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Harmonics and THD in Audio Systems: Are You a Subjectivist or a Rationalist?

Harmonics and THD in Audio Systems: Are You a Subjectivist or a Rationalist?

THD of an audio system can be easily measured, but because the ultimate output of an audio system is a sound for humans to hear, human perception plays a role in determining what to do about THD.


Exploring the Pros and Cons of Silicon Carbide (SiC) FETs: A New MOSFET from Cree

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Silicon Carbide (SiC) FETs: A New MOSFET from Cree

The C3M0075120K is a low-on-resistance N-channel FET for high-power switching applications.


Basic Operations in Signal Processing: Multiplication, Differentiation, Integration

Basic Operations in Signal Processing: Multiplication, Differentiation, Integration

Here we discuss some elementary operations performed on the dependent variable representing the signal(s) and the examples in which they are applied.


Finding Maximums in Noisy Data

Finding Maximums in Noisy Data

In this article, we'll first study types of noise and then try to eliminate them by filtering the data. Finally, we'll try to find peaks in that data.


FET vs. BJT vs. IGBT: What’s the Right Choice for Your Power Stage Design?

FET vs. BJT vs. IGBT: What’s the Right Choice for Your Power Stage Design?

This article will help the reader understand the different types of power semiconductors: how they work, their key parameters, and trade-offs.


Basic Operations in Signal Processing: An Overview

Basic Operations in Signal Processing: An Overview

Here we discuss some elementary operations that are important in signal processing and the practical scenarios for their applications.


Understanding, Calculating, and Measuring Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

Understanding, Calculating, and Measuring Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

Total harmonic distortion (THD) is a measurement that tells you how much of the distortion of a voltage or current is due to harmonics in the signal.


Comparing the Electret to MEMS Microphones

Comparing the Electret to MEMS Microphones

This technical brief explains the physical characteristics and the benefits of microphones based on MEMS technology.


The IoT Beaglebone Beagle Treat-Feeder

The IoT Beaglebone Beagle Treat-Feeder

The Beaglebone Treat-Feeder is the prototype for a great pet-feeding device! Keep track of your pet's diet while you stuff your face!


Projects Jan 30, 2017 by Ryan Jones
Why Source Shifting Is Important and How to Use It

Why Source Shifting Is Important and How to Use It

This article explains the rules associated with the technique of source shifting.


Build Your Own LED Photography Ring Light

Build Your Own LED Photography Ring Light

LED ring flashes and lights can be a valuable tool for photographers. In this tutorial, we are going to build our own ring light out of LEDs!


Projects Jan 26, 2017 by Alex Udanis
Building an Infrared Tracker with a PICAXE 14M2 and a Stepper Motor

Building an Infrared Tracker with a PICAXE 14M2 and a Stepper Motor

Tracking an infrared light source is not as difficult as you might think; a 14-pin PICAXE, a stepper motor with a driver IC, three phototransistors, and a few other components will do the trick.


Understanding Current-Voltage Curves of Non-Linear Devices

Understanding Current-Voltage Curves of Non-Linear Devices

This article discusses the I-V curves of passive non-linear devices such as diodes, transistors, and thyristors.


Understanding Correlation

Understanding Correlation

This article provides insight into the practical aspects of correlation.


Understanding Current-Voltage Curves

Understanding Current-Voltage Curves

This article discusses I-V curves for passive components, voltage sources, and current sources.


The Santa Cam! An Arduino PIR Motion-Activated Camera System

The Santa Cam! An Arduino PIR Motion-Activated Camera System

The motion-activated Santa Cam is sure to catch who is stealing your milk and cookies this holiday season! You can even use it for a photo booth this New Year's Eve!


Projects Dec 19, 2016 by Ryan Jones
How the Boost PFC Converter Circuit Improves Power Quality

How the Boost PFC Converter Circuit Improves Power Quality

A boost power factor correction (PFC) converter can significantly improve both the power factor and the harmonic distortion.


Power Factor, THD, and Why Linear Power Supplies Fail to Meet Power Standards

Power Factor, THD, and Why Linear Power Supplies Fail to Meet Power Standards

A discussion of international electrical quality standards and why basic linear power supplies fail to meet them.


The Holiday Season Analog Alarm! A Gift-Defending System

The Holiday Season Analog Alarm! A Gift-Defending System

Nowhere to hide presents this holiday season? No problem! This alarm will sound anytime a loved one tries to get a sneak peek at his or her surprise.


Projects Dec 05, 2016 by Ryan Jones
Understanding Automatic Gain Control

Understanding Automatic Gain Control

How do designers cope with a system that has highly variable input amplitude yet requires fairly constant output amplitude? Let’s take a look.