A tunnel diode is a type of semiconductor diode which features a negative resistance on account of a quantum mechanical effect known as tunneling. In this post I have explained the basic characteristics and working of tunnel diodes, and also a simple application circuit using this device. We will see how a tunnel diode could […]
Archives for 2019
Understanding MOSFET Turn-ON Process
A correctly calculated MOSFET turn-ON process ensures that the device is switched ON with optimal efficiency. While designing MOSFET based circuits you might have wondered what is the correct way of turning ON a MOSFET? Or simply what is the minimum voltage that should be applied across gate/source of the device to switch it ON […]
Triacs – Working and Application Circuits
A triac can be compared to a latching relay. It will instantly switch ON and close as soon as it’s triggered, and will remain closed as long as the supply voltage remains above zero volts or the supply polarity is not changed. If the supply is an AC (alternating current), the triac will open during […]
Digital-to-Analog (DAC), Analog-to-Digital (ADC) Converter Circuits Explained
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC, D/A, D2A, or D-to-A) is a circuit designed to convert a digital input signal into an analog output signal. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) works in the opposite way and transforms an analog input signal into a digital output. In this article I will comprehensively discuss how digital to analog, and analog to digital converter circuits work, using diagrams and formulas. In […]
How Varactor (Varicap) Diodes Work
A varactor diode, also called varicap, VVC (voltage-variable capacitance, or tuning diode, is a type of semiconductor diode which features a variable voltage-dependent capacitance on its p-n junction when the device is reversed biased. Reverse bias basically means when the diode is subjected to an opposite voltage, meaning a positive voltage at the cathode, and […]
How MOSFETs Work: Depletion Type, Enhancement Type
Two main types of FETs that presently exist are: JFETs and MOSFETs. MOSFETs can be further classified into depletion type and enhancement type. Both these types define the fundamental mode of operation of MOSFETs, while the term MOSFET itself is the abbreviation of metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect transistor. Due to the fact that the two types have different […]