What is an Inductor? An inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. It consists of a coil of wire, usually wound around a core made of ferromagnetic material, such as iron or ferrite. When an electric current flows through the coil, […]

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 […]

Diode Overview The 1N4002 is a popular general-purpose rectifier diode widely used in various electronic applications. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the 1N4002 diode, including its characteristics, applications, and frequently asked questions. What is a 1N4002 Diode? A 1N4002 diode is a silicon rectifier diode that allows […]

Introduction to Circuit Boards Circuit boards, also known as printed circuit boards (PCBs), are the backbone of modern electronics. They are used in almost every electronic device, from smartphones and computers to home appliances and industrial machinery. For beginners, working with circuit boards can seem daunting, but with the right […]

What is an LED Splitter? An LED splitter is a device that allows you to connect multiple LED strip lights to a single power source. It works by dividing the power from the source into multiple outputs, each of which can be connected to a separate LED strip light. This […]

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 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 […]