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 …
Although radios have become less and less of a household commodity due to television, Internet, and media players, they are still used on a daily basis by millions of people worldwide. We tend to take these little devices, which we find in our cars, offices, or homes, for granted, but rarely think about how they actually …
An Internet repeater is a device that allows amateur radio operators to communicate with each other over the Internet, much like how VoIP software allows telephone operators to communicate with each other over the Internet. Internet repeaters should not be confused with wireless repeaters, which allow users to extend the range of a wireless network. …
Downlink is a term in telecommunications that is used to refer to a data transmission in which data flows from an orbital satellite receiver to a ground-based transmitter. Downlink transmissions rely on the C Band between 3.7 and 4.2 GHz, the Ku Band between 11.7 and 12.7 GHz, and the Ka Band between 18.3 and …
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 …
An EMF meter detects and measures an electromagnetic field. There are many types of EMF meters and they have many uses, including ghost hunting. Most EMF meters are “AC EMF meters” and can only detect the rate of change in an oscillating magnetic field. However, commercial grade EMF meters that can detect specific electromagnetic frequency …
Rainfade refers to a phenomenon that occurs during strong rain or snowfall in which satellite signals are prevented from reaching their destination. Rainfade may also refer to extensive cloud cover, strong winds, or any other environmental effect that distorts a satellite broadcast, but is most often observed during rainfall. Rainfade may also refer to the …
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 …
A multivibrator is an electronic circuit that rapidly switches because of positive feedback between multiple states. The switch’s output is harmonic. Three types of multivibrator circuits are used in industry today: astable, monostable, and bistaple. Types of Multivibrators The three multivibrator types are: Astable Multivibrator – The circuit is not considered stable in either of …
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 …