Analog technology is needed to obtain analog values
ADI Develops Learning Modules to Cultivate Analog Knowledge


Looking at today's media and the internet, it seems the world has completely turned digital and analog technology has become a relic of the past. But is that really the case? To start with the conclusion, no.

All physical elements, such as audio signals or temperature, are analog values. Analog technology is required to measure or handle analog values. All high-speed digital signal transmission must deal with analog phenomena, and an understanding of analog is necessary to maximize the utilization of technology. Software alone cannot solve all problems.

Without analog knowledge, it is impossible to control new technologies such as electric vehicles or renewable energy. Yet, the number of hardware experts continues to decline. Conversely, this means that if current students or graduates aspiring to work in the electrical and electronics industry acquire knowledge of semiconductor circuit technology, they will have more employment opportunities.

To assist those aspiring to become analog technology experts, Analog Devices (ADI) has developed a series of learning modules designed to build practical analog knowledge and experience. These modules can be utilized in university coursework or on a personal basis to enhance theoretical understanding. Furthermore, users can experiment with electronic circuits anytime and anywhere, without being constrained by time or location.

Some students may prefer researching alone at night, while others may enjoy working with others and discussing the results. Even if an experiment fails, it can be re-experimented without worrying about what others think. These learning modules are also useful when it is difficult to secure laboratory space, time, and equipment at the university. Multiple students can conduct experiments simultaneously, rather than just observing.

These learning modules are actual lab experiments, not PC simulations with pre-prepared results. You can build circuits, apply input signals, measure analog or digital output signals, and analyze the results on a PC. Furthermore, they are economical in price.


ADI ADALP2000 including discrete components
ADALP2000 is a comprehensive kit that includes various ADI chips and other discrete components such as resistors and capacitors.

With this kit, you can build various electronic circuits on the breadboard included in the kit without soldering.


Basic experimental ADALM1000
It is a learning module that allows you to perform basic experiments. It can be connected via a USB interface, and can be selected between 2.5V or 5V, and the power supply can be set to a maximum of 200mA.

Different voltage and current waveforms can be provided through two channels. Voltages from 0V to 5V and currents from -200mA to +200mA are possible, and waveforms can be sampled at a maximum of 100kSPS.

You can adjust parameters using support software provided for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X systems, and display measurement results on a computer using oscilloscope functions. If you go to the “ Circuit I and II Lab Activities ” section on the ADI website, you can see detailed descriptions of various experiments that can be performed using the ADALM1000 .


Get ADALM1000 and go double! ADALM2000
ADALM2000 is a learning module capable of conducting advanced experiments, providing more additional features than all the functions provided by the ADALM1000 module.

It can measure signals up to 25 MHz and generate signals up to 30 MHz, and the speed is about 1000 times faster. The two power supplies can be adjusted within the ranges of 0V to +5V and -5V to 0V.

The software can display a 2-channel oscilloscope, a 16-channel digital logic analyzer, and a voltmeter. It can analyze networks, spectra, and digital buses.

If you go to the “ Electronics I and II Lab Activities ” section on the ADI website, you can see detailed descriptions of the various experiments you can perform using this learning module. With a little adjustment, experiments that can be done with the ADALM1000 kit can also be performed with this kit.


ADALM-Pluto, where you can build SDR knowledge
The ADALM-Pluto kit is a high-frequency kit that allows you to gain in-depth knowledge of Software-Defined Radio (SDR).

Frequency bands and attributes for high-frequency and wireless communication can be set through software, and transmission and reception channels are provided for a frequency range of 325 MHz to 3.8 GHz.

Information on related systems can be found through the e-book titled “ Software-Defined Radio for Engineers ,” and experiments that can be performed with the ADALM-Pluto kit are also explained. This e-book can be downloaded for free from analog.com .

Detailed information about these kits can be found in the “Education” section of analog.com or by entering “active learning modules” in the search button.

Each kit can be purchased through ADI or an official distributor.

You can ask questions in the “Virtual Classroom for ADI University Program” section of the ADI Engineer Zone .


This article is a summary of a piece titled 'The World Is Analog—How Do I Obtain the Necessary Knowledge?!' by Uwe Bröckelmann, Technical Director of the Analog Devices EMEA FAE Team.