If you are working with an integrated circuit (IC) and the datasheet mentions an open drain or open collector, that’s engineering speak for a current sink on an output pin. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, a “current sink” means that the current is flowing into the pin (or node, etc.), not out of the […]
FAQ
Put your finger on it: capacitive touch switching
Rather than a physical switch it is now common to use “touch” switches to interface to many types of electronic equipment. Smartphones are an obvious example but touch switches are now in cars, oscilloscopes, ovens and many other types of industrial and consumer electronics. A touch screen will usually be a specialized screen with a […]
Top power electronics threads on EDAboard.com – June
(editor’s note: Intrigued by these power electronics problems? Have a question or another solution? Then click the “Read more” link and follow the conversation on EDAboard.com or log in to EDAboard and participate in the power electronics forum threads.) Full details on creating good sound – I haven’t even been able to find a simple VU […]
Passive cooling options and considerations (Part 1)
Keeping components and systems cool enough and within their safe temperature zone is a concern for many, though not all, designers and projects. Excessive heat as measured by temperature can cause erratic behavior, inaccuracy and drift due to temperature coefficient-induced shifts, shortened component lifetime, and even outright failure. Q: What are the cooling options? The […]
What is Monotonicity and why is it important?
There are many parameters which define the performance of analog and mixed-signal circuits. Among the many “static” (sometimes called “DC” specifications, but this is a misnomer) factors are offset error, gain error, integral nonlinearity, and differential nonlinearity. Note that there are also dynamic specifications (called “AC” specifications but also a misnomer) such as the effective […]
Selecting the correct spring-loaded connector for modern interconnect applications
Spring-loaded connectors are available in multiple high-quality precision-machined solutions to give designers extensive choice. Stephen Capitelli, Manager of Product Engineering, Mill-Max Mfg. Corp. Connectivity is crucial in modern design. The availability of highly reliable and proven connector technologies that facilitate miniaturization and connectivity make a significant contribution to the growth of modern portable devices and […]
What is a Board Support Package?
When designing a new system, you might find yourself drawn to a new processor with features that can make a real difference in the final product. Most semiconductor vendors will provide an evaluation board that you can use to evaluate whether or not you want to invest your time and money into that particular processor […]
Testing operational amplifiers
Because it is able to function in so many diverse ways, the op-amp can be the defining element in electronic circuits of any complexity. Applications go far beyond amplification. Because they are near-perfect dc amplifiers, op-amps are suitable for filtering, signal conditioning, and for performing such mathematical operations as addition, subtraction, differentiation, and integration. Op […]
How can you provide reverse-polarity protection?
The reverse connection of a circuit to its DC power source, whether it’s a battery or power supply, can damage and even destroy the electronics. For this reason, many connectors are “keyed” to ensure correct connection. But there are many connections which are directly hard-wired using wires inserted into screw terminals, or ring or spade […]
Why use a nonlinear amp?
Users normally place a great deal of value in the high linearity of an amplifier and its corresponding low distortion. Audio amplifiers, for example, are quoted with many linearity specifications, such as total harmonic distortion (THD) or 1%, 0.1% or even less. Even the outputs of amplifiers with internal topologies which are inherently nonlinear, such […]
