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Considerations for Using Light Pipes to Improve HMI Design

Human machine interfaces (HMIs) often incorporate light indicators. One option for HMI indicator technology is light pipes. In this article, learn some of the design considerations for choosing and using light pipes.

January 14, 2022 by Sannah Vinding, VCC

Harmonic Current in Power Supplies and IEC 61000-3-2

In this article, we'll take a look at the harmonic current in switched-mode power supplies and how power factor comes into play.

December 22, 2021 by Ron Stull, CUI

Developing Robust Motion Detectors Does Not Have to Be a Moving Target

This article discusses some concepts for ensuring motion detector designs will be robust to external disturbances by presenting an infrared detector assembly that can significantly reduce the parts count and improve product performance and reliability. 

February 23, 2021 by Ryan Sheahen, Littelfuse

All About Seeing Your Projects: Optical and Digital Magnification

Smaller electronics call for more powerful inspection equipment. If you're building a collection of at-home lab equipment, these visual tools may help you see where you're going on minuscule boards.

February 14, 2021 by Mark Hughes

The Physical Operation of Light-Sensitive pn Junctions

In this article, we’ll delve into semiconductor physics to better understand the operation of photodiodes.

December 18, 2020 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Photodiodes: The Nature of Light and pn Junctions

Learn about how semiconductor devices interact with electromagnetic radiation to enable electronic detection of light, UV, and infrared.

December 16, 2020 by Robert Keim

Understanding Contrast, Histograms, and Standard Deviation in Digital Imagery

Statistical techniques can help us to analyze the distribution of light and dark tones in an image.

September 28, 2020 by Robert Keim

Simplified Circuit-Analysis Techniques for Forward-Conducting Diode Circuits

This article explains two methods that we use to evaluate the currents and voltages that are present in a circuit that includes one or more diodes.

February 18, 2020 by Robert Keim

Design Solution for Automotive LCD Displays Utilizing LED Driver ICs

See how multi-channel automotive LED driver ICs implement backlight local dimming, bringing ‘true black’ to automotive LCD displays.

February 04, 2020 by Szukang Hsien, Maxim Integrated

How an Internal Faraday Shield and Small Ci-O Improve Optocoupler Galvanic Isolation

This article discusses how the use of three key design methods utilized in optocouplers improves galvanic isolation performance and presents an accompanying high voltage surge test as proof. 

January 14, 2020 by Lim Shiun Pi, Broadcom Inc

Introduction to Adaptive Front Lighting Systems (AFS)

Learn more about the design considerations that go into developing adaptive automotive lighting solutions.

November 06, 2019 by Dr. Steve Arar

Characterizing LED Performance with a Frequency Response Analyzer and Line Injector

This application note series explores the measurement of the dynamic resistance of an LED and how to create a usable SPICE model from the data.

October 28, 2019 by Steve Sandler

Time-of-Flight Sensors for In-Cabin Vehicle Safety

This article looks at how time-of-flight sensing in a vehicle's cabin can improve safety and convenience.

August 21, 2019 by Gualtiero Bagnuoli, Melexis

How Do Time of Flight Sensors (ToF) Work? A Look at ToF 3D Cameras

How do time of flight sensors determine distances? Learn more about ToF cameras using an example 3D camera.

May 08, 2019 by Mark Hughes

How to Interpret IMU Sensor Data for Dead-Reckoning: Rotation Matrix Creation

Working with IMUs can maddening for a variety of reasons, but what scares people the most is usually the math.

April 23, 2019 by Mark Hughes

Hardware Assessment: OPB9000 Reflective Light Sensor from TTElectronics

The OPB9000 is a reflective light sensor from TTElectronics with programmable output and sensitivity levels.

July 27, 2018 by Mark Hughes

Choosing the Right Transistor: Understanding Dynamic MOSFET Parameters

In this article, we’ll discuss MOSFET characteristics related to transient conditions and switch-mode operation.

July 24, 2018 by Robert Keim

Beyond the Optocoupler: Understanding Digital Isolators

Optocouplers are undoubtedly effective, but alternative isolation technologies may be a better choice for your application.

July 13, 2018 by Robert Keim

Selecting and Implementing Photovoltaic Cells for Solar-Powered Devices

This article discusses details that will help you choose the right kind of solar cell and successfully incorporate it into your next project.

May 31, 2018 by Robert Keim

Need a Current Regulator? Use a Voltage Regulator!

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, shows you how linear voltage regulators can also be handy in constant-current applications.

February 12, 2018 by Robert Keim