Saturation and active region are distinct operating states of a transistor that determine its behavior and functionality in electronic circuits. In a transistor, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), the active region refers to a state where the transistor is amplifying signals. Here, both the base-emitter junction and the base-collector junction are appropriately biased … Read more
What are lightning rods and How do they function ? Lightning rods, also known as lightning conductors or air terminals, are metal rods mounted on top of buildings or structures to protect them from lightning strikes. They function by providing a preferred pathway for the lightning strike to travel safely to the ground rather than … Read more
Piezoelectric crystals generate electricity through the phenomenon known as piezoelectricity, where certain materials produce an electric charge in response to mechanical stress or pressure applied to them. This effect is based on the crystal’s ability to convert mechanical energy (strain) into electrical energy (voltage). When a piezoelectric crystal is mechanically deformed or compressed, it causes … Read more
A reactor is used in a capacitor bank to limit the inrush current that occurs when the capacitor bank is switched on. Without the reactor, the inrush current can be very high, leading to potential damage to the capacitor bank and associated equipment. The reactor helps to mitigate this surge, ensuring a smoother and safer … Read more
Temperature has a significant impact on the performance and characteristics of transistors, affecting their operation in various ways. One effect of temperature on a transistor is changes in its electrical properties, particularly the base-emitter voltage (V_BE) and the current gain (β). As temperature increases, the V_BE of a transistor typically decreases slightly for silicon transistors, … Read more
The basic difference between an inductor and a coil lies in their intended function and electrical properties within a circuit. An inductor is specifically designed to store energy in a magnetic field when an electric current passes through it. It consists of a coil of wire wound around a core material, typically made of ferromagnetic … Read more
When a load is increased in an AC generator, several effects occur depending on the generator’s capacity and the characteristics of the load. Initially, as the load increases, the generator must supply more electrical power to meet the demand. This requires the generator to increase its mechanical input (such as fuel consumption in an engine-driven … Read more
What is the difference between a transducer and a sensor ? A transducer and a sensor are related but serve different functions in measurement and control systems. A transducer is a device that converts one form of energy or physical quantity into another. It translates signals from one form to another, such as converting mechanical … Read more
How to make a generator from a motor ? Converting a motor into a generator involves understanding the principles of electromagnetic induction and mechanical rotation. While not all motors are designed to function efficiently as generators, certain types, particularly DC motors and some types of AC motors, can be repurposed to generate electricity. To convert … Read more
Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors or electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), represent a significant advancement in energy storage technology due to their high capacitance and rapid charge/discharge capabilities. The concept behind new supercapacitors involves maximizing surface area and optimizing materials at the nanoscale level to enhance capacitance and energy density. Unlike traditional capacitors, which store energy … Read more