Though they are more closely associated with the maker space, Raspberry Pi boards can be effective at handling stringent industrial measurements. Steve Radecky, Measurement Computing Corp. Originally designed to be a cheap, almost disposable computer, Raspberry Pi was created to get kids interested in programming. Since its introduction in 2012, Raspberry Pi has become the […]
FAQ
The challenge of testing obsolete PCBs
How to test and maintain obsolete systems when the relevant documentation is absent. Alan Lowne, Saelig Co. Inc. Obsolete PCBs or boards lacking circuit schematic diagrams present a conundrum when there’s a need for repair. Online searches for old datasheets may not be productive. What happens when obsolete boards must be fixed but there is […]
Grounding considerations for renewable power generation
It pays to know the difficulties that can arise when testing and evaluating ground systems for solar panel arrays and wind farms. Jeff Jowett, Megger Industrial wind turbines are typically 280 ft high and getting taller. Their height makes them prime targets for lightning strokes that peak in less than 10 µsec while producing tens […]
Energy storage by the Farad, Part 3: Hybrid supercapacitors
For operating and backup power and energy storage, engineers can choose among batteries, supercapacitors, or “best of both” hybrid supercapacitors. Just as with rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors need proper management to optimize their performance and avoid mishaps. In many ways, the supervisory requirements for both are similar but there are some differences. Vendors of power-management ICs […]
Energy storage by the Farad, Part 2: Supercapacitors & batteries
For operating and backup power and energy storage, engineers can choose among batteries, supercapacitors, or “best of both” hybrid supercapacitors. The previous part of this article established the context for supercapacitors and explained their structure in simplistic terms; obviously, this is a component with deep physics, chemistry, materials-science considerations, and manufacturing issues. The first widely […]
A day in the life: Five RF measurements for field engineers
A handful of basic techniques go a long way toward characterizing modern communication systems. Sarah Gross, Keysight Technologies Field engineers often find that every day presents its own special challenges. A typical work day may involve measuring a variety of devices or signals — cables, antennas, over-the-air 5G signals, or intermittent spurious signals. Successful completion […]
Energy storage by the Farad, Part 1: Supercapacitor basics
Engineers can choose between batteries, supercapacitors, or “best of both” hybrid supercapacitors for operating and backup power and energy storage. Many systems operate from an available line-operated supply or replaceable batteries for power. However, in others, there is a need in many systems to continually capture, store, and then deliver energy to power the system. […]
How to specify a high-frequency PCB
As frequency increases, the effects of PCBs gain in importance for signal fidelity. Specifying PCB material, signal power and return planes, and signal layout all play a role.
GaN is cost-effective in motor drive applications
By Eric Persson, Senior Principal Engineer AC-DC Applications, Infineon Technologies We take motors for granted – they have been with us since Benjamin Franklin experimented with electrostatic types nearly three hundred years ago – but the days are long gone when they were controlled in a simple on/off way. Motors in today’s applications, from clothes […]
The challenge of temperature measurement and sensor calibration, Part 3
Temperature is a widely measured real-world physical variable, but achieving credible results is harder than it seems, even for a simple device such as a kitchen oven. While many temperature-related measurements require high accuracy, precision, and repeatability – let’s say, to better than 1⁰C – many others do not, yet still bring challenges. Consider the […]