Tag: Electronics
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DC to DC Power Converters: Function, Types, Operation & Applications
DC to DC power converters also referred to as choppers provide the means to change one DC voltage to another. Normally the conversion is to a lower voltage however, we also have step-up converters. DC to DC power converters are … Read more
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What are Supercapacitors?
Supercapacitors (double-layer or ultracapacitors) are devices that store extremely large amounts of charge (from 0.022 F to 55 F) much more than a normal capacitor. Their level of energy storage approaches around 1/10 that of a low-density battery. But, … Read more
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Protecting Electronics from Voltage Spikes and Surges
What Is a Clamping Diode? Clamping diodes are essential electronic components found in a wide array of modern circuitry. These specialized semiconductor devices serve a critical role in limiting and regulating voltage levels within electronic systems, shielding sensitive components from … Read more
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Single-Ended vs. Differential Amplifiers
Most often than not, the signal from the sensor in a measurement and control or monitoring system is very small (one millivolt or less) and a key step in signal conditioning is amplification. Therefore, the sensor is often connected to … Read more
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Zener Diode and Emitter-Follower/Series Voltage Regulators
Almost all electronic devices and circuits need a dc source of power for their operation. While batteries and dry cells can be used as a form of dc power supply, their voltages are usually low and they require frequent replacement; … Read more
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Oscilloscopes: Function, Features, Applications & Selection Guide
The Function of an Oscilloscope An oscilloscope is an electronic instrument that presents a graphical display of its input voltage as a function of time. It is important to note that oscilloscopes only measure voltages not currents or resistances however … Read more
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Phase-Locked Loops (PLL) – Features, Operation & Applications
Features of a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) A phase-locked loop (PLL) is a form of a servo system which consists of a phase detector, low-pass filter and voltage controlled-oscillator (VCO) as illustrated in the block diagram below. The phase detector compares … Read more
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Linear/Analog vs. Digital Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Linear ICs (LICs) also referred to as analog ICs are characterized by inputs and outputs that can take a continuous range of values. In addition, the outputs are generally proportional to the inputs. On the other hand, Digital ICs contain … Read more
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Diode & Filter Applications in Amplitude Modulation (AM) Detection Circuits
The operation of a typical AM audio frequency signal is illustrated in the Figure 1.0 where vin is the modulated signal that is shown Figure 1.1. Figure 1.0 AM detector circuit A typical amplitude modulated signal that is fed … Read more
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How Photoelectric Effect Impacts p-n Junctions
When light strikes a semiconductor p-n junction, its energy is absorbed by electrons. Electrons and holes generated by light in the p-n junction are swept by the junction electrical field. Consequently, the current flows through the junction. The figure below … Read more