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 […]
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Zener Diode Circuits, Characteristics, Calculations
Zener diodes – named after its inventor Dr. Carl Zener are fundamentally used in electronic circuits for generating precise voltage references. These are devices that are able to create a practically constant voltage across them regardless of variations in circuit and voltage situations. Externally, you may find zener diodes a lot similar to standard diodes […]
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 […]
Solid State Relay (SSR) Circuit using Two MOSFETs
SSR or Solid state relays are high power electrical switches that work without involving mechanical contacts, instead they use just a couple of solid state semiconductors like MOSFETs for switching an electrical load, smoothly, and with high efficiency. SSRs can be used for operating high power loads, through a small input trigger voltage with negligible […]
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 […]