TEGs – thermal electric generators – are used for energy harvesting and enhanced efficiency, as well as stand-alone primary power sources for both mundane and highly advanced situations. Every application needs a source of energy which can be “drawn down” to provide power for the system. Obviously, the easier and cheaper it is to get […]
Why use optocouplers in electronics?
Optocouplers not only protect sensitive circuits but enable an engineer to design a variety of hardware applications. Optocouplers can avoid a great deal of cost in replacing components by protecting them. However, optocouplers are more sophisticated than fuses. Optocouplers also make it convenient to control the connection between two circuits by connecting and disconnecting them […]
Motor field-oriented control, Part 2: Implementation
Part 1 of this FAQ set the stage for a rudimentary understanding of FOC (field-oriented control) but did not delve into the math-heavy details. Part 2 now looks at some implementations, again without the underlying math. Q: If a designer wants to implement FOC, does he or she have to pull together all the hardware […]
What’s the difference between a MOSFET and a JFET?
It’s a pretty common question for beginners and can be a fun walk down memory lane for experienced practitioners. Let’s take a dive into two fundamental devices of integrated circuits and learn when to use one over the other. How they are alike Let’s start with what they have in common: they are both types […]
Motor field-oriented control, Part 1: Principles
Field-oriented control, also known as vector control, is a calculation-intensive algorithm for motor control which is now practical due to advances in ICs; it offers improved efficiency along with superior control of torque and other performance parameters. Motor control—and doing so accurately and efficiently—is a topic of great interest. Field-oriented control (FOC), sometimes called vector […]
Heat sinks, Part 2: Available components
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basic issues associated with cooling and heat sinks. Part 2 focuses on the various heat sinks available. Q: Are heat sinks limited to a single component such as an IC? A: No, there are heat sinks which fit entire unit or chassis cool such as those which […]
Taking resistor technology beyond RoHS
By Stephen Oxley, Senior Engineer Applications and Marketing, TT Electronics Lead has long been recognized as a serious environmental hazard. It has a detrimental effect on the workings of the human central nervous system, and this is particularly acute when children are exposed to it. Based on the findings of scientific research conducted during the […]
Choosing a capacitor? Ripple current capability matters as much as Farads
by Derick Stephens, KEMET Corporation Selecting capacitors for decoupling and filtering in power circuits may seem like a basic chore for electronics designers. Getting it right, however, can critically influence reliability and longevity, but is complicated by the fact that parameters tend to change with factors such as the temperature and operating frequency. Proper attention should […]
Heat sinks, Part 1: Thermal principles
A heat sink is a non-electronic, passive mechanical component that has a vital role in the reliability and performance of ICs, PC boards, modules, chassis, and more. Heat sinks often don’t get much attention, at least not in the early stages of a design. This FAQ will look at the basic thermal principles of these […]
Power management ICs, part 2: PMIC implementations
The power management IC (PMIC) is often a vital part of the lower-voltage DC subsystem, as circuits have multiple power rails with tight individual specifications as well as mandated relationships among them. Part 1 of this FAQ discussed the need for, PMICs and their general characteristics. Part 2 now looks at specific ICs which implement […]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 9
- Next Page »
@PowerElectrTips
EE World Online