Supercapacitors can deliver more: More power density, more Farads, more cycle life, and so on. But they also demand more complex solutions to realize optimal performance. Among the many design considerations are managing supercapacitor discharge, optimizing supercapacitor charging, and, in the case of series configurations of supercapacitor modules, providing effective voltage balancing between cells. Properly […]
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Understanding electro-optic modulation
The electro-optic modulator is used to modulate a beam of light. Laser-controlled modulators are capable of operating in the gigahertz range, and modulation may be imposed on the amplitude, phase, or polarization of the beam. The component that makes this possible incorporates an element that exhibits an electro-optic effect, a change in its optical properties […]
Supercapacitor specifications and IEC/EN 62391–1
When correctly used, supercapacitors can support high power levels, high pulse power loads, and long-term back-up power needs. Understanding the nuances of supercapacitor specifications is the key to maximizing these performance capabilities. There is some level of standardization for supercapacitor sizes, for example, a 10x30mm can supercapacitor is generally 10 Farads across the industry. Some […]
Supercapacitor operation – a higher power source
Thousands of Farads and power densities of thousands of watts per kilogram are among the chief benefits of supercapacitors (also called ultracapacitors). These devices operate in a fundamentally different way compared with conventional capacitors or batteries. Most supercapacitors commonly used today are double-layer capacitors which provide high power capabilities. Pseudo-capacitors are a less common form […]
Understanding and measuring optoelectronic oscillators
The problem with even a high-end electronic oscillator–such as a quartz crystal oscillator, dielectric resonator, sapphire resonator or air dielectric resonator–is that as the output frequency rises, excessive phase noise also rises. Optoelectronic oscillators are not subject to this and other dysfunctional high-frequency characteristics, and consequently they are suitable in certain exacting 21st century applications […]
Automotive load dump TVS – A unique transient voltage suppression application
Kevin Parmenter, Director, Applications Engineering, Taiwan Semiconductor, US Transient protection is common in nearly all electronic circuits. Self-contained automotive electronics systems present a unique challenge requiring a different type of transient voltage suppressor (TVS) Almost all electronics systems have a need to be protected from transients and surges. TVS devices are often used to […]
Getting familiar with work-at-home instrumentation
The rise in social distancing has fostered a need for professional-grade test instruments that function as well at home as in the lab. David Horn | Digilent The events that have unfolded across the world since the beginning of 2020 have turned the global marketplace upside down. Few industries have felt this seismic shift as […]
Work-at-home tools: PC-based instruments address demanding applications
Advanced technology now lets budget-priced instrumentation handle tasks once requiring specialized and pricey test gear. Trevor Smith | Pico Technology Test & Measurement With a significant segment of engineers and researchers working at home or away from their lab during the pandemic, there is a large incentive to troubleshoot designs and validate performance using systems […]
Monitoring heart rate variability for better athletic ability
Sensors and sophisticated algorithms together deliver check heart-rate variability and other exercise metrics. Alisher Kholmatov, Recep Ozgun Micros, Security & Software Business Unit, Maxim Integrated From weekend warriors to professional athletes, most people who engage in regular sports activity take note of various factors that influence their performance. Some meticulously track certain metrics from game […]
OFDMA improves spectrum use in Wi-Fi 6
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access increases the efficiency of a crowded Wi-Fi channel. The access point is in control, managing who gets bandwidth and when.