now ship a 3D CAD file to companies that will print your object. Gears, enclosures, statues, even wearable clothing can be turned out as single or multiple components for assembly. Last week a story appeared about a 3D-printed airway being used to save a baby's life. Available material media and step resolution is not yet advanced enough to make a metal ball bearing, but it will get there. The May 2013 edition of Smithsonian magazine has a good article on the state of the art.

Z-Comm Intros 5120

to 6120 MHz VCO

Z-Communications announces a new RoHS compliant VCO model V950ME36-LF in the C-band. This octave tuning VCO operates at 5120 to 6120 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0 to 22 Vdc and provides better than 1.1:1 tuning linearity. This high performance VCO features a spectrally clean signal of -87 dBc/Hz @ 100 kHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 51 MHz/V. The V950ME36-LF is designed to deliver 0 dBm of output power into a 50 Ω load while operating off a 5 Vdc supply and drawing typically 22 mA of current.

Scouting and the

Radio Amateur

The Boy Scouts of America was formed in 1910 in conjunction with The Boy Scouts Association in the UK. Per their 2007 website statement, "The aim of the Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities." Part of being a Boy Scout is earning merit badges by performing certain community services and by demonstrating proficiency at defined tasks. Radio proficiency is one such merit badge. In order to earn the Radio merit badge, along with certain other projects the Boy Scout must participate in either Amateur Radio, Broadcast Radio, or Shortwave Listening...

Please Thank NP Technologies

for Helping Deliver RF Cafe

NP Technologies designs and manufactures solid state broadband linear RF power amplifiers for commercial, military, medical and industrial applications. RF amplifiers range 10 kHz to 3 GHz in frequency and power levels exceeding 1 kW.

Standard products can be quickly modified to your specific requirements. Full custom requests are welcome. Our team of RF Engineers have over 20 years in the field and are dedicated to providing the best in value, performance and reliability.

RF Cafe Poll

Started June 3, 2013

Please take a moment and vote in this poll. No sign-in-required. Results are displayed automatically. Thanks! See current.

Kete Microwave Intros

Variable/Step Attenuator Line

Kete Microwave announces a line of RF variable/step attenuators that can be used to adjust the power signal level continuously or by step within certain frequency range. They can also to adjust the test system's power as inset attenuator. Attenuation ranges from 0 to 120 dB with step sizes as small as 1 dB are available at frequencies up to 3 GHz. Power handling  of 2 W to 30 W, with N, SMA or BNC connectors. These parts can work at operating

2016 Benefits Planning

IRS Guidelines Are Out

2016 could be the first year of crippling health care insurance costs, but major changes begin next year. Per the Department of the Treasury's new document, "Shared Responsibility Payment for Not Maintaining Minimum Essential Coverage," the 'Affordable' health care act is projecting the following mandatory plans for all people (see page 56 for examples): Single w/no dependents = $5,000, Married w/dependents = $20,000. Those numbers are straight from the IRS document. Your employer pays it or passes some or all of it on to you. Low income and Illegals (both strong voting bases) will pay nothing or else get subsidies. You cannot opt out. Remember, the IRS is in charge of collection. Redistribution and reparations are here, folks. Whom should we who will be paying the bill thank for this - anyone you know?

RF Cafe Spring 2013

Security Training Complete

The entire RF Cafe staff (that would be Melanie and me) are required to undergo firearms proficiency training twice per year. We just completed the spring 2013 qualification. Included are 380, 9mm, and .38 special handguns, and a 20GA shotgun and brand spanking new 30-30 lever action from Henry Repeating Arms. The 30-30 is like what was used to win and tame the wild west. The first 5 rounds for both of us at 50 yds. clustered within an 6 in. diameter - sans scope.

Annoying Trends on

Tech Websites

When I make decisions on what and how to post on RF Cafe, part of my strategy is to not do what I hate about other websites. Three annoyances are at the top of my list:

* Audio playing automatically

   without my permission (I try

    never to link to pages that

    initiate audio automatically)

* Full-page ads with or without

   a countdown timer

* Short articles being broken

   into multiple pages just to

   get you to click more

You will know RF Cafe is under different management the day you see any of those things happen here.

Notable Quote

"We rely on our early customers to identify issues like this for us." - Fisker Automotive representative to IEEE Spectrum's John Voelcker during demo drive when the $106k Karma electric car put itself to sleep while recovering from a fault. Now that's bad karma.

A Few New Articles That

Might Interest You

Every month I peruse our industry's leading magazines for good articles that cover topics pertinent to they typical RF Cafe visitor. Here are a few of the latest.

- Design Solution for

   Achieving the Lowest

   Possible Receiver Noise

   Figure (I worked with these

    two guys a while back)

- A Topsy-Turvy World

  (state of defense)

- Aerospace & Defense and

  Test & Measurement

- Crystal Oscillators – Low

  Phase Noise Under Vibration

- Identifying Emission Sources

  and Propagating Structures

L Networks for Reactive Loads

L networks are probably the most common types of impedance matching networks not just for antennas, but for a relatively narrowband load. Determining the required values for the network is relatively simple using well-established equations. Knowing how to use a Smith Chart makes the job even easier. This article from a 1966 edition of QST presents the equation approach. If you have access to the May 2013 edition of QST, there is a complimentary article on L networks that uses the free Smith Chart cross-platform Java software called SimSmith. If you want to do a little complex number math, try the 1966 approach.

Skyworks Intros PIN Diode

for T/R Switching Applications

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. has introduced a miniature 0402 PIN diode for attenuator and transmit / receive switching applications. The SMP1302-040LF is a small form factor, low profile, discrete surface mount technology packaged solution that is ideal for the handset, WLAN, CATV/Satcom, land mobile radio and infrastructure markets.  This diode offers very low insertion loss, good isolation, low inductance and fast switching in a very small package.

Electrical Engineering

Crossword Puzzle

Every Sunday I create a crossword puzzle using a word list that I personally created and added to during over a decade of making puzzles. All of the words are related to engineering, science, mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, etc. There are no numbnut clues about movie stars or clothing designers.