A thyristor is a solid state semiconductor device that consists of four alternating layers of N-type and P-type material. Many sources consider thyristors to be the same as Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs). In some cases they are defined as a large group of devices – the eligibility criterion being that the device should consist of …
A common question asked by new student of electronics is what is a momentary switch? The short answer is that a momentary switch is a unit capable of turning any electronic device to either an on or off state when an end-user presses the switch. This type of switch can actually represent one of two …
Generally, a transmission signal contains more than a single frequency. This is to say that there might be several different frequencies linked together or else superimposed on each other. This is just the way all telecommunication systems function. For example, with today's communication technology it is virtually impossible to send low frequencies without experiencing any …
A transponder is an automatic electronic monitoring or control device that receives, cross-examines, amplifies and retransmits the arriving signal. It is primarily implemented in wireless communication. The word ‘Transponder’ itself is a combination of two words; transmitter and responder (occasionally abbreviated to TPDR, TR, XPNDR, and XPDR). A transponder works by receiving a signal on …
Satellite radio refers to a number of subscription-based radio broadcasting programs that are available in the US, Europe, and elsewhere that are dependent on satellites to provide mobile users with constant radio access. While terrestrial-based FM radio stations only provide radio broadcasts to a specific area, usually confined to the city they are located in, …
A loop antenna is one that is designed to receive radio signals more efficiently than other antennas. Loop antennas are considered more efficient than others because they are mobile, work with a wide range of frequencies, and use less electricity. A loop antenna’s performance is entirely dependent on its construction and placement, although other factors …
More properly known as the Bayonet Neill-Concelman connector, the BNC connector is one of several radio frequency connectors on the market today. The name of the connector is derived from a combination of two things: 1) the connecting technology employed; and 2) the names of the two inventors of the device. Paul Neill of Bell …
A thermocouple is a temperature probe that uses two dissimilar metals join at two places. The voltage created when the metals are subjected to a temperature gradient is used to calculate the temperature. There are many different types of thermocouple, each designed for a specific temperature and sensitivity range. How Thermocouples Work The thermoelectric effect, …
Satellite images were initially the exclusive realm of military and government agencies. They then became commercially available at very steep prices. Technology has now improved to the point where satellite images are available so inexpensively that they are now provided for free online. Free Satellite Images on the Web The best and by far the …
Some materials have the ability to produce electricity when subjected to mechanical stress. This is called the piezoelectric effect. This stress can be caused by hitting or twisting the material just enough to deform its crystal lattice without fracturing it. The effect also works in the opposite way, with the material deforming slightly when a …