Implement a Clip-Detection Circuit for BTL Class D Amplifiers
2009-03-20 | Switches  Sensors/Encoders Microprocessors Embedded controllers Consumer Products 

An external clip-detection circuit adds a useful feature to some Class D IC amplifiers. Clip detection is a convenient feature in Class AB amplifiers. It produces a signal from a clip-detection pin that drives an automatic volume control, which reduces gain compression and distortion when the amplifier is overdriven. --03.20.09

 FULL ARTICLE

Limit Switches Control DC-Motor H Bridge
2009-03-19 | Control Software/Operating System Automation Programmable controllers Motors/Resolvers 

Mechanical and electronic switches provide interlocks, preventing motors from overrunning their bounds. You use limit switches to switch off a motor if it reaches one of its two end positions. Even if you build a microprocessor-based motor controller, you should switch off a motor with hardware by building a safety interlock. -- 03.19.09

 FULL ARTICLE

Discrete-Component Buck Converter Drives HB LEDs
2009-03-18 | Relays Displays 

With just a few components, you can provide sufficient power to operate a high-brightness LED from a battery. HB (high-brightness) LEDs require a large amount of current to operate. When driving HB LEDs from a voltage source, you can set the required current with a suitable series resistor. -- 03.18.09

 FULL ARTICLE

Drive a single-Coil Latching Relay without an H-Bridge Circuit
2009-03-17 | Relays Sensors/Encoders Embedded controllers 

Single-coil latching relays find use in signal-routing, audio, and automotive systems. To maximize their usefulness and cut power consumption, these coil currents must flow in both directions. -- 03.17.09 FULL ARTICLE

Microcontroller Converts Digital-Temperature-Sensor Readings without Floating-Point Arithmetic
2009-03-16 | Embedded controllers Programmable controllers 

Digital temperature sensors combine a sensor, an ADC, and a serial interface in a single chip. They feature wide enough measurement range, good accuracy and resolution, no need of external parts, easy interface to microcontrollers, small size, and low price. With just a few components, you can provide sufficient power to operate a high-brightness LED from a battery. -- 03.16.09

 FULL ARTICLE

Voltage Doubler Improves Accuracy
2009-02-13 | Relays Embedded controllers 

The voltage doubler in Figure 1 provides more accurate voltage doubling than does the conventional voltage doubler in Figure 2 because it uses transistors instead of diodes. -- 02.13.09

 FULL ARTICLE