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. And we also have an archive of recent weekly Planet Analog Newsletters, as pdf files; see the list at the very bottom.

“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 items of general interest to the engineer, while the second highlights 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 , Microwave Journal , RF & Microwaves , and Physics Today , plus others.

Consider these items as online extras, and worth a brief look. (Please note: there are also links to the previous weeks' editions, in the “Navigate” box to the right.)

Also of Interest:

• Engineers can use self-clinching fasteners on stainless-steel panels and parts, but first they must address some important issues:
  “How to Use Self-Clinching Fasteners on Stainless Steel,”
  Machine Design , January 13, 2011
• Readers plan to use solar cells to replace batteries or ac power sources in their products:
  “Engineers See Future for Small Solar Applications,”
  Design News , January 2011
• The MVC is a DC-DC converter in the primary network infrastructure that receives a medium-voltage power input from the shore-based power feed equipment (PFE) via the telecom cable, typically at 1-10 KVDC, and provides down-conversion to one or more lower-voltage outputs, typically 300-600 VDC:
  “Development and Test of a Medium-Voltage Converter for Ocean Observatories,”
  Defense Tech Briefs , February 2011
• While 2D astronomical images provide scientists with important details, there is more to be learned when tunable filters or integral field spectrographs are used to disperse the light from each pixel along a third axis—the spectral dimension.:
  “3D spectrophotometric imaging opens a new window into the cosmos,”
  Laser Focus World , December 2010

Elementals:

• An overview of RF/microwave connector specifications for materials and dimensional manufacturing tolerances, intended to familiarize engineers with important non-electrical parameters:
  “Inside the Microwave Connector: Materials and Construction,”
  High Frequency Electronics , December 2010
• This single-pole, double-throw switch circuit uses low-cost commercial diodes and low-loss circuit-board material to achieve low insertion loss and high isolation at WiMAX frequencies from 2.3 to 2.7 GHz:
  “Design A SPDT Switch For WiMAX,”
  Microwaves & RF , December 2010
• Emergence of microwave integrated circuit technology in multilayer radio frequency circuits as the chosen solution for small form and high functionality integrations:
  “Multilayer Technology Enables Miniaturization of Integrated Multi-function Modules,”
  Microwave Journal , February 2011
• Accuracy, size, and quiet operation make these motors an intelligent choice for medical devices:
  “How to Select the Right Stepmotor for a Medical Device,”
  Machine Design , February 17, 2011

Recent Planet Analog Newsletters:

• March 23, 2011
• March 16, 2011
• March 9, 2011
• March 2, 2011