Guidelines from Maxim on using the MAX6954 to drive 14-segment monocolor LEDs, app note here (PDF!): This article is how-to guide, intended as a quick learning aid for engineers considering using the MAX6954 to drive 14-segment monocolor LEDs. The MAX6954 is a versatile display driver, capable of controlling a mix of discrete, 7-segment, 14-segment, and 16-segment […]
Category Archives: app notes
App note: Using Cymbet™ EnerChip™ batteries instead of coin cells and super capacitors
High charge/discharge cycle and solid state reliability EnerChip from Cymbet make this a good replacement for super caps and coin cell backup batteries. Link here (PDF) Primary and secondary (i.e., rechargeable) coin cell batteries, as well as super capacitors, have been in use for years as auxiliary power sources for applications including SRAM, real-time clocks, […]
App note: Battery fuel gauge IC (LC709203F) for 1-Cell Lithium-ion (Li+)
Lithium-ion fuel gauge IC from ON Semiconductors. Link here (PDF) The LC709203F is an IC that measures the remaining power level of 1-cell lithium-ion (Li+) batteries used for portable equipment etc. This product reduces fuel gauge errors with a unique correction technology during measurement of battery temperature and voltage. This technology has inherently high precision […]
App note: Crystal oscillator basics and crystal selection for rfPICTM and PICmicro devices
The basics of crystals and crystal oscillators application note from Microchip, link here (PDF!) This Application Note will not make you into an oscillator designer. It will only explain the operation of an oscillator in simplified terms in an effort to convey the concepts that make an oscillator work. The goal of this Application Note is […]
App note: Snubber capacitors for complete insurance of power semiconductors
An application note from WIMA about snubber capacitors, Link here. The trend of modern semiconductor technology towards increasingly powerful applications results in the fact that switched currents and voltage levels are continuously increased and that simultaneously the switching speed is also increasing markedly. The developments in the area of power semiconductors include the component group […]
App note: Selection of capacitors for pulse applications
Guidelines from WIMA about selecting capactiors for pulsed conditions. Link here The maximum permissible AC voltage that can be applied to capacitors in sinusoidal waveform applications, can be determined from the graphs in the respective capacitor ranges. However, where pulse conditions exists, the following procedure is to be observed to ensure that the correct capacitor […]
App note: Measuring a loudspeaker impedance profile using the AD5933
An application note from Analog Devices about AD5933, this provides a low cost substitute to expensive test equipment like signal generators, oscilloscope and voltmeters in getting the speaker’s impedance profile. Link here (PDF) This application note describes a circuit architecture using the AD5933 that allows the system designer to measure the impedance profile of the […]
App note: Choosing the appropriate component from data sheet ratings & characteristics.
Chossing the right power semiconductor for an application, a technical note from IXYS. Link here This application note is intended to show how to choose the appropriate rating of a power semiconductor component for a known application using the specifications given in the datasheet. The explanations have been kept sufficiently general to be applicable to […]
App note: Designing for board level electromagnetic compatibility
Designing for board level electromagnetic compatibility application note (PDF!) from NXP: Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a major problem in modern electronic circuits. To overcome the interference, the designer has to either remove the source of the interference, or protect the circuit being affected. The ultimate goal is to have the circuit board operating as intended — to achieve electromagnetic […]
App note: Voltage to current conversion
Using Apex Microtechnology’s power op amps for voltage controlled current sources (VCCS’s) application note, Link here (PDF) Voltage controlled current sources (or VCCS’s) can be useful for applications such as active loads for use in component testing or torque control for motors. Torque control is simplified since torque is a direct function of current in […]
App note: Programmable power supplies
Apex Microtechnology’s application note about programmable power supplies. Link here (PDF) The programmable power supply (PPS) is not only a key element in automated test equipment, but it is also used in fields as diverse as industrial controls, scientific research and vehicular controls. When coupled to a computer, it bridges the gap from the software […]
App note: Interfacing an I2S device to an MSP430 device
Interfacing an I2S device to an MSP430 device application note (PDF!) from Texas Instruments: The MSP430 series of microprocessors are fast powerful devices ideally suited for use with the various wireless transceivers offered by Texas Instruments. In streaming audio applications, however, it is desirable that the microprocessor support an audio bus to allow for interconnection to an audio […]
App note: Wear leveling in NAND flash memory
Application note/Technical note from Macronix on extending the maximum endurance limit of NAND flash memories by wear leveling. Link here (PDF) NAND flash memory is widely used in today’s embedded systems for code and data storage applications. Some applications are required to perform numerous Program and Erase operations on the NAND flash memory after system […]
App note: Understanding a digital transistor datasheet
Application note from ON Semiconductors about digital transistors where two resistors are built-in the transistor package. Link here (PDF) This application note will describe the common specifications of a Digital Transistor. It will also show how to use these specifications to successfully design with a Digital Transistor.
App note: Using the Microchip Ultra Low-power Wake-up module
An application note (PDF!) from Microchip on using the Ultra Low-power Wake-up module to reduce system current consumption: This application note describes ways to reduce system current consumption with the use of the Ultra Low-power Wake-up (ULPWU) module. The PIC16F684 and PIC16F88X are examples of deviceswith this feature. The primary use of this module is as an […]
App note: Solid state relay parallel and DC operation
Parallel two solid state relays for improved current handling and avoiding imbalance of load distribution are discussed in this an app note from Vishay. Link here (PDF) Vishay solid state relay (SSR) outputs can be wired in parallel enabling the user to benefit from lower on-resistance and higher load currents for AC/DC switching applications. This […]
App note: Solid-State Relays
Solid-state relays introduction from Vishay, Link here (PDF) MOSFET SSRs feature an optocoupler construction, but have a pair of MOSFETs on the output instead of a phototransistor. A pair of source-coupled MOSFETs emulate an electromechanical relay by providing bidirectional switch capability and a linear contact. No output power supply is required.
App note: Flow sensing in tankless water heaters
Contactless reed switches from Littelfuse provides flow and water presence monitoring. Link here (PDF) Reed switches and sensors are highly effective solutions for flow sensing applications that can be used for detecting the presence of fluid flow in a system or even measure the rate of fluid flow. Tankless water heaters are becoming a widely […]
App note: Circuit protection technology application matrix application guide
Here’s an application matrix of Littelfuse’s circuit protections, Link here (PDF)
App note: Creating a custom flash-based bootstrap loader (BSL)
An application note (PDF!) from TI on creating a custom flash-based bootstrap loader (BSL): MSP430F5xx and MSP430F6xx devices have the ability to locate their bootstrap loader (BSL) in a protected location of flash memory. Although all devices ship with a standard TI BSL, this can be erased,and a custom made BSL can be programmed in its […]