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How to Use Simple Converter Circuits

How to Use Simple Converter Circuits

Different circuit connections are explored here. For instance, an inversion of source and load converts the buck converter into a boost converter, the cascade connection of the converters leads to the formation of the buck-boost, and the Cuk converter from the basic buck and boost converters.


Discontinuous Conduction Mode of Simple Converters

Discontinuous Conduction Mode of Simple Converters

Discussed here are the discontinuous conduction mode, mode boundary, and conversion ratio of simple converters.


How to Use Relays to Control High-Voltage Circuits with an Arduino

How to Use Relays to Control High-Voltage Circuits with an Arduino

To control high-voltage or high-power circuits with an Arduino, you have to isolate them from the Arduino with a relay. Here's how!


Concepts and Variables with State-Space and Canonical Models

Concepts and Variables with State-Space and Canonical Models

An analysis of the concepts and variables associated with state-space, canonical and system transfer function representations of the common converters. In direct circuit linearization averaging technique, dynamic behavior of the circuit cannot be studied at the resonant frequency as the switching frequency component of the output for the resonant converter is different from the local average value frequency. Thus, the integral expression of the average value needs to be extended using the Fourier series; and the derivative expression with respect to a particular frequency is required for the dynamic analysis.


Find Your Digital Multimeter Soulmate

Find Your Digital Multimeter Soulmate

Choosing a DMM isn't as simple as it looks. To choose the right DMM for your application, there are a number of factors that you should consider.


Opposites Attract: A Review of Basic Magnetic Theories

Opposites Attract: A Review of Basic Magnetic Theories

Electric machineries are based on the basic principles of electromechanical conversion, which use either the electrostatic or the electromagnetic principle. This technical article deals with the magnetic circuit theory for the conversion of one form of energy to another.


Basic Inductor Design

Basic Inductor Design

Inductor design characteristics are defined in terms of various parameters. Inductor winding is made of a conductor material which may be a single round wire or a unique multi-stranded conductor known as Litz wire. Litz wire has the main advantage of reduced skin effect. Inductor design characteristics are defined in terms of various parameters which are discussed in this technical article.


Analysis of Four DC-DC Converters in Equilibrium

Analysis of Four DC-DC Converters in Equilibrium

This technical article deals with the analysis of the four fundamental DC-DC converters (or choppers) in equilibrium. The four basic DC-DC converters considered for analysis are the following: Buck Converter, Boost Converter, Buck-Boost Converter and Ćuk Converter.


Skin and Proximity Effects of AC Current

Skin and Proximity Effects of AC Current

When an AC current flows through a conductor, outer filament of that conductor carries more current as compared to the filament closer to its center. This results in higher resistance to AC than to DC and is know as skin effect. Proximity effect, the alternating flux in a conductor is caused by the current of the other nearby conductor.


Make a Digital Voltmeter Using an Arduino

Make a Digital Voltmeter Using an Arduino

It's easy to make a simple digital voltmeter using an Arduino and 16x2 liquid crystal display (LCD).


Projects Jun 04, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Switching Losses: Effects on Semiconductors

Switching Losses: Effects on Semiconductors

We review switching losses involving diode recovery charge, transistor switching with clamped inductive load, device capacitance and leakage, package, and stray inductances, and the efficiency versus switching frequency curve.


Use an Arduino to Control a Motor

Use an Arduino to Control a Motor

Controlling a motor with an Arduino is relatively easy. In addition to simply spinning the motor, you can control the position of the motor shaft if the motor has a rotary encoder.


Projects Jun 03, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Modeling the Pulse-Width Modulator

Modeling the Pulse-Width Modulator

Pulse-width modulation can be of many forms. A PWM signal of constant frequency can be obtained by comparing the ramp signal (or carrier signal) with the error between the desired and the actual output voltage signal (Vc, compensator voltage signal).


Create a Motion-Sensing Alarm with an Arduino and IR Sensors

Create a Motion-Sensing Alarm with an Arduino and IR Sensors

Infrared (IR) sensors are normally used to measure distances, but they can also be used to detect objects. By connecting a couple of IR sensors to an Arduino, you can make an intruder alarm.


Projects Jun 02, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Mad with Power: An Introduction to Power Processing

Mad with Power: An Introduction to Power Processing

The core concept of power processing can be explained together with several significant applications of power electronics. Power electronics is the technology of processing and controlling the flow of electric power by modifying and supplying the voltage and current in a form that is best suitable to the customer at the load end.


AC-Equivalent Circuit Modelling

AC-Equivalent Circuit Modelling

The basic converters complete equivalent circuits can be studied here which include the basic AC modeling approach and the results for several converters. A simple circuit diagram is used for high-frequency converters. We will construct the non-linear model and convert it into a linear circuit that describes the small-signal performance of a circuit.


An Arduino-Controlled Light Sensor

An Arduino-Controlled Light Sensor

Monitoring the output of a light-dependent resistor, or photoresistor, allows the Arduino to know how light or dark it is. When the light falls below a certain level, the Arduino turns on a couple of LEDs.


Projects Jun 01, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Superposition and What it Means For You

Superposition and What it Means For You

This article describes superposition and its simple applications.