Compelling engineering content does not expire. The most-viewed blogs from our EngineerZone (EZ) community this year prove that the best technical insights continue to inform and inspire long after their publication date.
Whether a post was written recently or several years ago, its value continues to grow every time a curious mind finds it, learns from it, and puts that knowledge to work. Here, we celebrate the three blogs that resonated most with our community in Q1 and Q2, and we invite you to read them for the first time or revisit them with fresh eyes.
1. Barkhausen Criterion for Generating Oscillators
Few foundational concepts in electronics generate as much practical confusion as the Barkhausen criterion, and this blog from The Engineering Mind cuts through the complexity with clarity and precision. The post walks readers through the mathematics behind oscillator design, explaining how the criterion defines the exact conditions a feedback circuit must meet to sustain oscillation at a desired frequency
At its core, the Barkhausen criterion has two requirements: the loop gain must equal unity (|Aβ| = 1), and the total phase shift around the feedback loop must be zero or a multiple of 360 degrees. The blog applies these conditions step by step to a real circuit, arriving at practical design conclusions: for a phase-shift oscillator, the oscillating frequency is determined by ω²R²C² = 3, and the amplifier must provide a minimum absolute gain of 8 to maintain oscillation.
What makes this post so enduring is its ability to bridge textbook theory and real-world circuit design. It is the kind of refresher that engineers at every career stage return to, and it reflects the depth of technical expertise we cultivate and share across the EZ community.
2. The Revised Industrial Robot Safety Standard: My Personal Highlights
Published in March 2025, this blog from EZ Spotlight arrived at a pivotal moment for the robotics industry. The author shares their personal highlights from the third edition of ISO 10218, the international standard governing industrial robot safety, released at the start of 2025 for the first time since 2011.
The post focuses on three significant updates: the removal of mandatory redundancy requirements (previously requiring CAT 3 or HFT=1 architectures), new cybersecurity guidance, and updated communications requirements aligned with the more common black channel approach. The author also notes that the standard has been assessed by a HAS consultant, clearing the path toward harmonization with the EU Machinery Directive.
For engineers designing, integrating, or certifying robotic systems, this blog is essential reading. It translates dense standards language into clear, actionable insight and reflects the kind of practitioner knowledge that our EZ community is known for sharing openly and generously.
3. Philco Radio and the Changing of "State of the Art" Technology
Originally published in 2018 and still drawing readers today, this blog from The Engineering Mind is a testament to the timeless power of great engineering storytelling. The author traces the evolution of "state of the art" technology through the fascinating history of Philco radios and vacuum tube design, using the lifecycle of the loctal tube and the rise of the miniature tube as a lens for understanding how technology advances, stumbles, and ultimately finds its footing.
The post draws a compelling line from the all-glass construction innovations of 1938 to the semiconductor products we design and build today at Analog Devices, highlighting a consistent thread: the drive to reduce power consumption, minimize heat dissipation, and shrink form factors. What begins as a history lesson becomes a meditation on how the engineering community redefines what "state of the art" truly means in each era.
This blog is proof that the best ideas age well. Its continued readership across years speaks to the curiosity and passion at the heart of our EZ community.
Keep the Conversation Going
These three blogs represent the very best of what EZ has to offer: educational content, real-world expertise, and the kind of insight that stays relevant no matter when you find it. We encourage you to read each post, share it with a colleague, and join the conversation in the comments section. Your questions, perspectives, and experiences are what make this community thrive. Head to EZ Blogs today and let us know what you think.