AFR Enterprises Blog - page 3

Whether an electronic circuit is used to power a simple calculator or advanced server systems, many of the same basic building block components are used to construct such assemblies. Across all circuits, the resistor, capacitor, and inductor are the most widely used components, each of which serve varying roles. While resistors manage and control the flow of current, capacitors are capable of storing electrical energy within an electric field as a passive component. Inductors, on the other hand, are quite similar to capacitors, albeit storing energy within a magnetic field. In this blog, we will discuss inductors in more detail, allowing you to better understand their design and use within electronic circuitry. Read more >>

In digital electronic projects, encoders and decoders play a particularly important role, allowing data to be converted from one form to another. They are commonly found in communication systems such as those related to telecommunication and networking, enabling the transfer of data. Similarly, within the digital realm, encoders and decoders transmit data. With this in mind, this blog will cover their use in a diverse set of applications and how they work. Read more >>

Resistors are commonplace components for countless electronic components, coming in the form of passive components that impede the flow of current within electrical circuits. Resistors can come in numerous forms, many featuring varying designs and characteristics that allow them to take on differing roles. Depending on the resistor, one may use such components for dividing voltages, generating heat, controlling gain, terminating transmission lines, and much more. To familiarize yourself with resistors, we will provide a brief overview of the most common types. Read more >>

A type of measuring device, multimeters are essential tools for electronics, especially so in regard to the electronics industry. Used to measure the electrical properties of tools and wiring, including industrial-strength equipment, multimeters are used to measure resistance, voltage, and current. As multimeters are used to measure a plethora of parameters, they must be compatible with the device they intend to read to ensure accurate results. Coming in various types to suit numerous electrical properties, we will discuss common multimeter options to choose from and how they can be best applied for your measurements. Read more >>

From controlling temperature in high-voltage electrical systems to detecting trace chemicals in pharmaceutical manufacturing, there is a widespread demand across sectors for exact information on physical, chemical, or environmental changes. This need has led to the widespread implementation of sensors, devices which detect and convert such changes into electrical signals for integration into monitoring systems. With so many types being produced to read specific stimuli, this blog will cover the basic functions of some popular sensor variants and where they are often applied. Read more >>

Proximity sensors are a modern technology that allows for nearby objects to be detected without any physical contact being established. In order to detect various objects, proximity sensors will often utilize the emission of an electromagnetic field or electromagnetic radiation so that any changes may be detected when the return signal is received. When discussing the object sensed by the sensor, it is referred to as the proximity sensor’s target. Depending upon the design and implementation of such technology, various applications may benefit from the use of a proximity detector or sensor. In this blog, we will discuss the common types of proximity sensors, allowing you to better understand their uses and functionalities. Read more >>

An amplifier, or amp, is a type of device that is implemented within electronics for the means of bolstering signal power. As a two-port electric circuit, the amplifier utilizes electric power provided by a power supply in order to increase a signal’s amplitude at the output terminals. The amount of amplification that may be achieved by an amplifier is referred to as its gain, that of which is the ratio of the output voltage, current, or power to the input. In this blog, we will discuss the most common amplifier types, allowing you to understand their uses and functionalities. Read more >>

A variable resistor is a resistor with a resistance value that can be adjusted. Essentially, variable resistors are electromechanical transducers that normally work by sliding a contact over a resistive element. When a variable resistor is used as a potential divider by using three terminals, it is called a potentiometer. When only two terminals are used, it is known as a rheostat and functions as a variable resistance. There are also electronically controlled variable resistors, which can be controlled electronically instead of by mechanical action. In these cases, the resistor is called a digital potentiometer. In this blog, we will discuss potentiometers, rheostats, digital potentiometers, and their functions. Read more >>

Although integrated circuits (IC) sit atop the world of electronics, the transistors within them do the bulk of the work. Within each IC are millions of transistors constantly switching on and off to allow the IC to complete its functions. Even if just one of the many transistors were to stop working, the IC could lose some or all of its capabilities. Read more >>

Sensors are among the most critical parts of many devices and systems. When it comes to analyzing physical or environmental conditions, temperature is among the most important parameters. As such, when designing an electronic device or system that requires temperature measurement, designers have many options to select from. Two of the most common temperature-sensing technologies, which offer features and functionality for a wide range of uses, are negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors, and resistance temperature detectors (RTD). Read more >>