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You can find many very circuit ideas at ePanorama.net circuits page.
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Tomi Engdahl says:
Designing a low EMI power supply
Explore this comprehensive training series to learn more about the fundamentals of EMI, the various technologies that can help reduce emissions and more
https://training.ti.com/designing-low-emi-power-supply?HQS=app-null-null-pwrbrand_lowemi-asset-tr-ElectronicDesign-wwe&DCM=yes&dclid=CLSMh4-OwPUCFZQYGAodY7cOBg
As electronic systems become increasingly dense and interconnected, reducing the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) is becoming an increasingly critical system design consideration. EMI can no longer be an afterthought, given its potential to cause significant setbacks late in the design phase that cost both time and money.
TI offers multiple features and technologies to mitigate EMI in all of the frequency bands of interest. Our devices and technologies can help designers not only improve filter size and cost but also reduce design time and complexity.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Simplify low EMI design
with power modules
https://www.ti.com/lit/wp/slyy123/slyy123.pdf?HQS=app-bsr-null-LowEMI-asset-whip-ElectronicDesign-wwe&ts=1642603489358
When designing a switching power supply, you may
have heard of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
More and more applications must pass EMI standards in order for their manufacturers
to receive approval for commercial resale. A switching power supply implies that there
are electrical switchers inside the device, through which EMI radiates.
In this paper, I will explain the sources of EMI in a switching power supply and methods
or technologies for mitigating EMI. I will also show you how power modules (controller,
high side and low side FET and inductor in one package) help reduce EMI
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://ethcircuits.com/1800-watt-constant-voltage-boost-converter-review/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/hexagonally-sectioned-emi-shield/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Comparison of GaN- and Silicon FET-Based Active Clamp Flyback Converters
https://www.ti.com/seclit/ml/slup380/slup380.pdf?HQS=app-null-null-pwrbrand_density-asset-whip-ElectronicDesign-wwe&DCM=yes&dclid=CJiFvtis0fUCFRUPGAodClkK3w
This session demonstrates how an active clamp flyback converter achieves zero voltage switching (ZVS)
and recycles the leakage energy of the transformer to improve efficiency in higher frequency operation.
Although it is well known that switch node capacitance determines the circulating energy for ZVS, the
capacitance-nonlinearity impact from each of the two primary-side switches and from the secondary
synchronous rectifier has not been well understood. In this session, design tradeoffs with differing
nonlinearity of junction capacitances from each of the switching devices are investigated across full load
to deep light load operation, and then proper control strategies to overcome the capacitance nonlinearity
are proposed. Additionally, analytical equations and design procedures are developed with consideration
to the nonlinearity impact. Finally, the above studies and control method are supported with experimental
results and simulation results on a 30 W adapter using state-of-the-art GaN and silicon FETs
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Benefits of High-Power-Density SiC MOSFETs
Jan. 25, 2022
Good switching power supplies must have high efficiency and high power density. The SiC MOSFET is one of the best solutions to replace silicon devices in these kinds of power supplies due to their high-frequency and high-power-density qualities.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21214954/electronic-design-the-benefits-of-highpowerdensity-sic-mosfets?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220124016&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why not check the projects in Popular Electronics , they’re all in pdf format at World Radio History website . And they’re completely free to download.
Tomi Engdahl says:
3 Options for Optimizing Power-Converter Control Loops
Jan. 26, 2022
By applying any of the three methods discussed in this article to optimize the compensation of a switching regulator, compensation of any power supply is possible.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21215117/analog-devices-3-options-for-optimizing-powerconverter-control-loops?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220124020&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
A Portable White Noise Generator Circuit
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C-8A7VEylq0
The white noise generator circuit/schematic is a handy tool that can be used to test the circuit or communication lines under some random noises to make sure about the stability of the device in real or harsh environments. The current consumption of the device is low, so you can power the circuit using a small 12V-23A battery. if you have access to a 3D printer, you can build a nice enclosure for the circuit. The schematic and PCB have been designed using Altium Designer 22, and the signal has been tested using the Siglent SDS2102X Plus oscilloscope.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Delving Into Power Density
April 22, 2021
Find out more on power density and system design.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21162060/electronic-design-delving-into-power-density?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220124021&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Fast-Slewing and Settling Buffer Amplifier IC Reaches 3 GHz
Jan. 28, 2022
This high-speed analog buffer IC replaces a handful of discrete components and offers two modes of precision and performance tradeoffs.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21215356/electronic-design-fastslewing-and-settling-buffer-amplifier-ic-reaches-3-ghz?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220124021&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
To address these requirements, the BUF802 buffer amplifier from Texas Instruments features large-signal bandwidth up to 3.1 GHz at 1-V p-p input (and as high as 2 GHz at 2 V p-p) with a fast slew rate (7000 V/µs) and fast settling time (0.7 ns to 1%)
Claimed to be the widest-bandwidth high-input-impedance buffer amplifier of its type on the market, target applications include high-performance and precision test-and-measurement designs, including oscilloscopes, active probes, and wideband data-acquisition systems.
TI also maintains that the bandwidth offered by the BUF802 was previously attainable only via application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
Input voltage noise is just 2.3 nV/√Hz, while input impedance—another critical parameter in these applications—is 50 GΩ in parallel with 2.4 pF. Operating from a ±4.5- to ±6.5-V supply, the JFET-input BUF802 can easily drive the ubiquitous 50-Ω load. It also offers user-adjustable quiescent current for power/performance tradeoff and an integrated input/output clamp with fast overdrive recovery, which is another concern in these applications.
The BUF802 has been designed to operate in two modes—Buffer (BF) Mode and Composite Loop (CL) Mode—using its parallel Main Path and Auxiliary Path
Even More Precision
If higher precision than offered by the BUF802 alone is required, designers can configure the BUF802 in CL Mode in conjunction with a separate precision amplifier. In this mode, the BUF802 uses the Auxiliary Path and the Main Path to control the output voltage, and simultaneously provide high dc precision and 3-GHz bandwidth with 1 μV/°C maximum offset drift.
In this scenario, the composite loop splits the applied signal into low-frequency and high-frequency components and passes them over to different circuits with suitable transfer function. The low- and high-frequency signal components are then recombined within the BUF802 and reproduced at the OUT pin. (No, it’s not the Doherty amplifier topology, as the BUF802 mode is pre-selected by the user and not determined by the signal magnitude.)
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/01/29/planar-pcb-coils-as-an-alternative-to-winding-transformers/
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Best Protection for your Circuits? eFuse! Here is why they are awesome! EB#48
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOhQ3nsR7xo
In this electronics basics episode we will have a closer look at eFuse ICs. They offer a ton of protection features for a very small price tag. That is why I will show you how I used such an eFuse in my LiPo Supercharger project and how you can use it for pretty much every electronics project. The included protection features are the following: undervoltage, overvoltage, reverse voltage, overcurrent and short circuit current. Let’s get started!
0:00 The ideal way to power electronics
1:00 Why you need an eFuse!
2:19 Intro
2:51 How to select an eFuse IC?
5:10 How to wire it up?
6:01 Set the undervoltage limit
7:11 Set the overvoltage limit
8:23 Set the current limit
9:36 Verdict
10:12 Adding a reverse voltage protection
Tomi Engdahl says:
What is the best Reverse Voltage Protection Circuit? || Repairing a Lab Bench Power Supply
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Tk5ghH_U2s
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to make a Softstarter and why it is sometimes mandatory to use!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVLGHB2IxxU
In this small project we will be having a closer look at appliances that require a softstarter in order to properly work with a limited output current system. The shown appliances in this project include an inverter, a boost converter, a power supply and a motor. We will find out why a big inrush current requires a softstarter and how we can build a simple circuit that can do this job. Let’s get started!
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to choose the right capacitor type for a circuit?! || Film vs. Ceramic vs. Electrolytic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v8zBj7_sxg
In this video we will have a closer look at a decoupling problem of one of my recent LED circuits. That means I will explain how a decoupling capacitor can save my circuit from harmful oscillations. Along the way I will talk about three popular capacitor types, the film capacitor, the ceramic capacitor and the electrolytic capacitor and explain which one is best suited for which application and why. Let’s get started!
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/test-measurement/article/21215610/analog-devices-how-to-model-statistical-tolerance-analysis-for-complex-circuits-using-ltspice?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220127054&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
What is the Essence of Quiescent Current?
Feb. 2, 2022
The definition of quiescent is “a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.” In electronics, quiescent current is the current flowing into a system in standby mode with a light or no load.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21215797/electronic-design-what-is-the-essence-of-quiescent-current?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220127057&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
What you’ll learn:
How quiescent current is most popularly defined.
IQ vs. shutdown current.
Testing options for quiescent current.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tailored Carbon Nanotubes Yield Energy-Harvesting Textile
Feb. 3, 2022
By manipulating carbon nanotubes, a team has developed fibers that can harvest thermoelectric-based energy from fabrics.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21215870/electronic-design-tailored-carbon-nanotubes-yield-energyharvesting-textile?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220127057&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
The difference of PCB Back Drilling and Controlled Depth Drilling
https://www.pcb-hero.com/blogs/lilycolumn
The difference of PCB Back Drilling and Controlled Depth Drilling
https://www.pcb-hero.com/blogs/lilycolumn/the-difference-of-pcb-back-drilling-and-controlled-depth-drilling
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://ethcircuits.com/12v-induction-heater-circuit-diagram/
Tomi Engdahl says:
This Week in PowerBites: Spotlight on Optocouplers
Feb. 4, 2022
The optocoupler continues to evolve to meet increasingly stringent requirements emerging from power-conversion apps, where safety is a top design driver. This week’s PowerBites focuses on some recent developments in optocouplers—and their alternatives.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21216066/electronic-design-this-week-in-powerbites-spotlight-on-optocouplers?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220127064&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Simple, (mostly) reliable, and based on decades-old technologies, we often take the optocoupler for granted, despite the vital roles it plays in many power applications. But we ignore these devices at our own peril since they continue to evolve to meet the tougher requirements—particularly in terms of safety—emerging from advanced battery systems, motor drives, and other power-conversion systems.
Since these indispensable workhorses sometimes get overlooked in favor of more glamorous power technologies, we’re devoting this issue of PowerBites to some recent developments in optocouplers—and their alternatives.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tärkeä opas COM-HPC-korttien suunnittelijoille
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/13143-taerkeae-opas-com-hpc-korttien-suunnittelijoille
https://www.picmg.org/wp-content/uploads/PICMG_COMHPC_CDG_R2_0.pdf
Tomi Engdahl says:
Investigation: Are Log Potentiometers really Logarithmic?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1lbDai6ObA
Wikipedia says that modern (cheap) log potentiometers aren’t actually logarithmic at all, but constructed with separate sections of fixed resistance tracks. Time for an investigation.
Viewer comments:
Years ago in the analogue audio days I worked for Cambridge Audio. The P40 amplifier used 1 M ohm stereo (dual gang log pots) They did trace the real log tracking quite well but a downside was the matching between the two gangs. Being quite a high value (1M) the tracking was often 6/8 dB out and could be 25dB out on the start position of the pot. This meant we had to select pots for use as a volume control, the reject rate was over 50%. The amplifier matching called for less than 1dB, which was the case when looking at the power amp only but in the real world using, say the Mag input you were lucky to be within 5dB depending on the volume control position . Of course much less of an issue when most transistor amplifier volume pots were typically 10K.
I didn’t know that about log pots either. I wonder if they just step the width of the carbon track. The low variance at each end might be where they fattened the carbon track up to make it easier to connect to.
There are 3 linear sections in this pot. Most log pots have 3-4 linear sections, occasionally 5. I’ve not seen one with only 2, maybe 30 years ago. To make a resistance gradient in carbon composition is not simple or cheap, so they put a few different blobs of carbon comp on to aproximate log.
I want to point out to everyone reading and commenting that this is absolutely the norm for log pots and it’s not just because it’s a cheapy from ebay as I think people might be getting the idea. If you want a pot that’s accurately log, you’re talking £20+ each and different technologies used which might for example have a much lower number of operations before failure than carbon comp or a very low voltage rating etc.
It gets over the effect of linear pots which is to appear to be almost an on-off switch for volume at around either 30% or 70% of the turn of the pot (depending on the circuit). The error from ideal log is tweaked out by the user without thinking as you act out a negative feedback sort of regulation of volume between your ears and your hand on the knob.
Also for someone called TMM who for whatever reason doesn’t have a reply button under the post, you can’t get around this by buying “audio taper”. Audio taper is just another way of saying log taper, they’re still sections of linear resistance, especially if the pot looks like the one in the video.
This was interesting. I had a power supply with a problem of jumpingly increasing voltage at a certain point of the pot, and after I switched to a wirewound pot, it was fixed. Now I finally know what happened, and that I was dumb enough to use a log pot on a linear supply without checking
Little known fact about “A” taper pots- they’re not logarithmic, it’s just a common misnomer. They’re correctly known as audio taper, hence the A50K, etc.
Tomi Engdahl says:
What Causes Semiconductor Aging?
https://semiengineering.com/what-causes-semiconductor-aging/
Semiconductor technology has evolved to the point where no one can assume chips will last forever. If not carefully considered, aging can shorten the life of an IC below the needs for an intended application.
Aging is well studied in technology circles, but while others less directly involved may understand at a general level this is a problem, it’s not always obvious why. So what exactly are the physical mechanisms behind aging?
“Aging depends essentially on how fast we are driving the electrons through the transistor channels,” said Sathish Balasubramanian, head of product management for AMS at Siemens EDA.
This, in turn, drives a number of tradeoffs. “From a design perspective, nearly every designer is interested in something different in terms of aging,” said André Lange, group manager, quality and reliability at Fraunhofer IIS Engineering of Adaptive Systems Division.
Tomi Engdahl says:
CTSD Precision ADCs (Part 2): CTSD Architecture Explained
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21216295/analog-devices-ctsd-precision-adcs-part-2-ctsd-architecture-explained?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220127069&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
This article will delve into CTSD ADCs using a less traditional approach, enabling signal-chain designers to envision a new class of easy-to-use precision ADC technology that interconnects a few well-known components.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Simulating the impedance spectrum is a crucial step in Power Integrity analysis. Often this includes a Power Delivery Network (PDN) Simulation. The Tech Consultant Zach Peterson begins a multipart analysis of PDN Simulation, including an overview, using SPICE in Altium Designer, field solvers, and more
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxdwziRjpTw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxdwziRjpTw)
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/ic-design-a-short-primer-on-the-formal-methods-based-verification/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Here’s How AI Will Change Chip Design Artificial intelligence’s promise and potential for the semiconductor industry
https://spectrum.ieee.org/ai-chip-design-matlab
Tomi Engdahl says:
How a Toroidal Transformer Works – What is a Toroidal Transformer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPXtiJaSiKA
Tomi Engdahl says:
Are toroidal transformers better?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wADMx_7kWt4
In audio equipment, the trend has been towards toroidal transformers and away from the more common square EI lamination devices. Why is that and which are better?
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Reduce the Number—and Size—of Output Capacitors in Power-Supply Designs
Feb. 12, 2022
When the right parameters are checked, via LTpowerCAD or another tool, the number of output capacitors in a power supply can be minimized, saving money and board space.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21216717/how-to-reduce-the-numberand-sizeof-output-capacitors-in-powersupply-designs?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220209012&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
What you’ll learn:
What are output capacitors and how do they impact power supplies?
Simulating a circuit to reduce the amount of capacitors in a supply.
What is adaptive voltage positioning?
A power supply’s output capacitors—which are typically ceramic capacitors with values between 100 nF and 100 μF—cost money, take up space, and, in the case of delivery bottlenecks, can be difficult to obtain. Thus, the question of how the number and size of output capacitors can be minimized arises time and time again.
Two effects of output capacitors are critical here: the effect on the output voltage ripple and the effect on the output voltage after load transients.
First, a general remark should be made about the term “output capacitor.” These capacitors can be found on the output of a power supply. However, many electrical loads (power consumers), such as FPGAs, require a certain number of input capacitors.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21214650/analog-devices-ctsd-precision-adcs-part-1-improving-signalchain-design-time?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220210035&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Factor PFC Into Your Power-Supply Design
Feb. 17, 2022
Stricter guidelines imposed by version 3 of the IEC standard for harmonic current emissions push designers to embrace power-factor-correction methodologies.
Sam Davis
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/article/21794757/factor-pfc-into-your-powersupply-design
Before the latest IEC61000-3-2 standard took effect in 2005, most power supplies for PCs, monitors, and TVs generated excessive line harmonics when operating from single-phase, 110- to 120-V, 60-Hz ac. Spurred on by this newer and stricter IEC standard, power-supply manufacturers aim to minimize power-line harmonics by adding power factor correction (PFC).
A nonlinear load causes harmonics comparable in magnitude to the fundamental harmonic current at line frequency.
The magnitude of line harmonics depends on a power supply’s power factor, which varies from 0 to 1. A low power-factor value causes higher harmonics, while a high power-factor value produces lower harmonics.
Power-Factor Correction
The IEC-61000-3-2 standard defines the maximum harmonic current allowed for a given power level. Initial versions of the standard in 1995 and 2001 were changed by the 2005 Edition 3 (see the table). It imposed stricter requirements on power-line harmonic currents for (Class D) PCs, monitors, and TVs consuming between 75 and 600 W and ≤16 A per phase. To meet those requirements, designers must employ active power-factor correction (PFC) in Class D power supplies.
Many PFC circuits employ a boost converter. One limitation in the conventional boost PFC converter is that it can operate only from the rectified ac line, which involves two-stage power processing (Fig. 5). Waveforms generated by the converter better illustrate this problem (Fig. 6). In addition, there’s no simple and effective way to introduce isolation in a conventional boost converter.
Using a full-bridge extension of the boost converter, which is then controlled as a PFC converter, is one way to introduce isolation (Fig. 7). However, this adds the complexity of four transistors on the primary side and four diode rectifiers on the secondary, both operating at the switching frequency of, say, 100 kHz. Plus, four more diodes are in the input bridge rectifier operating at the line frequency of 50/60Hz.
Besides low-frequency sinusoidal current, the line current will have superimposed input inductor ripple current at the high switching frequency, which needs to be filtered out by an additional high-frequency filter on the ac line. The presence of 12 switches operating in the hard-switching mode results in high conduction and switching losses. The best efficiency reported for this two-stage approach and its supplementary switching devices is 87%.
To achieve 1 kW or higher power, designers often employ a three-stage approach (Fig. 8). Here, the standard boost PFC converter and an isolated step-down converter follow the input’s bridge rectifier. This requires a total of 14 switches. At least six of those switches are high voltage, further decreasing efficiency and increasing the cost. Still, with the highest efficiency based on best present switching devices reaching about 90%, it’s better than the two-stage approach.
For medium and low power, there’s an alternative approach that reduces the amount of switches by using a forward converter for the isolation stage (Fig. 9). Before going this route, one must be aware that although there are now 10 switches, the four switching devices in the forward converter impose greater voltage stresses on both primary and secondary side switches than the full-bridge solution. In addition, the full-bridge solution requires four magnetic components.
Bridgeless PFC Converter
Breaking new ground in this arena, Dr. Slobodan Cuk, president of Teslaco, developed a bridgeless PFC converter (patent pending) that operates directly from the ac line. It’s claimed to be the first true single-stage bridgeless ac-dc PFC converter.
To accomplish this feat, Cuk employs a new switching power-conversion method, termed “hybrid-switching.” It employs a converter topology consisting of only three switches: one controllable switch S and two passive current rectifier switches (CR1 and CR2)
Digitally Controlled PFC
Availability of low-cost, high-performance digital controllers intended for power supplies have led to their use in PFC designs. Digital controllers provide programmable configuration, nonlinear control, low part counts, and the ability to implement complex functions that are usually difficult with an analog approach.
Most present-day digital power controllers, such as Texas Instruments’ UCD30203, provide integrated power-control peripherals and a power-management core, including digital loop compensators, fast analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), high-resolution digital pulse-width modulators (DPWMs) with built-in dead-time, low-power consumption microcontrollers, etc. They support a complex, high-performance power-supply design, such as a bridgeless PFC.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/active-resonators-outlive-quartz-crystals/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/a-comparison-of-interleaved-boost-and-totem-pole-pfc-topologies/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://octopart.com/blog/archives/2022/02/full-bridge-mosfet-driver-selection-and-design-guide
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/autotransformer-and-fan/?utm_source=edn_facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Articles
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/wideband-buffer-amp-eliminates-custom-asics/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/techniques-for-using-spice-to-derive-thevenin-and-norton-equivalent-circuits/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/autotransformer-spice-model/?utm_source=edn_facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Articles
Tomi Engdahl says:
Use Modules with Integrated Amplifiers to Remove the “Black Magic” from High-Speed ADC Design
https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/use-modules-with-integrated-amplifiers-for-high-speed-adc-design?dclid=CPO5_8OpovYCFaxNwgod0aYFow
Designers of systems such as data acquisition, hardware in the loop (HiL), and power analyzers need an analog signal converter chain that can achieve high resolution and high accuracy at very high sample rates, often up to 15 mega samples per second (MSPS). However, high-speed analog designs can look like “black magic” to many designers, especially when faced with a series of hidden parasitics that impact the signal integrity.
For example, typical designs are discrete and contain several ICs and components, including a fully differential amplifier (FDA), a first (1st) order low-pass filter (LPF), a voltage reference, and a high-speed, high-resolution analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The capacitive and resistive parasitics are within and around the ADC driver amplifier (the FDA), the ADC input filter, and the ADC.
Eliminating, reducing, or mitigating the effects of these parasitics is challenging. It requires a high degree of skill and can require many circuit design cycles and pc board layout iterations, compromising design schedules and budgets. What’s required is a more complete and integrated solution that solves many of these design issues.
This article will describe a discrete data acquisition circuit and related layout issues, and then introduce an integrated module that contains a high-resolution, high-speed successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with a front-end FDA. The article shows how Analog Devices’ ADAQ23875 complete module and its associated development board overcomes high-speed design headaches by simplifying and accelerating the design process while still achieving the required high-resolution, high-speed conversion results.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Understanding the Basics of Low-Noise and Power Amplifiers in Wireless Designs
https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/understanding-the-basics-of-low-noise-and-power-amplifiers-in-wireless-designs?dclid=CLKS_sKpovYCFfddwgodLoENeQ
The push for performance, miniaturization, and higher-frequency operation is challenging the limits of two critical, antenna-connected components of a wireless system: the power amplifier (PA) and the low-noise amplifier (LNA). This shift has been spurred by the efforts to make 5G a reality, as well as PA and LNA use in VSAT terminals, microwave radio links, and phased-array radar systems.
These applications have requirements that include lower noise (for the LNA) and greater efficiency (for the PA), as well as operation at higher frequencies, up to and beyond 10 GHz. To meet these increasing demands, LNA and PA manufacturers are moving from traditional all-silicon processes toward gallium arsenide (GaAs) for LNAs and gallium nitride (GaN) for PAs.
This article will explain the role and requirements of LNAs and PAs and their main characteristics, before introducing typical GaAs and GaN devices and what to keep in mind when designing with them.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Role of PLCs in Industrial Control and Test and Measurement
https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/the-role-of-plcs-in-industrial-control-and-test-and-measurement?dclid=CPyngcKpovYCFRA4GQod7qIMRQ
By Jody Muelaner
Contributed By Digi-Key’s North American Editors
2021-05-12
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are industrial computers that:
Monitor and control industrial-automation applications
Execute tasks related to test and measurement operations
Perform process-type functions (including those related to HVAC systems) beyond the scope of this article.
PLCs receive data from sensors and input devices, process the data to make logic-based decisions, and output control instructions to mechanical or electrical systems. They are a type of embedded system that combines computer processor and memory with input-output (IO) devices — much like the hardwired relay-based logic as well as PC-based logic with which they compete.
In terms of physical form, PLCs today can be anything from a very simple computer having an integrated chip (IC) morphology to a large rack-mounted collection of controller subcomponents housed in multiple chassis. Simpler microcontroller-based PLCs or those taking the form of system on a chip (SoC) PLCs can be extremely reliable and operate off of very modest power input. In contrast, the most complex PLCs blur the boundaries between what constitutes a PLC and general-purpose computers for real-time industrial control … although reliability and real-time performance are still emphasized for the former.
Originally, PLCs were meant to directly replace hard-wired control logic based on relays and drum sequencers. These early PLCs only had to perform basic operations by transforming inputs into outputs. Any machine tasks necessitating proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control were outsourced to attached analog electronics. Now PID controls and even more sophisticated operations are a standard part of PLC instruction sets.
In fact, the functions expected of PLCs have proliferated over time — so that today, many PLCs are quite sophisticated and able to execute complicated and adaptive routines. The ever-increasing power and shrinking size of semiconductor chips (thanks to Moore’s law) have enabled unprecedented intelligence from smaller controllers. This trend is continuing with integrated support of motion control, vision systems, and communication protocols. At the other end of the PLC size spectrum, some programmable automation controllers (PACs) integrate a PLC with a PC to replace PLCs and proprietary control systems (run off proprietary programming languages) for certain applications. More PLCs today are also being integrated into human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
Tomi Engdahl says:
11 Myths About Hall-Effect Sensors
Feb. 21, 2022
As system performance demands escalate in industrial and automotive systems, Hall-effect sensors will continue to see widespread use. This article explores misconceptions regarding these sensors and their impact on real-world applications.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21234032/texas-instruments-11-myths-about-halleffect-sensors?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220218083&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://storydesign.electronicdesign.com/ti-functional-safety?utm_source=EG+ED+Auto+Electronics&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220214022&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21233590/maxim-integrated-powersupply-subsystems-for-ppg-remotepatient-vital-sign-monitors-part-2?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220216028&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Automotive Smart Fuse Aids in Diagnosing Intermittent Shorts (Part 1)
Feb. 25, 2022
The author takes you through the journey of replacing the fuse in his car with a smart fuse to help diagnose intermittent shorts, eliminate the need to replace blown fuses, and greatly improve troubleshooting efficiency.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21234646/silicon-labs-automotive-smart-fuse-aids-in-diagnosing-intermittent-shorts-part-1?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220224016&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
#209: Basics of Phase Dots on Transformer Windings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuZh1QnegC4
This video describes what the “phase dots” are that you often see adjacent to windings of a transformer. It discusses how these dots are used in certain circuits to establish a desired phase relationship between the signals on the various windings. A couple of tips are given regarding how to determine the phasing relationship on homebrew transformers. Finally, measurements are made with an oscilloscope on a trifilar wound transformer to see the phase relationship between the signals on each of the windings with respect to the phasing dots. Notes can be found here:
https://www.qsl.net/w/w2aew//youtube/PhaseDots.pdf
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/test-measurement/article/21235031/nordson-test-inspection-color-and-ultrasound-reveal-feature-depth-in-igbts-and-other-components?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220224028&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R