Types of Power Supply Circuits

Black Transistor Beside a Capacitor on a Circuit Board

Power supply circuits are an incredibly important aspect of semiconductor operation, as these components provide power that is essential to the operation of the device. By enabling diverse applications, power supply circuits enhance efficiency, stability, and reliability. In this post, we will take a look at four different kind of power supplies: unregulated, linear-regulated, switching, and ripple-regulated.

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A Guide to Semiconductor Types, Applications, and the Manufacturing Process

A prototype silicon wafer at the basis of the creation of computer circuits

From the microchips in our smartphones to the intricate circuitry of our computers, semiconductors are at the heart of it all. In this blog post, we will take a journey through the process of semiconductor manufacturing, explore the different types of semiconductors, and dive into their vast applications.

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Why Testing is Essential for Semiconductor Manufacturing

Closeup of tweezers adding a chip onto a PCB

Semiconductors, the tiny powerhouses at the core of our modern electronics, undergo a rigorous journey before they make their way into our devices. The testing process in semiconductor design is vital, ensuring that these minuscule components meet the highest quality standards. In this blog post, we’ll take you step-by-step through the semiconductor testing process and discuss why it’s absolutely crucial.

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Memory vs. Logic Chips in Test and Measurement Equipment

Closeup of a central processing unit chip for a computer

For engineers, scientists, and tech enthusiasts, test and measurement equipment stands at the forefront of technological advancement. Behind the scenes, two fundamental types of semiconductor chips play a pivotal role in the functionality of these devices: memory chips and logic chips. Read on as we explore the distinctions between these two chip types and their indispensable roles in the realm of test and measurement equipment.

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The Diverse World of Semiconductor Chips

A plain Mitayi Pico RP2040 PCB near to two RP2040 microcontrollers.

In our rapidly advancing technological age, semiconductor chips, often referred to as integrated circuits (ICs), are the unsung heroes powering the devices and systems that shape our lives. These tiny wonders come in a variety of types, each meticulously crafted to serve specific functions and applications. This post will discuss the many types of semiconductor chips that make modern electronics possible.

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Is the LK-99 a Scientific Breakthrough?

Superconductor levitating

Something big is happening in the scientific world- and it is causing equal amounts of excitement and scrutiny. Researchers in Korea recently released documentation that they have successfully synthesized a room temperature superconductor for the first time in the world- signaling a potential breakthrough in physics that could forever change how we use energy. 

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Hand Switches and Electrical Circuits

Closeup of industrial power switch

Switches are the first basic building block of a successful electronic device. Since they have the power to either complete or disrupt an electrical circuit, control is impossible to achieve without them. Switches are fundamentally binary devices (they can only be either entirely on or completely off), but how do they work? While there are many different types of switches to discuss, this post will take a look at some of the most common types of manual hand switches and how they function.

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In-Circuit and Functional ATE

Back of a woman working at the national cancer institute at a workbench with test equipment

When it comes to verifying the functionality and performance of products during manufacturing, Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) is an irreplaceable tool. Two of the most prominent types of ATE used in product testing and field servicing are in-circuit and functional ATE. This article will take a look at how both of these types work, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of both.

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Simulating Circuits With SPICE

Light blue holographic 3D model of a circuit board

It is no secret that simulation and testing is an important part of designing circuits. Due to the high costs of photolithographic masks and additional production materials, it is highly preferred to have integrated circuits as close to perfect as possible before they are constructed. Integrated circuits cannot be breadboarded prior to production (unlike board-level designs made up of discrete pieces), so what is the best way to simulate them? The solution comes in the form of the computer program SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis).

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Impacts on the Semiconductor Industry in 2022

Close up image of a green circuit board

When you think of the phrase “small, yet mighty”, do semiconductors come to mind? While the size of these electronic chips continues to decrease, their status as the powerful building blocks of modern electronics only increases. The Semiconductor Industry Association recently released their official “2022 State of the U.S. Semiconductor Industry” report detailing the status of this multifaceted industry within the United States and on a global scale. As we reflect on the past year, what are some events and innovations that made a big impact on the industry overall? 

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