February 2, 1998

Cover Story

• AGC disciplines RF and fiber signals so they "ain't misbehavin'"
  You may need AGC to keep wayward RF, optical, and video signals--which swing over a wide dynamic range--within acceptable bounds. By considering key specifications and techniques, you can get optimum AGC results.
  --Bill Schweber, Technical Editor

Design Features

• Special-purpose signal sources invade wireless-communications R&D
  Although general-purpose RF-signal generators retain a place in wireless-communication product design, instruments tailored to individual standards are growing in importance. Special-purpose generators now fit more than just manufacturing and field use.
  --Dan Strassberg, Senior Technical Editor

• EDN Innovator and Innovation of the Year Finalists
  From the roster of finalists, make your choices for the most innovative products and people in the electronics industry. Then use the ballot to vote in EDN's annual innovation campaign (and win a prize while you're at it).

• Layout and probing techniques ensure low-noise performance
  A cavalier attitude regarding a low-noise design is a direct route to disappointment. Achieving and maintaining the low-noise potential requires judicious layout, probing, and connection techniques.
  --Jim Williams, Linear Technology Corp

• Analyzing and implementing SDRAM and SGRAM controllers
  Designing your own synchronous-DRAM controller lets you tune its cost, complexity, and performance to your application needs. You've got lots of options, so research the trade-offs before proceeding.
  --Christian Green, MoSys Inc

Leading Edge

• 25-year-old Z8 gets an overhaul
• AGP-enabled graphics IC slashes 3-D subsystem costs
• Graphical programming tool offers multi-threading and more
• New verification tool has a formal air
• Precision PCI reset generator hits triple play
• Vantis opens the gate to FPGAs
• Unusual technology yields 500-MHz-bandwidth analog storage scope
• Add wizardry to your core-based programmable- logic designs

• µC family expands performance and memory range
• Gigahertz attenuator gives you 15-dB range in 1-dB steps
• 1G-sample/sec ARBs generate true white noise and jitter
• Data-acquisition system introduces modules within VXI modules
• RF, automatic ID references help you sort through choices
• Rugged system enclosure targets telecomm applications

Design Ideas

• Scheme yields frequency-locked triangle waves
• Off-the-shelf MMIC suits mixer applications
• Signal conditioning precisely indicates humidity

• Vital-signs monitor consumes less than 50 µA
• Optocoupled gate detects motor operation
• Design Idea Entry Blank

Columnist

• To tee or not to tee
  --Howard Johnson, PhD

Products

• New Product Database (registered users only) 

Departments

• ednmag.comment
• Signals & Noise
• Tech Toys

• Editorial Staff
• Business Staff