Innovation is critical in today’s engineering world and it demands technical knowledge and the highest level of creativity. Seeing compact articles that solve design problems or display innovative ways to accomplish design tasks can help to fuel your electronics creativity.
You can find many very circuit ideas at ePanorama.net circuits page.
In addition to this links to interesting electronics design related articles worth to check out can be posted to the comments section.
1,929 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Feed forward principle cancels waveform distortion
https://www.edn.com/feed-forward-principle-cancels-waveform-distortion/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNDesignIdeas-20200915
Tomi Engdahl says:
Assess voltage ripple and noise with power rail probes
https://www.edn.com/assess-voltage-ripple-and-noise-with-power-rail-probes/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNDesignIdeas-20200915
Tomi Engdahl says:
Precision divide-by-two analog attenuator needs no external components
https://www.edn.com/precision-divide-by-two-analog-attenuator-needs-no-external-components/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNDesignIdeas-20200915
You can use an instrumentation amplifier to halve an analog signal’s amplitude. All resistors are internal to the IC.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Prevent 9V cells from excessive drain with this battery monitor
https://www.edn.com/prevent-9v-cells-from-excessive-drain-with-this-battery-monitor/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNDesignIdeas-20200915
The circuit monitors battery voltages with two NOR-based comparators, R1-R2-G1 and R3-R4-G2. G4’s output is high only when both batteries are above 7.5V. G4’s output enables the 7555 timer and it generates 1-second pulses with a 5% duty cycle. If one or both batteries fall below 7.5V, G4’s output is low, the timer is disabled, thereby keeping the LED from blinking.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Power Density: What All EEs Need to Know
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21140137/power-density-what-all-ees-need-to-know?utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=32886&utm_medium=email&elq2=b9ec4969ec274b9fad6d6bdffb91c4c4&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Sponsored by Texas Instruments: As power density becomes a more important factor in supply and power circuit design, engineers need to closely look at reducing switching losses, improving thermal performance, and increasing integration.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Op Amps for Linear Designs: Back to the Basics
Sponsored by Texas Instruments: Here’s a quick primer on the all-purpose operational amplifier, and tips on dealing with high-speed versions of these devices.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21141337/op-amps-for-linear-designs-back-to-the-basics?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS200914028&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
This Week in PowerBites: PSpice Prescience, GaN/Si Audio Smackdown!
Can you design stuff on your smartphone? Does GaN really sound better than silicon? Does he who controls the PSpice really control the universe?
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21141914/this-week-in-powerbites-pspice-prescience-gansi-audio-smackdown?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS200914028&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
DC/DC power supplies are critical components for a wide range of electronics including electric vehicles. Environments like that are even more challenging as they operate in a bidirectional fashion. This allows an electric vehicle’s battery to provide power or to be charged. There are other applications where this mode of operation
is handy.
The design of bidirectional DC/DC converters is more challenging than a unidirectional DC/DC supply. We examine both architectures in this collection
of articles.
https://resources.electronicdesign.com/focus-on-power/?partnerref=RenesasEB1-09172020&utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=32893&utm_medium=email&elq2=ff00ed6d0e71485e98546ca0e3534971&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Two LinkSwitch Solutions Dramatically Simplify Low-Power PSU Designs
https://www.eeweb.com/two-linkswitch-solutions-dramatically-simplify-low-power-psu-designs/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=ad&utm_medium=EEWebEngInsp-20200917
Power Integrations, Inc., founded in 1988, is the leading supplier of high-voltage analog integrated circuits (ICs) used in power conversion. Power Integrations ICs enable compact, lightweight power supplies that are simpler to design and manufacture, more reliable, and more energy-efficient than those made with competing technologies.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Simple technique measures performance of GaN-based power supplies
https://www.edn.com/simple-technique-measures-performance-of-gan-based-power-supplies/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNWeekly-20200917
Today, most power supply roadmaps have GaN transistors incorporated into them as a key platform. The advantages of GaN transistors compared to Si MOSFETs, IGBTs, and SiC MOSFETs means engineers are extensively designing them into their systems. However, these advancements with GaN transistors in switching power supplies have also made characterizing the performance of these power supplies increasingly challenging. Measuring the high-side VGS in a half bridge, which is a traditional way to diagnose transistor cross conduction, can be a demanding task for a GaN-based design. The typical solution is to use high-cost measurement equipment, which does not always produce useful results. This article demonstrates an easy and cost-effective method using the unique characteristics of GaN transistors to measure cross conduction.
Half-bridge and full-bridge configurations used for synchronous rectification in boost or buck converters and bidirectional converters use complementary drive signals for the high- and low-side transistors. The drive signals must include a small amount of “dead time” between the period when one transistor in the half-bridge turns off and the other transistor turns on, to ensure the transistors do not cross-conduct. Cross conduction occurs when the transistors in a half-bridge configuration are on simultaneously, a condition that increases losses and is potentially damaging to the transistors.
Tomi Engdahl says:
What is SPI? Serial Peripheral Interface – Part 1
https://www.makeriot2020.com/index.php/2020/09/18/what-is-spi-serial-peripheral-interface-part-1/
The Serial Peripheral Interface is a synchronous serial communication interface for short-distance communication, it is typically used in embedded systems. The interface was developed by Motorola in the mid 1980’s and has become a very popular standard.
It is used with many kinds of sensors, LCD’s and also SD-Cards. SPI operates in a Master-Slave model, with a possibility of multiple slave devices, each selected in turn by a SS (slave select) or CS (chip select) pin that is usually pulled low by the master.
Tomi Engdahl says:
New Micro LEDs Can Be Bent, Cut, Detached From the Substrate, and Reattached as Needed
https://www.hackster.io/news/new-micro-leds-can-be-bent-cut-detached-from-the-substrate-and-reattached-as-needed-30c9f5d6f0a7
UTD researchers have developed a method to create micro LEDs that can be folded, twisted, cut, and stuck to almost any surface.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://circuitdiagrams.in/infrared-sensor-using-555-timer/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Uln2003 water level
https://www.instagram.com/mohammed_haj_hammod/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/765877716770273/permalink/3583591931665490/
Tomi Engdahl says:
How To Make Spy Camera At Home | Hidden Camera | LED Bulb Hidden Camera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgMU-baWV_8
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Challenge of Power-Supply Design
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21142099/the-challenge-of-powersupply-design?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS200914032&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Sponsored by Digi-Key and RECOM: The make vs. buy decision when it comes to power supplies becomes more onerous due to demands designers must meet. However, some of the latest supplies to arrive make that choice easier.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIy5UbxMNug
#curve_tracer
#component_tester
#oscilloscope_XY
#VI_tracer
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.eetimes.eu/low-quiescent-current-for-automotive-always-on-systems/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Integrated Power Devices Drive Loads Safely, Efficiently
Sponsored by Texas Instruments: Integrated power devices, including switches and eFuses, provide smooth startup, limit inrush current, and offer circuit protection with minimal BOM count.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21141785/integrated-power-devices-drive-loads-safely-efficiently?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS200918055&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Monolithic Switching Regulator: When Everything is on a Chip
Build a switching regulator monolithically or with a controller? Both options offer benefits, but the monolithic route often saves time and space, and exhibits better EMC behavior.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21142302/monolithic-switching-regulator-when-everything-is-on-a-chip?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS200918055&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Jumpstart Inverter Designs with SiC Power Modules and Gate-Driver Kit
Microchip’s AgileSwitch digitally programmable gate driver and SP6LI SiC power-module kit enables developers to proceed quickly from benchtop to production.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21142708/jumpstart-inverter-designs-with-sic-power-modules-and-gatedriver-kit
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/3d-bus-bar-an-optimum-solution-for-managing-dc-power-rails-on-pcbs/?utm_content=buffer47ded&utm_medium=social&utm_source=edn_facebook&utm_campaign=buffer
Tomi Engdahl says:
LINEAR POWER SUPPLY DESIGN ASSISTANT #1
https://www.changpuak.ch/electronics/power_supply_design.php
Tomi Engdahl says:
Simplify a high-side driver by replacing a #transistor with a Zener #diode #TBT #DesignIdeas #CircuitDesign #switch
Zener level-shifter drives high-side switch
https://www.edn.com/zener-level-shifter-drives-high-side-switch/?utm_content=buffer4303a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=edn_facebook&utm_campaign=buffer
Microcontrollers, the heart of all modern electronic gadgets, are increasingly powered with sub-5V power supplies. This complicates the control of external loads powered by higher voltages.
The trend towards low voltage supplies is dictated by the fact that modern digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits are CMOS based, and with an ever increasing demand for higher frequencies, the only way you can control the power dissipation is by lowering the supply voltage. As a result, supplies have dropped from 5V to 3.3V and down to 1.8V for many popular, low-power microcontrollers in even the 8-bit range.
The reduced I/O supply voltage leads to increased complexity in handling high-side voltage switching.
This Design Idea proposes an alternative (Figure 2). In place of T2, we make use of Zener diode D1 of appropriate breakdown voltage.
A high microcontroller output voltage, added to the Zener breakdown voltage, is enough to turn off T1 as presented in equation (1). When the microcontroller output is set to low, the voltage at node y is low enough to turn the transistor T1
The advantages of the Zener-based design over the conventional design are:
The switching frequencies attainable with Figure 2 (~1MHz) are higher than Figure 1 (~250kHz).
There is a cost reduction (a Zener diode is cheaper than an NPN transistor)
PCB layout becomes easier.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Understand and improve power adapter efficiency, EMC performance
https://www.edn.com/understand-and-improve-power-adapter-efficiency-emc-performance/
A power adapter must be safe to use and isolate the user from lethal AC mains voltage. Adapters or external power supplies must also not damage the environment with unnecessary power draw in use and unloaded modes. Moreover, they must not damage or disturb other equipment with conducted or radiated electromagnetic emissions.
Standards also apply to these considerations, some mandatory, others voluntary.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Calculate the Battery Charging Time & Battery Charging Current – Example
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2013/03/easy-charging-time-formula-for.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Component Tester (V-I Curve Tracer) Using The Oscilloscope XY Mode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIy5UbxMNug
Tomi Engdahl says:
The practical op-amp differentiator is quite versatile
https://www.edn.com/the-practical-op-amp-differentiator-is-quite-versatile/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Brian Stine’s Smart Programmer Turns PIC Chips Into Programmable Oscillators and Pulse Generators
Designed as an alternative to 555 timers, custom ICs, and homebrew code on microcontrollers, the PULS-1 is an easy-use PIC programmer.
https://www.hackster.io/news/brian-stine-s-smart-programmer-turns-pic-chips-into-programmable-oscillators-and-pulse-generators-a11e00f59e7b
Tomi Engdahl says:
Guide to Signal Integrity Analysis in PCB Design
https://www.nwengineeringllc.com/article/guide-to-signal-integrity-analysis-in-pcb-design.php
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://coil32.net/online-calculators/ferrite-torroid-calculator.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
3D bus bar: An optimum solution for managing DC #power rails on #PCBs
https://buff.ly/3mVXfzj
Tomi Engdahl says:
Generator Protection – Types of Faults & Protection Devices
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2020/10/generator-protection-faults-protection-devices.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electroinvention.co.in/number-locking-system-based-door-lock
Tomi Engdahl says:
Characterization and DC shield resistance #tests can provide a quick check on the #shielding quality and #connector bonding of test #cables #EMC
https://buff.ly/3cSjEZI
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21805826/whats-all-this-lm334-stuff-anyhow?utm_source=UM_EDClassics10120&utm_medium=email&utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=33061&elq2=775f4ea41d8c45c2831f9b9af4da774c&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
More RF PCBs are using waveguide geometries for routing high frequency signals throughout a PCB. If you’re getting started with RF design, here’s what you need to know about waveguide cavities in your PCB.
Waveguide Cavity Design in Your RF PCB Layout
https://www.nwengineeringllc.com/article/waveguide-cavity-design-in-your-rf-pcb-layout.php
Tomi Engdahl says:
Shrink Power Supply Size by 30% While Enhancing Thermal Performance
Sponsored by Texas Instruments: Thanks to an innovative packaging scheme, this power module gives designers room to maximize performance in ever-smaller applications.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21142529/shrink-power-supply-size-by-30-while-enhancing-thermal-performance?utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=33112&utm_medium=email&elq2=b434e63f0d7945b5a41487a8f0607a14&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Generating Very Low Voltages with Standard Regulators
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21143906/generating-very-low-voltages-with-standard-regulators?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS201002052&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Using a “trick,” a switching or linear regulator can generate lower voltages than the feedback voltage. It requires another positive supply voltage connected to the resistive divider to adjust the output voltage.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Generate Sub-1-Volt Rails Using Standard Regulators
By adding a resistive divider and dc voltage to a standard dc-dc regulator, you can easily develop dc rails below 1 V, all the way down to just a few hundred millivolts.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/resources/ideas-for-design/whitepaper/21142144/generate-sub1volt-rails-using-standard-regulators
Tomi Engdahl says:
Analogue charge pump produces high-frequency, high-voltage pulses
https://www.edn.com/analogue-charge-pump-produces-high-frequency-high-voltage-pulses/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNAnalog-20201008
A recent project evaluated the feasibility of a dynamic load modulation (DLM) RF power amplifier for 5G. DLM amplifiers typically use high-voltage varactor diodes in their output network, which need to be driven by high-speed large linear voltage pulses.
The pulses needed to have a peak voltage of +80V and be DC coupled, therefore eliminating the use of a transformer. The circuit also had be to linear in order to accurately recreate the shape of an input pulse at its output. Conventional op amps are incapable of producing large output voltage swings, and certainly not at high frequencies. Although some hybrid modules like those from Apex Microtechnology exist, they have high current consumption and could not meet the project requirements.
The circuit shown in Figure 1 was inspired by capacitive charge pump circuits1 that are widely used in power supplies to generate either high voltages or negative voltages. Figure 1 uses op amps instead of switches to achieve linear operation. This design uses three stages, but a greater number could be cascaded to achieve a higher output voltage.
n theory, it should only take three stages to produce a 90V voltage swing with a +30V supply. In practice, however, this is not possible, due to the voltage drop of the diodes and limitations of the op amps’ output stages. The maximum input and output voltages for the LM6171 op amp used in this design must be limited to 2V below its supply rail voltages to prevent latch-up from occurring. Unfortunately, high-speed op amps capable of full rail-to-rail swings are not currently available for rail voltages >12V. To accommodate this limitation, voltage drops have been incorporated into the design, which limits the op amps’ output swings to between 6 and 76V.
the input is a 100 kHz pulse with 1 μs rise and fall time. The output linearly tracks the input to a peak swing of 6 to 72.8V. As previously mentioned, the circuit was designed for driving varactor diodes, which exhibit a high impedance, hence the current required to drive them was small and well within the capability of the LM6171s.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Simple technique measures performance of GaN-based power supplies
https://www.edn.com/simple-technique-measures-performance-of-gan-based-power-supplies/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNAnalog-20201008
The gate signals for GaN devices have high slew rates, in the order of 1V/ns, which poses a challenge for high-side measurement using conventional isolated probes. If the measurement system does not have sufficient common mode rejection ratio (CMRR), the rapidly changing common mode voltage of high-side source node results in interference, which obscures the measurement. Also, the parasitic capacitance introduced by traditional passive voltage probes can distort the gate drive signal, causing cross conduction.
Optically isolated measurement systems, such as the Tektronix TIVH Series IsoVu, have been developed with DC CMRR greater than 160 dB to provide achievable high-side VGS measurement solutions. Such measurement systems must also minimize the sensing loop area and provide an enhanced shielded measurement signal path. Doing so requires that the power converter circuit board design includes probe points equipped with specialized connectors, like micro-miniature coaxial (MMCX) connectors, that provide low-capacitance access to critical signals.
The cost of the measurement system and the additional complexity and sensitivity of the signal path has left room for more cost-effective and less-sensitive solutions. A method developed by engineers at GaN Systems measures only the low-side transistors, addressing these concerns.
Since GaN transistors, unlike Si and SiC MOSFETs, do not have inherent body diodes and therefore there is no reverse recovery loss during the voltage commutation
Designing power supplies with GaN transistors is becoming a reality for most power supply companies and providers. Until now, measuring GaN half-bridge cross conduction has been a challenge due to measuring high-side transistor VGS. Using traditional probes add too much parasitic capacitance and affects operation. Optically-isolated probes are expensive and are sensitive to signal path interference. The method introduced in this article demonstrates a safe, inexpensive technique to determine if cross conduction exists by taking measurements on the low-side transistor only. The measured results are easily verified using datasheet specified COSS with a theoretical calculation. The measurement technique reviewed herein provides a reliable and inexpensive means to verify cross conduction in GaN half-bridges.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Push-pull amplifier configurations: choose wisely
https://www.edn.com/push-pull-amplifier-configurations-choose-wisely/#comment-27803
Designing a low-distortion audio output stage – Part 1: Introduction, the problem with push-pull outputs
https://www.edn.com/designing-a-low-distortion-audio-output-stage-part-1-introduction-the-problem-with-push-pull-outputs/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Using power MOSFETs to make a linear amplifier
https://www.edn.com/using-power-mosfets-to-make-a-linear-amplifier/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Shorten Power Electronics Development Using An Oscilloscope For EMI Debugging
https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/pk/applications/shorten-power-electronics-development-using-an-oscilloscope-for-emi-debugging-application-card_56279-688164.html
Oscilloscopes are the workhorses for power electronics engineers. With powerful and easyto- use FFT analysis capabilities, their application fields extend to EMI debugging – and that saves a lot of time and money. A typical task is verifying the effectiveness of an EMI filter – early in the development phase.
https://scdn.rohde-schwarz.com/ur/pws/dl_downloads/dl_application/pdfs/Oscilloscope-EMI-Debugging_ac_3608-1281-92_v0100.pdf
Tomi Engdahl says:
Measurement of standby power consumption in line with IEC 62301 and EN 50564
Today virtually every electronic device has a standby mode. Power consumption is regulated in most countries by increasingly stringent limits. This makes standardized power measurement essential.
https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/in/applications/measurement-of-standby-power-consumption-in-line-with-iec-62301-and-en-50564-application-card_56279-577538.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Getting Started: An Introduction to Inductor Specifications
https://www.everythingrf.com/whitepapers/details/3088-getting-started-an-introduction-to-inductor-specifications
https://www.coilcraft.com/getmedia/ac56eabb-8678-4ca2-9604-c609886d68c1/Doc1287_Inductor_specifications.pdf
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/voltage-clamp-protects-ultra-low-voltage-designs/?utm_content=buffer071e6&utm_medium=social&utm_source=edn_facebook&utm_campaign=buffer
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.sijoitustieto.fi/sijoitusartikkelit/pitkittyvat-korona-aallot-uhkaavat-talouksia-elvytys-ei-voi-jatkua-loputtomiin
Tomi Engdahl says:
RF PCB Layout and Routing Tips for mmWave Products
https://www.nwengineeringllc.com/article/rf-pcb-layout-and-routing-tips-for-mmwave-products.php
There are four primary tasks to undertake when preparing an RF PCB layout:
Stackup design. Just like high speed boards, RF boards need to have the right stackup. This helps provide stable impedance, plan routes, and provide isolation from external EMI.
Impedance control and routing style. Stackup and impedance control go hand-in-hand, and many high frequency boards operating at microwave or mmWave frequencies will need impedance controlled routing. The stackup will determine your trace width for your desired routing style, and circuit blocks should be arranged with enough space to accommodate the routing style in the PCB layout.
Circuit block arrangement. When you’re planning your RF PCB layout, but before you start routing, try to segment circuit blocks into different sections of the board. This can be done by function or frequency, as shown in the accompanying floorplanning image. Watch out for planning your return path in the board as you do not want analog signals with different frequencies and modulation schemes interfering with each other.
Planning for isolation. Unless you’re using an inherently shielded waveguide routing style like substrate integrated waveguides, you’ll need to plan isolation into your PCB layout.