Each week, the editor of Planet Analog finds items of interest and then features them in two sections, entitled “Also of Interest” and “Elementals”. Each cites items from publications outside the Planet Analog and EETimes portfolios.
“Also of Interest” and “Elementals” is an extension of our belief that engineers are interested in on-going tutorial on obviously relevant topics, as well as the serendipity of exploring topics which are not directly related to their jobs, but which will broaden their knowledge and sometimes spurs innovative and creative approaches. The first box highlights a few items of general interest to the engineer, while the second highlights some basic and tutorial electronic-engineering material.
Among the publications we check are IEEE Spectrum , Machine Design , Design News , Laser Focus World , EDN , Electronic Design , NASA Tech Briefs , Portable Design , and Physics Today , plus others.
Consider these items as “online-only” extras, and worth a look! (Please note: there are also links to the previous weeks' editions, at the bottom).
Also of Interest:
- Special fiber optics now let spectroscopy migrate out of the laboratory and into inhospitable environments:
“Machine Vision Industry Focus: Putting Light to Work,”
Machine Design , November 20, 2008 - Polymer optical fiber is benefiting from new modulation techniques and polymer designs that are extending data rates to 100 Gbit/s and improving POF performance for sensors, data-center interconnection, and home networks:
“FIBER FOR CONSUMER APPLICATIONS: New fiber designs extend the reach of short-range POF,”
Laser Focus World , November 2008 - Escalating complexity, a shortage of trained workers, and crass politicization mean that most programs to develop new military systems fail to meet expectations:
“What’s Wrong with Weapons Acquisitions?,”
IEEE Spectrum , November 2008 - An overview of several of the telescopes on the drawing board for future astronomy:
“O Stars in the Firmament, Release Your Secrets,”
Photonics Media , November 2008 - Computer-aided engineering products save money on physical testing and get designers closer to an optimized design:
“Planning Your Company’s Future with Mechanical Analysis,”
Desktop Engineering , December 2008
Elementals:
- The author describes how signal measurement has progressed from basic spectrum analysis to a combination of frequency and time domain analysis, including modulation:
“Evolution of Broadband Signal Measurement and Analysis,”
High Frequency Electronics , November 2008 - Distinguishing between accuracy and resolution can be misinterpreted in determining system needs:
“Accuracy versus Resolution in Analyzing System Errors,”
NASA Tech Briefs , December 2008 - There are two intrinsic characteristics that determine the link budget in UHF RFID systems: the required power to turn on the tag's IC chip and the phase noise of the TX leakage occurring in the reader's circulator:
“Link Budget Calculation for UHF RFID Systems,”
Microwave Journal , December 2008 - Tiny components and high-frequency circuits demand rigorous prototyping methods:
“Prototyping techniques: things to know before pulling the trigger,”
EDN , December 5, 2008
Previous Editions:
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