Most antenna designs operate via the resonance principle, which is based on the fact that electrons moving through a conductor reflect back toward the power source when encountering a discontinuity. When current, caused by a radio signal’s induced voltage, reaches the end of the antenna element, it is reflected, travels in the reverse direction, and […]
FAQ
How to shrink size and boost performance with low inductance electrolytic capacitors
By Suzana Jankuloska, Aluminum Electrolytic Product Manager at KEMET Corp Electrolytic capacitors optimized for low internal inductance can help reduce the cost of industrial power-conversion applications while increasing efficiency, performance, and reliability. As the automation of manufacturing and assembly processes continues to become more widespread, driven by emerging trends such as Industry 4.0 and the […]
Under the hood of PV inverters
One of the advantages of photovoltaic (PV) energy is that it is inherently modular. Unlike many other energy sources, it allows the implementation of small-, medium- and large-scale generation systems, ranging from portable and rooftop systems to large multi-megawatt PV farms. System requirements, performance specifications, regulations, and even the economics behind the different system sizes, […]
PV module specifications and performance parameters
The nameplate ratings on photovoltaic (PV) panels and modules summarize safety, performance, and durability specifications. Safety standards include UL1730, UL/IEC61730, and UL7103, a recent standard for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Safety standards ensure that PV modules demonstrate non-hazardous failure modes. Performance standards include IEC 61215, which specifies requirements for the design qualification and type approval […]
Metamaterials for power and energy
The first two FAQs in this series considered the potential for metamaterials to have significant impacts on advanced optics, audio systems, thermal management, and various aspects of mmWave communications and radar. This final FAQ will consider the impact metamaterials are expected to have on energy harvesting (both solar electric and solar thermal) high-power long-distance power […]
Metamaterials, mmWave antennas, 3D radar and holographic beamforming
Wireless communication, 5G mmWave devices, space communications, GPS, satellites, space vehicle navigation, automobiles, and airplanes are just some applications for metamaterial antennas. Metamaterials are engineered/manmade materials with properties not found in nature. Antenna designs based on metamaterials can significantly increase the radiated power. The latest metamaterial antenna designs can radiate up to 95% of the […]
Trends in photovoltaic energy conversion
Photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion (solar cells) is a rapidly growing and changing market. This article will dig into various trends that propel the increasing use of solar cells in applications of all sizes, from small portable devices to MW-sized utility-scale installations. These trends include the continued improvement in cost and efficiency for a variety of […]
Metamaterials’ potential for transforming electronics
Metamaterials are engineered/manmade materials with properties not found in nature. The emergence of metamaterials is expected to have a significant impact on a variety of electronics applications. These unnatural materials could have an impact similar to “MEMS” (micro-electromechanical system) technology, with the potential to bring transformational changes. This initial FAQ will briefly look into possible […]
Don’t get zapped — Using test instruments safely
Most engineers think they’ve minimized the chance of nasty surprises around the test bench when they’ve grounded their instruments and perhaps kept one hand in their pocket when working around high voltages. That said, there remain electrical hazards that are less obvious. They involve the electrical wiring and the environment around the lab. To begin, […]
A tradeoff case study: Sizing the current-sense resistor, Part 2
The conceptually simple idea to determine current by measuring voltage across a known resistor shows the subtle nature of design tradeoffs. Part 1 of this article looked at one important aspect of the choice of resistor value in current-sensing applications, but it was only the electrical impact. However, the thermal impact related to resistor I2R […]