The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Demonstrating Basic Circuit Layout and Measurement Concepts [Education Column]

Circuit prototyping and layout are facts of life for many of us in the EM community. Whether we are designing amplifiers, phase shifters, or filters, or trying to diagnose a difficult electromagnetic compatibility problem, the physical construction of high-frequency circuits is a major concern. The topic of circuit layout is often overlooked in the typical undergraduate curriculum. Proper measurement practices are also important, since a poor testing configuration can lead to misleading data. This issue´s column will demonstrate one way to introduce the importance of good circuit layout and measurement practices into introductory level courses.