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.
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Tomi Engdahl says:
PID Balance+Ball | full explanation & tuning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFTJ2SS4xyA
Tomi Engdahl says:
Any signal input with sufficiently fast dV/dT properties could cause a Sallen-Key lowpass #filter to malfunction https://buff.ly/2Y0y69c
Tomi Engdahl says:
Linear does not mean no distortion
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/fun-with-fundamentals/4462101/Linear-does-not-mean-no-distortion
Distortion: An undesired change in the signal’s waveform after it passes through a device or a system.
No Distortion
A system or network (Figure 1) is called distortionless if its output is an exact replica of its input, except for amplitude scaling and time delay
Linear does not mean no distortion
From Fig. 2, it seems intuitive that a linear function won’t produce distortion, but a nonlinear function will. It is tempting to conclude that linear circuits are always distortionless systems, but that is not correct. Linear circuits that introduce variation in frequency response (either magnitude or phase) can distort the signal.
Let’s look at a simple linear circuit, the RC lowpass circuit
Distortion on purpose
Distortion is not always a bad thing. There are plenty of applications where distortion is intentionally introduced to accomplish some purpose. A great example of this is the wide range of distortion boxes and other effects used with electric guitars [Ref 3]. Radio frequency design also takes advantage of nonlinear devices to generate harmonics and to mix frequencies together. In high-speed digital links, predistortion is often added to compensate for the characteristics in a transmission line. One person’s distortion is another person’s desired signal.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Easy four-quadrant multiplier using a quad op amp
https://www.edn.com/design/analog/4461981/Easy-four-quadrant-multiplier-using-a-quad-op-amp
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/design/analog/4462114/Some-thoughts-on-Class-B-amplifiers?utm_content=buffer398b6&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Tomi Engdahl says:
SiC MOSFETs: A cost-effective and reliable high-power solution
https://www.edn.com/design/power-management/4462155/SiC-MOSFETs–A-cost-effective-and-reliable-high-power-solution
Tomi Engdahl says:
Power Tips #91: How to improve flyback efficiency with a nondissipative clamp
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/power-tips-/4462171/Power-Tips–91–How-to-improve-flyback-efficiency-with-a-nondissipative-clamp
Tomi Engdahl says:
Analog multiplier works over large frequency range
https://www.edn.com/design/analog/4359500/Analog-multiplier-works-over-large-frequency-range
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/the-emc-blog/4462154/Insertion-loss-measurements-of-ferrite-absorber-sheets
Tomi Engdahl says:
Inspectar Uses Augmented Reality to Help You Inspect Your PCBs
https://blog.hackster.io/inspectar-uses-augmented-reality-to-help-you-inspect-your-pcbs-4ff412df7504
Tomi Engdahl says:
Getting Started with Power Rail Measurements Application Note
https://info.tek.com/en-power-rail-app-note-fb-wc.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=power-rail&utm_campaign=paid-nordics
Tomi Engdahl says:
Fast prototyping and deployment of control algorithms for power conversion applications
https://www.edn.com/design/power-management/4462184/Fast-prototyping-and-deployment-of-control-algorithms-for-power-conversion-applications
Tomi Engdahl says:
Splice wires like NASA
https://youtu.be/O-ymw7d_nYo
Tomi Engdahl says:
Measuring inductance: Design Idea discussion
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/anablog/4462233/Measuring-inductance–Design-Idea-discussion
Tomi Engdahl says:
Precision voltage-controlled current sink tests power supplies
https://www.edn.com/design/test-and-measurement/4326998/Precision-voltage-controlled-current-sink-tests-power-supplies
To discover potential power-supply problems, you must run dynamic and static tests. This simple current sink tests low- to medium-power supplies and voltage sources. In this application, the current sink can draw current of 0 to 1.5A for an input-voltage range of 0 to 5V with a supply voltage as high as 20V.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Bypass capacitor S-parameter models: What you need to know
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/si-pi-masterclass/4462242/Bypass-capacitor-S-parameter-models–What-you-need-to-know
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2019/07/cable-wire-tester-circuit.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/hardware/a-half-century-ago-better-transistors-and-switching-regulators-revolutionized-the-design-of-computer-power-supplies
Tomi Engdahl says:
Maker Paste – Low Temperature Lead-Free Prototyping Solder Paste
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3217
Tomi Engdahl says:
The CapZero-3 X-capacitor discharge #IC from Power Integrations is #safety certified for use in both small and major appliances https://buff.ly/304MBts
X-capacitor discharge IC meets IEC 60335
https://www.edn.com/electronics-products/other/4462263/X-capacitor-discharge-IC-meets-IEC-60335
Placed before or after a system’s input fuse, the two-terminal CapZero-3 IC allows designers to meet IEC 60335 safety requirements, the discharge safety standard for all appliances, with X-capacitor discharge of <34 V in <1 s. Further, just one CapZero-3 IC can be used for a wide range of applications in small and major appliances that require X-capacitor values ranging from 100 nF to 6 µF. The part also reduces power loss to less than 5 mW, or essentially zero at 230 VAC.
Tomi Engdahl says:
For signal distortion, phase matters
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/fun-with-fundamentals/4462271/For-signal-distortion–phase-matters
Tomi Engdahl says:
Electronic Filament Embeds Semiconductors Directly into 3D Prints
https://blog.hackster.io/electronic-filament-embeds-semiconductors-directly-into-3d-prints-76a162741e3b
Researchers at MIT and elsewhere have created a 3D printing process that produces objects with the electronics already embedded inside. The process uses customized fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers, but instead of melting the entire filament, only the outer polymer cladding is liquefied, leaving an internal electronics structure unaffected.
http://news.mit.edu/2019/fiber-3-d-print-electronics-0912
Tomi Engdahl says:
MOSFET drivers for motor drives: Start with your motor’s specs
https://www.edn.com/design/power-management/4462291/MOSFET-drivers-for-motor-drives–Start-with-your-motor-s-specs
Engineers often use a gate driver or “pre-driver” IC along with N-channel power MOSFETs to provide the high current needed to drive motors. It’s important to account for all the design considerations related to selecting the driver IC, MOSFETs, and in some cases associated passive components. Often this process is poorly understood, and implementations are less than optimal.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Get power from a telephone line without disturbing it
https://www.edn.com/design/power-management/4315670/Get-power-from-a-telephone-line-without-disturbing-it?utm_content=buffer16ddb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
This power-conversion circuit delivers intermittent bursts of regulated voltage from a supercapacitor charged by a trickle of current from a telephone line.
The switched-mode-power-supply circuit comprises a Linear Technology LTC3459 micropower boost converter, IC2, and its associated components, which deliver 5V at 10 mA. A fully charged C1 can supply power to a 10-mA load for approximately 40 sec. With no load, the circuit can sustain its 5V output for more than 10 hours.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Exchanging design data for PCB layout
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/out-of-this-world-design/4462329/Exchanging-design-data-for-PCB-layout
was doing the PCB layout on a time-critical project and needed component footprints and 3D step models. Many space-grade parts suppliers don’t supply these, which means you either create them or buy from a number of specialist companies. The other issue is that there are numerous legacy file formats and EDA tools do not support all of these
Tomi Engdahl says:
Driver circuit lights architectural and interior LEDs
https://www.edn.com/design/led/4368306/Driver-circuit-lights-architectural-and-interior-LEDs
LEDs are more efficient than incandescent lights and can last 100 times longer, but they require specialized electronic-drive circuits to avoid overstress conditions. The main operating parameter is relatively simple: Keep the current through the LEDs constant and under the specified maximum.
LEDs’ forward voltage does change with temperature. LED manufacturers generally bin their devices by forward voltage, allowing a lighting manufacturer to build a lighting fixture to match this forward voltage at a fixed temperature. A circuit using unbinned LEDs saves the LED manufacturer time and results in less expensive LEDs. LEDs also have a negative forward-voltage-to-temperature coefficient that can cause the drive circuit to go into thermal runaway, requiring the designer to build safeguards into the design
Simple, economical, and robust hybrid circuits find use in architectural- and interior-lighting fixtures. These circuits’ design may be less efficient than that of a complex switching regulator, but their low cost and simplicity make them attractive. These circuits operate over the full universal voltage specification of 85 to 265V ac at 50 or 60 Hz.
The circuit in Figure 1 comprises a bridge, a chopper, and a current regulator.
The voltage across C1 stays at 80 to 90V. The charge on C1 feeds the CCR (constant-current regulator) and the LED string. This circuit example has 22 LEDs. P
Tomi Engdahl says:
Trace ESD current paths with the HP 547A
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/the-emc-blog/4462331/Trace-ESD-current-paths-with-the-HP-547A
In the mid-1970s, HP developed a set of three handheld probes; a logic probe (HP 545A), a current pulser (HP 546A), and a current tracer (HP 547A).
The HP 547A Current Tracer is a hand-held probe which enables the precise localization of low impedance faults in electrical systems. The probe senses the magnetic field generated by a pulsing current internal to the circuit or by current pulses supplied by an external stimulus such as the HP 546A or 10526T Logic Pulsers. Indication of the presence of current pulses is provided by lighting the indicator lamp near the Current Tracer tip. Adjustment of probe sensitivity over a 1 mA to 1A range is provided by the SENSITIVITY control near the indicator.
It occurred to me recently that the current tracer might help map out the path of ESD discharge currents, especially for complex systems with multiple circuit boards, power supplies, and cables.
After some head-scratching (and some lunch), I pulled out the current tracer, set it to 1 A sensitivity and connected it up to an external 12 V power supply. We then turned the system on its side and injected a small 500 V ESD pulse into one of the sensitive areas. As my client applied repeated pulses every few seconds, I started probing around on the keyboard/display board and cables (Figure 2).
We were easily able to isolate the path of ESD to just a few of the cables as well as the display board.
Current-tracer probes were more prevalent 10 years ago, but occasionally I see them pop up on eBay or other surplus outfits for $50 to $100. This just might be the right tool for those really difficult ESD challenges
Tomi Engdahl says:
Creepage distance for PCBs handling line voltage AC?
https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/22796/creepage-distance-for-pcbs-handling-line-voltage-ac
Tomi Engdahl says:
Shipping Containers As Faraday Cages?
http://survive2012.com/news/2013/01/shipping-containers-as-faraday-cages-4744.html
There’s a massive dilemma for preppers who wish to prepare for an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) from enemies or nature:
Buy a Faraday Cage – very expensive, because none are made for the consumer market
Build a Faraday Cage – and never know if you got it right until crunch time
Most designs that can be found online for a Faraday Cage are for something the size of a shoebox or similar.
Read more at http://survive2012.com/news/2013/01/shipping-containers-as-faraday-cages-4744.html#MIrAyWDcdppIwYAE.99
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power/eliminate-those-automotive-load-dump-circuit-protection-headaches
Tomi Engdahl says:
Zero offset active lowpass filter, part 3
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/living-analog/4462318/Zero-offset-active-lowpass-filter–part-3
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.ti.com/design-resources/design-tools-simulation/analog-circuits/overview.html?HQS=asc-null-null-tlamps_cookbook-asset-lp-ElectronicSpecifier-eu&DCM=yes&dclid=CObv4ZnPjOUCFRnKsgodPwMKOQ#
Tomi Engdahl says:
Optocouplers and sound #design provide effective #isolation for #medical equipment and protect patients from potentially dangerous leakage currents #TBT #safety #circuit https://buff.ly/32sCcK4
Tomi Engdahl says:
Miniaturizing Your Projects
https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/blogs/2019/miniaturizing-your-projects
the constant reduction in the size of electronics and the desire for smaller devices now sees the most recent technologies in packages that are difficult to use such as SOIC, QFN, and BGA. But this reduction in size isn’t something to be scared of. In this blog post, we will look at why you should miniaturize your projects, as well as how you can do it!
Tomi Engdahl says:
MIT Researchers Extend Pick-and-Place to Tiny, Microscopic Components
https://www.hackster.io/news/mit-researchers-extend-pick-and-place-to-tiny-microscopic-components-0d850d2db10a
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have built an “electroadhesive stamp” system which can extend the pick-and-place concept into the microscopic scale — potentially easing the assembly of smaller, more powerful circuits in the future.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Build your own bypass-capacitor tester
https://www.edn.com/design/test-and-measurement/4347737/Build-your-own-bypass-capacitor-tester
Tomi Engdahl says:
FPGA design for Software Engineers
https://www.walknsqualk.com/post/014-tiny-fpga-bx/
Starting with FPGAs
Tomi Engdahl says:
Use a current mirror to control a power supply
https://www.edn.com/design/power-management/4462234/Use-a-current-mirror-to-control-a-power-supply-
Tomi Engdahl says:
The “terrible” 3 cent MCU – a short survey of sub $0.10 microcontrollers.
https://cpldcpu.wordpress.com/2019/08/12/the-terrible-3-cent-mcu/amp/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Substituting solid tantalum and tantalum polymer capacitors for surface-mount MLCCs
https://www.edn.com/design/pc-board/4461117/Substituting-solid-tantalum-and-tantalum-polymer-capacitors-for-surface-mount-MLCCS
Due to current bottlenecks in the procurement of surface-mount ceramic capacitors, designers are looking for substitutes to keep their production lines running smoothly, and to find long-term replacements for hard to find ratings. This article will examine key performance characteristics that will help streamline the evaluation process of alternative capacitor technologies for the replacement of multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs). The most likely MLCC candidates for successful replacement by tantalum technology are the higher capacitance values in case sizes from 0402 to 1210. Applications that require high capacitance for filtering or voltage stabilization are good candidates for replacement.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.hackster.io/news/build-your-own-solder-fume-extractor-for-just-a-few-dollars-a3a3b1866ec7
Tomi Engdahl says:
Who’s afraid of the big bad capacitor load? Little red chopper-stabilized amp?
https://www.edn.com/design/analog/4462387/Who-s-afraid-of-the-big-bad-capacitor-load–Little-red-chopper-stabilized-amp-?utm_content=buffer7cac0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/industry-articles/how-to-select-the-right-aluminum-electrolytic-capacitor/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2019/10/blocking-bypass-diode-solar-panel-junction-box.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Lets-learn-about-Super-Capacitors-A-Practical-G/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Short circuit tracer/finder uses low power
https://www.edn.com/design/pc-board/4434259/Short-circuit-tracer-finder-uses-low-power
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.renesas.com/us/en/about/sponsorship/embedded-electronics-enable-formula-e-electric-race-cars.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
The ground illusion: Don’t let it come back to get you
https://www.edn.com/design/pc-board/4462355/The-ground-illusion–Don-t-let-it-come-back-to-get-you
Tomi Engdahl says:
Increase piezoelectric transducer acoustic output with a simple circuit
https://www.edn.com/design/analog/4462308/Increase-piezoelectric-transducer-acoustic-output-with-a-simple-circuit
Increase piezoelectric transducer acoustic output with a simple circuit
https://www.edn.com/design/analog/4368114/Circuit-boosts-voltage-to-piezoelectric-transducers
Tomi Engdahl says:
Out with the new, in with the old
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/tales-from-the-cube/4418302/Out-with-the-new–in-with-the-old?utm_content=buffer7a559&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
the cores we used in our other projects were not suitable for this converter.
My problem was that I had unsuitable pulses in the primary winding. These pulses had strong distortions, which caused a control MOSFET to get very warm. A special circuit usually used for reducing these distortions was ineffective
Accidentally, I took off a rectifier diode from this circuit that was an SMD. I do not like to solder small SMDs, so I took an old diode with terminals and placed it in the device.
When I looked at the oscillograph I could not believe my eyes–the strong distortions decreased!
Using a diode with low recovery time decreased the distortions.
needed to provide some shunting using the auxiliary winding from timing of the arising pulse in the primary winding and this converter would work.
Replacing a fast diode with a low-recovery-time diode was impossible because the diode dissipated high power