In this Design Idea, the classic Schmitt-trigger-based RC oscillator is “hacked” and analyzed using the simulation software QSPICE...

Toshiba Electronics Europe introduces the TPD7110F, an ideal diode controller designed to enable safe power control and flexible design in automotive systems...

Applications such as audio equalizers require bandpass filters with a constant maximum gain that's independent of the filter's quality factor, Q. However, all of the well-known filter architectures – Sallen-Key, multiple-feedback, state-variable, and Tow-Thomas – suffer from altered maximum gain when Q varies. Equation 1 expresses the second-order bandpass transfer function of a bandpass filter:   (1) where K represents the filter's gain constant. When the input frequency equals ω0, the filter's gain, AMAX, is proportional to the product, KQ. Thus, modifying the quality factor alters the gain and vice versa. Figure 1. This bandpass active filter features adjustable Q and maximum gain in the passband and consists of a twin-T cell with Q adjustment and a differential output stage. You can also extract a frequency-notch output from the voltage-follower stage. This Design Idea describes a filter structure in which K is inversely proportional to Q. Altering Q also modifies K, producing a magnitude-plot set in which the curves maintain the same maximum gain at the central frequency ω0 – that is, KQ remains constant. Figure 1 shows the filter, which comprises a twin T cell with an adjustable quality factor and a differential stage. The differential stage comprises op amp IC3 and resistors R5A through R< ...

Vishay Intertechnology introduced a new tricolor LED that provides luminous intensity to 252 mcd at 5 mA for RGB displays and backlighting...

We’re all familiar with thermally activated fuses, where the conducting element self-heats due to current flow, melts at a defined current value, and breaks the flow path. They are simple in concept...

Modern high-speed RS-485 data links are pushing the envelope to the absolute breaking point with regards to data rate versus cable length. Applications include position encoders, traffic monitoring, seismic networks, and GPS transceivers...

My recent DI contribution used the LM337 regulator in a novel circuit arrangement to translate an input 0-20 mA current source into a 4-20 mA two-wire transmitter current loop (a standard two-terminal industrial current source)...

I have always been intrigued by the many ways scientists and engineers have devised to sense basic physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, voltage, current, and electric fields, to cite just a few...

A DC load is an essential testing tool for any electronic enthusiast, especially for testing and repairing power supplies. An adjustable DC load can limit the current at any desired level...

Any semiconductor has limits on how much voltage, how much current, and for how much time combinations of voltage and current can be supported in normal usage...