11/21/2019 2:20:00 AM   By  Admin  in

Based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, Wi-Fi belongs to the family of wireless technologies used for networking. It is most commonly used in Internet access as well as in local area networking of devices. Devices that utilize Wi-Fi are laptops, desktops, digital cameras, drones, smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, digital audio players, etc.

Wi-Fi utilizes several parts which come under the IEEE 802 protocol family. It is intended to flawlessly interwork with its wired kin, Ethernet. Devices that are compatible can get connected with one other using a wireless access point. Not only this, but they can easily connect with other wired devices as well as with the Internet. There are different versions of Wi-Fi available as declared by IEEE 802.11 protocol standards. They are categorized on the basis of radio bands, also the Max. Ranges, and speeds that might be accomplished. Generally, Wi-Fi uses 5 gigahertz (60mm) SHF ISM and 2.4 gigahertz (120mm) UHF radio bands. These bands are further divided into several channels. A network can share these channels but at any point in time, only 1 transmitter can transmit locally on a particular channel.

There is a relatively high absorption rate by Wi-Fi’s wavebands and it is seen that it works very well in line-of-sight use. Obstructions like pillars, walls, home appliances, etc. immensely decrease the range, but at the same time in a crowded area, it helps in reducing interference among several networks. A hotspot (access point) offers an indoor range of about twenty meters (sixty-six feet) while the new ones brag to provide an outdoor range of one hundred and fifty meters ( four hundred and ninety feet). The coverage area of a hotspot can be as small as a solitary room having walls that block the radio signals, or as wide as several square kilometers with overlapping access points. Along with the time, the productivity and speed of Wi-Fi have expanded. Presently there are several versions of Wi-Fi that can reach the speed of 1Gbit per second and above when attached with compatible hardware at close range.

To get a system connected with a Wi-Fi network, a user should have the name of the network which is known as SSID (Service Set Identifier) and a password. There is a much higher chance for a Wi-Fi to get attacked than the network that is wired. The reason behind this is because anyone present within the range of a particular network with a wireless network interface controller can get access. Thus for the safety and security of a network, we have WPA or Wi-Fi Protected Access. The WPA includes technologies that are made to ensure data moving crosswise over Wi-Fi networks and incorporates solutions for the enterprise as well as personal networks. WPA utilizes the password verification technique to encode Wi-Fi packets to block hackers. With the advent of time, the security landscape has changed and the WPAs are getting stronger and smarter for protecting the data. 

Hope you liked this article on Wi-Fi. Brands that make them are Redpine, Microchip, and Digi International. Make sure to refer them using the links as provided. Thanks for reading.

View all the Wi-Fi / 802.11 Modules


11/18/2019 4:28:00 AM   By  Admin  in

Programmable Logic IC Development tools are electrical components that are utilized to set up reconfigurable digital circuits. Before using them in any circuit is important that they are customized (reconfigured) by utilizing a specific program.

Let’s have a look on some variants of the above tools:-

  • PLA – It stands for Programmable Logic Array. A PLA consists of a programmable AND gate array and a programmable OR gate array that are linked together to get complemented conditionally to generate an output. On the basis of IBM’s Read-Only Associative Memory (ROAM), the Texas Instruments made a mask-programmable IC in 1970. The device was named as TMS2000. It consisted of eighteen outputs and seventeen inputs with eight JK flip-flops for memory. Later this device was termed as Programmable Logic Array.
  • PAL – It stands for Programmable Array Logic. This device consists of a series of transistor cells that are arranged as "fixed-OR, programmable-AND" plane to carry out a famous binary operation i.e. "sum of products" to generate an output. The PAL was introduced by the MMI in 1978. It was small, fast and cheap. It was available in 20 pins 300 mil DIP-packages. Later it was succeeded by AMD which introduced 24 pins 22V10 PAL with several new features.
  • GALs – It stands for Generic Array Logic. It was an improved version of PAL which was introduced in 1985 by Lattice Semiconductor. The logical feature of the device was the same as the PAL but this one came with an additional feature of reprogramming. GALs are customized (programmed) utilizing a PAL programmer, or by utilizing the in-circuit programming method on supporting chips.
  • CPLDs – It stands for Complex Programmable Logic Device. GALs and PALs are accessible just in little measures, proportionate to a couple of hundred logic gates. CPLDs and PLDs are taken help for larger logic circuits. The first method to program a CPLDs is by a PAL programmer. This method is not convenient for devices that have 100s of pins. The second process is by welding the gadget to its printed circuit board, at that point feed it with a Serial Data Stream from a PC. CPLD comes with a pre-built circuit that deciphers the stream of data and arranges the CPLD to play out its predetermined logical task.
  • FPGAs – It stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. Early FPGAs were 82S105 sequencer and 82S100 array by Signetice. It was brought in the year 1970. 82S105 consisted of flip-flop functions while 82S100 was an array of AND terms. FPGAs are made up of a grid of logic gates furthermore, once put away, the information doesn't change, like that of an ordinary gate array. The term “field-programmable” in FPGA means the tool is programmed not by the manufacturer but by the customer. One of the main differences between a CPLDs and an FPGAs is that a CPLD generates logic functions using Sea OF Gate while an FPGA is based on LUTs (Look Up Tables). FPGAs are good for large scale machines while CPLDs are suitable for wide combinational logic applications.

 

So this was all about programmable Logic IC Development tools. Hope you liked the blog. Companies that manufacture programmable Logic IC Development tools are Lattice, Altera and Terasic Technologies. Make sure to refer them using the links as provided.

View all the Programmable Logic IC Development Tools


11/7/2019 3:08:00 AM   By  Admin  in

Display modules are popular devices that enrich people with visual information. One of the main motives of display modules is to simplify the sharing of information. There are several displays present but in this article, we are going to focus on two of the most important ones i.e. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode). And at the end of the article, we will give a glimpse of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). So without wasting much words let’s begin this blog.

 

  1. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

The LCD consists of a flat panel like display which takes the help of light modulating characteristics of liquid crystals. Instead of emitting light directly the liquid crystals use a reflector (or a backlight) to generate images in monochrome or color. LCDs are accessible to show a discretionary or a fixed picture with less info content, which can be shown or covered up, for example, digits, 7 segment displays like in digital clocks or preset words. LCDs have found its way in several applications like computer monitors, aircraft cockpit displays, instrument panels, and LCD televisions. Small LCD screens are used in calculators, smartphones, watches, digital cameras, etc. It is also utilized in consumer electronics products like clocks, video game devices, and DVD players.

 

  1. LED (Light Emitting Diode)

LED is a light-producing semiconductor which discharges light when electric current moves through it. The electrons present in the semiconductor get attached with electron holes and release photons (energy). The shade of the light is dictated by the vitality required for electrons to overcome the bandgap of the semiconductor. White light can be generated by a film of a light-emitting phosphor on the device. LEDs have several advantages over an incandescent light. They are:

  • Long Lifetime
  • Small Size
  • Fast switching
  • Improved physical robustness

LEDs have found its use in automotive headlamps, traffic signals, plant growing light, aviation light, etc.

As we have got some ideas regarding LEDs, let's look upon OLED which is one of the popular type of LED present in the market.

 

                                                               OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)

OLED, popularly known as Organic EL diode, is a Light Emitting Diode where the layer of emissive electroluminescent is made up of organic compounds that generates light when an electric current passes through it. OLEDs have found its use in devices like computer monitors, screens used in televisions, portable game console, smartphones, and PDAs. As the OLED display emits visible light there is no use for a backlight. Thus, it is lighter and thinner than the LCD. Even though an LCD uses cold cathode fluorescent lamps but still in a dark room an OLED screen can attain a much higher contrast ratio than an LCD.

Now, OLED can be divided into two categories.

  • PMOLED – This stands for Passive Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode. In this type of display, each row is controlled successively, individually.
  • AMOLED – This stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode. It takes the help of a thin film transistor to switch and access each pixel (ON/OFF). Thus, OLED of this category makes large display and high resolution possible.

So this was all about popular Display Modules. Hope you liked this article. Popular brands that makes display modules are 4D Systems, Riverdi and MikroElektronika. Make sure to check them out using the links as provided.

 


11/1/2019 11:00:00 PM   By  Admin  in

A switch that is operated by rotation is known as a rotary switch. It consists of a rotating shaft that is connected to a terminal. That terminal is responsible for either setting up or breaking up a connection with other terminals. Rotary switches include diverse switch positions that can be established by pivoting the switch axle in different directions. Places where rotary switches can be used are band selectors present in multi-band radios or multi-speed fans and even on electrical metering equipment as range selectors. Till the early 1970s, these switches were also utilized on TV receivers as channel selectors

Generally, rotary switches find their use at places where there is a demand to operate an enormous number of electrical circuits covering a wide range of voltages, power, and current requirements. Presently they are used in applications as follows:

  • Computers
  • Instrumentation
  • Aircraft equipment
  • Communications equipment
  • Medical equipment
  • Industrial controls

A coded rotary selector switch or a coded rotary switch is very much like the normal rotary switch, however, the output is compiled in binary format to lessen pin requirement. It helps in selecting any one of the several choices.

Now let’s have a look upon the structure of this kind of switches.

A coded rotary switch comprises of "rotor" or a shaft that has a "spoke" or a contact arm that projects out from its surface like a cam. Around the rotor, there are several terminals in a circular arrangement. Each of them provides a contact for the shaft through which any distinctive electrical circuits can be associated. The switch is in a layered framework, thus, allowing the utilization of multiple poles. There is a detent component whose operation is initiated when the switch is moved from one position to another. Hence a coded rotary switch gives more prominent pole and throws abilities than simpler switches do. The detent mechanism, as well as the sensor/contact system, determines the total number of switching combinations that are possible.

The switches that are used presently work upon the principle of the "star wheel" mechanism to offer the switching position. Nylon cams are then mounted behind this component and spring-stacked electrical contacts slide around these cams. The cams are cut at locations where the contact should be closed, to sum up the electrical circuit. Some rotary switches are even client configurable in connection to the number of positions.

So this was all about regarding coded rotary switches. Hope you like this article. Brand that makes them are NKK Switches, Apem, and C&K. Make sure to check them out through their links.

View all the Coded Rotary Switches

 

 

 


11/1/2019 10:56:00 PM   By  Admin  in

A tactile switch offers the passage of electricity in an electrical circuit whenever the operation section is pressed by the user. The switch serves as a supplier of input signals such that the device gets operated. It is structured with a small impression appropriate for mounting onto the surface area of PCB (Printed Circuit Sheets) made to associate electronic segments to shape electronic circuits.

Whenever pressed the switch gets activated and gets turned off when released. This action is termed as ‘momentary action' which can only be executed at low current and low voltage. There is a wide range of tactile switches available in the market. They are also popular with the name of tact switch or tactile push switch. They have found their use in several areas like industrial machinery, household appliances, commercial equipment, and office equipment. A user can choose any kind of tactile switches for their equipment based on board mounting, size (external dimension) and sealing structure.

Structure

A typical tactile switch has four of the most important things. They are discussed below:

  • Cover: The cover defends the switch’s internal parts. The covers are generally made up of metals and are attached to the base. For static electricity protection, some covers also come with a ground terminal.
  • Plunger: Basically the plunger is a button that is pressed by the user to activate the switch. It transfers the squeezed force to the contact dome. The arrangement of the plunger surface can be either projected or flat. Generally, plungers are constructed using molded resin but to offer long strokes some come with rubber materials.
  • Contact Dome: The contact dome gives a feeling of click and also behaves like a movable contact. When a certain amount of operating force is provided to the plunger the contact dome reverses its shape and connects the 2 fixed circuits electrically to power the circuit. After the removal of this operating force, the dome returns to its original shape. The contact dome that is made up of rubber provides a softer tactile response by increasing the operation stroke. On the other hand, the metal dome provides a sharper tactile response by decreasing the operation stroke.
  • Base: The base of the switch is made using molded resin. Resin materials are only used because they can withstand the heat of soldering.

Features

  • Click Response: One of the most characteristics features of tact switches is the click response of the button i.e. it gives the individual a chance to feel the reaction from the switch. A feeling of clicking is initiated from the contact dome inside the tact switch. The shape and the material of the contact dome determine the sharpness of the click sense.
  • High Durability: The contact dome also serves as a movable contact in tact switches. The contact resistance (resistance value) is formed between fixed contacts and movable contacts whenever the switch is ON. It can be stabled down by utilizing specific materials, shape which provides high durability that is capable of holding a hundred thousand to ten million times of use and surface processing.

This was a brief article regarding tactile switches. Hope you liked reading it. Brands that make it are C&K, Panasonic and E-Switch. Make sure to check them out using their links.

View all the Tactile Switches

 

 


10/31/2019 1:02:00 PM   By  Admin  in

An SBC or a Single Board Computer is a complete computer set up on one single circuit board. It consists of everything like the memory, microprocessor(s), input/output (I/O) and other characteristics needed for a functional computer. This type of computer was made as development and demonstration systems, to be used as embedded computer controllers and also for educational purposes. In contrast to desktop computers, single board computers frequently don't depend on extension slots for peripheral development.

A wide range of microprocessors is being used to make up a single board computer. Straight designs, for example, those worked by PC specialists, frequently utilize static RAM and processors of 8-or 16-bit that are cheap. Other categories like the blade servers, would work in the same manner as a server computer but in a much compact framework. A computer on module is a kind of single-board computer that can be plugged into a baseboard, backplane or even a carrier board for the expansion of the systems.

The very first SBCs were known as "dynamicro". It was based upon the first EPROM of Intel, C1702A and Intel's C8080A. With the efforts of E&L instruments in Derby, Connecticut the "dynamicro" was rebranded as "MMD-1" in 1976 and became a popular example of a microcomputer in the very famous 8080 "BugBook” series. Single Board Computers likewise figured intensely in the early history of home PCs, for instance in the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron. Another example of early SBCs was the KIM-1 which was shipped without electrical enclosure. Nascom and Ferguson Big Board were also some of the popular single-board computers at that time.

Lifting the density of integrated circuits was one of the main reasons for the possibility of single-board computers. The overall cost of the system is reduced by using a single board configuration as it eliminates the use of bus driver circuits as well as the connectors. Connectors are a regular wellspring of unwavering quality issues, so a single board framework takes out these issues. Not only that but it also reduces the requirement of the amount of circuits board used.

The SBCs are most popularly used in industries where they are either implanted with compatible devices to offer interfacing and control, or utilized in rackmount framework for process control. It is used for the investigation in the deep ocean as well as in outer space, on Pegasus and Ariane rockets and Space Shuttles. As said earlier, SBCs have high integrating speed, fewer connectors, fewer component counts and because of these features they are generally lighter, smaller, much reliable than other multi-board computers and also power efficient.

Some of the powerful SBCs that are being used presently are PXI, VXI, VMEbus, PICMG and CompactPCI. Single Board Computers are set up by keeping in mind several internal processing structures like multiprocessing architecture, lower power processing systems like SPARC and RISC as well as intel architecture.

This was all about Single Board Connectors. Hope you liked the article. Brands that make Single Board Connectors are Advantech, IEI and Ibase. Make sure to check them out using the links as provided.

View all the Single Board Computers

 

 


10/30/2019 12:25:00 PM   By  Admin  in

The word solenoids got its birth from the Greek word “solen” which signifies a pipe or a channel. The second part of the name is coined from “edios” which is also a Greek word signifying an outline. Basically, it's an electrical component having a pipe-like structure. There are a large number of solenoid designs available that are used in many devices. Every one of them has their very own characteristics that make it valuable in the equipment they are used. Though they are available in several forms still all of them have the same working principle.

A solenoid is a simple electrical component that consists of a metallic core with a coil of wire winded around it. Whenever a current is passed through the solenoid, a continuous and uniform magnetic field is generated inside it. One of the most important things to note about a solenoid that produces a uniform magnetic field is that if its length is immeasurable then the strength of the field is the same throughout the element. Thus a solenoid can be used to do a large amount of work with a minimal amount of force generated due to an electric current.

Types of solenoids

As said earlier, there are several solenoids present in the market. They come in different design, materials and has diverse functions. Let's have a look at some of them.

  • Linear Solenoid

Linear solenoids are enabled of using a push or a pull force on mechanical gadgets. It has found its use in diverse devices. For example, the started device of an automobile which has a motor in it. The best place where this solenoid is popular is in the electric lock. When the jolt is appended to the electric lock on an entryway, it can promptly secure the door by holding up a great deal of savagery and violence.

  • DC C-Frame Solenoid

A DC C-Frame solenoid operates on a single frame, shaped like the letter ‘C’, which is winded by the coil. Though they are made to be used in a DC configuration but still can be designed to work with AC power. This type of solenoid has a broad range of use in various applications.

  • DC D-Frame Solenoid

A DC D-Frame solenoid comes with 2-piece frames that are winded around by the coils. Like the DC C-Frame solenoids, these solenoids can also be formed into AC alternatives. These types of solenoids are mostly used in industrial applications.

  • AC Laminated Solenoid

An AC laminated solenoid is popular for their force that they generate during their first stroke. You can get them in a number of different configurations and specifications. These categories of solenoids will deliver a perfect buzz when they are being utilized.

  • Rotary Solenoid

Unlike other solenoids as discussed above, it has got a disc in it. The body consists of grooves and the presence of ball bearing makes motion easier. Initiating the solenoid makes the core to get drawn back into the coil. The force that is generated is then converted into rotational force which moves the disc. Nowadays this device is used in industrial environments.

We hope that you have got a good idea of solenoids. Brands that produce solenoids are Crouzet, TE Connectivity, and Littelfuse. Refer to them using the links as provided. Thanks for reading.

View all the Solenoiids

 


10/27/2019 11:32:00 PM   By  Admin  in

A reed relay is a kind of relay that takes the help of an electromagnet to have a control on one or even more than one reed switches. The contacts are made up of magnetic materials, furthermore, the electromagnet acts directly without requiring an armature to displace them. The contacts are sealed in a narrow, long tube made up of glass which defends them from corrosion. Several reed switches can be inserted inside the glass envelope or can be placed into a single bobbin and actuate simultaneously.

The moving parts in reed relay are lightweight and smaller than the armature based relays, thus, they can switch at a much faster speed. However, switch bounce is still present. Additionally, the requirement of operating power is not much and the value of their contact capacitance is low. Reed relay’s capacity to handle electric current is quite low but with a suitable contact material they can be optimized for “dry” switching applications. They are precisely basic, making for dependability and long life.

Basic part present in the reed relays are as follows:

  • Coil – Wire is wrapped up around a core of metal. The coil causes the generation of the electromagnetic field.
  • Frame – The relay has a heavy-duty frame that contains and bolsters its parts.
  • Contacts – It is the conducting part present in the switch that opens or closes a circuit.
  • Armature – It is the moving part of the relay. The armature closes and opens the contacts. The armature is set back to its initial position by an attached spring.

From the 1930s to 1960s a few million reed relays were utilized in Bell System electromechanical telephone exchange for memory functions. A multiple reed relay was also used where one of the reeds was carrying out memory or logic functions while the other ones were fastened with the relay. During the 1940s to the 1970s, reed relays used in the crossbar switching systems were bundled in gatherings of five. Such kind of “reed pack” was capable to keep 1 decimal digit, computed in two-out-of-five code for a simple legitimacy checking by wire spring relay logic. Such a category of latching reed relay needs consistent capacity to look after its state, which is not like magnetic latching relay i.e. later remreed (remanent reed relay) or the ferreed (ferrite and reed relay).

In the mid-1990s reed relay went out of utilization in the field of digital telephone systems (like 5ESS switch and DMS-100). But due to their fast operating time, hermetic seal, exceptionally reliable contact execution and extended lifetime, it has got its use in electronic instrumentation and automatic test equipment. It has also got several of its use in microwave switching and RF applications. The device is also utilized in equipment which utilizes their low leakage current e.g. photomultiplier detectors. Reed switches can likewise be made to withstand several kilovolts and can be utilized as high-voltage transfers instead of all the more exorbitant vacuum transfers or sulfur hexafluoride.

Some brands that make reed relays are Coto, MEDER and TE Connectivity. Check them out by going through the links as provided.

View all the Reed Relay

 


10/15/2019 1:24:00 AM   By  Admin  in

These blade-shaped plugs and sockets, popularly known as Jones or Cinch Jones Power Connectors are strong and durable and is used in the industrial applications for quite a long time. These blade connectors are best for those types of equipment that require a current of high capacity. They are best in that situation where un-mating and mating is done most often. These plugs and socket is a good choice to select in place of high-reliability connectors which are not that cheap.

Howard P Jones Company was the main founder of this connector. They called this item as "Jones" plugs and socket in their promotional catalogs and literature. Today we have popular brands like Molex, Bel Fuse and TE Connectivity which manufactures them. You can refer them using the links as provided.

 

Applications of Cinch Jones Blade type connectors

  • Industrial Controls
  • Media Equipment
  • Data Processing Controls
  • Test Equipment
  • Amusement / Vending Machines
  • Communication Equipment
  • Security Systems

 

Specification of Cinch Jones Blade type connectors

  • Insulator: Black phenolic for general purpose, Molded monoblock
  • Operating Temperature: Up to a threshold of 150 degrees Celsius.
  • Contact Style: Plug comes with projected flat blades. 500,400 and 300 have recessed twin bellows and 2400 series has recessed bifurcated twin.
  • Intermateability: The 2400 and 400 series are intermateable.
  • Polarization: To prevent insertion in the wrong way, all kinds of "Jones" sockets and plugs are polarized.
  • Contact Material: Sockets are Cadmium plated phosphor bronze and plug are Cadmium plated brass.
  • Cable Clamps: Zinc, electroplating of bright nickel, irridite-plated steel

 

Advantages of Jones Plugs and sockets

  • Robust and strong blade contacts help in the prevention of damage due to uneven mating.
  • You will be getting guaranteed high reliability at a sensible expense.
  • A twofold wipe socket and a flat blade mating in contact; the measure of the surface territory is extensively bigger than with pin contacts.
  • Flat blade connectors are much more durable than hollow pin connectors.

 

Breakdown of the part number of blade type power connectors

                               P  -  3  06  -  AB  -  04

P – Type ; P is for Plug and S is for Socket

3 – Series

06 – Number of Contacts

AB – Mounting

04 – Options

 

For the Mounting part:

  • AB - Angle bracket
  • DB - Deep bracket
  • EB - End bracket
  • FP - Flush plate
  • LAB - Less angle bracket
  • RP - Recessed plate
  • SB - Shallow bracket
  • CCE - Cable clamp end
  • CCT - Cable clamp top
  • CCE-K - Cable clamp end with keepers
  • CCT-K - Cable clamp top with keepers
  • CCE-L - Cable clamp end with locks
  • CCT-L - Cable clamp top with locks
  • FHE - Flared hole end
  • FHT - Flared hole top

 

For the Options part:

  • 03 - Silver contact plating
  • 04 - Gold contact plating
  • 05 - Rhodium contact plating
  • M - Metal backshell
  • 63A-AB - Panel lock
  • 63A-SB - Panel lock
  • 63A-DB - Panel lock
  • 2 - Cable clamp
  • 17 - Cable clamp
  • 47 - Cable clamp
  • 59 - Cable clamp
  • 78 - Cable clamp
  • 98 - Cable clamp

We hope that you have got a brief idea regarding Jones Plug and Socket. Thanks for reading.

View all the Jones Plug and Socket


10/14/2019 8:37:00 AM   By  Admin  in

A Gas Discharge Tube or a Gas Plasma Arrestor is an arrangement of gas in an electrode inside a temperature-resistant and an insulating envelope. Gas Discharge Tubes results in the phenomena linked with the electric release in gases and gets initiated by converting the gas into ions with an applied voltage adequate to cause electrical conduction by the basic principle of the Townsend discharge. A gas discharge lamp is an electric light that takes the help of Gas Discharge Tubes; these consist of neon lights, metal-halide lamps, fluorescent lamps, and sodium-vapor lamps. Some specific gas discharge tubes like thyratrons, ignitrons and krytrons support as switching devices.

The required voltage for initiating and sustaining the discharge completely depends on the pressure, the amount of gas-filled in the tube as well as its geometry. Though the envelope is made up of glass, military tubes use glass-lined metal most often while power tubes use ceramics frequently.

As said earlier, the principle mechanism is the Townsend discharge. It is defined as the sustained increase of electron stream by ion impact when a critical estimation of the strength of the electric field for the thickness of the gas achieved. With the increase in the electric field, various discharge phases are encountered. The gas utilized significantly impacts the parameters of the cylinder. The breakdown potential difference relies on the distance between the electrodes and the composition of gas inside the tube.

 

Gas Used

  • Hydrogen – It is used in tubes that require fast switching.
  • Deuterium – It is used in neutron generator as well as UV lamps for UltraViolet spectroscopy.
  • Noble Gases – It is used for several purposes, from switching to lightning.
  • Elemental Vapors – Mercy vapors is used in ignitors, mercury-arc valves etc; Sodium vapors in sodium-vapor lamps; Sulfur vapor in sulfur lamps.

 

Gas Pressure

The gas pressure is kept between 0.001 and 1,000 Torr. But generally, it is kept between 1 to 10 torr. Factors that affect the gas pressure are as follows:

  • Sputtering of cathode – With an increase in pressure, it gets reduced.
  • Ignition Voltage or the Breakdown Voltage
  • Backfire Voltage
  • Operating Voltage
  • Current Density
  • Lifetime of the tube – Tubes having lower pressure have a short duration of life because of the gas consumption.

 

Gas Purity

To maintain the desired properties it is important that the gas present inside the tube needs to be kept pure; even a small quantity of impurities can significantly change the values of the tube; the presence of gases that are non-inert results in the increment of burning as well as the breakdown voltage. One can get to know the presence of impurities inside the tube by experiencing the change in the color of the gas glowing. Leakage of air inside the tube results in the introduction of oxygen, which is exceptionally electronegative and represses the generation of electron avalanches. This leads the discharge to look milky, reddish or pale. Traces of mercury vapors gleam pale blue, darkening the original gas shading. To forestall outgassing of the components of the tube during the process, a bake-out is required before loading up the tube with gas and fixing it.

This was a brief idea about the Gas Discharge Tube. We hope that you liked it. Brands that make Gas Discharge Tubes are Bourns, Littelfuse, and EPCOS. Make sure to check them out.

View all the Gas Discharge Tubes – GDTs / Gas Plasma Arrestor

 


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