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 […]
Electronics Theory
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 […]
Diode Rectification: Half-Wave, Full-Wave, PIV
In electronics, rectification is a process in which a rectifier diode converts an alternating full cycle AC input signal into a half cycle DC output signal. A single diode produces half wave rectification, and a network of 4 diodes produces a full wave rectification In this post we will analyze both half wave and full […]
How Transformers Work
According to the definition given in Wikipedia an electrical transformer is a stationary equipment that exchanges electrical power across a couple of closely wound coils, through magnetic induction. A constantly altering current in one winding of the transformer generates a varying magnetic flux, which, consequently, induces a varying electromotive force over a second coil built […]
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 […]
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 […]