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Introduction to the Boost Converter: Structure and Design

Introduction to the Boost Converter: Structure and Design

What is a boost converter? This article discusses key initial design tasks for a step-up voltage regulator and describes its structure.


Choosing Capacitance Values for a Step-Down Switching Regulator

Choosing Capacitance Values for a Step-Down Switching Regulator

Designing a buck converter? Read this article for practical guidance on selecting an output capacitance value.


Choosing the Right Type of Output Capacitor for a Switching Regulator

Choosing the Right Type of Output Capacitor for a Switching Regulator

Capacitors are a crucial component of step-down switching regulators. Learn about the different capacitor types and how each one affects regulator performance.


Selecting Inductors for Step-Down Switching Regulators, Continued

Selecting Inductors for Step-Down Switching Regulators, Continued

Are you picking out components for a step-down switching regulator? Learn how to think about inductance values and inductor current when choosing an inductor.


Choosing Inductor Values for Step-Down Switching Voltage Regulators

Choosing Inductor Values for Step-Down Switching Voltage Regulators

Proper inductor selection is one key to the successful design and implementation of a switching regulator. This article will help you understand the relationship between the inductor value and circuit performance.


LTspice Lab: Buck Converter Current and Voltage Dynamics

LTspice Lab: Buck Converter Current and Voltage Dynamics

Improve your understanding of switch-mode voltage regulators by examining the electrical characteristics of a step-down converter during the on and off portions of its switching cycle.


An RMS Detector for a Wideband Voltmeter—Design and Operation

An RMS Detector for a Wideband Voltmeter—Design and Operation

This project demonstrates the design and operation of a root-mean-squared (RMS) detector for inclusion in a wideband voltmeter. The RMS detector is useful for measuring certain signal types, including noise, since it provides an indication of the energy in a signal.


Projects Jun 25, 2023 by John Woodgate
What Is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?

What Is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?

This FEQ (Frequent Engineering Question) gives you essential information about the most important and widespread technique for converting a theoretical circuit into a functional physical device.


Obtaining Convergence for High-Q XTAL Oscillators

Obtaining Convergence for High-Q XTAL Oscillators

Learn a method of attaining convergence when simulating very high Q crystal oscillators using Cadence’s Virtuoso Periodic Steady State (PSS) analysis.


Special Topics in Schematic Capture

Special Topics in Schematic Capture

Learn about heterogeneous and homogenous buses, special IC packages, and more!


Error Checking Schematics

Error Checking Schematics

This article presents tools and practices in reducing errors in your schematics.


IC Design Resources Roundup: Mentor, Cadence, and Synopsys

IC Design Resources Roundup: Mentor, Cadence, and Synopsys

The design of a modern IC is a truly monumental undertaking, and IC design tools make the job possible.


LTSpice Simulation Using WAV Files

LTSpice Simulation Using WAV Files

Learn how to interface with LTSpice using WAV files.


How to Turn a Schematic into a PCB Layout: PCB Design for a Custom Inclinometer

How to Turn a Schematic into a PCB Layout: PCB Design for a Custom Inclinometer

So you have a schematic. How do you lay out your custom board? In this article, we'll go over the challenges and solutions I came across in designing a custom PCB for an inclinometer subsystem.


Guide to PCB Design: From PCB Schematic to Board Layout

Guide to PCB Design: From PCB Schematic to Board Layout

In this article, you will learn the basics of how to plan a schematic for a custom PCB and lay out your PCB prototype design.


Use the Xilinx System Generator to Implement a Simple DDS

Use the Xilinx System Generator to Implement a Simple DDS

In this article, we’ll discuss implementing a simple direct digital synthesizer (DDS) using the Xilinx System Generator.


Tamper Detection with Differential Inductive Sensing Coils

Tamper Detection with Differential Inductive Sensing Coils

This article demonstrates the creation of an inductive switch cabinet lock that can detect the movement of a conductive target. The purpose is to create a door that cannot be opened without triggering an alarm.


Projects Nov 06, 2017 by Mark Hughes
Extend EAGLE CAD Tool with ULPs: Writing Your First User Language Program

Extend EAGLE CAD Tool with ULPs: Writing Your First User Language Program

In this tutorial, you will learn how to write your first ULP in EAGLE CAD to add a new capability to your CAD tool.


Easier PCB Design: EAGLE CAD Tips and Tricks Part 3

Easier PCB Design: EAGLE CAD Tips and Tricks Part 3

More important tips and tricks for using EAGLE CAD to help make your work much easier and faster.


C-BISCUIT: Layout and Assembly for the Robot Control Board

C-BISCUIT: Layout and Assembly for the Robot Control Board

We’ll discuss some important layout and manufacturing concepts as we look at the PCB for the Robot Control Board.


Projects Oct 25, 2016 by Robert Keim