A protection relay is a smart device that receives inputs like current, voltage, resistance, temperature, or even light, compares them to set points, and provides outputs such as visual feedback in the form of indicator lights and/or an alphanumeric display, communications, control warnings, alarms, and turning the power off and on. They are used for…
8-, 16- and 32-bit MCUs, are more bits better?
Are more bits better in an MCU? That’s similar to asking: are more cylinders better in an internal combustion engine (ICE)? Peripherals and other features matter, not just bits (or cylinders). For example, in the 1980s, Volvo offered a station wagon with a turbo-V4 engine that was faster off the line than Chevrolet Corvette with…
What is the difference between current feedback and voltage feedback op amps?
Current feedback (CFB) operational amplifiers (op amps) and voltage feedback (VFB) op amps have almost as many similarities as differences. CFBs and VFBs both have inverting and non-inverting inputs, a signal output, inputs for positive and negative voltage supplies and use feedback and gain resistors to stabilize circuit operation and set circuit gain. That can…