From analog volume controls to precision measurement devices, potentiometers offer engineers a reliable means of achieving control and precision in electrical systems. Commonly referred to as “pots,” these devices are essentially resistors featuring a mechanical adjustment mechanism that allows for manual change of their resistance. Their basic principles and concept date to the 1800s with […]
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The crucial role of thermal interface materials
As electrical engineers, we are always searching for new and innovative ways to optimize the performance of our devices. However, one often overlooked aspect of electronic design is the management of heat. Excessive heat can have disastrous effects on the performance, reliability, and longevity of electronic components. This is where Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) come […]
How to commutate BLDC motors
BLDC motors are highly efficient and growing in use in various applications such as robotics, electric vehicles, and drones. However, to extract optimal performance from these motors, the correct commutation technique is crucial. Commutation is the process of changing the direction of the current in the motor windings, which generates torque and rotates the motor. […]
An introduction to pressure sensors
As crucial devices in a wide range of industries and applications, pressure sensors are used to measure the pressure of gases or liquids and can be found in everything from medical equipment and automotive systems to HVAC units and more. While the basic principle of pressure sensors is straightforward (P=F/A), their simplicity ends there. Not […]
An overview of signal relays
Signal relays are devices that are commonly used to control the flow of electrical current in a wide range of applications, from simple household appliances to complex industrial systems. Their simple design has made them a go-to component for safely and reliably controlling circuits from a distance. Signal relays are typically tasked with switching current […]
A new technique for improving performance in Peltier modules
Peltier modules or thermoelectric coolers (TEC) have grown in popularity and found uses in many applications due their reliable solid-state construction and precise temperature control. They operate by transferring heat from one side of the module to the other when electrical power is applied. Although all Peltier devices are constructed using the same general structure, […]
An overview of circular connectors and cables
Circular connectors have been utilized for many years as reliable components that can operate in a variety of harsh environments. True to their name, circular connectors are cylindrical-shaped interconnects carrying a wide number of pin options for transferring electrical power, signals, and data. Because of their rugged design, circular connectors and cables are often found […]
A complete guide to modular connectors
First developed in the 1960s and becoming more publicly available in the early 1970s, modular connectors were born out of necessity to provide a more simple, “modular” interconnection system for phone systems, data networks, and low-speed serial connections. During that same timeframe, the FCC developed a registration system for modular connectors, known as Registered Jacks […]
Switches: The complete guide
From DIP, rotary DIP, and slide switches to tactile, rocker, push button, and toggle switches, there is a nearly limitless range of mechanical switches differing in size, shape, interfaces, and features. Although a relatively basic component in electronic design, each switch type has its benefits, drawbacks, and ideal use cases. Because all switches serve a […]
An introduction to ultrasonic sensors
Ultrasonic sensors have been a popular method for distance measurement and object detection for many years. Their basic operating principle works by measuring the amount of time it takes for their emitted ultrasonic pulse of sound to bounce off an object and return, hence the name ultrasonic sensor. With the market for autonomous robots, vehicles, […]
