When it comes to our analog designs, op-amps tend to be just another jellybean part. We tend to spec whatever does the job, and don’t give much of a thought as to the internals. And while it doesn’t ...

Switching regulators have delivered such convenience and efficiency compared to their linear siblings, that it’s now becoming rare to see an old-style three-terminal regulator. Modern designs have ...

Design analysis of the K2-W Vacuum Tube Op Amp’s design and operation reveals the mad science that created a commercial revolution in 1950s and 1960s analog computing. Op amps played a critical role ...

In the first of three parts, Andy hypothesizes that the K2-W Analog Computer Op Amp’s design has some unrevealed mad science in its input-stage design. 1. K2-W Op Amp schematic from Bob Pease’s ...

Semiconductor laser diodes (SLDs) are often packaged with a photodiode. The output current from this photodiode can be monitored to regulate the output power intensity of the laser diode. SLDs, ...

There are various reasons why you might need to split a voltage rail in your design. Perhaps the design contains a sensor or an IC that requires a bipolar supply, or you need to make the best use of ...