An isolation transformer is made of two copper coils that are wound around each other and are each supplied by their own power source. While the term “isolation transformer” technically refers to any transformer, it is specifically a transformer that isolates a circuit from an alternating current. An isolation transformer does this by separating two circuits with an induction loop or decreasing the alternating current’s voltage before it reaches the circuit itself. How Isolation Transformers Work Isolation transformers work in the same way as other types of transformers. The isolation Read More

A balun is an electrical transformer that is used to convert electrical signals to and from balanced and unbalanced signals. They are normally used to connect lines that have different levels of impedance and are commonly used in the home for connecting HD and traditional antennas. Baluns are also used throughout industry, although it is not necessarily obvious when one is being used. What are the Types of Baluns? Autotransformer Balun – The autotransformer balun uses two coils that are placed tightly together on a ferrite rod. They are then Read More

A piezoelectric transducer is a device that converts electricity into mechanical forces or vibrations. Although piezoelectric transducers have other uses, ultrasonic devices require them. Piezoelectric transducers usually converts electricity into vibrations and vibrations into electricity, although this is not always the case. They rely on two phenomena known as “electrostriction” and “the piezoelectric effect.” How Piezoelectric Transducers Work Piezoelectric transducers are made of both positive and negative elements that align themselves when in the presence of an electric field. This property causes them to actually change dimensions. When an alternating Read More

Basic diodes are constructed from two semiconductor materials, germanium or silicon, to create a basic PN-junction. When two single diodes are connected to each other back-to-back, two PN-junctions that are connected in series are created. They share a common N or P terminal, which forms the basis of a BJT or Bipolar Junction Transistor. The BJT is a three layer, three terminal, and two junction device. BJTs are normally used in discrete circuit design as well as high-demand analog circuits such as RFs for wireless systems. They have also been Read More

Junction gate Field-Effect Transistor (JFET) is also known as JUGFET. The JFET is the most simple type of field effect transistor currently in use and has either voltage controlled resistance or an electronically controlled switch. When using a JFET, the electric charge flows in a semiconducting channel that is located between the source and drain terminals. When a bias voltage is applied to the gate terminal, the channel is pinched in order to switch off the electric current. JFET History Julius Lilienfeld was the first to discuss/predict the JFET in Read More

A capacitor is used to store energy so that it can provide power to any kind of electrical appliance when it is needed. Over time, though, the capacitor does begin to wear out and when this happens, its effectiveness in powering the appliance can diminish. Therefore, conducting a simple test on the capacitor can provide the necessary insight into whether the capacitor is worn out or if there is something else wrong with the appliance. Testing a Capacitor Before doing anything with the capacitor, disconnect the appliance from the electrical Read More

A phototransistor is a device that converts light energy into electric energy. Phototransistors are similar to photoresistors but produce both current and voltage, while photoresistors only produce current. This is because a phototransistor is made of a bipolar semiconductor and focuses the energy that is passed through it. Photons (light particles) activate phototransistors and are used in virtually all electronic devices that depend on light in some way. How a Phototransistor Works A phototransistor is a bipolar device that is completely made of silicon or another semi-conductive material and is Read More

A field-effect transistor (FET) is a semi-conductive device that is used in integrated circuits to control the conductivity of a conductive channel. FETs are highly dependent on negative and positive charges. They have many purposes, including limiting a device’s power levels, storing data, and being used as a switch for a wide variety of electronic devices. Various FET designs have been presented and produced since 1925 and have collectively allowed modern electronics to be possible. How Field-Effect Transistors Work FETs are dependent on four essential components: the base, the source, Read More

A MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) is a device that switches or amplifies an electronic signal. MOSFET technology has made computers much smaller and more efficient than they once were by handling large amounts of electricity in very small spaces. MOSFETs are also crucial for both digital and analog signals and are found in microprocessors, integrated circuits, and other logic-based devices. How a MOSFET Works MOSFET transistors consist of a semiconductive layer and a metal layer that oxygen separates. These layers can also be referred to as source, Read More

A clock generator is a type of circuit that produces a continuous, synchronized electrical signal for timing purposes in a wide variety of devices. Because many high end electronic equipment require that electrical signals and mechanical devices work together in an efficient manner, clock generators are often a necessary component in many devices in order to ensure that all other components work harmoniously.   How Clock Generators Work Clock generators are generally made of a quartz or ceramic piezo-electric circuit board that includes an oscillator and an amplifier. As the Read More