Introduction to MOC3021 The MOC3021 is a 6-pin DIP (Dual Inline Package) optocoupler that consists of a gallium arsenide infrared emitting diode (IRED) and a light-activated silicon bilateral switch. The input LED is optically coupled to the output phototransistor, allowing for electrical isolation between the input and output circuits. Key […]

2N3771 Transistor Pinout The 2N3771 transistor has a TO-3 metal package with 2 leads: Pin Symbol Description 1 B Base 2 E Emitter Case C Collector The case/tab of the TO-3 package is connected internally to the collector. Proper heatsinking of the case is essential for managing the thermal dissipation […]

What is a 2.4 GHz Wireless Microphone? A 2.4 GHz wireless microphone operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is also used by other devices such as Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, and cordless phones. This frequency band is popular because it’s unlicensed and freely available for use in most […]

Introduction to AM Receiver Circuits An AM (Amplitude Modulation) receiver circuit is a type of radio receiver that detects and demodulates amplitude-modulated radio signals. AM radio broadcasting has been a popular means of communication for decades, and understanding how an AM receiver works is essential for anyone interested in electronics […]

Understanding Lead-acid Battery Charging Before diving into the various charging strategies, it is essential to understand the basics of lead-acid battery charging. Lead-acid batteries consist of positive and negative plates immersed in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water. During the discharge process, the lead sulfate forms on both […]

How Smoke Detectors Work Smoke detectors use various methods to sense the presence of smoke particles in the air. The two main types are: Ionization smoke detectors Photoelectric smoke detectors Ionization Smoke Detectors Ionization smoke detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material (usually Americium-241) that ionizes the air inside […]

What is Selective PCB Gold-Plating? Selective gold plating of printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) is a specialized manufacturing process that deposits a thin layer of gold onto specific areas of the PCB. Unlike full-board gold plating which covers the entire surface of the PCB, selective gold plating precisely targets only the […]

Diode Overview A diode is a two-terminal electronic component that conducts current primarily in one direction (asymmetric conductance). It has low (ideally zero) resistance in one direction, and high (ideally infinite) resistance in the other. A diode vacuum tube or thermionic diode is a vacuum tube with two electrodes, a […]

What is PCB Depaneling? PCB depaneling is the process of separating individual printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) from a larger panel they are manufactured on. PCBs are typically produced in arrays or panels containing multiple identical boards to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs. After the PCBs are fully assembled, they […]

Introduction to Voltage Regulators A voltage regulator is an essential component in electronic circuits that helps maintain a constant output voltage despite fluctuations in the input voltage or load current. It ensures that the connected devices receive a stable and reliable power supply, preventing damage due to overvoltage or undervoltage […]