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Homepage Archive - October 2024 (page 1)

See Page 1 | 2 of the November 2024 homepage archives.

Monday the 14th

What's Your EQ?

What's Your EQ?, July 1961 Radio-Electronics - RF CafeHere we go with three new "What's Your EQ?" challenges from the July 1961 issue of Radio-Electronics magazine. Readers submit the problems, which typically involve creating a circuit to perform a specified function, or determining how a given circuit works. The first of these is more of a puzzle, since the author shows you how to go about arriving at the answer. Since incandescent light bulbs are not overly familiar to a lot of people these days, it might be to the advantage of pre-Millennials who grew up using them and are acquainted with their properties. The second is an old-fashioned Black Box challenge that some readers will solve without much...

HAPS Aircraft for Stratospheric Comms

SoftBank Trials HAPS Aircraft for Stratospheric Communications - RF Cafe"Japanese operator SoftBank announced that the Sunglaider, its large-scale solar-powered uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) designed for High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) stratospheric telecommunications, was utilized in a field trial conducted by AeroVironment and the U.S. DoD in New Mexico, the U.S. During the trial, carried out in early August, Sunglider succeeded in achieving stratospheric flight, the Japanese operator said. With a wingspan of 78 meters and the capability to carry payloads weighing up to 75kg, the Sunglider is larger than other publicly announced HAPS UAS..."

Electronics Diagram Quiz

Electronics Diagram Quiz, August 1966 Popular Electronics - RF CafeMonday (any day, for that matter) is a good day for Carl and Jerry stories, Mac's Electronics Service Shop sagas, Hobnobbing with Harbaugh, electronics-themed comics, electronics quizzes, and other forms of nerd entertainment. Here is another of Robert P. Balin's great challenges titled, "Diagram Quiz," this one from a 1966 issue of Popular Electronics magazine. Most RF Cafe visitors will easily identify eight or nine of the ten diagrams. Relatively few will be familiar with the Rieke diagram (hint: power amplifier designers will know about it). The Biasing diagram is a bit misnamed IMHO, and could cause confusion...

Anatech Has 3 New Filter Models for October

Anatech Electronics - 3 New Filter Models for October 2024 - RF CafeAnatech Electronics offers the industry's largest portfolio of high-performance standard and customized RF and microwave filters and filter-related products for military, commercial, aerospace and defense, and industrial applications up to 40 GHz. Three new ceramic bandpass filters have been announced for October 2024 - a 2275 MHz center frequency filter with a bandwidth of 250 MHz, a 2275 MHz center frequency filter with a bandwidth of 250 MHz, and a 6245 MHz center frequency filter with a bandwidth of 360 MHz. Custom RF power filter and directional couplers designs can be designed and produced with required connector types when a standard cannot be found, or the requirements are such that a custom approach is necessary.

The Operational Amplifier

The Operational Amplifier, July 1963 Electronics World - RF CafeWhen you read this 1963 Electronics World magazine article's title, I doubt you immediately assumed it would be about a vacuum tube circuit, or even one that uses discrete transistors to implement the circuit. Rather you most likely though it would be about an integrated circuit (IC). Operational amplifiers (opamp) are building blocks characterized (ideally) by their infinite input impedance, zero output impedance, infinite open-loop bandwidth and gain, zero input offset voltage, amongst other defined parameters. The first commercially produced integrated circuit (IC) opamp came to market in 1964 via Fairchild Semiconductor (the µA702, brainchild of Bob Widlar)...

Friday the 11th

The Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Battery

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Battery (ChatGPT-generated content) - RF CafeNickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries have a long and significant history in energy storage, with their invention attributed to Swedish engineer Waldemar Jungner in 1899. Jungner's work laid the foundation for an electrochemical power source based on nickel oxide hydroxide and cadmium, leading to the development of the rechargeable NiCad battery. It was a pioneering breakthrough because it represented one of the earliest forms of rechargeable energy storage systems. This battery technology found widespread use in various industries due to its robust performance and ability to be recharged multiple times. At its core, the chemistry of NiCad batteries involves the reaction between cadmium (the negative electrode) and nickel oxide hydroxide (the positive electrode), with potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. During...

Electronics-Themed Comics

Electronics-Themed Comics, September 1969 Electronics World - RF CafeThese two tech-themed comics from the September 1969 issue of Electronics World magazine are pretty good. I especially like the one where the guy's wife entered his printed circuit board layout in an art contest. PCBs were just starting to gain momentum in production electronics as they replaced the old point-to-point wiring method. Also popular in that era was high fidelity stereo equipment. Owning a system with speakers that operated from 1 Hz through 30 to 40 kHz was major evidence of an audiophile's technical savvy, even though the human ear con only detect frequencies in the 30 Hz to 20 kHz range. Dogs can hear frequencies up into the 45 kHz range. Porpoises can hear up to 150 kHz. A ferret can hear from 16 Hz...

NextGen Thermal Performance Testing

Next Generation Thermal Performance Testing - RF CafeTotalTemp Technologies offers advanced and innovative methods for meeting and optimizing your thermal testing requirements. We specialize in benchtop thermal testing because small batches are typically the most cost-effective approach. We offer heat transfer by conduction with thermal platforms, forced convection as in traditional temperature chambers, combined systems, and thermal vacuum for Space Simulation. Thermal testing of Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers and other devices with dramatically uneven power dissipation can easily be achieved with a dual zone thermal platform. Managing the heat produced by the electron gun side allows for the RF outputs side to be tested at various required temperatures. The Dual Zone Thermal Platforms allows the user to maintain safe controlling...

Engineering & Tech Headlines <Archives>

• Ham Radio Serving Southeast U.S. Recovery Efforts

• Radio "A Godsend for So Many" in Helene's Aftermath

• Estate Planning for Hams

• Intel's Woes Damaging U.S. Chip Indpendence

• Is Gen-Z Low Car Ownership a Threat to Radio? (they can't afford cars due to massive inflation - not because they don't want a car)

AMRAD: A Brief Overview and Historical Context

AMRAD: A Brief Overview and Historical Context - RF CafeAmrad, American Radio & Research Corporation, was based in Medford Hillside, Massachusetts and was founded in 1915 with funds from J. Pierpont Morgan. The company's first manager, Harold James Power, was an amateur radio enthusiast and built a research laboratory. In 1916, Amrad made its first broadcast to J. Pierpont Morgan Jr., who was aboard the ocean liner "Philadelphia." Amrad received orders for military radio equipment during World War I, but discontinued these orders after the war ended. To keep the company afloat, Amrad produced items such as electric egg beaters and cigar lighters. In 1919, Amrad was awarded a contract to make 400 SE1420 receivers, and it began advertising components for amateur radio enthusiasts...

Thursday the 10th

Which Dry Battery for You?

Which Dry Battery for You?, June 1963 Radio-Electronics - RF CafeThis "Which Dry Battery for You" article is a follow-on from the previous month's "Dry Cell Battery Types" in Radio-Electronics magazine. It was a time long before the dominance of rechargeable lithium batteries. In 1963, battery-powered devices were nowhere near as widespread and diverse as they are nowadays. Hand tools like drills, saws, routers, planers, and screwdrivers got their power either from a wall outlet or the user's arm and hand muscles. Lawn mowers, grass and hedge trimmers, chain saws, and snow blowers were powered mostly by gasoline, although some models plugged into the wall. Those devices which did use batteries most often had no built-in...

Light Waves to Logic Optical Computing

Light Waves to Logic Optical Computing - RF Cafe"Researchers have developed a new architecture for optical computing called diffraction casting, offering power-efficient processing by using light waves. This method promises better integration and flexibility for high-performance computing tasks and could be used in fields like AI and machine learning. As artificial intelligence and other complex applications demand ever more powerful and energy-intensive computers, optical computing emerges as a promising solution to enhance speed and power efficiency. However, its practical application has faced numerous challenges..."

AEC: A Brief Overview and Historical Context

Atomic Energy Commission, AEC: A Brief Overview and Historical Context (ChatGPT-generated content) - RF CafeThe Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was established in 1946 as a result of the Atomic Energy Act, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This legislative decision marked the United States' formal entry into managing and controlling atomic energy, a rapidly advancing field that had been essential in concluding World War II through the development and use of nuclear weapons. The AEC was conceived to handle not only military applications of atomic energy but also to develop peaceful uses, such as energy production, medical research, and industrial applications. The creation of the AEC emerged from the Manhattan Project, the secret wartime effort to develop atomic bombs. The Manhattan Project brought together prominent scientists like J. Robert Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi, and Niels Bohr. After the war, however, the question arose...

Empower RF 8 kW, X-Band Pulsed HPA

Empower RF Systems Model 2221, 8 kW, X-Band Pulsed HPA - RF CafeEmpower RF Systems, the technology leading provider of high-performance RF amplifiers, is proud to announce the launch of the Model 2221 X-Band Pulsed High Power Amplifier. The Empower RF 2221 amplifier operates in the 9-10 GHz X-band, delivering an impressive 8000 W peak output power with long and short pulse widths. Its applications encompass radar systems, electronic warfare, HPM research, and electromagnetics effects testing. With a rugged, modular design, the 2221 offers a reliable, high-performance solution for applications demanding significant X-band power. Key Features and Specifications The model 2221 amplifier operates in the 9-10 GHz X-band frequency range, delivering an impressive 8 kW of peak pulsed output power...

The Fraudulent Technician - A Minority

The Fraudulent Technician - A Minority, May 1964 Electronics World - RF CafeAlthough not in the title as it used to be, this 1964 Electronics World magazine piece by John T. Frye is a "Mac's Service Shop" story. If Mac and Barney are the stars of the saga, then it can be none other. The story is about how the misdeeds of a few dishonest operators can taint the reputation of an entire industry - nothing new there. Barney is telling Mac about a "sting" ploy pulled by a consumer protection group whereby TV sets with a specific easy-to-troubleshoot problem introduced to see how repair technicians from a suspect company would bill the service. I'll not spoil the ending for you; however, a comment mentioned that $10 would have been a reasonable price for a house call that included the fix. According to the BLS's inflation calculator, $10 in 1964 was the equivalent of about $102 in 2024...

Wednesday the 9th

Unexplored Electron Gap

Unexplored Electron Gap, March 1962 Radio-Electronics - RF CafeEver the futurist, in 1962 Radio-Electronics magazine editor Hugo Gernsback was making the case for occupying millimeter- and submillimeter-wave bands. In fact, he first proposed the concept back in 1959. He refers to it as "gap between the infrared (IR) and radio regions." IR is generally understood to include wavelengths from around 750 nm (400 THz) to 1 mm (300 GHz). Gernsback cites work done by Professor Gwyn O. Jones, of Queen Mary College of the University of London, with the claim that among other advantages of millimeter-wave (mm-wave) is an ability to penetrate certain wavelength "windows" in the atmosphere where lower frequencies do not propagate efficiently, more "channels" of communications can be accommodated, smaller antennas could be used, and narrower focused transmission beams possible...

Werbel 10-Way Splitter for DC-7.2 GHz

Werbel Microwave 10-Way Resistive Power Splitter for DC to 7.2 GHz - RF CafeWerbel Microwave's WMRD10-7.2-S is a 10-way resistive splitter that covers up to 7.2 GHz with ultra-wide bandwidth. This unique design accomplishes extremely flat frequency response in a small radial package. Our unique design approach provides higher than expected isolation between outputs at far ports than would be achieved in a typical star topology. It has applications in markets such as CATV, test and measurement, and military radio. Its small size makes it easy to integrate into compact systems. Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA.

Hugo Gernsback: A Biography

Hugo Gernsback: A Biography - RF CafeHugo Gernsback, often heralded as the "Father of Science Fiction," was an extraordinary figure whose influence extended beyond the realm of speculative literature into the world of electronics, radio communication, and futurism. His life, inventions, and publications shaped not only popular science but also the practical development of radio and electronics, making him a pivotal figure in early 20th-century technological advancements. Gernsback was born Hugo Gernsbacher on August 16, 1884, in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, to a wealthy family. His father, Moritz Gernsbacher, was a winemaker and merchant, while his mother, Bertha, came from a prominent local family. Hugo had several siblings, though details of his early family life remain somewhat obscure. From a young age, Hugo showed a strong interest in science and technology, particularly in electricity and wireless communication. He attended local schools in Luxembourg and later pursued formal education at the Technikum in Bingen, Germany...

CostQuest Gerrymanders for BEAD Biddable Locations

CostQuest Gerrymanders for BEAD Biddable Locations - RF CafeThese government programs take forever to implement, then a major portion of the money gets wasted in bureaucracies, payoffs, and misappropriations (e.g., 8 EV charging stations after spending $7.5B). "If you know CostQuest at all you probably think of it as the company that the FCC hired to clean up and refine its national broadband map. But the company is also working with state broadband offices on their Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) programs. To give a little background, CostQuest works with the FCC on its national broadband map. But it was also hired, separately, by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to work with states..."

RCA: A Brief Overview and Historical Context

Radio Corporation of America (RCA): A Brief Overview and Historical Context - RF CafeThe Radio Corporation of America (RCA) holds a significant place in the history of American technology and business. Founded in 1919, RCA was initially created as a government-sanctioned monopoly to manage the United States' growing interest in wireless communication. During its peak, RCA was a dominant player across multiple industries, including consumer electronics, communications, broadcasting, and defense technology. Its influence extended through radio, television, radar, semiconductors, and beyond. The inception of RCA was rooted in the growing importance of wireless communication during and after World War I. The company was established by General Electric (GE), which was pressured by the U.S. government to create a new entity that would ensure...

IEEE '69 International Convention & Exhibition

IEEE '69 International Convention & Exhibition Advertisement, January 1969 Electronics World - RF CafeWhen this was originally posted it was the beginning of the IEEE's 2007 Microwave Theory and Techniques Society's (MTT-S) International Microwave Symposium (IMS) in Honolulu, Hawaii. This advertisement from the January 1969 issue of Electronics World magazine promoted Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) annual symposium. Per the MTT.org website, the very first IMS show was held in 1995, in Orlando, Florida. The 1969 IEEE International Convention & Exhibition, which was not specifically a microwave electronics theme, was held in the New York Coliseum, located in New York City...

Tuesday the 8th

The Gas that Makes You Laugh

The Gas that Makes You Laugh, June 1949 Popular Science - RF CafeIf you have been wanting access to nitrous oxide (N2O), aka laughing gas, in order to "encourage" someone to divulge subconscious (or intentionally suppressed) information, but don't want to pay the high cost of storage bottles and refilling, then here are instructions in a 1949 issue of Popular Science magazine for brewing some on your own. Purchase of N2O is legal, and is used, among other things, as an engine supercharger which is injected into the intake manifold. I had a friend back in the 1970s with such a system installed on his 1968 Camaro that had a 454 cu. in. big block in it. It could easily pop the front wheels off the ground. Dentists and doctors still use it as an anesthetic, food products like whipped cream...

Crosley Radios: A Brief Overview and Historical Context

Crosley Radios: A History - RF CafeThe evolution of Crosley radio products is a fascinating journey through the golden age of radio, a period marked by significant technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Powel Crosley Jr.'s genius lay in his ability to combine affordability with cutting-edge features, making his radios highly desirable for the average American household. Crosley Radio Corporation's products evolved rapidly, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and its response to market demands. Crosley's radio journey began in 1921 when he created the Harko, an affordable crystal set that was small and compact enough to sit on a tabletop. Early radios at the time were relatively... 

Novel GaN Transistors and HPAs for LEO & GEO Satellites

Novel GaN Transistors and HPAs for LEO & GEO Satellites - RF CafeIt is amazing how some substrate layouts look exactly like a block diagram of circuit they represent. "With increasing data rates in mobile communications, the need for more powerful high-frequency electronics is growing. This is particularly true for satellite-based global communication networks, which must function reliably and securely in all weather conditions and at any location. In the ESA Magellan project, researchers at Fraunhofer IAF, together with UMS and TESAT, are therefore developing novel efficient GaN transistors and high-power amplifiers for LEO and GEO communication satellites to provide high..."

Allen DuMont: A Biography

Dr. Allen B. DuMont: A Biography - RF CafeAllen B. DuMont, a pivotal figure in the early days of television and electronics, was born on January 29, 1901, in Brooklyn, New York. His contributions to the advancement of television technology, particularly through his work on cathode-ray tubes, and the founding of the DuMont Television Network, left a lasting mark on the broadcasting industry. DuMont's early years were marked by adversity. As a young boy, he contracted polio, which left him bedridden for several months. Despite the physical limitations imposed by the disease, DuMont's intellectual curiosity flourished, and he turned to reading and tinkering with electronics to occupy his time. This early exposure to electrical engineering would shape his future. DuMont's passion for electronics was evident from an early age. By the time he was a teenager, he had built his own radio receiver. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)...

Monday the 7th

News Briefs: Spherics

News Briefs: Spherics, July 1961 Radio-Electronics - RF CafeEver heard of "sferics?" That's a new word in my technical lexicon as of right now. Sferics (aka spherics), is a contraction, derived from "atmospheric" phenomena, specifically referring to the electromagnetic signals generated by natural events in the atmosphere, such as lightning discharges. Over time, its use has become specialized in the field of meteorology, physics, and certain branches of electrical engineering, where it is used to describe specific types of electromagnetic emissions. It was mentioned in this "News Briefs" column in a 1961 issue of Radio Electronics magazine. Also in the news was the decreasing conductivity of the atmosphere due to low sunspot activity. Ham DX'ers love sunspots since by charging the upper atmosphere, it facilitates long distance communications. Japanese color TV sets were deemed "impressive." Much more...

World's Most Powerful Sound Laser

World's Most Powerful Sound Laser - RF Cafe"Recent advancements in phonon laser technology, which utilizes sound waves rather than light, show promising new applications in medical imaging and deep-sea exploration. A novel technique enhances these lasers by stabilizing and strengthening the sound waves, allowing for more precise and powerful outputs. This development not only improves existing uses in medical and underwater applications but also extends potential uses to material science and quantum computing. Scientists in China have made a significant leap in developing lasers that use sound waves instead of light. These 'phonon lasers' hold promise for advancements in medical..."

Powel Crosley, Jr.: A Biography

Powel Crosley, Jr.: A Biology - RF CafePowel Crosley Jr., an American inventor, entrepreneur, and industrialist, was born on September 18, 1886, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He became one of the most prolific figures in American industry, with contributions spanning from radios to cars, and from kitchen appliances to television broadcasting. His innovative spirit, coupled with a keen business sense, enabled him to leave an indelible mark on American consumer culture during the first half of the 20th century. Crosley's early years were shaped by a supportive, middle-class family. His father, Powel Crosley Sr., was a successful attorney, which afforded young Powel and his siblings a comfortable upbringing. Crosley was drawn to mechanical and electrical engineering from an early age, demonstrating an innate talent for tinkering. As a boy, he built his own working model of a car...

Measuring & Mitigating EMI at IC Inputs

Measuring and Mitigating EMI Disturbances at IC Inputs - RF Cafe"In these modern times, electronic systems are usually operating within an electromagnetic-interference (EMI) environment that contains many other electronic systems. These systems need to exist and fully operate undisturbed while meeting electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). EMC requirements are separated into two main parts: Electromagnetic immunity - a system must not be disturbed by any other systems. The electromagnetic interference in a system can't disturb any other system. Then, if immunity and emission requirements are individually met, the electronic product, such as an integrated circuit (IC), may be marketed from an EMC point of view. Measurement methods for EMI and electromagnetic emission (EME) are fully described for ICs in the IEC62132-4 (immunity) and IEC61967-4 (emission)..."

The Space Race

Space Race (ChatGPT-generated content) - RF CafeThe Space Race was one of the most significant geopolitical and scientific competitions of the 20th century, driven by the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It spanned from the late 1940s through the 1970s, with a focus on achieving superiority in space exploration, a domain viewed as critical not only for scientific advancement but also for military and strategic dominance. Rooted in rocket technology developed during World War II, the Space Race transformed the world's understanding of science and technology, culminating in the most dramatic achievement: the landing of humans on the Moon in 1969. This treatise explores the key milestones, the countries and key players involved, technological developments, the interplay between military...

Many Thanks to Anatech Electronics for Long-Time Support!

Anatech Electronics logo - RF CafeAnatech Electronics (AEI) manufactures and supplies RF and microwave filters for military and commercial communication systems, providing standard LP, HP, BP, BS, notch, diplexer, and custom RF filters, and RF products. Standard RF filter and cable assembly products are published in our website database for ease of procurement. Custom RF filters designs are used when a standard cannot be found, or the requirements dictate a custom approach for your military and commercial communications needs. Sam Benzacar's monthly newsletters address contemporary wireless subjects. Please visit Anatech today to see how they can help your project succeed. 

Friday the 4th

Electronics-Themed Comics

Electronics-Themed Comics, July 1961 Radio-Electronics - RF CafeYay, Friday is here at last! To help you wind down the week, take a gander at these four electronics-themed comics which appeared in a 1961 issue of Radio-Electronics magazine. The one on page 106 is my favorite. It reminds me of an old Bugs Bunny cartoon from back in the 1970s, where a freeway was going to built over his rabbit hole (warren), and Bugs thwarted all efforts by construction crews from violating his humble abode (see "No Parking Hare"). There was another similar episode where skyscrapers were built around his hole, but I cannot find it. The page 95 comic reflects the public's fascination with rocket flights in an era when the first satellites were being launched, and manned spaceflight filled the imaginations of young and old. By coincidence, today's (October 4th) RF Cafe header logo features the Sputnik launch...

Iridium Pushes Boundaries with 3GPP Acceptance

Iridium Pushes Boundaries with 3GPP Acceptance - RF Cafe"Iridium Communications Inc., a leader in global voice and data satellite communications, has taken a significant step forward in its mission to enhance connectivity. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has officially accepted Iridium's request to expand the functionality of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) into the Work Plan for 3GPP Release 19. This marks a pivotal moment for Iridium's upcoming service, Iridium NTN Direct?, which aims to provide unprecedented access to satellite services via standard chipsets. What is Iridium NTN Direct?...

Capitol Radio Engineering Institute

Capitol Radio Engineering Institute Program Advertisement, May 1964 Electronics World - RF CafeThe Space Race was at its peak in 1964 when this advertisement by the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute (CREI) Program in Space Electronics appeared in Electronics World magazine. Although it all began in 1957 with the International Geophysical Year, the heat was turned up that year when the USSR successfully launched Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite. President John F. Kennedy made his famous speech before the U.S. Congress in 1961, where he said in part, "This nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before the decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth." A huge push was made by colleges...

Engineering & Tech Headlines <Archives>

• Solar Cycle 25 Producing Record High Sunspot Numbers

34% Huawei Revenue Hike for 1st Half Year

• Layoff Survival Guide for These Tough Times

• Rumors of Samsung Acquiring Nokia Fly

Supply Chain Sustainability's Future

Clear Road for FM Stereo

Clear Road for FM Stereo, July 1961 Radio-Electronics - RF CafeThe early 1960s was an era of significant change for the realm of in-home entertainment. Television was transitioning to color, radio was transitioning from AM to FM, and FM radio was transitioning from monaural to stereo. Print media was beginning to include more color in its pages. The human sense organs and brain were being called upon to process much more information from sources other than real-world experience. For many people, seeing the world's natural and manmade features in color was an amazing revelation, and our household was one of last in the neighborhood to get a color TV. My introduction to stereophonic music does not have as much of a stark place in memory. Prior to high school, my radio listening was AM station WNAV...

Thursday the 3rd

International Geophysical Year (IGY)

International Geophysical Year (IGY) (ChatGPT-generated content) - RF CafeThe International Geophysical Year (IGY) was an extraordinary scientific endeavor, representing a global cooperative effort to study Earth's physical properties and atmosphere. Spanning from July 1, 1957, to December 31, 1958, the IGY was timed to coincide with a period of maximum solar activity, a factor which was thought to significantly influence Earth's environment. The project brought together scientists from 67 countries, transcending Cold War tensions, with the goal of advancing our understanding of the Earth and space sciences. This extensive treatise delves into the various aspects of this monumental event, including the research conducted, the countries involved, key figures, industrial partnerships, the science of rockets and satellite...

1000x Faster Plasmonic Resonator Computer Chips

1000x Faster Computer Chips With Plasmonic Resonators - RF Cafe"Physicists present a nanometer-sized light antenna with electrically modulated surface properties - a breakthrough that could pave the way for faster computer chips. Advances in plasmonic resonators could lead to computer chips that are up to 1000 times faster, thanks to collaborative efforts between German and Danish universities. These teams have successfully modulated light antennas electrically and integrated quantum mechanics into classical physics models, promising profound technological impacts. Today's computers reach their physical limits when it comes to speed. Semiconductor components usually operate at a maximum usable frequency of a few gigahertz..."

The Loudness Control

The Loudness Control, December 1963 Electronics World - RF CafeRaise your hand if your old stereo system had a "Loudness" control, but you never really knew what it did - other than change the loudness (my hand is up). Author Rudolph Jacobs addresses the subject in a technical manner - Fletcher-Munson curves and all - in this 1963 edition of Electronics World magazine. In a nutshell, in case you don't feel like reading the entire article, Loudness compensates for the difference in perceived sound intensity level across the audio frequency spectrum as the reference level is varied. That is to say, it maintains the same perceived listening level across the audio spectrum whether you have the volume control turned way down, way up, or in the middle - a sort of volume-dependent equalizer.

Blog: Grid Simulators Are Smart Power Sources

Axiom Test Equipment Blog: Grid Simulators Are Smart Power Sources - RF CafeTranscat | Axiom Test Equipment, an electronic test equipment rental and sales company has published a new blog post entitled "Grid Simulators Are Smart Power Sources" that covers how to pick the right grid simulator that best fits the needs of your project requirements. Choosing a grid simulator for an application is a matter of understanding available functions and key operating parameters, such as voltage, current, power, and output frequency. Grid simulators supply AC and DC electrical power under the many conditions exhibited on an electrical power grid and can accurately measure bidirectional power from DUTs or loads capable of generating power. A regenerative grid simulator can manage fully four-quadrant electrical power while returning a high percentage of power to the grid for testing under "green" energy operating conditions...

Electronics-Themed Comics

Electronics-Themed Comics, February 1969 Electronics World - RF CafeThe tech-themed comic that appeared on page 59 of the February 1969 issue of Electronics World magazine is consistent with the prevailing theme of the era where wives and girlfriends were fairly oblivious to the meaning of technical endeavors of their husbands and boyfriends, respectively (or not necessarily). The other comic from that edition is reflective of the times as well, when a television was considered to be one of the essentials of modern life. Carrying one's essentials wrapped up in a cloth and tied to the end of a wooden pole represented the stereotypical kid running away from home. I was a pretty rotten kid, but I don't remember ever running away from home - probably because I knew that my parents knew that I knew...

Wednesday the 2nd

Semiconductors Sit for Their Portraits

Semiconductors Sit for Their Portraits, November 1962 Radio-Electronics - RF CafeThis could be one of those quizzes where common items are shown close-up so they do not look familiar, and the reader's job is to figure out what he's seeing. The montage of micrographs of antimony, cadmium sulfide, germanium etched in argon, and germanium etched in hydrogen, appeared in a 1962 issue of Radio-Electronics magazine. All are elements / compounds currently (at the time and now) being researched and used in semiconductors. Knowledge of semiconductor physics has multiplied exponentially in the succeeding six decades (hard to believe that much time has passed). The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory did the work shown here...

Using Transistors as Negative-Resistance Devices

Using Transistors as Negative-Resistance Devices, June 1969 Electronics World - RF CafeLike most people familiar with electronics, when negative resistance semiconductors are mentioned, I immediately think of tunnel diodes. Negative resistance is the characteristic where in increase in voltage across the p-n junctions results an a decreased current. Although the tunnel diode was invented by by Leo Esaki (Sony) in 1957, it is not mentioned anywhere in this 1969 article. Instead author Wesley Vincent (Motorola) describes the theoretical operation of 4-layer (3 junction) semiconductors and how they can be biased to mimic true negative resistance devices. Given that one of the most common applications of tunnel diodes is to construct relaxation oscillators, knowing which configurations of standard BJTs can act like...

Silk & Graphene Spin up Electronics

Silk & Graphene Spin up the Future of Electronics - RF Cafe"Researchers have developed a method to create a two-dimensional silk protein layer on graphene, enhancing its potential in microelectronics, particularly for wearable and implantable health sensors and memory transistors in computing. This innovation offers a nontoxic, water-based, and biocompatible system, potentially revolutionizing silk's application in luxury materials and high-tech industries. The research opens pathways for further advancements in silk-integrated circuits and sustainable electronic solutions. After thousands of years as a highly valuable commodity, silk continues to surprise. Now it may help usher in a whole new direction for microelectronics and computing..."

DJC - The Radio Voice of Germany

DJC - The Radio Voice of Germany, February 1935 Short Wave Craft - RF CafeThis 1935 article found in Short Wave Craft magazine quotes the DJC radio station engineer as saying that they transmitted with only 5 kW into the farm of directional antenna arrays, and that it was sufficient to provide what was evidently very high quality reception to many remote regions of the world. Adolph Hitler had become "Führer und Reichskanzler" the year before, with plans already in the works to dominate the world. Troops invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, officially beginning WWII. DJC's global reach was used extensively for propaganda during the war...

Many Thanks to Axiom Test Equipment for Continued Support!

Axiom Test Equipment - RF CafeAxiom Test Equipment, a Transcat company, allows you to rent or buy test equipment, repair test equipment, or sell or trade test equipment. They are committed to providing superior customer service and high quality electronic test equipment. Axiom offers customers several practical, efficient, and cost effective solutions for their projects' TE needs and is committed to providing superior customer service and high quality electronic test equipment. For anyone seeking a way to offload surplus or obsolete equipment, they offer a trade-in program or they will buy the equipment from you. Some vintage items are available fully calibrated. Please check out Axiom Test Equipment today - and don't miss the blog articles!

Tuesday the 1st

Solving Delta and Wye Networks by Transformation

Solving Delta and Wye Networks by Transformation, October 1966 Radio-Electronics - RF CafeAnyone who has taken classes in circuit analysis is familiar with calculating delta-wye conversions, from delta to wye, and from wye to delta. My introduction was not for resistor circuits, but for transformers used in electric power distribution systems. That was way back in the mid 1970s whilst in a high school electrical vocational program, where rather than take a full day of traditional classes, half of each day was spent engaging in a mix of theory hands-on practical experience, doing motor control, security wiring, household and industrial wiring, service entrance and load center installations, etc. This "Solving Delta and Wye Networks by Transformation" article appearing in a 1966 issue of Radio-Electronics magazine presents a nice introduction to technique...

Exodus AMP2030-LC 1 to 6 GHz, 300 W SSPA

Exodus AMP2030-LC 1 to 6 GHz, 300 W (200 W P1dB) SSPA - RF CafeExodus Advanced Communications is a multinational RF communication equipment and engineering service company serving both commercial and government entities and their affiliates worldwide. We are pleased to announce the Exodus Model AMP2030-LC, ideal for broadband EMI-Lab, Comm. and EW applications. Class A/AB linear design for all modulations & industry standards. Covers 1.0-6.0 GHz, producing 300 W Minimum, 200 W P1dB and 55 dB minimum gain. Excellent flatness, optional monitoring parameters for Forward/Reflected power, VSWR, voltage, current & temperature sensing for superb reliability...

Mac's Service Shop: Cost of Color TV Service

Mac's Service Shop: Cost of Color TV Service, February 1969 Electronics World - RF CafeAs of this day (December 27), we are approaching the December 30 date whereon in the year 1953 the first commercially available color television set - the Admiral C1617A - went on sale. Mac McGregor and his repair shop technician, Barney, had been servicing color TVs since at least February 1955 as printed in a Radio & Television News story titled, "Barney Takes on Color." This particular edition laments the increasing cost of servicing color television sets as they get increasingly complex. Mac and Barney agree that one of the reasons for service cost is having to work with the newfangled printed circuit boards. Those early PCBs...

Sibelco quartz mine in Spruce Pine, NC - RF CafeMine That Produces Si Boule Crucibles Victim of Helene

Sibelco quartz mine, Spruce Pines, NC - RF CafeSibelco mines quartz which at this time is the world's sole source of crucible material used in growing silicon boules. "Ultra-high-purity quartz is an essential component to semiconductor chips, and the only places in the world that can meet this need are two mines in a small North Carolina town." It Spruce Pines, NC, Hurricane Helene - RF Cafeunfortunately is located in Spruce Pine, NC, one of the places devastated by Hurricane Helene. The town and its roads were washed away by 24 inches of rain. "It's flooded up to the awnings, about 10 feet. Lower street was destroyed." If the mine were destroyed (which it was not), "it would likely [be] a few years of major disruption while techniques to generate alternatives were scaled up. But the disruption would be pretty catastrophic." Access to the mines and electric power have been disrupted. Sibelco is headquartered in Belgium, also home to Agatha Christie's ubersleuth Hercule Poirot.

Practical Operating Limits for Filters

Practical Operating Limits for Filters, April 1969 Electronics World - RF CafeThe April 1969 issue of Electronics World magazine featured a collection of ten articles dealing with filter design and application, authored by experts in the field. This one discusses which filter types - lumped element (inductors and capacitors), distributed element (stripline, microstrip, etc.), waveguide, cavity - are best fitted for use based on the intended application. Power handling, rejection requirements, inband insertion loss, physical size, cost, stability over time, temperature, vibration, and moisture as common considerations. Sometimes the decision comes down to designer preference, manufacturing complexity, desire...

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PCB Directory (Manufacturers)
Rigol DHO1000 Oscilloscope - RF Cafe

withwave microwave devices - RF Cafe

Windfreak Technologies Frequency Synthesizers - RF Cafe