Definition: Clipper circuits are the circuits that clip off or removes a portion of an input signal, without causing any distortion to the remaining part of the waveform. These are also known as clippers, clipping circuits, limiters, slicers etc. Clippers are basically wave shaping circuits that control the shape of an output waveform. It consists of linear and non-linear elements but does not contain energy storing elements. The basic operation of a diode clipping circuits is such that, … [Read more...] about Clipper Circuits
Difference Between JFET and MOSFET
The crucial difference between JFET and MOSFET is that in JFETs, the conductivity of the channel is controlled by the electric field across the reverse-biased PN junction. Conversely, in MOSFET, the conductivity of the channel is controlled by transverse electric field across the insulating layer deposited on the semiconductor material. When we talk about the operating principle and characteristics then the two are almost similar. Although some aspects differentiate the two. MOSFET is … [Read more...] about Difference Between JFET and MOSFET
AC Bridges
Definition: AC bridges are the circuits that are used for the measurement of electrical quantities such as inductance, capacitance, resistance. Along with these an ac bridge allows us to measure storage factor, loss factor, dissipation factor etc. AC bridges operate with only AC signal. An AC bridge is used to provide phase shifting and providing a feedback path to the oscillator. AC Bridge network construction An AC bridge consists of 4 nodes with 4 arms, a source excitation and a balanced … [Read more...] about AC Bridges
Digital Voltmeter (DVM)
Definition: Digital Voltmeter is a voltage sensitive device. It measures AC or DC voltage and displays the value directly in numeric form instead of pointer deflection. DVM is an acronym for Digital Voltmeter. DVM was first invented in 1954 by Andrew Kay. There exist many factors that affect the measurement accuracy of a digital voltmeter(DVM). These are basically temperature, input impedance, variation in power supply voltage etc. As we know that an analogue instrument provides results by … [Read more...] about Digital Voltmeter (DVM)
Strain Gauge
Definition: Strain gauge is a device which is when subjected to some force results change in resistance of the material. The change in resistance is measured in terms of either load or displacement. It basically measures strain on the application of stress. Strain gauge directly is used for the measurement of load and indirectly it is used for the measurement of displacement. The strain gauge was invented in 1938, by Edward E Simmons and Arthur C Ruge. Strain gauges are employed as … [Read more...] about Strain Gauge
Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Definition: Digital Storage Oscilloscope is an instrument that analyses the signal digitally and stores the data in the electronic digital memory. By examining the stored traces in memory, it can display visual as well as numerical values. It digitizes the input signal in order to have subsequent digital signals. The input is stored in digital memory in the form of 0 and 1. This stored digitized signal is then viewed on the CRT screen after the signal reconstruction in analog form. Here, … [Read more...] about Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Frequency Mixer
Definition: Frequency Mixer is a non-linear device. It generates a number of frequencies on the application of two different frequencies at the input of the mixer. It is the core process in RF technology and design. Here, the input frequency gets converted into different frequency components so as to process the signals more effectively. It is clearly shown below that out of the two provided frequencies one is the input signal while the other is the local oscillator signal. Let’s … [Read more...] about Frequency Mixer
Vocoder
Definition: Vocoder is an audio processor that is used to transmit speech or voice signal in the form of digital data. The vocoder is used as short form for voice coder. Vocoders are basically used for digital coding of speech and voice simulation. The bitrate for available narrowband vocoders is from 1.2 to 64 kbps. Vocoder operates on the principle of formants. Formants are basically the meaningful components of a speech that is generated due to the human voice. Whenever a speech signal … [Read more...] about Vocoder
Distortion in Amplifier
Definition: Distortion in Amplifier basically implies the variation in the waveform received at the output with respect to the applied input. The unwanted alterations generated during amplification is known as distortion. A pure signal always has a single frequency component where voltage varies positive and negative by an equal amount. If this variation is less than full 360⁰ cycle, then it is said that the signal is distorted. When we talk about an ideal amplifier, the amplified output … [Read more...] about Distortion in Amplifier
Voltage Regulator
Definition: Voltage regulator is a device that maintains a constant dc output voltage irrespective of the changes in input voltage or load conditions. The ac ripple voltage that is not removed by the filters is also rejected by the voltage regulators. The combinations of elements present in the design of voltage regulator ensure to have a constant output voltage with a variable input supply. Whenever there is a need to have a steady and reliable output voltage then voltage regulators are … [Read more...] about Voltage Regulator