Author: John Mulindi
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Key Facts about Resistors, Resistor Colour Codes and Resistor Tolerance
Resistors perform two basic functions in electronics: These two Resistor features of current limiting and voltage setting are implemented in various ways in electronics as listed below: The figure below shows how a resistor is used as a current limiter: The figure below demonstrates how a resistor is used to create a voltage divider capable…
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Basic Features of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers What is a Programmable Logic Controller? A PLC is a user friendly; microprocessor-based specialized equipment that carries out many types of control functions with levels of complexity for use in industrial automation applications. Its objective is to monitor crucial process parameters and adjust process operations accordingly. A PLC can be…
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Inductance
What is Inductance? Inductance is the property of a circuit whereby there is an emf induced into the circuit by the change of flux linkages produced by a current change. When the emf is induced in the same circuit as that which the current is changing, the property is called self-inductance, L. When the emf…
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Radio Frequency Spectrum Analyser
Spectrum analysis is the analysing of signals in terms of their frequencies. The spectrum analyser can measure the frequencies present in a complex signal or the frequencies resulting from modulation on a carrier. The spectrum analyser is a measurement instrument that displays frequency components of a signal. Each frequency component contained in the input signal…
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Capacitors, Capacitance and Charge
Introduction to Capacitors A capacitor is an electrical device that is used to store electrical energy. A capacitor consists of two metal plates separated by an insulator called a dielectric. It stores electricity in the form of an excess of electrons on one plate and a deficiency on the other. In this state, the capacitor…
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Pneumatic Actuators
Valves cannot control a process by themselves. Manual valves require an operator to position them to control a process variable. Valves that must be operated remotely and automatically require special devices to move them. These devices are called actuators. Actuators may be pneumatic, hydraulic, electric solenoids or motors. In this article we look at specifically…
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Radio Frequency (RF) and Microwave Spectral Analysis
The display of electromagnetic radiation as a function of wavelength is termed to as electromagnetic spectrum. Based upon the wavelengths, the spectrum is divided into various frequency bands as illustrated in the figure below: With the rapid advancement of wireless technology and satellite sensor technology, there is need for more and more accurate field measurements…
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What is a Mechatronics System?
Mechatronics Mechatronics can be defined as a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field of engineering dealing with the design of products whose function relies on the integration of mechanical and electronic components coordinated by a control architecture. The primary disciplines that are important in the design of mechatronic system include mechanics, electronics, controls and computer engineering. A…
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The Basic Principle of Operation of an Oscillator
An oscillator is the basic element of ac signal sources and generates sinusoidal signals of known frequency and amplitude. The main applications of oscillators are as sinusoidal waveform sources in electronic measurements. Oscillators can generate a wide range of frequencies (from a few Hz to many GHz) as per the application’s requirement. Even though, an…
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Series and Parallel Circuits
Series Circuits The figure below shows three resistors R1, R2, and R3 connected end to end i.e. in series with a battery source of V volts. Since the circuit is closed, a current I flow and the voltage across each resistor may be determined from the voltmeter readings V1, V2, and V3. In a series…