Latest Smart Grid/Energy Technical Articles

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.

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.

Core saturation is one of the main limitations on the design of magnetic components. In this article, we explore how…

Core saturation is one of the main limitations on the design of magnetic components. In this article, we explore how different factors—particularly the number of turns—impact the core saturation 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.

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.

This article, the second in a series on hysteresis, explains two types of hysteresis found in engineered systems.

This article, the second in a series on hysteresis, explains two types of hysteresis found in engineered systems.

The distribution of AC currents in real conductors with finite dimensions and circular or rectangular cross-sections is…

The distribution of AC currents in real conductors with finite dimensions and circular or rectangular cross-sections is non-uniform. This article will discuss Faraday's law and how AC currents create eddy currents and current crowding in real conductors.

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

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

Why should we consider solar in design? Here's an argument put together by a power engineer.

Why should we consider solar in design? Here's an argument put together by a power engineer.

This article will introduce the Advanced Extensible Interface (AXI), an extension of AMBA.

This article will introduce the Advanced Extensible Interface (AXI), an extension of AMBA.

Learn more about vibration energy harvesting as a source of power for electronic systems.

Learn more about vibration energy harvesting as a source of power for electronic systems.

Energy harvesting is a way to obtain electrical energy from the one already available in the environment. Where is energy…

Energy harvesting is a way to obtain electrical energy from the one already available in the environment. Where is energy harvesting appropriate in designs?

Learn more about EV charging connectors and standards in this overview.

Learn more about EV charging connectors and standards in this overview.

Learn why power transformers are important, where they can fail, and why protection systems are crucial.

Learn why power transformers are important, where they can fail, and why protection systems are crucial.

Is AC energy transmission the most efficient option for the 21st century?

Is AC energy transmission the most efficient option for the 21st century?

This article discusses the PCB layout for a power-supply circuit that generates a regulated 3.3 V rail from a small solar cell.

This article discusses the PCB layout for a power-supply circuit that generates a regulated 3.3 V rail from a small solar cell.

This article discusses a 3.3 V power-supply circuit that is built around an inductorless DC/DC converter and a solar cell.

This article discusses a 3.3 V power-supply circuit that is built around an inductorless DC/DC converter and a solar cell.

This article discusses details that will help you choose the right kind of solar cell and successfully incorporate it…

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