Depending on the application, a controller or variable-speed electric-motor drive may need to measure any combination of rotor speed, position, and direction. Absolute encoders are a popular motion control choice with their ability to determine rotor position immediately at power on, while also being able to keep track of position during sudden power losses. With […]
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A look at USB Type-C in power-only applications
Having been around for more than two decades, USB connectors are one of the most popular and well-recognized interconnect components in electronic designs. From Type A to Type-C, USB has gone through an array of changes both in terms of the physical connector as well as their associated standards. USB Type-C is the most advanced […]
Terminal block selection guide
Terminal blocks, often called connection terminals or screw terminals, provide secure wire-to-board or wire-to-wire connections in a range of end applications. While a relatively straightforward component by their very nature, terminal blocks still have a number of design considerations to take into account. Key mechanical specifications like the wire-entry orientation, wire-securing method, and module type […]
How to improve system performance with fan controls and protections
When an end system produces excess heat, designers commonly turn to dc fans to provide forced-air cooling for improved heat dissipation. Based on the well-known thermal-convection principle, forced air cooling should typically go beyond simply selecting a fan and running it full-time in your application. This full-time operation suffers from both its inefficiency and long-term […]
DC power connector selection criteria
As an often overlooked or underappreciated aspect of a final design, dc power connectors, also known as barrel connectors, provide a key connection point for powering many applications. Although a relatively simple component in the design process, it is still important to have a basic understanding of a dc power connector’s specifications and nomenclature. Specifications […]
Maximize piezoelectric transducer buzzer audio output with these driver circuits
One of the most common choices for audio communication between a product and a user is a buzzer. Piezo transducer buzzers are one such technology used for audible identification or alert, but unlike their indicator counterparts, transducer buzzers require an external driver circuit to produce a desired tone or sound. So, how does an engineer […]
IP rating classifications and IP rated connectors
Anyone who has owned a smartphone or other portable electronic device has inevitably exposed it to unforeseen dust or liquid. Thankfully many of today’s portable devices, including those used in outdoor or industrial applications, have been designed to hold up to these sorts of hazards. Rugged performance is now an expected feature from end-users, but […]
Integrating absolute encoders – An overview of SPI, RS-485, and SSI protocols
Opportunities for electrically-propelled autonomous mobility and advanced automation continue to multiply in the quest for greater industrial productivity, smarter living, and increased energy efficiency. Encoders can play a large part in these applications as motors require precisely tracked position and motion. However, with multiple encoder types and communication protocols on the market, what are the […]
How to design a Peltier module system
Thermoelectric cooling, using a Peltier module, gives designers flexibility to cool objects to a precisely controlled temperature, even below the ambient temperature of the application if required. It is a great choice if forced-air cooling is not possible, and a thermoelectric device is typically smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient than cooling using a compressor and […]
What are MEMS microphone arrays?
Beamforming arrays let designers create directional microphones using MEMS devices. With the right signal processing algorithms, these can enhance the user experience delivered by many types of audio equipment. An array can be simple, comprising as few as two microphones, and can be arranged in various configurations depending on the expected location of the preferred […]
