Author Archives: mathscinotes

Quadrature Modulators Solve Old Problems with Self-Calibration

Posted on 21-October-2012 by mathscinotes

Introduction I was reading EETimes this month when I saw an interesting article on analog quadrature modulators (AQMs). I have not looked at these devices in a while and I noticed that some of my early issues with AQMs may … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics | Comments Off on Quadrature Modulators Solve Old Problems with Self-Calibration

What Does It Mean to be an Expert?

Posted on 19-October-2012 by mathscinotes

As an engineering director, I must annually review my employees for performance relative to the standards of their assigned job categories. If an employee is performing above or below their assigned standards, their job category may need to be changed. … Continue reading →

Posted in Management | 1 Comment

Skydiving Math

Posted on 17-October-2012 by mathscinotes

Introduction I must admit that I was amazed at what Felix Baumgartner accomplished. As I watched the video, I found myself focusing on the video's display of Felix's speed versus time. It was really interesting to see how he quickly … Continue reading →

Posted in General Mathematics, General Science | 1 Comment

Not Every Scientist Starts Out a Prodigy

Posted on 10-October-2012 by mathscinotes

Quote of the Day A father is only as happy as his least happy child. - Dr. Phil. This is something a dad understands. I have to share this news story about John Gurdon, who is one of the 2012 … Continue reading →

Posted in General Science, Management | 2 Comments

Earth Altitude with Equivalent Pressure to Mars

Posted on 6-October-2012 by mathscinotes

Quote of the Day In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian who died fighting against … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy | 36 Comments

Fuel Efficiency Math

Posted on 4-October-2012 by mathscinotes

A number of months ago, I wrote a blog post that analyzed the fuel efficiency claims of CSX, which was expressed in ton-miles per gallon. While doing some other efficiency work, I stumbled upon a web site that nicely summarized … Continue reading →

Posted in General Science | 4 Comments

How Much Radioactive Material is in a Smoke Alarm?

Posted on 28-September-2012 by mathscinotes

Quote of the Day MacArthur could never see another sun, or even a moon for that matter, in the heavens, as long as he was the sun. - Dwight Eisenhower on Douglas MacArthur Introduction I was watching this Youtube video … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, General Science | 5 Comments

Variable Voltage Power Supply Control Input Design Example

Posted on 27-September-2012 by mathscinotes

Introduction An engineer in my group is learning Mathcad and he asked me if could I show him how to use Mathcad to design the control input for a variable voltage power supply. After looking at the problem, I decided … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics | 2 Comments

Habitable Planet Math

Posted on 25-September-2012 by mathscinotes

Introduction I was reading the news the other day when I stumbled upon an article about exoplanets -- planets that are not in our solar system. The article referenced this web page that provided a Figure of Merit (FOM) for … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy | 1 Comment

The Ultimate Lego-Based Analog Computer

Posted on 25-September-2012 by mathscinotes

I find this video incredible. I have heard of people reconstructing the Antikythera mechanism and I have even seen a reproduction in Bozeman, Montana. However, I have never heard of one built out of Legos before.

Posted in General Science | 2 Comments