Many electronic circuits require DC voltage to operate, but the voltage from a standard 120V outlet is AC. A rectifier provides an easy way to convert AC voltage or current into DC voltage or current using a diode. A p-n junction diode allows electric current to flow in one direction (forward bias). By blocking current…
A supercapacitor is an advanced energy storage device that offers high power density and has a long cycle life. These devices store energy through the separation of charge in an electrolyte, rather than through the chemical reactions used in batteries. This technology has undergone extensive developments in the last few years. Positioned between batteries and…
A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction serving as a one-way current switch. Diodes, also called rectifiers, convert alternating current (AC) into pulsating direct current (DC). They are categorized by type, voltage, and current capacity. With polarity determined by an anode (positive) and cathode (negative), diodes typically conduct…
Hey there! Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of electrical impedance? No worries if you’re not an electrical genius – we’re gonna break it down together. So, grab your virtual hardhats and let’s get started! AC Circuits and the Puzzle of Impedance Alright, so AC circuits are like the rockstars of the…
Introduction Alright, so first things first – let’s talk about what AC and DC circuits are. AC stands for Alternating Current, and it’s the boss when it comes to powering most of the stuff around us, All of the 120V outlets in your house are AC. On the other hand, DC stands for Direct Current…
Today we’re going to dive into the intriguing world of second-order electrical circuits and learn how to solve them using differential equations. Second-order circuits are those comprised of RLC components, possessing two energy storage elements. These circuits are described by a second-order differential equation. Engineers often use the characteristic equation, derived from this differential equation,…
When an electrical current flows through a wire, the current generates a small magnetic field around the wire. If the wire is shaped into a coil, the magnetic field becomes much stronger, thus an inductor is created. Today we’re going to dive into the world of inductors and see how these amazing devices shape the…
What are capacitors? In the realm of electrical engineering, a capacitor is a two-terminal electrical device that stores electrical energy by collecting electric charges on two closely spaced surfaces, which are insulated from each other. The area between the conductors can be filled with either a vacuum or an insulating material called a dielectric. Initially…
Today, I want to talk about something about some circuit simplification techniques. I know circuits can be confusing and overwhelming, but by understanding a few key concepts like Norton equivalent and source transformations, you’ll be able to simplify circuits like a pro. How do you simplify circuits? Have you ever looked at a circuit and…
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of circuit analysis. I know it might sound intimidating but fear not! We’re going to unlock the power of two incredible techniques: supernode and supermesh. These tricks will help you simplify those complex circuits and make your analysis journey much easier. Before we jump into supernodes and supermeshes,…