Electronics design ideas 2019

Innovation is critical in today’s engineering world and it demands technical knowledge and the highest level of creativity. Seeing compact articles that solve design problems or display innovative ways to accomplish design tasks can help to fuel your electronics creativity.

You can find many very circuit ideas at ePanorama.net circuits page.

In addition to this links to interesting electronics design related articles worth to check out can be posted to the comments section.

 

 

 

 

1,904 Comments

  1. Tomi Engdahl says:

    How to Solve Analog High Voltage Delivery Challenges with a Bootstrap Approach
    https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/how-to-solve-analog-high-voltage-delivery-challenges?dclid=CNn54YOc0fQCFZbUGAodMCUOxQ

    It’s a unique challenge to deliver the hundreds of analog volts that automated test equipment or precision control systems frequently require. Conventional operational amplifiers (op amps) cannot service the high output voltage swings, while discrete amplifier alternatives require a high degree of tweaking and consume more pc board real estate.

    However, there is another option: bootstrap the combination of a high voltage rail-to-rail output op amp and a pair of FETs that are able to withstand high breakdown voltages.

    This article will describe the problems high analog voltages present and common ways to solve them. It will then show how to use a bootstrap approach using a high voltage precision amplifier from Analog Devices, along with high voltage MOSFETs from Microchip Technology and Infineon Technologies.

    These will be used to create a precision, high performance solution that provides twice the amplifier’s nominal signal range while continuing to provide higher performance with minimal board real estate.

    Power supply bootstrapping techniques

    The bootstrapping configuration controls a device’s supply voltages in relation to its output voltage. The bootstrap circuit has a pair of discrete transistors and a resistive bias network (Figure 1).

    Many high voltage amplifiers eliminate the need for a bootstrap power supply. For example, the Analog Devices 10 megahertz (MHz) ADHV4702-1BCPZ shown in the Figure is a ±110 volt power supply that suffices for most high voltage applications. However, if the system requires yet higher voltages, the bootstrap approach easily doubles this circuit’s operating range.

    To execute the boostrap, Infineon Technologies’ IRFP4868PBFN-channel MOSFET is used as Q1. This device has a breakdown voltage of 300 volts and ID max of 70 A. Q2 is the TP2435N8-G P-channel MOSFET from Microchip Technology. This has a breakdown voltage of 350 volts.

    In Figure 1, the ADHV4702-1 precision amplifier has an operating supply voltage range of ±12 volts to ±110 volts. With a ±110 volt supply voltage, the typical output voltage range is ±108.5 volts. With ±VS equaling ±300 volts, this bootstrap circuit is a foundation for an amplifier that can attain an output swing of ±120 volts or more.

    This bootstrap concept, also known as flying rails, continuously adjusts the amplifier’s supply voltages so that they are symmetric around the amplifier’s output voltage, VOUT. Accordingly, the output remains within the supply range. In the follower bootstrapped circuit, the resistor voltage dividers (RBOT and RTOP) keep the difference between VCC and VEE constant at ±90 volts while the amplifier output range is ±200 volts. A Spice simulation illustrates this floating supply phenomenon (Figure 2).

    Bootstrapping provides a high signal capability for any op amp. However, the amplifier’s slew rate impacts this high voltage configuration’s dynamic performance. In Figure 1, the op amp’s slew rate limits the ability of VCC and VEE response to a dynamic signal. Bootstrapping amplifiers is best applied for low frequency and DC applications where the supplies move slowly.

    Bootstrap design implementation

    The op amp power supply bootstrap design follows a three-step process:

    Assess the tradeoff between the amplifier and MOSFET power dissipation
    Determine the maximum amplifier output swing and assign the amplifier supply voltage
    Account for resistor power requirements

    Reply
  2. Tomi Engdahl says:

    GaN’s Power Density Carries Unlimited Design Potential
    Dec. 2, 2021
    GaN FETs maximize power density, enabling a whole new world of higher efficiency with smaller, more reliable, higher-efficiency power-management solutions—even in the RF space.
    https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21182777/electronic-design-gans-power-density-carries-unlimited-design-potential?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211130075&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R

    What you’ll learn:

    How GaN helps boost efficiency in data centers.
    What is the LLC resonant converter?
    Using the AC-DC-AC converter for UPSs with no transformer.

    Gallium-nitride (GaN) FETs have inherently superior performance versus traditional silicon FETs. This advantage in performance enables design engineers to push the envelope in power designs and reach new levels of power density and efficiency. Applications range from ac-dc power supplies to multi-kilowatt, three-phase converters.
    GaN Power Density in the Data Center

    GaN technology enables energy-efficient power supplies for data-center servers. GaN power transistors reduce the weight, size, and cost of data-center power designs while also reducing energy consumption. GaN’s high-speed switching enables market trends like ultra-thin power supplies, motor-drive integrated robotics, and the ability to achieve greater than 200% more power density in next-generation data centers.

    High-performance server and telecom applications need high-efficiency and high-power-density isolated dc-dc converters. As such, LLC resonant converters look like an optimum choice for this use case. This converter architecture has a zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) capability from zero to full load, plus a low turn-off current for primary-side switches. In the case of switching frequencies lower than resonant frequency, synchronous-rectifier (SR) devices are turned off with zero-current switching (ZCS).

    Reply
  3. Tomi Engdahl says:

    LETHAL to the unsuspecting enthusiast. NO ISOLATION. Please consider your choices in life. With this circuit you have a 50% chance of connecting your body to the active ac line via the diode bridge rectifier. If you are lucky you will just get a tickle from the neutral line.
    Also one of the diodes is backwards in the bridge rectifier hand drawn schematic, which indicates a real lack of general awareness by the author.

    5V transformerless power suply
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzA2oFDf37k

    There is a reason why we use a 3kVAC isolation barrier in legitimate offline power supply design!!! I guess life is cheap in some parts of the world…

    Reply
  4. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Designing a low EMI power supply
    Explore this comprehensive training series to learn more about the fundamentals of EMI, the various technologies that can help reduce emissions and more
    https://training.ti.com/designing-low-emi-power-supply?HQS=app-null-null-pwrbrand_lowemi-asset-tr-ElectronicDesign-wwe&DCM=yes&dclid=COrVtOyl1vQCFV0uGAodW8sFxA

    Overview of the topics in this training series:

    The fundamentals of EMI
    Reducing EMI through IC and package innovations
    Reducing EMI through input filter design, PCB and BOM optimization
    Application-specific EMI considerations

    Reply
  5. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Reduce buck-converter EMI and voltage
    stress by minimizing inductive parasitics
    https://www.ti.com/lit/an/slyt682/slyt682.pdf?HQS=app-bsr-null-LowEMI-asset-mc-ElectronicDesign-wwe&DCM=yes&dclid=CJDEzuyl1vQCFckHogMdPloOSQ

    High-frequency conducted and radiated emissions from
    synchronous buck converters occur based on the transient
    voltage (dv/dt) and transient current (di/dt) generated
    during hard switching. Such electromagnetic interference

    (EMI) is an increasingly vexing issue in the design and
    qualification cycle, especially given the increased switch-
    ing speed of power MOSFETs. This article identifies the
    significant role of power-stage inductive parasitics in EMI
    generation and offers suggestions for their minimization to
    reduce the broadband EMI signature

    Simplify low EMI design
    with power modules
    https://www.ti.com/lit/wp/slyy123/slyy123.pdf?HQS=app-bsr-null-LowEMI-asset-whip-ElectronicDesign-wwe&ts=1638974236607

    When designing a switching power supply, you may
    have heard of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
    More and more applications must pass EMI standards in order for their manufacturers
    to receive approval for commercial resale. A switching power supply implies that there
    are electrical switchers inside the device, through which EMI radiates.
    In this paper, I will explain the sources of EMI in a switching power supply and methods
    or technologies for mitigating EMI. I will also show you how power modules (controller,
    high side and low side FET and inductor in one package) help reduce EMI.

    Reply
  6. Tomi Engdahl says:

    4.3 Automotive EMI reduction techniques, applications, and solutions
    https://training.ti.com/automotive-emi-reduction-techniques-applications-and-solutions?context=1139931-1139962-1135800&HQS=app-null-null-pwrbrand_lowemi-asset-tr-ElectronicDesign-wwe&DCM=yes&dclid=CJOK3–l1vQCFVSPGAodt2IMkg

    Because of the potential havoc that interference can wreak in radio and safety critical systems, automotive electronics are subject to the most stringent EMI standards. In this training, we discuss EMI reduction techniques for increasingly demanding automotive systems like ADAS, cameras, and infotainment.

    In this training, you will learn:

    New automotive application trends
    EMI noise sources and near E-Field coupling
    EMI mitigation techniques, like switch node shaping, spread spectrum and E-Field shielding
    EMI measurements that show how much these techniques will help to pass CISPR 25

    Reply
  7. Tomi Engdahl says:

    add this electronic circuit to your multimeter and get an amazing option
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJkx8HRmCTQ

    Hello Geniuses in this video i’m gonna show you how you can test the zener diode , and lcd – tv led backlight using old bulb
    Led Tv Back Light Tester Led Tester Tool Tv Led Backlight Tester , You Can Make At Home its very Simple

    Keep in mind that these LED lamp drivers are not galvanically isolated. It’s just a rectifier with a switch mode DC to DC constant current regulator. You can get an electric shock out of that because all that stands between you and the live wire could be just a diode (depending on how you connect this to the mains).

    Yes, it’s possible to use isolation transformer. The problem is that not everyone has one, and this isn’t shown in the video to begin with. Otherwise it can be used to render this safe, as galvanic isolation is the one and only reason isolation transformers exist at all.

    Just use the diode tester that comes with an multimeter. Decent multimeter will have atleast 3V for testing which is enough to light up most LEDs. For series LEDs, just measure one and multiply with how many in series. Not worth risking ur life for with this stupid non-isolated garbage

    Reply
  8. Tomi Engdahl says:

    D2F Ultra Subminiature Basic Switch
    Ultra Subminiature Basic Switch with plenty of terminal variations
    https://components.omron.com/product-detail?partNumber=D2F

    Reply
  9. Tomi Engdahl says:

    10 Fluid Level (Water Level) Sensors and how to use them (Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KawRd5evHyY

    Measuring levels of liquids is a common problem. Where I live, it is probably more the water level of the coffee machine, in rural areas the level of a water tank, and in the industry the level of chemical substances. There are many different ways to get this job done. If you stick around, I will show you ten different sensors and, as usual, we will learn some new tricks.
    - Sensors that react on fluid level thresholds
    - Sensors that measure the fluid level
    - Sensors that have to be mounted inside and sensors that are mounted outside the tanks
    - Sensors for the top and for the bottom of the tanks
    - And, as usual, you get some background info on the sensor interfaces

    Reply
  10. Tomi Engdahl says:

    FI
    #260 Most used tools, tips and tricks to spend your money wisely
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZtkbUc2i_Y

    Reply
  11. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Voltage Level Shifter For ADC Input \ Overvoltage Protection
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10gkrBg9kW0

    This video will describe how to build a voltage level shifter to enable a sensor to work with an ADC that is not voltage compatible. A op-amp is used to level shift the sensor output to match the ADC voltage input range.

    Reply
  12. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Understanding Common Isolated Power ICs for Digital Isolation Systems
    Dec. 14, 2021
    Digital isolators provide a simple, reliable approach to achieving high-voltage isolated communication for industrial and automotive apps. This article explores why an isolated power supply is needed, and common topologies that are used to implement it.
    https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21183762/texas-instruments-understanding-common-isolated-power-ics-for-digital-isolation-systems?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211206057&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R

    What you’ll learn:

    The need for an isolated power supply.
    Different ways to approach designing digital isolation systems.
    The benefits and design considerations of different topologies.

    A high-voltage circuit design requires isolation to protect human operators, enable communication to lower-voltage circuitry, and eliminate unwanted noise within the system. Digital isolators offer a simple and reliable path toward achieving high-voltage isolated communication in industrial and automotive applications.

    Maintaining the integrity of a signal across an isolation barrier requires the isolation of all coupling paths between the primary and secondary sides of the circuit, including the power supplies. While a digital isolator’s secondary side typically requires little power, system designers often include an additional power allowance to supply power for multiple devices.

    Many options are available when designing an isolated power supply for digitally isolated circuits. This article will introduce some of the most popular topologies—flyback, half-bridge (H-bridge) inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC), push-pull, and integrated isolated data and power solutions—along with design considerations. But first, let’s address the need for isolated power.

    Reply
  13. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Understanding and Guarding Against EMI
    Dec. 9, 2021
    EMI protection is a fundamental element of system design, but poor prioritization, unexpected sources of interference, or a lack of in-house answers can leave designers stumped for solutions.
    https://www.mwrf.com/technologies/components/article/21183369/corry-micronics-understanding-and-guarding-against-emi?utm_source=RF%20MWRF%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211210100&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R

    Reply
  14. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Artwork pads: Taking a closer look
    https://www.edn.com/artwork-pads-taking-a-closer-look/?utm_source=edn_facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Articles

    The discussion came up one day during a power supply project as to whether circuit board artwork pads would carry any current on the far side of a pad from which current was arriving via a circuit board trace.

    copper on the right hand side of the center line in Figure 1 does not go to waste; it does carry current and it should not be omitted.

    Reply
  15. Tomi Engdahl says:

    EEVblog #859 – Bypass Capacitor Tutorial
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcJ6UdDx1vg

    Everything you need to know about bypass capacitors.
    How do they work?
    Why use them at all?
    Why put multiple ones in parallel?
    What effect does package type have on performance?
    Are there any traps?
    Dave measures some bypass capacitors with an impedance analyser to confirm the whiteboard theory and shows the complexities involved.

    EEVblog #1085 – Bypass Capacitors Visualised!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xicZF9glH0

    An in-depth practical visualisation of how bypass capacitors work at both high and low frequencies.
    Bulk decoupling capacitors vs bypass capacitors.
    Capacitor placement and types are tested and the results examined.
    How package inductance can have a large effect.
    Loop area and what is means, it’s impact on EMC emissions, and how currents flow in ground planes is demonstrated

    Reply
  16. Tomi Engdahl says:

    EEVblog #1129 – Creating a Nice Readable Schematic
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_Ud-FxUw0g

    How to turn a horrible unorganised schematic into a nice readable modular schematic with proper signal flow.
    Tips on industry standard and expected layout techniques.

    9:28 LED configuration
    12:28 Single Page Vs Multi page schematics
    14:24 Net lines and bus lines
    25:25 Connection stuff
    36:32 Consistent component symbols
    37:29 Signal flow from left to right (schematic reorganisation part 1)
    44:15 The great nF debate
    46:18 Text designation (Part II)
    47:57 Net line Vs Port (for blocks)
    49:43 Description on blocks
    50:02 Signal f low from left to right (schematic reorganisation part 2)
    1:08:38 Don’t put junctions on line cross-overs (Don’t cross the streams)

    Using the open source Haasoscope oscilloscope as an example.
    https://github.com/drandyhaas/Haasoscope

    Reply
  17. Tomi Engdahl says:

    What Goes Into a “Simple” Buck-Regulator Chip?
    April 29, 2019
    With a good company, you’re buying much more than the chip. You’re also obtaining the confidence that the chip was in good hands, because it’s usually designed by experts in the industry.
    https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/article/21807917/what-goes-into-a-simple-buckregulator-chip?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211220020&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R

    Reply
  18. Tomi Engdahl says:

    EEVBlog #1116 – How to Remove Power Supply Ripple
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wopmEyZKnYo

    Circuit building block time. The capacitance multiplier and how it gives almost negligible power supply ripple compared to a voltage regulator.
    Whiteboard theory and then some bench demonstrations and experiments. Plus a twist at the end that proves that the “Capacitance multiplier” is perhaps one of the most mis-named circuits of all time.

    https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1116-the-capacitance-multiplier/

    Reply
  19. Tomi Engdahl says:

    How to Measure Ripple & Noise in Power Supplies
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0Mhj7MaOaI

    Measure and Improve the Output Ripple of a DC DC Converter
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBgtcc82u0Y

    Reply
  20. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Mains powered backup lights for solar day lamps
    https://www.edn.com/mains-powered-backup-lights-for-solar-day-lamps/

    A simple, reliable and low cost Solar Day Lamp (SDL) is useful in reducing the monthly power bills. SDL without any energy storage element, suffers from frequent changes in the light intensity on cloudy days. Also, backup lights are required after sunset. Using mains power present in the building, it is possible to provide backup lighting. It’s a simple and low cost option. Two types of backup systems are proposed here:

    1) Relay based ON/OFF backup lighting system.
    2) PWM based intensity controlled backup lighting system.

    Reply
  21. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Load Resistor Box
    The selectable load resistor box, 1 to 127 Ohm 50W with integrated wide-bandwidth current sensor
    https://hackaday.io/project/181229-load-resistor-box

    Reply
  22. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Here is how power system designers can achieve well-regulated output voltages while still achieving low standby power in power supply design.
    Read the full article: http://arw.li/6189JFf3l
    #EDN #PowerSystemDesign #PowerSupply

    How to achieve low standby power for an isolated power supply
    https://www.edn.com/how-to-achieve-low-standby-power-for-an-isolated-power-supply/?utm_source=edn_facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Articles

    Reply
  23. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Engineering magnetics — practical introduction to BH curve
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UFKl9fULkA

    A practical introduction to understanding magnetic devices such as transformers and motors. This video covers BH curves, reluctance, permeability, DC and AC magnetic circuits, and some applications.

    CORRECTION: at 13:48, I say that permeability can be negative. This is not true. All permeabilities are positive. Diamagnetic materials have permeabilities that are lower than empty space (eg .95 relative permeability). There is another quantity which is called susceptibility, which describes the ratio between flux carried by a material, and the flux carried by the space which the material occupies. This quantity can be negative.

    Viewer comments:

    Wow! It isn’t often that I watch a video several times, but this may be the best presentation of magnetic principles I have ever seen. Thanks!

    Reply
  24. Tomi Engdahl says:

    How to Solve Analog High Voltage Delivery Challenges with a Bootstrap Approach
    https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/how-to-solve-analog-high-voltage-delivery-challenges?dclid=CPesydTHl_UCFSlKkQUdDC8Pvg

    It’s a unique challenge to deliver the hundreds of analog volts that automated test equipment or precision control systems frequently require. Conventional operational amplifiers (op amps) cannot service the high output voltage swings, while discrete amplifier alternatives require a high degree of tweaking and consume more pc board real estate.

    However, there is another option: bootstrap the combination of a high voltage rail-to-rail output op amp and a pair of FETs that are able to withstand high breakdown voltages.

    This article will describe the problems high analog voltages present and common ways to solve them. It will then show how to use a bootstrap approach using a high voltage precision amplifier from Analog Devices, along with high voltage MOSFETs from Microchip Technology and Infineon Technologies.

    These will be used to create a precision, high performance solution that provides twice the amplifier’s nominal signal range while continuing to provide higher performance with minimal board real estate.

    Reply
  25. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Use LTspice Simulations to Gauge the Effect of Voltage Dependence
    Jan. 13, 2022
    How can you take the dc bias effect of multi-layer ceramic capacitors into account in circuit simulations? One way is to leverage LTspice’s nonlinear capacitor capabilities and a reasonable model.
    https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/whitepaper/21214029/analog-devices-use-ltspice-simulations-to-gauge-the-effect-of-voltage-dependence?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220111013&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R

    Reply
  26. Tomi Engdahl says:

    How to achieve low standby power for an isolated power supply
    https://www.edn.com/how-to-achieve-low-standby-power-for-an-isolated-power-supply/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNAnalog-20220113&oly_enc_id=2359J2998023G8W

    Many power supplies, especially offline power supplies, require low standby power. The most cost-effective isolated topology for power levels below 100 W is a flyback, because it requires the fewest components. Flyback converters often generate multiple secondary outputs, which require relatively precise regulation. This article will describe the challenges of achieving well-regulated output voltages while still achieving low standby power.

    Low-power AC/DC flyback power supplies are widely used in industrial applications such as motor drives and appliances because they can achieve good voltage regulation and low standby power losses. A typical application for an isolated low-power design often requires more than one secondary output.

    Let’s briefly review the known techniques to reduce standby power. Standby power mainly depends on the cycle energy, startup circuit, snubber network, and minimum load requirement. Reducing the no-load switching frequency and using active startup circuitry and a Zener snubber network instead of a resistor-capacitor-diode snubber leads to lower standby power. Unfortunately, other circuit properties can increase standby losses as well. So, it’s helpful to develop a strategy in advance that will help keep the standby power low.

    One of the main challenges for a power-supply designer is that it’s impossible to build an ideal circuit, as any real board must deal with parasitic capacitances and inductances, as well as with noise in the system.

    Reply
  27. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Mixed-Signal Hardware Design Overview | Audio SoM | STM32 & Altium – Phil’s Lab #45
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kYJwosAz3Y

    Overview and guidelines for mixed-signal hardware and PCB design, looking at an audio processing ‘System-on-Module’ (SoM) containing an STM32H7 microcontroller, audio codec, and SD card.

    Reply
  28. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Texas Instruments 1 AAJ 3Q 2016
    AutomotiveAnalog Applications Journal
    Reduce buck-converter EMI and voltage
    stress by minimizing inductive parasitics
    https://www.ti.com/lit/an/slyt682/slyt682.pdf?HQS=app-bsr-null-LowEMI-asset-mc-ElectronicDesign-wwe&DCM=yes&dclid=CPX9jY6OwPUCFcmXGAodPJEF7w

    Reply

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