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What is a Momentary Switch?

What is a Momentary Switch?

A momentary switch is one that is capable of turning a device on or off when a user presses it. Momentary switches represent one of two forms of switches, the other being a traditional on/off switch. They are found in many electronic devices and are usually buttons. Momentary switches are a type of biased switch and are available in two types: push-to-make and push-to-break. How a Momentary Switch Works A momentary switch acts as a regular switch in order to connect two metal contacts and co

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What is a Capacitor Bank?

What is a Capacitor Bank?

A Capacitor Bank is a group of several capacitors of the same rating that are connected in series or parallel with each other to store electrical energy . The resulting bank is then used to counteract or correct a power factor lag or phase shift in an alternative current (AC) power supply. They can also be used in a direct current (DC) power supply to increase the ripple current capacity of the power supply or to increase the overall amount of stored energy. What Does a Capacitor Bank Work? C

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How to Read Resistor Color Code

How to Read Resistor Color Code

Resistors can come in different sizes and shapes allowing for different voltages to go through it. However, unless the size of the resistor is large, the code is rarely written on it because it would require very tiny markings. Therefore, a system was developed to use colors to determine the resistor code. In other words, by using different colors, an average user can determine exactly what the Ohms are for the resistor. Reading Resistor Code Count the number of color bands on the resistor. Fo

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What is JFET?

What is JFET?

Junction gate Field-Effect Transistor (JFET) is also known as JUGFET. The JFET is the most simple type of field effect transistor currently in use and has either voltage controlled resistance or an electronically controlled switch. When using a JFET, the electric charge flows in a semiconducting channel that is located between the source and drain terminals. When a bias voltage is applied to the gate terminal, the channel is pinched in order to switch off the electric current. JFET History Jul

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Potentiometer

Potentiometer

A potentiometer, called pot for short, is an electrical component that acts as a variable voltage divider. They usually have three terminals, one of which is connected to a moving center contact. A potentiometer with two terminals is a variable resistor, called a rheostat. Potentiometers come in many forms including rotaries, trimmers, sliders. Potentiometer is also the term for an old instrument that measured an unknown voltage after being calibrated with a known voltage. These have been repla

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What is a Phototransistor?

What is a Phototransistor?

A phototransistor is a device that converts light energy into electric energy. Phototransistors are similar to photoresistors but produce both current and voltage, while photoresistors only produce current. This is because a phototransistor is made of a bipolar semiconductor and focuses the energy that is passed through it. Photons (light particles) activate phototransistors and are used in virtually all electronic devices that depend on light in some way. How a Phototransistor Works A photo

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Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic Sensors

An ultrasonic sensor is a device that works in much the same way as RADAR and SONAR. In fact, ultrasonic sensors mimic bats and other animals' natural ability to use ultrasonic frequencies for navigation. Ultrasonic sensors broadcast a powerful, ultrasonic frequency, then detect the ultrasonic sound waves as they bounce off of objects and return to the sensor. They are almost always used to measure speed or direction and are very efficient at determining position. How Ultrasonic Sensors Work

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Rectifier

Rectifier

A rectifier changes alternating current into direct current. This process is called rectification. The three main types of rectifier are the half-wave, full-wave, and bridge. A rectifier is the opposite of an inverter, which changes direct current into alternating current. Half-Wave Rectifier The simplest type is the half-wave rectifier, which can be made with just one diode. When the voltage of the alternating current is positive, the diode becomes forward-biased and current flows through i

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What is a Balun?

What is a Balun?

A balun is an electrical transformer that is used to convert electrical signals to and from balanced and unbalanced signals. They are normally used to connect lines that have different levels of impedance and are commonly used in the home for connecting HD and traditional antennas. Baluns are also used throughout industry, although it is not necessarily obvious when one is being used. What are the Types of Baluns? Autotransformer Balun – The autotransformer balun uses two coils that are plac

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What is a Field-Effect Transistor?

What is a Field-Effect Transistor?

A field-effect transistor (FET) is a semi-conductive device that is used in integrated circuits to control the conductivity of a conductive channel. FETs are highly dependent on negative and positive charges. They have many purposes, including limiting a device's power levels, storing data, and being used as a switch for a wide variety of electronic devices. Various FET designs have been presented and produced since 1925 and have collectively allowed modern electronics to be possible. How Fie

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