A voltage transformer can step up, step down, or transfer electricity between circuits. It relies on mutual induction and is useful in high voltage scenarios. High voltage transformers are used in power grids, while low voltage transformers are used in electronic devices. They can be used to convert voltage for use in different countries. A […]
Dual voltage electronics can recognize and use American and European currents without a transformer. It’s popular in portable devices and will eventually be the standard. Check for a stamp or tag specifying “110V-240V” and never force a plug into an outlet. Dual voltage is a term used to describe any type of electronic device manufactured […]
Voltage transducers measure current and voltage in electrical circuits, with different types for AC and DC power sources. They come in various sizes and capacities, from small computer circuits to large transformer circuits, and can be used to regulate energy consumption and identify noise sources. They must comply with national electrical component standards and display […]
A capacitor voltage transformer (CVT) is used in high voltage circuits as a metering device and to protect specific parts of the circuit. It increases the input signal and reduces it to a level within the circuit’s parameters. A CCVT is a more expensive version that can handle higher amounts of input signal and distribute […]
A voltage amplifier increases the voltage output higher than the input voltage, while a power amplifier creates a more powerful output. A voltage booster is used to transmit higher voltage across longer wires. Voltage amplifiers increase power passing through a circuit to achieve a desired result and are not suited for powering devices such as […]
Low voltage systems, such as lighting and doorbells, use transformers to reduce power levels and are safer than high voltage systems. International and British standards define low voltage as AC below 50V or DC below 120V, while the US defines high voltage as over 600V. Low voltage systems are easier to install and modify, but […]
Voltage drop is the reduction of supply voltage in an electrical circuit due to resistance. It occurs across components and wiring, and must be calculated for sensitive applications. A voltage drop formula can be used to accurately calculate the drop. Voltage drop is a term used to describe any reduction in supply voltage in a […]
Threshold voltage is the point at which an electrical device is set to trigger its operations. Modern electronics require a complex formula to set and adjust various thresholds. The equation for calculating threshold voltage is the sum of static voltage, ground potential, and voltage across the oxide. The transistor is constantly rechecking to ensure the […]
Line voltage is the voltage delivered to a destination by a power line. It varies slightly but stays within a certain range, standardized by countries. In the US, it is between 110-120 volts, while in Europe, Africa, and Asia, it is 220 volts. Japan has a lower voltage of 100 volts. Overvoltage and voltage surges […]
Bias voltage is an electrical charge applied to the gate or base of a transistor or vacuum tube, controlling the amount of current flowing through it. It enables switching functions and directs current flow, allowing for fine control of amplification. Bias voltage is essential to transistor theory and electronic engineering. Bias voltage typically refers to […]
A diode’s forward voltage drop is the voltage that occurs when current passes through it. It is independent of current and varies by diode type. Forward bias allows current flow, while reverse bias does not and can cause damage. Different diodes have different forward voltage drops. A diode forward voltage refers to the voltage drop […]
Reverse voltage occurs when the polarity of an electric current is reversed, often causing a breakdown voltage within a diode or circuit. This can damage components and cause voltage arcing, leading to fires. Reverse voltage is a type of energy signal created when the polarity of an electric current is reversed. This voltage often occurs […]
Step voltage regulators maintain a constant voltage and regulate the amount of voltage supplied to an area, preventing irregularities and blackouts. They come in two forms: stepped and step-down, and are the community’s first line of defense against power surges. A step voltage regulator helps prevent a poor quality signal from being sent to users […]
A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) produces an oscillation frequency based on an input voltage, which can be fixed or variable. VCOs can produce sine or triangular waveforms and use different methods to control frequency. Harmonic VCOs have better frequency stability, while relaxation VCOs can be tuned to a wider range of frequencies and are suitable […]
A voltmeter measures the potential difference between positive and negative terminals in a circuit, indicating the direction of current flow. Voltage is a variable measurement, while current flow is measured in amperes. Other devices that measure voltage include oscilloscopes and A/D converter cards. Digital multimeters are commonly used today. Earlier voltmeters were analog and produced […]
A voltage detector detects the presence of electricity and can be simple or advanced. Electricians use them to determine if a power system is running on electricity, and they come in various shapes and sizes. They should only be used within recommended voltage ranges, and high-voltage workers should wear protective clothing. A voltage detector is […]
A voltage tester checks electrical current flow in circuits, outlets, or batteries. It can ensure equipment is working properly and determine if it’s safe to work on a circuit. Two-wire testers are the simplest and cheapest, while other types include plug testers and non-contact testers. A voltage tester is a device used to check the […]
A voltage tripler increases voltage from an electrical supply, but loses some power in the process. It consists of a half-wave rectifier and a voltage doubler made up of capacitors and diodes. It is commonly used in printers, copiers, bug zappers, and scientific instruments. A voltage tripler is a device used to increase the voltage […]
“High voltage” refers to electrical currents that can harm humans and animals. It’s not an exact measurement, but anything over 230 kilovolts is considered dangerous. The warning is issued only when humans are at risk, and even 40 volts can be dangerous. The International Electrotechnical Commission has established safety standards for electrical applications. Voltage can […]
A voltage reference provides constant voltage despite external variables. They can be made from different materials and used in various devices. Mercury batteries were used but discontinued due to environmental harm. Voltage regulators come in series and shunt forms, each with different applications. A voltage reference acts as a provider of constant and specific voltage […]
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