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Determining Which PoE Transformer Is Best: Flyback or Forward?

With IoT on the rise, engineers are increasingly faced with options of transformer topologies in Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)-based designs.

4 days ago by Antonio Anzaldua Jr.

Photorelays: A More Power- and Size-Efficient Alternative to Conventional Relays?

Photorelays are gaining traction. In many cases, these devices outpace their mechanical counterparts in terms of size and power efficiency.

September 14, 2020 by Jake Hertz

Basics of Tactile Switches

This whitepaper offers a basic introduction to tactile switches, a key component for many end devices which require actuators such as buttons.

In partnership with Omron Electronic Components

Switching Inductive Loads with Safe Demagnetization

The purpose of this application note is to provide the system engineer with details of the unique features of Maxim's MAX14912/MAX14913 products, and in particular, to explain how these products can safely handle 24V DC loads of "Unlimited Inductance" using Maxim's patented SafeDemag™ feature.

In partnership with Maxim Integrated

Digital Output Drivers: Understanding Key Features and Challenges

This application note explains the key features of the MAX14912/MAX14913 octal digital output driver and how they can be utilized in industrial and building automation applications.

In partnership with Maxim Integrated

C&K Debuts RTF, the Industry’s First and Slimmest Low Profile Rotary DIP Switch for Industrial, Consumer, and Medical Devices

Offering the most compact and water-resistant features, the RTF is designed to ensure quality and performance.

In partnership with C&K Switches

Switch On Innovation: 5G and the Future of Smart Cities

Learn how next-generation networks and IoT technologies will transform our cities and the role electronic switches play in the larger ecosystem.

In partnership with C&K Switches

G7EB PCB Power Relay

Omron's G7EB PCB Power Relay is a high-power, high-temperature type power relay with 480 VAC 100 A current.

In partnership with Omron Electronic Components

“Massless” Electrons Could Make Way for Faster Electronic Devices

The discovery of “massless” electrons in a phase-change material could bring us faster electronic devices, researchers say.

August 27, 2020 by Luke James

C&K Introduces Industry-First NanoT Series, the World’s Smallest Tactile Switch

Built for high-quality and performance, NanoT serves the wearable and medical device markets where miniaturized solutions are in high demand.

In partnership with C&K Switches

The Benefits and Challenges of a GaN-Based, Quasi-Resonant Power Converter

A recently-released reference design for a GaN-based QR adaptor opens a discussion: How do quasi-resonant flyback converters work? And what are the virtues and limitations of designing a GaN-based power converter?

August 13, 2020 by Steve Arar

Precisely Capture Servo Motor Position Using a High-Speed Simultaneous Sampling ADC

Autonomous drones and robots utilize small motors. These fast-spinning mini motors require miniature encoders and IC package sizes. This article shows how an optical sinusoidal encoder provides a higher resolution and increased speeds with a 2x3 mm dual simultaneous-sampling SAR-ADC.

August 11, 2020 by Bonnie Baker, Maxim Integrated

Reviewing a Subcategory of Hall-Effect Sensors: the Unipolar Hall-Effect Sensor

The unipolar Hall-effect sensor, also known as a unipolar switch, animates a variety of proximity-sensing devices—from gear-shift levers to laptop screens.

July 30, 2020 by Jake Hertz

Digital MEMs Microphone Extends Smart Speaker Battery Life by Ten Times

The power-saving architecture behind the MEMs microphone side-steps the pitfalls of always-on listening battery consumption.

July 30, 2020 by Jake Hertz

Reed Relays Can Be the Best Solution for Signal Switching in T&M

Signal switching is vital in test systems, and there are many options to accomplish the task. Here's why reed relay-based switching systems may be your best bet.

July 29, 2020 by Steve Arar

The World’s First Truly Monolithic MEMS Speaker Hits the Market

MEMs speakers already have a leg up on conventional speakers. What does a fully-monolithic MEMs speaker entail?

July 17, 2020 by Jake Hertz

Motorizing the IoT With Battery-powered Stepper Motors

This article looks at how stepper motors work well in IoT-oriented tasks such as positioning security cameras and remote sensors or actuating air vents, valves, and window covers. 

July 14, 2020 by Bernhard Dwersteg, TRINAMIC Motion Control

NASA Creates Open-Source Device to Prevent You from Touching Your Face

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a team of engineers at NASA JPL has created PULSE, a pendant that will warn if you’re about to touch your face.

June 29, 2020 by Jake Hertz

University at Buffalo Engineers Develop A Transistor That Can Handle 8,000 Volts

The gallium oxide-based MOSFET, which is about as thin as a single sheet of paper, could help make large and bulky batteries and power systems, such as those used in electric vehicles, smaller.

June 23, 2020 by Luke James

Making Silicon Stronger and Deformable for More Capable MEMS Components

Researchers have demonstrated that silicon processed by modern lithography procedures exhibits an ultrahigh elastic strain limit, potentially enabling enhanced functional properties that will lead to better MEMS components.

June 15, 2020 by Luke James