Introduction to Field Effect Transistor (FET) A Field Effect Transistor (FET) is a semiconductor device that controls the flow of electric current between a source and a drain by applying an electric field to a channel region. How Field Effect Transistors Work The operational principle of an FET involves the modulation of the channel conductivity by the electric field generated by the gate voltage. The key principles are: Types of FETs Advantages and Limitations of FETs Advantages FETs offer several advantages over other transistor types, including: Limitations While FETs have numerous advantages, they also have some limitations: FET vs. BJT:…
Author: Yvonne
Introduction to NTC Thermistor An NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance decreases with increasing temperature. It is typically composed of a ceramic semiconductor material, often based on manganese, nickel, and other metal oxides with a spinel structure. The resistance-temperature relationship follows the Arrhenius equation, characterized by the material constant (B-value) and resistance at a reference temperature. How NTC Thermistors Work NTC thermistors are ceramic semiconductors, typically composed of transition metal oxides with a spinel structure (AB2O4). Their conduction mechanism is based on the polaron model, where charge transport occurs through electron exchange between neighboring cations…
Introduction to PWM Controller A Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller is a specialized integrated circuit (IC) designed to generate and control PWM signals for various applications, such as power converters, motor drives, and lighting systems. PWM is a technique used to control the average power delivered to a load by rapidly switching the power source on and off. The duty cycle, or the ratio of on-time to the total period, determines the average power delivered to the load. How PWM Controllers Work The core principle of a PWM controller is to generate a PWM signal by comparing a reference voltage…
Introduction to Crystal Oscillator A crystal oscillator is an electronic circuit that utilizes the mechanical resonance of a vibrating piezoelectric crystal to generate a precise electrical signal with a stable frequency. The most commonly used piezoelectric material is quartz crystal, which exhibits the piezoelectric effect, allowing it to oscillate at a specific frequency when an electric field is applied. How Crystal Oscillators Work The basic working principle of a crystal oscillator involves an amplifier circuit connected to the crystal resonator. The amplifier provides the necessary feedback to sustain the oscillations, while the crystal resonator acts as a frequency-determining element. When…
Introduction to Demultiplexer (Demux) A demultiplexer (Demux) is a digital circuit that separates a single input signal into multiple output signals based on a selection input. It is widely used in various applications, including digital communication systems, display technologies, and data processing circuits. How Demultiplexers Work The working principle of a Demux is based on the use of electronic switches or gates controlled by a selection input or control signal. The control signal determines which output line the input signal is routed to. Types of Demultiplexers Advantages and Limitations of Demultiplexers Advantages of Demultiplexers Limitations of Demultiplexers Demultiplexer vs. Multiplexer:…
Introduction to Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) An Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) is a versatile signal source capable of generating virtually any desired waveform. It operates by converting pre-stored digital data into analog signals, allowing for the creation of custom waveforms beyond the standard sine, square, and triangle waves offered by traditional function generators. How Arbitrary Waveform Generators Work The fundamental principle behind AWGs is Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS). The desired waveform is first digitized and stored in memory as a sequence of samples. These samples are then read out sequentially, converted to an analog signal via a high-speed digital-to-analog converter (DAC),…
Introduction to Thyristor Thyristors are solid-state semiconductor devices that belong to the family of power electronics components. They are four-layer devices consisting of alternating N- and P-type materials, with an anode, a cathode, and a gate terminal. The gate terminal is used to control the switching of the device between a blocking state and a conducting state. How Thyristors Work When a positive voltage is applied between the anode and cathode, the thyristor remains in a blocking state until a trigger signal is applied to the gate. This trigger signal initiates a regenerative process, causing the device to latch into a…
Introduction to Full Wave Rectifier A full-wave rectifier is a circuit that converts an alternating current (AC) input into a direct current (DC) output by allowing both the positive and negative half-cycles of the input waveform to pass through. The key components of a full-wave rectifier are diodes, which act as one-way valves, allowing current to flow in only one direction. How Full Wave Rectifiers Work The operating principle of a full-wave rectifier involves the use of four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration, known as a bridge rectifier. During the positive half-cycle of the input AC waveform, two diodes conduct,…
Introduction to BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) A Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) is a three-terminal semiconductor device that amplifies or switches electronic signals. It consists of two back-to-back p-n junctions, forming three regions: emitter, base, and collector. The emitter and collector regions are of the same semiconductor type (n-type or p-type), while the base region is of the opposite type, creating two p-n junctions. How BJTs Work The operation of a BJT is based on the flow of charge carriers (electrons and holes) across the two p-n junctions. When a small current is applied to the base-emitter junction, it allows a…
Introduction to AC to DC Converter AC to DC converters, also known as rectifiers, are electronic circuits that convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). This conversion is essential as most electronic devices operate on DC power. How AC to DC Converters Work AC to DC Conversion Process The fundamental process of converting AC to DC involves the following steps: AC to DC Converter Topologies Common topologies for AC to DC conversion include: Diode/Capacitor Rectifier: Simple rectifier circuit using diodes and a filter capacitor for unregulated DC output. Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS): Uses switching devices and energy storage components…