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-only" extras, and worth a look. (Please note: there are also links to the previous weeks' editions, below this week's items.)

Also of Interest:

• A method of automated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been invented for the generation of performance tables for an object subject to fluid flow:
  "Automated CFD for Generation of Airfoil Performance Tables,"
  NASA Tech Briefs, November 2009
• Micro-air vehicles are taking over some of the more dangerous missions for the U.S. military:
  "The Military is Beginning to Rely on Small Unmanned Drones or Micro-Air Vehicles (MAVs),"
  Machine Design, December 2009
• Stainless steel gives parts a clean look, but it's a mismatch for many applications:
  "Comparing Stainless Steel and Other Metals,"
  Machine Design, December 2009
• Networked automation lifts and lowers video board at Dallas Cowboys Stadium:
  "Dallas Cowboys Unveil 600 Ton Video Board Hoist,"
  Design News, December 2009

Elementals:

• Use of a technology to optimize transmission available bandwidth and user throughput of data:
  "Deployment and Link Planning of Adaptive Coding and Modulation Radio Networks,"
  Next Generation Wireless, November 2009
• How the wire gauge and number of twists per centimeter used in balanced twisted bifilar transmission lines can impact the characteristic impedance of those lines:
  "Examine Balanced Twisted Bifilar Lines,"
  Microwaves & RF, November 2009
• When a multilayer board operates at speeds greater than a few hundred megahertz, it's a challenge to maintain signals without mismatches, losses, distortion, or EMI:
  "PCB-layout techniques for gigasample ADCs,"
  EDN, November 12, 2009
• These next-generation technologies may seem functionally similar, but they diverge when it comes to the markets they serve:
  "The 4G Wireless Showdown: LTE Versus WiMAX,"
  Electronic Design,October 8, 2009

Previous "Also of Interest" and "Elementals" Editions:

• January 11, 2010
• January 4, 2010
• December 28, 2009
• December 21, 2009
• December 14, 2009

Recent Planet Analog Newsletters:

• January 13, 2010
• January 6, 2010
• December 16, 2009
• December 9, 2009