Science / Technology - Lecture/Discussion - WPI Only
Thursday, December 17, 2009
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Atwater Kent Laboratories
AK 108
Title:
1922: Armstrong Invents Digital Radio!
Speaker:
Joseph Sousa
Engineer
Linear Technology, North Chelmsford, MA
Abstract:
The super regenerative radio frequency detector, that Edwin Howard Armstrong invented in 1922, embodies many concepts that we have come to understand are at the
heart of modern Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog conversion. Some of these
concepts include sampling, nearly infinite regenerative gain and pulse width
modulation. The extraordinary energy efficiency of the super-regenerative detector has kept it as a topic of current research and it is embodied in new product designs.
Historic connections will be made alongside conceptual connections to present a broad perspective of the topic. Circuit diagrams, signal flow charts, and signal illustrations will be presented to flesh out the operation of super regenerative detection.
Bio:
Joe Sousa has designed Analog-to-Digital converters for nearly three decades. These designs evolved from discrete modular, to hybrid and monolithic technologies. Along the way, Joe has contributed several patents to help advance the state of the ADC design art. Side interests include antique electronics, and the engineering of earlier eras. He holds a full time job designing ADC's in 2009 but, for recreation, enjoys occasional time travel to design tube radios and unreasonable electronic contraptions with 1920's or 1950's technology.
Host: Professor John McNeill
Suggested Audiences: College
E-mail:
ecesec@ece.wpi.edu
Last Modified: October 26, 2009 at 2:08 PM
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