As discussed in Parts 1 & 2 of this FAQ series, RF transformers are complex devices and include parasitic resistances, inductances, and capacitances, which are non-linear and complex effects that compromise performance. Several fabrication methods including core-and-wire, low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC), and transmission line topologies have been developed to mitigate the impact of the various […]
RF transformer fabrication – Making the best of a non-ideal situation
As discussed in part 1 of this series, physical RF transformers are non-ideal devices and include parasitic resistances, inductances, and capacitances, which are non-linear and complex effects that compromise performance. Several fabrication methods have been developed to mitigate the impact of the various parasitics and help to optimize RF transformer characteristics for the needs of […]
Dealing with non-ideal transformers – Basic RF transformer theory of operation
When current goes through the primary winding of a theoretical (ideal) transformer, it generates a magnetic field which induces a voltage across the secondary winding. Connecting a load to the secondary causes an AC current to flow in the load. However, a physical transformer is far from ideal and includes parasitic resistances, inductances, and capacitances, […]
Design considerations for PoE
by Rich Fry, Director ICT, TDK Corporation of America The adoption of Power over Ethernet (PoE) in various applications is growing significantly, largely due to the added benefit it can provide for both the designer and end users: Fewer cords at workstations lower labor costs, and the ability to run an Ethernet LAN cable that […]
When it comes to UV-C LED lights, buyer beware
During the coronavirus pandemic, there’s been a lot of interest in using germicidal lamps to disinfect surfaces rather than hosing everything down with bleach or disinfectant. Lamps are a little easier to work with when you’ve got things like knobs, buttons, and slider controls on test instruments that may not do well when doused with […]
Haptics components, Pt 2: LRA, ERM, and piezo drivers
Haptics capabilities are embedded in smartphones and game controllers, and their use is expanding into robotic controls, automobile consoles, and more; the physical actuator and its driver are the key hardware elements. Part 1 of this article looked at actuators for haptics functions. This part looks at an equally important part of the haptics hardware: […]
Haptics Components, Pt 1: LRA, ERM, and piezo actuators
Haptics capabilities are embedded in smartphones and game controllers, and their use is expanding into robotic controls, automobile consoles, and more; the physical actuator and its driver are the key hardware elements. Haptics-enhanced devices are all around us, even if we don’t consciously realize it. The smartphone with different vibrations depending on who is calling […]
Comparing magnetic cores for power inductors
It is helpful to know how the material properties and geometries of magnetic cores affect the ability of inductors to store energy or filter current. There can be a mystique surrounding the specs of magnetic cores used in power inductors, due partly to the fact that magnetic materials may not be well characterized for handling […]
Maximize piezoelectric transducer buzzer audio output with these driver circuits
One of the most common choices for audio communication between a product and a user is a buzzer. Piezo transducer buzzers are one such technology used for audible identification or alert, but unlike their indicator counterparts, transducer buzzers require an external driver circuit to produce a desired tone or sound. So, how does an engineer […]
Killing Covid-19 with UV-C LEDs
Yes, light in the UV-C part of the spectrum will destroy the virus. Here are the basics and a few myths surrounding these light emissions. For those of us still working, it can be a bit unsettling to ponder whether the surfaces we touch harbor a few virions left over from someone infected with Covid-19. […]
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