A Bode plot represents the gain and phase of a feedback system as a function of frequency. It was developed by Hendrik Wade Bode in the 1930s and reflects the system’s frequency-domain behavior. He invented it while at Bell Labs to help design stable amplifiers with the feedback needed in telephone networks. The graphical design […]
FAQ
AC challenges with inductors
To get good performance from inductors in power supplies, you need to be careful about the AC characteristics. Physical inductors are complex structures, not ideal components. And the AC challenges with inductors are growing due to the higher operating frequencies of power supplies using silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power switches. This FAQ […]
Introduction to Raspberry Pi 4
Raspberry Pi is a credit-card-sized, single-board computer developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity that works to ensure global access to computing and digital technology. It was initially developed as a low-cost microcomputer to impart digital skills to kids. It comes without any power supply or peripherals as it’s meant to be programmed […]
DC voltages, AC voltages and Stiff voltages
At its most basic level, voltage is a simple concept. Voltage, also referred to as electric potential difference or electromotive force (emf), is the difference in electric potential between two points. In the International System of Units (SI), one Volt equals one Joule of work per Coulomb of charge. In practical applications, voltage is simple, […]
The practical magical first-order analog filter: Part 1
Finding the right analog filter to build a sensor circuit doesn’t have to be complicated. Understandably, the plethora of filter options can be overwhelming. Also, selecting a less-than-ideal filter may result in compromises, potentially increasing system cost, or affecting performance. To help simplify filter selection, this series of blogs explore key considerations when assessing your […]
How to look at magnetic domains
A central concept in magnetism is the domain, discovered in 1906 by Pierre-Ernest Weiss. He theorized that in any magnetically permeable material, a large number of mostly microscopic regions existed as separate walled-off entities. In each of these entities, called domains, the atomic moments align in parallel when magnetized. But the alignment of individual domains […]
An overview of filters and their parameters, Part 4: Time and phase issues
Understanding how filters are characterized is the first step in choosing an appropriate topology with suitable specifications. Thus far, we have focused on filters primarily in terms of their frequency response. However, it is equally legitimate to look at their time-domain and phase-related performance, and in many cases, just as or even more important. Q: […]
Fuses, eFuses, thermistors, and fusible resistors – which and when?
Fuses, eFuses, various types of thermistors, and fusible resistors can be used to provide varying levels of circuit protection. Fuses provide only the most basic level of overcurrent and short-circuit protection. Thermistors can be added to provide inrush current control, and a fusible resistor can provide both inrush current control and overcurrent/short-circuit protection. The most […]
An overview of filters and their parameters, Part 3: Key parameters
Understanding how filters are characterized is the first step in choosing an appropriate topology with suitable specifications. This part looks at the basics of filter characterization and parameters. Q: What is an example of a very basic filter? A: The most common analog filter is the single-stage low-pass RC filter (Figure 1). It is often […]
What are TENGs and PENGs and what are they good for?
Small self-powered systems, including wireless sensors and small robots currently under development, can use triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) as prime power sources. TENGs and PENGs offer large open circuit voltages, low materials cost, ease of fabrication, and good energy conversion efficiencies. TENGs use triboelectricity, commonly called static electricity, to convert common mechanical […]