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 fed from a DC supply usually comprising an uncontrolled AC to DC converter or alternatively…
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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, unlike a battery, the power output can be 10 times greater (a handy feature in high-current…
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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 the detrimental effects of voltage spikes and transients. Heisener, a leading online electronic parts and…
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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 the input terminals of an amplifier. The amplifier in this case can either be single-ended…
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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; additionally they are costly compared to regular dc power supplies. The domestic ac supply can…
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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 it is possible to convert quantities such as current, strain, acceleration, pressure and so forth…
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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 the phase of the VCO with the incoming reference signal, giving an output proportional to…
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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 circuits whose input and output voltages are limited to two possible levels i.e. low or…
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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. A typical amplitude modulated signal that is fed into the detector circuit: The diode removes the lower envelope and the upper envelope is illustrated below: The capacitor C2 and…
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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 illustrates the process of generating current in a photodiode. The figure above is a p-n…