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From VHDL Code to Real Hardware: Designing a Finite-State Machine

From VHDL Code to Real Hardware: Designing a Finite-State Machine

Learn how to implement finite-state machines in VHDL by creating a 4-bit binary counter. After compiling, it will run on an Altera CPLD development board connected to a custom PCB with input switches and an LED display.


Understanding the Effect of Diode Reverse Recovery in Class D Amplifiers

Understanding the Effect of Diode Reverse Recovery in Class D Amplifiers

With the help of SPICE simulations, this article explores the impact of diode reverse recovery on Class D amplifier performance.


Why Class D Amplifiers Need Anti-Parallel Diodes

Why Class D Amplifiers Need Anti-Parallel Diodes

Learn how anti-parallel diodes protect Class D amplifiers from the effects of reactive loads and inductive kickback.


The Lowdown on Wi-Fi HaLow

The Lowdown on Wi-Fi HaLow

Learn about Wi-Fi HaLow, a long-range, low-power wireless standard for IoT applications.


Introduction to Switching-Mode Power Amplifiers: Class D Operation

Introduction to Switching-Mode Power Amplifiers: Class D Operation

In this article, we'll learn the basics of switching-mode RF amplifiers in general and Class D amplifiers in particular.


Understanding the Limitations of the Class C Power Amplifier

Understanding the Limitations of the Class C Power Amplifier

In this article, we explore the drawbacks of Class C operation through a performance comparison with Class A and Class B amplifiers.


Introduction to the Common-Drain Amplifier: Small-Signal Behavior

Introduction to the Common-Drain Amplifier: Small-Signal Behavior

The common-drain amplifier is a single-stage configuration that uses the gate as its input and the source as its output. Learn about its small-signal characteristics in this article.


Introduction to the Class C Power Amplifier

Introduction to the Class C Power Amplifier

This article examines the operation of the Class C power amplifier and how it compares to its Class A and Class B counterparts.


Introduction to the Common-Drain Amplifier: Large-Signal Behavior

Introduction to the Common-Drain Amplifier: Large-Signal Behavior

Also known as the source follower, the common-drain amplifier is notable for its low output impedance. This article introduces the basic common-drain configuration and examines its large-signal characteristics.


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.


The Wireless Alphabet Flasher: A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

The Wireless Alphabet Flasher: A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

In this project, we mix the old and the new by integrating present-day BLE technology with a vintage Science Fair computer kit.


Projects Jul 21, 2024 by Don Wilcher
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.


Using Permeability to Understand Magnetic Core Saturation

Using Permeability to Understand Magnetic Core Saturation

In this article, we learn about core saturation and why it should be avoided in most applications. We then examine how different ways of defining permeability can help us predict the saturation flux density of a magnetic core.


Moving Data Through an LTspice Parallel-Load Shift Register

Moving Data Through an LTspice Parallel-Load Shift Register

This article demonstrates the operation of an LTspice shift register and discusses details of its schematic and timing relationships.


Understanding How Laminated Cores Reduce Eddy Current Loss

Understanding How Laminated Cores Reduce Eddy Current Loss

Eddy currents are a major loss mechanism in transformer cores. This article provides both in-depth and simplified explanations of how core laminations work to mitigate the effects of eddy currents.


Creating a Parallel-Load Shift Register in LTspice

Creating a Parallel-Load Shift Register in LTspice

We explore the design and functionality of a digital shift register intended for use in mixed-signal circuit simulations.


Hysteresis Loss: Estimation, Modeling, and the Steinmetz Equation

Hysteresis Loss: Estimation, Modeling, and the Steinmetz Equation

The hysteresis effect is one of the main sources of loss in ferromagnetic materials. In this article, we learn to calculate the hysteresis loss of a magnetic core and work through some example problems.


Understanding Magnetic Field Energy and Hysteresis Loss in Magnetic Cores

Understanding Magnetic Field Energy and Hysteresis Loss in Magnetic Cores

In this article, we use the concept of magnetic field energy to explore the relationship between a core's hysteresis loss and its B-H curve.


Modifying the Operation of Digital Components in LTspice

Modifying the Operation of Digital Components in LTspice

Customizing the device parameters of LTspice's logic gates and flip-flops can help you more accurately simulate these components. This article walks through the specification process and provides some helpful tips.


Understanding Dimensional Resonance in High-Frequency Magnetic Cores

Understanding Dimensional Resonance in High-Frequency Magnetic Cores

In this article, we explore the effect of dimensional resonance on the magnetic field distribution in high-frequency ferrite cores.