Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) need a reference voltage (VREF) input in order to operate properly. ADCs convert analog inputs that can vary from zero volts on up to a maximum voltage level that is called the reference voltage. The reference voltage determines the ceiling of what the ADC can convert, and is essentially the yardstick against […]
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Getting started in electronics: core components
By “Spec“, Electro-Tech-Online forum member Often newbies ask, ‘How can I get started in electronics?‘ This is a big question, but the very short answer is, ‘Learn the two fundamental electronics laws (Kirchoff, Ohm), get a good book about electronics theory and practical, build some circuits, and make some measurements.’ Follow-on questions are, ‘What electronic […]
Top 10 Electronics Inventions
I don’t mean the transistor radio or mobile phone, but electronic devices and circuits that have been significant and enduring. Some are not necessarily “inventions”, depending on how you define an invention, but significant designs, devices or techniques. It will depend on your area of interest (and age). You might think the GaAsFET was the […]
Sensing is key to autonomous operation
A lot of work in sensor technology is taking place to make robotic vehicles practical. It’s becoming clear that autonomous vehicle deployment will depend on the development of smart sensors. Industry analysts see advances coming in traditional areas of radar and proximity sensing. They also think the architecture of vehicle systems will evolve in ways […]
Evaluation module/chipset lowers cost of DLP displays
Texas Instruments opened the door for developers to implement high-performing DLP display technology with virtually any low-cost processor. The new 0.2-inch DLP2000 chipset and $99 DLP LightCrafter Display 2000 evaluation module (EVM) now make it more affordable to leverage DLP technology and design on-demand, free-form display applications such as mobile smart TVs; pico projectors; digital signage; projection […]
Buck-boost battery charge controllers support Type-C and USB Power Delivery
Texas Instruments introduced a pair of highly flexible, single-chip buck-boost battery charge controllers for one- to four-cell (1S to 4S) designs. The bq25703A and bq25700A synchronous charge controllers support efficient charging through USB Type-C and other USB ports in end equipment ranging from notebooks and tablets to power banks, drones and smart home applications. Learn […]
Put your finger on it: capacitive touch switching
Rather than a physical switch it is now common to use “touch” switches to interface to many types of electronic equipment. Smartphones are an obvious example but touch switches are now in cars, oscilloscopes, ovens and many other types of industrial and consumer electronics. A touch screen will usually be a specialized screen with a […]
GaN-based inverter reference design incorporates fast current-loop software
Texas Instruments (TI) today introduced an innovative three-phase, gallium nitride (GaN)-based inverter reference design that helps engineers build 200-V, 2-kW AC servo motor drives and next-generation industrial robotics with fast current-loop control, higher efficiency, more accurate speed, and torque control. Download the reference design today. Three-phase inverter GaN power stage The Three-Phase High-Frequency GaN Inverter Reference Design […]
How can you provide reverse-polarity protection?
The reverse connection of a circuit to its DC power source, whether it’s a battery or power supply, can damage and even destroy the electronics. For this reason, many connectors are “keyed” to ensure correct connection. But there are many connections which are directly hard-wired using wires inserted into screw terminals, or ring or spade […]
SoCs support 10 industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus communication standards
Cost-optimized industrial Ethernet communication is now attainable with the newly announced family of Sitara AMIC SoCs from Texas Instruments. The AMIC110 SoC is a multiprotocol industrial communication processor that provides a ready-to-use solution supporting more than 10 industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus communication standards. The device leverages TI’s unified software platform, Processor SDK, and the programmability of TI’s […]