AFR Enterprises Blog

When discussing electronics, it is common to come across the terms "integrated circuits" and "chips." For the most part, these are used interchangeably, and while this is usually not an issue, there are several differences that go above pure semantics. In this blog, we delve into the world of semiconductors to understand the difference between integrated circuits and chips. Through this, we will explore the definition, manufacturing process, effects, shapes, packages, and historical significance of these electronic components, allowing you to have a clearer understanding of these crucial building blocks of modern technology.

In the world of electronic components, ensuring the protection of sensitive circuits and devices from damaging power surges is paramount. While there are a variety of protective equipment and devices available, one of the most popular options comes in the form of the surge suppression integrated circuit (IC). In this blog, we will explore what surge suppression ICs are, their significance in safeguarding electronic systems, and how they work so that you can best determine whether or not they are a good fit for your individual needs.

AFR Enterprises has built its reputation as a leading supplier of electronic components and accessories across the globe. With a broad range of products and services, our company caters to the needs of DIY enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses alike. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how AFR Enterprises, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, serves as a premier distribution platform of electronics parts of all types.

AFR Enterprises has built its reputation as a leading supplier of electronic components and accessories across the globe. With a broad range of products and services, our company caters to the needs of DIY enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses alike. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how AFR Enterprises, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, serves as a premier distribution platform of electronics parts of all types.

Across many optical communication systems, signals are prone to disruption, compromising the data received. In these systems, data is transmitted in the form of light through a fiber cable, and when the signal travels, it is often distorted. As such, an optical amplifier should be used to boost the electrical signal without altering its form. While electronic amplifiers may be used for a similar purpose, optical amplifiers are less time consuming and do not require signal conversion. For all of your optical fiber communication applications, consider integrating one of the following optical amplifiers for a distortionless data signal.

Whether from internal causes like switching surges, or natural causes such as lightning strikes, overvoltage can seriously damage a circuit. To account for this risk, many electrical components have been created to manage or suppress the flow of current in the event of a power surge. A varistor, also called “Voltage- Dependent Resistor” (VDR), is one such device which has an electrical resistance that varies with applied voltage. Due to their ability to adapt to the voltage of a current, varistors are mainly used to clamp the voltage when a circuit is subjected to overvoltage and to absorb excess current to protect sensitive devices. The material of the resistor body is a semiconductor, meaning it will go from being an insulator to a conductor when subjected to a specific voltage.

A thermistor is a type of resistance thermometer or resistor that has functions which depend on temperature. It is a temperature-sensing element made up of a sintered semiconductor material. A thermistor is also a powerful tool that exhibits a huge change in resistance which is proportional to a small temperature change. Thermistors are of two types - positive temperature coefficient (PTC) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC) viations. In this blog, we will talk about positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors in particular.

Operational amplifiers are a form of integrated circuit capable of amplifying weak electric signals, boasting an output that is upwards of 100,000 times the potential difference of the input terminals. They were first developed in 1968 by Fairchild, such products featuring high reliability, low cost, low power consumption, and compact packaging. This eventually led to the release of the Texas Instrument LF353N, that of which is a type of dual JFET op-amp with high input impedance and JFET connected inputs. In this blog, we will discuss the LF353N op-amp in more detail, allowing you to better understand its operations and applications.

Field effect transistors, or FETs, are a commonplace electronic component found in many circuit assemblies. Coming in the form of assembled discrete electronic components, FETs are capable of managing the flow of current through the voltage that is induced at the gate terminal. While FETs are often found in numerous power control, electronic switching, and amplification applications, their primary use is within integrated circuits where they enable large scale assemblies to operate with ease. In this blog, we will discuss FETs in more detail, allowing you to have a better understanding of their common functionalities and types.