Latest Industrial Automation Technical Articles

In this article, we explore the operation of a Class D stage with a capacitive load and how it can be used in piezo…

In this article, we explore the operation of a Class D stage with a capacitive load and how it can be used in piezo amplifier design.

We examine the basic requirements of piezoelectric amplifiers and how Class AB operation can meet them.

We examine the basic requirements of piezoelectric amplifiers and how Class AB operation can meet them.

Learn how to create a batteryless crawling robot using basic electronic components and a 3D-printed chassis.

Learn how to create a batteryless crawling robot using basic electronic components and a 3D-printed chassis.

The device technology co-optimization (DTCO) methodology requires generating large numbers of layouts. This article…

The device technology co-optimization (DTCO) methodology requires generating large numbers of layouts. This article introduces a few ways of speeding up this time-consuming process using automation.

In this article, we'll walk through the steps of generating a Process Design Kit (PDK) for digital standard cell libraries.

In this article, we'll walk through the steps of generating a Process Design Kit (PDK) for digital standard cell libraries.

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

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

In this article, we learn about core saturation and why it should be avoided in most applications. We then examine how…

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.

Eddy currents are a major loss mechanism in transformer cores. This article provides both in-depth and simplified…

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.

The hysteresis effect is one of the main sources of loss in ferromagnetic materials. In this article, we learn to…

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.

In this article, we use the concept of magnetic field energy to explore the relationship between a core's hysteresis loss…

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.

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

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

The formation of eddy currents can cause problems for magnetic cores at high frequencies. To mitigate these undesirable…

The formation of eddy currents can cause problems for magnetic cores at high frequencies. To mitigate these undesirable effects, we first need to understand them.

This article examines three different types of magnetic materials and how they react to an external magnetic field.

This article examines three different types of magnetic materials and how they react to an external magnetic field.

This article discusses the following basic concepts related to magnetic materials: the magnetic dipole moment,…

This article discusses the following basic concepts related to magnetic materials: the magnetic dipole moment, magnetization vectors, susceptibility, and permeability.

With the help of SPICE simulations, we examine two types of power dissipation that occur when BJTs are used as switches.

With the help of SPICE simulations, we examine two types of power dissipation that occur when BJTs are used as switches.

High-speed data transmission interfaces such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet use differential signaling due to its superior…

High-speed data transmission interfaces such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet use differential signaling due to its superior noise immunity. Even so, some noise still appears. To remove it, we need to understand where it comes from and why.

Though both standards have long been used for serial communication, RS-485 offers valuable features that aren't available…

Though both standards have long been used for serial communication, RS-485 offers valuable features that aren't available from RS-232. Learn more in this article.

In this article, we conclude our discussion of VNAs by walking through the steps of a SOLT calibration and examining the…

In this article, we conclude our discussion of VNAs by walking through the steps of a SOLT calibration and examining the potential non-idealities of its reference standards.

This article, the first in a two-part series on op amp signal swing, explains the characteristics and limitations of an…

This article, the first in a two-part series on op amp signal swing, explains the characteristics and limitations of an operational amplifier’s input voltages.