The broad definition of a transducer is a device that changes energy from one type into another. However, most transducers change between electricity and another energy type. Transducers also have other names depending on their usage such as probe, detector, pickup, sensor, gauge, and electrode. Chemical Transducers Acidity and alkalinity are measured using a pH …
An LNB (Low Noise Block aka LNC- Low Noise Converter) is used for communications (broadcast) satellite reception. The LNB is usually affixed either in or on the satellite dish. The LNB’s purpose is to utilize the super heterodyne effect and amplify and convert a wide block (band) of frequencies. This helps compensate the signal loss …
An integrated circuit (IC), also called a microchip, is an electronic circuit etched onto a silicon chip. Their main advantages are low cost, low power, high performance, and very small size. History The integrated circuit was invented in 1958 by Jack Kirby (1923-2005), an American engineer. In 2000, he won the Nobel prize in physics …
A metal detector uses an electromagnetic field to detect the presence of a concealed metal object. The range depends on the strength of the field, and is usually less than one meter from the search head. The three detection methods are beat frequency oscillation, very low frequency, and pulse induction. Metal detectors were first introduced …
SCPC stands for Single Channel Per Carrier. SCPC is a form of satellite transmission where each channel is transmitted on a dedicated single carrier. The alternative to SCPC is MCPC (Multiple Channel Per Carrier). MCPC is more efficient than SCPC, but SCPC is still utilized for some satellite feeds. By using SCPC, satellite users are …
A thermoelectric generator is a solid-state device that works similar to solar panels but converts heat, rather than sunlight, directly into electricity. A thermoelectric generator is usually made of bismuth telluride semiconductor junctions that are only several millimeters thick. This differs drastically from the bimetallic junctions that were previously used, which were much thicker. Thermoelectric …
DVB-RCS stands for Digital Video Broadcast – Return Channel Satellite. DVB-RCS is part of the DVB standards for satellite communication, DVB-S and DVB-S2. The purpose of DVB-RCS is to provide a return channel to enable Internet and other data services over satellite. ViaSat’s LinkStar system is one of the VSAT satellite broadband implementations which support …
The symbol rate is the rate of state changes on a communications circuit. If a circuit can carry two tones per second, the circuit has a symbol rate of two. Circuits then use different modulation techniques to carry multiple bits per symbol. If the circuit is limited to two different tones, the first tone can …
A piezoelectric transducer is a device that converts electricity into mechanical forces or vibrations. Although piezoelectric transducers have other uses, ultrasonic devices require them. Piezoelectric transducers usually converts electricity into vibrations and vibrations into electricity, although this is not always the case. They rely on two phenomena known as “electrostriction” and “the piezoelectric effect.” How …
An attic antenna is one that is mounted inside of an attic in order to provide maximum range as well as protection from rain, snow, sun, wind, and animals. Attic antennas are rather common and provide quality reception for those who live in rural areas, away from most radio transmitters. While attic antennas do not …