Latest Power Supplies Technical Articles

This article discusses the ideas involved in measuring and interpreting the current-voltage curves of solar cells,…

This article discusses the ideas involved in measuring and interpreting the current-voltage curves of solar cells, batteries, and unknown materials.

Tracking an infrared light source is not as difficult as you might think; a 14-pin PICAXE, a stepper motor with a driver…

Tracking an infrared light source is not as difficult as you might think; a 14-pin PICAXE, a stepper motor with a driver IC, three phototransistors, and a few other components will do the trick.

Need to ventilate a room? This article will show you how I made a relay-operated, GPS-timed fan to vent out the moist air…

Need to ventilate a room? This article will show you how I made a relay-operated, GPS-timed fan to vent out the moist air in my boat's cabin. It is controlled with a PIC16F628A and has an LCD.

This article discusses I-V curves for passive components, voltage sources, and current sources.

This article discusses I-V curves for passive components, voltage sources, and current sources.

A boost power factor correction (PFC) converter can significantly improve both the power factor and the harmonic distortion.

A boost power factor correction (PFC) converter can significantly improve both the power factor and the harmonic distortion.

A discussion of international electrical quality standards and why basic linear power supplies fail to meet them.

A discussion of international electrical quality standards and why basic linear power supplies fail to meet them.

Create a tracking device with an HC-12 transceiver, a GPS module, an Arduino, and Google Maps.

Create a tracking device with an HC-12 transceiver, a GPS module, an Arduino, and Google Maps.

With the help of some solenoids, the Dancing Ghostbusters Toaster really topped off my Halloween costume this year!

With the help of some solenoids, the Dancing Ghostbusters Toaster really topped off my Halloween costume this year!

In part 3, we compile the firmware and build the controller at the heart of the Saber, then do initial testing and diagnostics.

In part 3, we compile the firmware and build the controller at the heart of the Saber, then do initial testing and diagnostics.

We’ll continue our discussion of the C-BISCUIT demo bot by looking at portions of the RCB schematic that weren’t…

We’ll continue our discussion of the C-BISCUIT demo bot by looking at portions of the RCB schematic that weren’t covered in the previous article.

An important application of the diode is one that takes place in the design of the rectifier circuit. Simply put, this…

An important application of the diode is one that takes place in the design of the rectifier circuit. Simply put, this circuit converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). This is an essential circuit in AC-to-DC power-supply design.

Learn how to build a system that can turn DC loads on and off using a mobile application. You'll also learn how to…

Learn how to build a system that can turn DC loads on and off using a mobile application. You'll also learn how to perform this task via immediate actions or via timers set in advance.

Learn about a fairly simple yet highly beneficial modification to the drain-resistor-based version of the MOSFET…

Learn about a fairly simple yet highly beneficial modification to the drain-resistor-based version of the MOSFET differential pair.

This project details the process by which AC-powered speaker sets can typically be converted to battery power. I'll…

This project details the process by which AC-powered speaker sets can typically be converted to battery power. I'll detail my own projects and provide advice for converting almost any set of speakers.

This article describes the bridge-amplifier configuration and explains why it’s especially handy when you don’t have…

This article describes the bridge-amplifier configuration and explains why it’s especially handy when you don’t have a negative voltage supply.

Continuing the C-BISCUIT series, this article outlines how to populate and test the surface mount PCBs designed in a…

Continuing the C-BISCUIT series, this article outlines how to populate and test the surface mount PCBs designed in a previous article using a hot air rework station and other various electronics tools.

Learn about some of those less-than-obvious specifications found in datasheets for linear voltage regulators.

Learn about some of those less-than-obvious specifications found in datasheets for linear voltage regulators.

One of the reasons the operation amp (op-amp) is so reputable is because of its versatility. In this article, you will…

One of the reasons the operation amp (op-amp) is so reputable is because of its versatility. In this article, you will see that almost anything can be done using an op-amp. It is also notable that this integrated circuit has many characteristics that approach those that are considered to be ideal.

Will your linear regulator function properly under all possible operating conditions? To find out, you need to understand…

Will your linear regulator function properly under all possible operating conditions? To find out, you need to understand power dissipation and thermal resistance.