Definition: Function Generator is basically a signal generator that produces different types of waveforms at the output. It has the ability to produce waveforms such as sine wave, square wave, a triangular wave, sawtooth wave etc. An adjustable frequency range is provided by the function generator which is in the range of some Hz to several 100KHz. There exist various function generators that have the ability to produce two different waveforms simultaneously by using two different output … [Read more...] about Function Generator
Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amp)
Definition: Op-Amp is an abbreviation for the operational amplifier is basically a three terminal voltage amplifying device. It is a high gain, negative feedback amplifier that provides stabilized voltage gain. Op-amps are considered as the basic building blocks of the circuits in the field of analogue electronics. These are designed in such a way to be used with external feedback components such as resistors, capacitors in between input and output terminals. This 3 terminal device … [Read more...] about Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amp)
Differential Amplifier
Definition: Differential Amplifier is a device that is used to amplify the difference in voltage of the two input signals. Differential Amplifier is an important building block in integrated circuits of analog system. It typically forms input stages of operational amplifiers. In simple words, we can say It is a device that amplifies the difference of 2 input signals. Let’s have a look at the below-shown diagram where an operational amplifier is used as a differential … [Read more...] about Differential Amplifier
Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)
Definition: MOSFET is an acronym for Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor Field Effect Transistor. It is a device in which the variation in the voltage determines the conductivity of the device. It is a semiconductor device that belongs to FET family. MOSFET is also known as IGFET i.e., insulated gate field effect transistor. But usually, the word MOSFET is used because most devices are made using Si for semiconductors and gate electrode of metal oxide. It is a three terminal device which has a source, … [Read more...] about Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)
Optocouplers
Definition: An optocoupler or optoelectronic coupler is an electronic component that basically acts as an interface between the two separate circuits with different voltage levels. Optocouplers are common component by which electrical isolation can be supplied between the input and output source. It is a 6 pin device and can have any number of photodetectors. Here, a beam of light emitted by a light source exists as an only contact between input and output. Due to this, we can have an … [Read more...] about Optocouplers
Wien Bridge Oscillator
Definition: Wien Bridge Oscillator is an oscillator which uses RC network so as to produce a sine wave at the output. These are basically the low-frequency oscillator that generates audio and sub audio frequency that ranges between 20 Hz to 20 KHz. This oscillator circuit uses the Wien bridge to provide feedback with the desired phase shift. It gives highly stable oscillation frequency and does not vary much with supply or temperature variation. It is basically a two-stage amplifier that … [Read more...] about Wien Bridge Oscillator
Thermistors
Definition: Thermistors, are the device whose resistance changes rapidly with the corresponding change in temperature. These are highly sensitive to change in temperature, thus widely used in all such applications where temperature measurement is needed. Thermistor word is composed by the merger of the word thermal and resistor. It can be referred to as transducers as it produces an analog voltage with respective change in temperature. Let’s have a look at the symbol of thermistor- It … [Read more...] about Thermistors
Piezo-electric Transducers
Definition: Piezo-electric transducers are the devices that change electrical charges, generated by the application of mechanical force into electrical potential. The voltage generated by piezoelectric transducers is the effect of the displacement of charges. Piezo-electric transducers are based on the principle of the piezoelectric effect. The voltage is given as: Piezo-electric Effect As we have discussed that these transducers operate on the principle of the piezoelectric effect and … [Read more...] about Piezo-electric Transducers
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
Definition: Cathode ray tube, CRT is the heart of CRO which generates images when electron beam from the back of the tube strikes the fluorescent screen with sufficient energy. CRT technique was basically employed in conventional TV and computer screens. Constructional details of Cathode Ray Tube CRT consist of the following parts: Electron gun Deflection plate assembly Glass envelope Fluorescent screen Base, for connections The diagram given below shows the internal … [Read more...] about Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT)
Definition: LVDT, Linear variable differential transformer is an inductive transducer which converts linear motion or displacement into electrical signals. LVDT works on the principle of mutual induction. Here, the word differential is used as the output value we get is the difference value of voltages produced at the two secondary windings. Displacement provided is directly proportional to the output voltage generated. Constructional Details of LVDT The transformer has a single primary … [Read more...] about Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT)