Circuits & Schematics Measurement

This Design Idea describes a handy continuity tester with two modes of operation: It may sound if it detects continuity between its two probes, or it may sound when it detects no continuity. The second option permits testing for intermittent cable ...

Piezoelectric transducers find use in NDE (nondestructive-evaluation) applications. The PVDF (polyvinylidene-fluoride) transducer has many advantages, including a wide bandwidth and high sensitivity. These transducers require high-voltage and ...

To measure a zener diode’s breakdown voltage, you need a dc voltage source whose voltage exceeds that of the zener voltage. In Figure 1, resistor R SER provides voltage drop between V IN and V ZEN . In any case, V IN should exceed V ZEN . ...

Mechanical bounce often occurs while trying to measure current or resistance on experimental materials or from routine switch-contact action. It can be a problem if you are trying to preserve the bounce or noise phenomenon within the measurement ...

This Design Idea expands the capabilities of a previously published one (Reference 1). The original version featured a current transformer whose secondary winding formed part of an oscillator's tank circuit. Under normal conditions, direct ...

This Design Idea describes a two-transistor thermal probe for diagnosing circuit problems, such as hot components and thermal runaway. Although the probe does not provide an accurate temperature measurement, it acts as a quick check for potential ...

Piezoelectric buzzers find wide use as audible-signal generators because of their low power consumption and clear, penetrating sound. An external driver or a self-driven circuit that oscillates at the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric element ...

Testing and measuring an IC’s or circuit’s performance with regard to power transients is a tricky task to accomplish without some specialized equipment. Not only does the input voltage source need to change in a controlled manner, but ...

This Design Idea describes a method by which you can detect and assess air or liquid fluid flow using an externally heated semiconductor diode. Airflow across the heated diode reduces its temperature, causing a variation in the diode's voltage ...

Professional electronics designers often use peak-detector circuit sin such applications as amplitude measurement, automatic gain control, and data regeneration. You can build a simple and fast peak detector from a serial diode and a shunt ...