Resistors can come in different sizes and shapes allowing for different voltages to go through it. However, unless the size of the resistor is large, the code is rarely written on it because it would require very tiny markings. Therefore, a system was developed to use colors to determine the resistor code. In other words, by using different colors, an average user can determine exactly what the Ohms are for the resistor. Reading Resistor Code Count the number of color bands on the resistor. For resistors with a tolerance anywhere Read More

A laser diode is a small device that is similar in construction and appearance to a light emitting diode (LED). The main difference is that a laser diode produces coherent laser light while an LED produces incoherent light. Ever since they were first invented in 1962, millions of laser diodes have been used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. History The first laser diode was invented by a team of researchers at General Electric in 1962 but many other research teams also contributed to their initial development. Read More

A Capacitor Bank is a group of several capacitors of the same rating that are connected in series or parallel with each other to store electrical energy . The resulting bank is then used to counteract or correct a power factor lag or phase shift in an alternative current (AC) power supply. They can also be used in a direct current (DC) power supply to increase the ripple current capacity of the power supply or to increase the overall amount of stored energy. What Does a Capacitor Bank Work? Capacitor banks Read More

A decoupling capacitor (bypass capacitor) is a device that separates current and voltage levels from two separate sections of the same electronic device. Decoupling capacitors are useful in situations that require an electronic device to fluctuate current or voltage levels without straining the power supply. Decoupling capacitors can be used in electronic devices that have frequencies between several hundred KHz and several hundred MHz, but are not useful in devices that have frequencies above or below this range.   How a Decoupling Capacitor Works A decoupling capacitor serves as a Read More

A memristor is a name given to any sort of two-terminal circuit elements that are both passive and sustain the important relationship between voltage and current and the time integrals of both. In other words, a memristor is used because of a phenomenon known as memristance. To understand what a memristor is, one must first appreciate what memristance is. This leads to the question: What is Memristance? Memristance is, as the name suggests, the memory resistance. If a charge flows in one direction, the resistance found within that circuit is Read More

A solenoid moves an iron core through the center of a wire coil when current flows through the coil. It is different to a relay which uses an electromagnet with a fixed iron core. Typical voltages used in solenoids are 12 and 24 volts. Some solenoids are controlled by pneumatic and hydraulic pressure instead of electricity. Solenoid Actuators Solenoids actuators have a spring in the base at the base of the iron core. When current flows through the solenoid, the electromagnetic field overcomes the spring resistance, and pulls the rod Read More

A transformer transfers electrical energy between two circuits. It usually consists of two wire coils wrapped around a core. These coils are called primary and secondary windings. Energy is transferred by mutual induction caused by a changing electromagnetic field. If the coils have different number of turns around the core, the voltage induced in the secondary coil will be different to the first. History of Transformers Transformers are based on the theory of electromagnetic induction, which was discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831. It was not until 1836 that the Read More

The argument over whether to use CCD or CMOS has led some industries to suggest one is greater than the other. The truth about them is that they both have very unique strengths and weaknesses. This results in advantages when dealing with different applications. Both do the same thing. Both are imagers that convert light into an electric charge. It then takes this electric charge and processes it into electronic signals. These signals can then be used by the computer. What is CCD? CCD is a charge coupled device. This Read More

The broad definition of a transducer is a device that changes energy from one type into another. However, most transducers change between electricity and another energy type. Transducers also have other names depending on their usage such as probe, detector, pickup, sensor, gauge, and electrode. Chemical Transducers Acidity and alkalinity are measured using a pH meter and an ion-sensitive electrode. The electrode is a complex device consisting of many parts but is essentially a galvanic cell. The voltage produced by the electrode depends on the concentration of hydrogen ions in Read More

An ultrasonic sensor is a device that works in much the same way as RADAR and SONAR. In fact, ultrasonic sensors mimic bats and other animals’ natural ability to use ultrasonic frequencies for navigation. Ultrasonic sensors broadcast a powerful, ultrasonic frequency, then detect the ultrasonic sound waves as they bounce off of objects and return to the sensor. They are almost always used to measure speed or direction and are very efficient at determining position. How Ultrasonic Sensors Work Ultrasonic sensors depend on two separate devices: an ultrasonic transducer and Read More