All About Circuits

Latest Passives Articles and Videos

Categories

Create Your Own Stylus-Controlled Synthesizer

Create Your Own Stylus-Controlled Synthesizer

In this project article, we'll use a 555 timer IC to build an iconic musical instrument from the early days of synthesizers.


DIP Switches: Understanding the Basics

DIP Switches: Understanding the Basics

DIP switches come in many forms and offer an array of configurations, sizes, switching mechanisms, and power ratings. This article will help equip designers to select the best models for their designs.


How to Tune a Class E Amplifier

How to Tune a Class E Amplifier

In this article, we discuss a tuning method designed specifically for Class E RF amplifiers.


Determining RF Choke Requirements for a Class E Power Amplifier

Determining RF Choke Requirements for a Class E Power Amplifier

In this article, we examine the effects of RF choke non-idealities on Class E amplifier performance and learn how to choose the right choke inductance for your amplifier design.


Using QSPICE to Understand and Tune an LED Blinker Circuit

Using QSPICE to Understand and Tune an LED Blinker Circuit

In this article, we examine the oscillation behavior of an LED blinker circuit in QSPICE and learn how to control its ON-time and pulse repetition frequency.


TAIYO YUDEN Automotive-Grade Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors | New Product Brief

TAIYO YUDEN Automotive-Grade Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors | New Product Brief

TAIYO YUDEN Automotive-Grade Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors are robust, long-lasting components designed for high-performance automotive applications. Watch and learn all about their features, specs, applications, and more!


How To Withstand Electrical Stresses in Modern Op Amps

How To Withstand Electrical Stresses in Modern Op Amps

When designing amplifier circuits, it can be a challenge to avoid an overvoltage event at the amplifier. Learn the multiple options you have for preventing damage and when an overvoltage event occurs.


Unraveling the Design Equations of the Class E Power Amplifier

Unraveling the Design Equations of the Class E Power Amplifier

In this article, we analyze the operation of the Class E amplifier and examine the underlying assumptions of its design equations.


Bourns Expands Products for Automotive and Industrial Needs

Bourns Expands Products for Automotive and Industrial Needs

Bourns’ new products meet next-gen needs for signal transmission, high-current sensing, and surge protection.


News Oct 11, 2024 by Mike Falter
Class E Power Amplifiers: Waveform Engineering for Superior Performance

Class E Power Amplifiers: Waveform Engineering for Superior Performance

Class E RF amplifiers are designed to produce switch waveforms with a specific set of characteristics. In this article, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these waveforms.


Introduction to the Class E Power Amplifier

Introduction to the Class E Power Amplifier

Learn how Class E amplifiers improve on the efficiency of Class D amplifiers at RF frequencies.


Building a Resistor Color Code Calculator and Ohmmeter Using Arduino

Building a Resistor Color Code Calculator and Ohmmeter Using Arduino

For this project, I built a handheld resistor color code calculator and ohmmeter using the ATmega328 microcontroller and a 1.8-inch color LCD display.


A Cortex-M Microcontroller-Enabled Electronic Timer: A Radio Shack Remix

A Cortex-M Microcontroller-Enabled Electronic Timer: A Radio Shack Remix

In this Radio Shack Classic Circuits Remix, we add modern microcontroller functionality to the vintage Electronic Timer project for the Science Fair 65-in-1 kit.


Projects Sep 15, 2024 by Don Wilcher
Knowles’ Cornell Dubilier Brand of QAS Arc Suppressor/Snubber Network Film Caps | New Product Brief

Knowles’ Cornell Dubilier Brand of QAS Arc Suppressor/Snubber Network Film Caps | New Product Brief

Knowles' Cornell Dubilier QAS Arc Suppressor/Snubber Network Film Capacitors are designed to extend the lifespan of electronic and electromechanical devices by reducing electrical arcing, noise, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Watch and learn all about their features, specs, applications, and more!


Innovative Core Material Supports Higher Currents in TDK’s Inductive Chokes

Innovative Core Material Supports Higher Currents in TDK’s Inductive Chokes

The new high-current chokes use a novel alloy powder core material with superior saturation properties to push the boundaries of current density.


News Sep 12, 2024 by Mike Falter
How to Hurdle Overswing and Noise In Low Power Designs

How to Hurdle Overswing and Noise In Low Power Designs

Overswing can occur when Zener diodes are pushed to their limits. Learn about why this happens and the problems it causes—and how to overcome the issue.


Understanding Class D Amplifier Non-Idealities: Reactive Loads and Parasitic Capacitances

Understanding Class D Amplifier Non-Idealities: Reactive Loads and Parasitic Capacitances

In this article, we'll learn about two important non-idealities of Class D power amplifiers and how they affect performance.


Nanusens Leverages MEMS-Within-CMOS to Unlock 5G and 6G Bands

Nanusens Leverages MEMS-Within-CMOS to Unlock 5G and 6G Bands

MEMS technologist Nanusens is putting its RF digitally tunable capacitors (DTCs) to new use in RF front ends to help 5G and 6G take off.


News Jul 24, 2024 by Jake Hertz
Understanding Inductors With Gapped Cores

Understanding Inductors With Gapped Cores

In this article, we explore the advantages of introducing an air gap to the magnetic core of an inductor.


Controlling and Preventing Core Saturation in Inductors

Controlling and Preventing Core Saturation in Inductors

Core saturation is one of the main limitations on the design of magnetic components. In this article, we explore how different factors—particularly the number of turns—impact the core saturation of an inductor.