Transformers are specifically designed to work with alternating current (AC) and cannot be used to directly step up or step down direct current (DC) voltage. The fundamental principle of operation in transformers relies on the ability of AC to induce a changing magnetic flux in the transformer’s core. This changing magnetic flux is what allows … Read more
If a DC supply is connected to a capacitor, the capacitor will charge up to the supply voltage. Initially, there is a surge of current as the capacitor begins to store charge, but as it becomes fully charged, the current gradually decreases and eventually stops, leaving the capacitor with a voltage equal to that of … Read more
How do capacitors work as a filter in power supply ? Capacitors work as filters in power supplies by smoothing out fluctuations in the DC voltage output. In a typical power supply circuit, after rectification of AC voltage, the resulting waveform still contains ripples or variations due to the pulsating nature of rectified AC. Capacitors … Read more
PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistors operate based on their unique electrical resistance characteristics with respect to temperature. These thermistors are made from semiconductor materials that exhibit a significant increase in resistance as their temperature rises. The key principle behind PTC thermistors is their positive temperature coefficient, meaning that as temperature increases, their resistance increases nonlinearly. … Read more
Silicon is commonly used for solar cells primarily because it is abundant, cost-effective, and has suitable electrical properties for converting sunlight into electricity. Solar cells, or photovoltaic (PV) cells, rely on the photovoltaic effect where semiconductor materials like silicon absorb photons from sunlight and generate electron-hole pairs, which then create an electric current when collected. … Read more
An oscillator typically takes an input in the form of a direct current (DC) voltage or current that initiates its operation. This input is crucial because it provides the initial energy or excitation needed to start the oscillation process. In many oscillator circuits, such as those using active components like transistors or operational amplifiers, the … Read more
A feedback amplifier is an electronic amplifier circuit that uses feedback from its output back to its input to control its overall performance and characteristics. The feedback loop adjusts the amplifier’s gain, bandwidth, input and output impedance, distortion, and other parameters. This technique enables the amplifier to achieve desired performance specifications, such as improved stability, … Read more
Diodes are used for rectification primarily because they allow current to flow in only one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. This property makes diodes ideal for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) in rectification circuits. In a rectifier circuit, diodes are arranged in such a way that they conduct during … Read more
Semiconductor diodes find widespread application in various electronic circuits due to their ability to control the direction of current flow effectively. Common applications include rectification, where diodes convert AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current) by allowing current flow in one direction only. This is crucial in power supplies and battery charging circuits, ensuring proper … Read more
A Zener diode typically has a negative temperature coefficient. This means that as the temperature increases, the breakdown voltage of the Zener diode decreases. This negative temperature coefficient is a crucial characteristic that ensures the stability of the Zener diode’s voltage regulation across a range of operating temperatures. The Zener breakdown voltage, which refers to … Read more