Tutorials

In the previous tutorials, we discussed fixed resistors, variable resistors, and dependent resistors. The fixed resistors with a power rating of 5 W or above are classified as power resistors. The purpose of these resistors in a circuit is not to offer resistance. These resistors are assembled in a circuit only for power dissipation because…

We have already discussed fixed resistors and variable resistors. Interestingly, resistors are not just limited to be used for limiting current, dropping voltage and dissipating power. There are many special types of resistors which work as transducers too and so, they can be used as sensors in the circuits. A transducer is a  device which…

In a previous article, we discussed various types of fixed resistors, selection of resistor type for a given circuit, and identifying value, tolerance and power rating of fixed resistors. Let’s now talk about variable resistors. The resistance of variable resistors can be adjusted manually or digitally. The variable resistors offer a range of resistance instead…

In the previous article, we presented a resistor selection reference table. With the help of this table, you can determine which type of resistor will be most suitable for a given circuit or application. Once you’ve determined which type of resistor suits the best, it’s time to pick up the desired resistor. For that, it…

We have already discussed the various properties of resistors and different types of resistors. Now, it’s time to know how a resistor must be selected for a given application. Here, we present a cheat sheet here for the selection of resistors that can serve as a quick reference anytime. The process of selecting a resistor…

In the previous article, we discussed composition and film type fixed value resistors. Continuing the discussion on fixed resistors, now let us talk about wirewound, foil and semiconductor type fixed resistors. Wirewound Resistors Wirewound resistors are made by winding a resistive wire around a non-conducting core. The resistive wire is usually made up of an…

In the previous article, we learned about various performance indicators associated with resistors. Now, let us learn about different types of resistors and how they score over various performance indicators. This evaluation will help in determining the suitability and relevance of different types of resistors for specific electronic applications. There are the following types of…

In the previous article, we discussed the signal behavior of a resistor. We also talked about various applications of resistors. A resistor is supposed to offer fixed resistance to the flow of current. That is what any ideal resistor (theoretically) is supposed to do. The ideal resistor is also expected to only provide resistance sans…

In the previous tutorial, we talked about common mistakes made by electronics beginners. Hope, you will have already set up an electronics lab. Now, it’s time to start learning about basic electronic components. We will begin with passive components like resistors, capacitors, and inductors. The electronic components are broadly classified into two categories — passive…

In the previous article, we discussed how to set up your own electronics lab at home. Hopefully, you would have purchased all the stuff mentioned there and have already organized your electronics lab. Now, the first thing most important is to understand basic electronic components. But before that, it is worth mentioning the common mistakes…

Electronics is ubiquitous in the modern era. Learning electronics is a never-ending fun ride. Not just a career, it can also be an exciting hobby to take up. Most of the electronics enthusiasts, however, do not know how to get started. They usually have a random beginning that takes a lot of time and effort…

In embedded systems, a simple function rarely exists alone. A simple pushbutton and LEDs controller is useful but if that controller cannot report when a user has pressed a button or share the status its LED indicate, the controllers are not worth their value. Many embedded systems include peripheral devices connected to the microprocessor in…

Op amp as a Voltage follower Voltage follower is a negative feedback op-amp amplifier circuit. It acts like emitter follower configuration of transistor based amplifiers. They provide unity gain to the applied input signals. Unity gain means the output voltage will be exactly equal in magnitude with the input voltage.      Fig. 1: Circuit…

Astable multivibrator using op amp Astable multivibrator is an electronic device which can continuously shift between its two states with respect to the output. If the output corresponding to one particular state is high, then the output corresponding to the other state is low. This nature of the circuit is useful in producing continuous output…

Features of inverting and non-inverting pins The dependency of the output with the inverting and non-inverting pin can be simply explained as below,   If the inverting pin is high compared to other pin, the output is negative   If the non-inverting pin is high compared to other pin, the output is positive   This…

An amplifier is a circuit which can produce an output voltage, which is the product of input voltage with a value called voltage gain. An op-amp (operational amplifier) is a kind of amplifier circuit which can perform an operation (addition, subtraction etc.) on the input voltages, apart from simply amplifying the input.   An op-amp…

What is a Timer Timer is a clock that controls the sequence of an event while counting in fixed intervals of time. A Timer is used for producing precise time delay. Secondly, it can be used to repeat or initiate an action after/at a known period of time. This feature is very commonly used in…

AT commands are used to control MODEMs. AT is the abbreviation for Attention. These commands come from Hayes commands that were used by the Hayes smart modems. The Hayes commands started with AT to indicate the attention from the MODEM. The dial up and wireless MODEMs (devices that involve machine to machine communication) need AT…

  Interrupt is one of the most important and powerful concepts and features in microcontroller/processor applications. Almost all the real world and real time systems built around microcontrollers and microprocessors make use of interrupts.   What is Interrupt The interrupts refer to a notification, communicated to the controller, by a hardware device or software, on…