An oscillator is a circuit that generates a continuous, repeated, and alternating waveform without any input. Essentially, oscillators convert unidirectional current flow from a direct current source into alternating current which is the desired frequency for a majority of operations. In this blog, we will outline oscillator circuits, their various types, and their differing applications. Read more >>

Chip resistors are integrated circuit (IC) devices that oppose the flow of electrical current, and are primarily used to protect, operate, and control circuits. They find use in a vast array of applications, including automotive, transport, industrial, consumer electronics, and IT & telecommunication industries. In particular, the consumer electronic industry has seen a high demand for chip resistors as technological advancements have brought about a new era of electronic products. Read more >>

While USB ports and connectors have long served as the dominant standard for computers and devices to exchange power and data, there are other various means of establishing connections between electronics. As another major standard connection type, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cables, connectors, and ports allow for devices such as video cameras, scanners, printers, external hard drive equipment, and other various peripherals to be connected to a computer or system. To help you understand the use of IEEE 1394 standard components and how they compare to USB connections, we will discuss them in more detail. Read more >>

If you have designed sound systems or have procured various electrical components for them, you may be familiar with the Darlington transistor. Within the realm of electronics, a Darlington pair is used to describe a circuit that contains two bipolar transistors where one emitter is connected to the base of the other. With such a design, all current amplified by the first transistor will be amplified to a greater extent as it passes through the second transistor. Coming in the form of a single package that surpasses the current gain of such transistors when separated, Darlington transistors are common for audio amplifier applications and other electronic components. In this blog, we will discuss the 2N5306 NPN Darlington transistor in particular, that of which is a component found in motor control units, power regulators, and audio amplifiers alike. Read more >>

Within an electronic assembly or system, various electronic parts and components will work together to establish a complete circuit. All the components within a circuit can be divided into two groups, those of which are active and passive. While active components are those capable of providing energy to a circuit, passive components only receive energy. As both types of components serve different roles in the realm of circuit functionality, it is important to understand the differences between each and their common types. Read more >>

Within the realm of electronics, relays are switches that are electrically operated, capable of making and breaking contacts to manage circuits. Generally, relays are used in instances where a single circuit is to be managed by a low-power signal, or where multiple circuits are governed through a single signal. Differing in their design and capabilities, there are various switch types that may be used to benefit certain applications. Power relays are a common subtype of relay, featuring an electromagnet that allows them to open and close circuits. Capable of achieving high levels of isolation between the control signal and output, power relays find use in various applications and industries. Read more >>

Phototransistors are semiconductor devices that are either tri-terminal or bi-terminal in nature, featuring base regions that are sensitive to light. When implemented within an assembly, phototransistors act as electronic switching and current amplification devices that utilize light pulses to create digital electrical signals. With their capabilities and low price-point, such components are often found in relays, computer logic circuitry, security systems, punch-card readers, and more. Read more >>

A semiconductor is a type of material exhibiting conductivity that is between that of a conductor and an insulator. Generally, their resistance is directly affected by temperatures, their resistivity decreasing while temperatures increase. A number of materials can be used to form semiconductors, common ones being silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, and more. With their assembly alongside other various components, semiconductor modules may be formed for the construction of solar cells, laser diodes, microwave-frequency integrated circuits, and other various devices. The lead frame of a semiconductor assembly is crucial for proper operations, ensuring that various types of integrated circuit packaging may be forme Read more >>

An optocoupler, also known as an opto-isolator, is a type of electronic semiconductor component that is capable of transferring electrical signals between independent circuits with light as the medium. Commonly found within low voltage and highly noise sensitive circuits, the optocoupler serves to isolate circuitry in order to prevent undesirable noise and electrical collision. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the optocoupler, allowing you to better understand its functionality and benefits to circuitry. Read more >>

Relays are a commonplace component within countless systems and applications, serving as an electrically operated switch. With the use of input terminal sets and operating contact terminals, a relay may be used for the management of a single control signal or multiple. With their control of signals and their operational characteristics, relays also may convert smaller electrical inputs into larger outputs, increasing their uses and abilities. Capable of being either a switch or an amplifier, electrical relays are paramount for the functionality of circuits within many types of electronic equipment. Read more >>