Latest Optoelectronics Technical Articles

Categories

Learn to Build a Photoelectric Sensor System Using an Arduino Uno and OpenPLC

Since photoelectric sensing can be achieved with electrical, electromechanical, and electronic components, learn to build, test, and implement a prototype photoelectric switch using off-the-shelf components with Arduino OpenPLC.

March 12, 2023 by Don Wilcher

A Primer on Digital Pulse Amplitude Modulation

An encoding technique used for digital communication, pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) converts a discrete-time signal into a variable-amplitude continuous-time signal that is suitable for high-speed wired communication systems.

January 22, 2023 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Bluetooth Mesh Models

Learn about Bluetooth mesh models—namely what they are—as we lead you through an example and the different types like generic, lighting, etc.

June 19, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Understanding Piezoelectric Accelerometer Basics

Learn about piezoelectric accelerometers, namely the piezoelectric effect, how piezoelectric materials generate electricity, the different accelerometer design modes, and their upper and lower frequency limits.

March 20, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Types of Magnetometers

This high-level guide introduces common types of magnetometers, including scalar, vector, gradient, and more.

April 12, 2021 by Ignacio de Mendizábal

Introduction to Photosensitive Integrated Circuits

This article continues our introductory discussion of light-sensitive components that produce higher output-current amplitude than photodiodes.

January 27, 2021 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Phototransistors

In this series of articles, we’ll explore higher-output-current alternatives to photodiodes.

January 26, 2021 by Robert Keim

Tips for Achieving Low-Frequency Precision and Improved Bandwidth in Photodiode Circuits

This article continues our discussion of design techniques that help us to improve the performance of transimpedance amplifiers.

January 13, 2021 by Robert Keim

Design Tips for Photodiode Amplifiers

This article covers important details related to the design of transimpedance amplifiers for photodiode-based systems.

January 12, 2021 by Robert Keim

The Glass Cockpit: The Story of Display Technologies in Space Shuttles

In this final part of the Glass Cockpit series, we look at how displays have reached their current iteration in Space X shuttles.

January 10, 2021 by Steve Taranovich

Display Technologies for Aerospace Applications: The F/A-18 Super Hornet

Learn about real-world display technology design in aerospace applications in a legendary example—the F/A-18 Super Hornet—from an engineer who's flown them.

January 08, 2021 by Steve Taranovich

Touchscreen vs. Button Interface Design: Capacitive and Resistive Touchscreens and Haptics

Learn about some of the most important fundamentals for understanding how interface technologies have evolved.

January 07, 2021 by Steve Taranovich

Understanding the Photodiode Equivalent Circuit

This article presents a circuit model that helps us to analyze the electrical behavior of a photodiode.

December 23, 2020 by Robert Keim

Characteristics of Different Photodiode Technologies

Learn about the differences between silicon photodiodes and photodiodes made from other semiconductor materials.

December 21, 2020 by Robert Keim

Understanding Photovoltaic and Photoconductive Modes of Photodiode Operation

In this article, we’ll look at advantages of two types of photodiode implementation.

December 20, 2020 by Robert Keim

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

The Mapping Function and Circuit Implementation in Histogram Equalization

In this article, we'll look into greater details on a histogram equalization method, including use cases of the mapping function and circuit implementation.

March 10, 2020 by Dr. Steve Arar

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