Reed relays have evolved from their audio roots to handle GHz signals; MEMS technology may push them aside. Electromechanical relays are like dinosaurs that haven’t gotten the news that they are supposed to be extinct. Instead, they beget new generations, get designed into new applications, and even take over new territory. Countless millions of these […]
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How does negative differential resistance relate to neuromorphic computing and sensors?
Negative differential resistance, sometimes called negative dynamic resistance (NDR), occurs when an increase in voltage leads to a decrease in current, and vice versa. It’s observed in devices like tunnel diodes, Gunn diodes, IMPATT diodes, and neon lamps, and can be useful in oscillators and other circuits. It’s also being applied to neuromorphic computing and […]
What are some positive uses for negative capacitance?
Negative capacitance (NC) is primarily used to reduce power dissipation in electronic devices and enable ultra-low power nanoelectronics. By exploiting unique properties in ferroelectric materials, NC can be used to overcome the limitations of conventional transistors and potentially lead to more energy-efficient electronic devices ranging from sensors to high-frequency, high-power gallium nitride (GaN) HEMTs. Normal […]
How to analyze and manage inrush current
Inrush current represents one of the most common yet overlooked challenges in power electronics design. These sudden current surges can exceed normal operating levels by 10 to 100 times, lasting only milliseconds but carrying enough energy to damage components or trigger unwanted circuit breaker trips that frustrate users and compromise system reliability. Inrush characteristics by […]
How do parasitic inductances affect switching performance?
Parasitic inductance is an often-overlooked factor in power electronics circuits. This FAQ examines how stray inductances in components and PCB layouts create voltage overshoots, electromagnetic interference, and efficiency losses in switching applications. Parasitic inductance is an unintentional and unavoidable characteristic of all electronic parts and their connections that reduces how well power electronics circuits switch. […]
Why would you use a zero-ohm resistor?
If you had never heard it before, the term “zero-ohm resistor” might seem at best like an oxymoron or, at worst, some sort of joke to play on a new or naïve circuit designer. After all, designers are under constant pressure to simplify their designs and reduce the bill of materials (BOM), so why would […]
What are the selection criteria and application guidelines for vibration resistant capacitors?
Selection criteria for vibration-resistant capacitors include factors like the type of application, operating environment, and specific vibration characteristics. Consider the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations, as well as the duration of exposure. Look for capacitors with robust construction, larger solder pads, and extra-high bases for better vibration damping. Aluminum electrolytics Axial-lead and soldering star […]
How do monolithically integrated GaN power ICs increase power density and reduce component count?
Monolithically integrated GaN power ICs offer significant advantages over traditional silicon chips, including superior efficiency, smaller size, higher speed, and reduced cost. What makes GaN so special are its natural properties, like a higher critical electric field, lower on-resistance, and smaller parasitic capacitance. Semiconductor engineers are now employing a smart approach called monolithic integration, which […]
Why is a gate driver essential for high-performance power switching?
Gate drivers are essential for wide-bandgap semiconductors like SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs. These devices are better than regular Si devices in many ways. These advanced devices have faster switching speeds and operate at higher frequencies, necessitating optimized gate drive circuitry. This FAQ will cover three aspects of an essential gate driver, namely, crosstalk minimization, […]
How do solid state isolators combine with MOSFETs or IGBTs to optimize SSRs?
Solid-state relays (SSRs) are crucial components in a diverse range of control and power switching applications, spanning white goods, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, industrial process control, aerospace, and medical systems. Solid-state isolators utilize coreless transformer technology to provide isolation between the high-voltage and low-voltage sides of an SSR. CT-based solid-state isolators (SSIs) […]
