A varistor, also known as a voltage-dependent resistor, is an electronic component whose function is to protect other devices from high transient voltage. A metal oxide varistor, or MOV, is a specific type of resistor made from a combination of zinc oxide & other types of metal oxides including manganese, cobalt, and others. The material is arranged between two metal plates or electrodes to interact with each other. Varistors of this type are used most commonly in heavy devices to protect them from transient voltages. MOVs are the same as resistors in that they both consist of two leads that don’t have polarity. Read more >>

A diode is an electronic device with two terminals that conduct current primarily in one direction. They feature a low resistance in one direction (ideally zero), and high resistance in the other (ideally infinite). They have a wide range of uses and there are many different types of diodes available. The different properties of these varying diodes allow each one to perform in specialized functions. Below are the most common types of diodes and their uses. Read more >>

Electromechanical switches are devices used to make, break, or change the route of electrical and electronic current flow in circuits. Switches represent a vital electronic component throughout many electronic circuits. Despite the rise in popularity of electronic or semiconductor based circuits for switching, electromechanical switches are still widely used. Though they provide many functions, their simplest is to interrupt a circuit so that it can be switched on and off. Other types of electromechanical switches enable circuits to be routed through to different points and, depending on the circuit design, switches can provide a broad range of switching functions. Read more >>

Optocouplers, also known as photocouplers or optoisolators, are semiconductor devices that use a short optical patch or link to couple a signal from one electrical circuit to another while simultaneously providing electrical isolation. Photocouplers are typically contained in a single housing that is often similar size to an integrated circuit. Depending on the intended application, there can be a large degree of variation in size. This blog will discuss optocouplers and their function...

Resistors are a key component of electrical circuits and systems, providing resistance in order to reduce current flow, divide voltages, adjust signal levels, and more. There are also various types of resistors, each providing their own unique benefits and load capacities that cater towards different applications. Carbon composition resistors in particular are a form of fixed resistor, serving as one of the most commonly used types for a wide variety of electrical circuits. In this blog...

Thyristors, also known as silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR), are semiconductor devices that can act as electronic switches to control circuits with high voltage and current levels. Though thyristors are relatively uncommon components, they are highly useful in controlling power circuits. As such, they are ideal for many power control applications, especially in those where current and voltage levels are elevated. Despite this, thyristors can also be useful in low power applications such as light control, power supply protection, and others. Thyristors are simple parts and relatively inexpensive, making them a helpful solution for many circuits. Read more >>

Resistors are an electrical component that may be implemented within an electrical system in order to divide voltages, alter signal levels, or generally impede current flow. As a passive component, resistors are highly utilized across many electrical networks and electronic circuits, protecting many of the devices and systems that we rely on. Precision resistors are a specific type of resistor component that utilizes advancements in thin film materials and deposition technology, allowing resistors to be produced for much cheaper and allowing them to be used in a wide variety of applications. Read more >>

There are certain criteria that you should have in mind when selecting a microcontroller but before we divulge into that criteria, it’s important to understand what exactly a microcontroller's responsibility is. Microcontroller units also known as MCUs are small sized and inexpensive electronic gadgets that have played a significant role in the medical field, aerospace, technology and many more. Ultimately they serve to advance a wide range of features in other equipment, gadg...

As electronics continue to become more advanced, both decreasing in size and phasing out obsolete and unneeded parts for design, the connector remains an indispensable part of system design. For electronic circuits to function, they require connection to various power sources, inputs, outputs, and other external components. Connectors provide for this attachment, coming in a variety of sizes, types, and shapes in order to connect electrical conductors and produce electrical circuits. One connector type in particular, the terminal block, is one that may be found in virtually all sectors, including wiring, rack systems, and other I/O applications. Read more >>

In computing, a jumper is a pair of prongs used as electrical contact points installed within a computer motherboard or an adapter card. Jumpers are used to open, close, or bypass part of an electrical circuit, and are commonly employed as an alternative to a DIP switch. This blog will explain jumpers, their characteristics, and uses. Read more >>