Recognized Components and Ethical Compliance Obligations

This paper provides an overview on the importance of ethical obligations to help ensure end-product safety and its certifications effectively address and satisfy component level application considerations. These are known as “Conditions of Acceptability” for most North American certification reports and “Application Considerations” for most European Union certification authority reports.

Troubleshooting EMI Issues Caused by Structural Resonances

Most EMI issues are caused by a resonance that is excited somewhere in the system. It may be a resonance of a cable acting as an antenna or a heatsink energized by the power electronics switches bolted to it, becoming a good radiator. In this article, we look at the indicators that signal the presence of structural resonances and provide techniques for fixing the EMI issues. Practical case studies are presented to demonstrate the techniques.

Common Mode Filter Design Guide

The selection of component values for common mode filters need not be a difficult and confusing process. The use of standard filter alignments can be utilized to achieve a relatively simple and straightforward design process, though such alignments may readily be modified to utilize pre-defined component values.

High-Integrity Components in Electrical Equipment, Part II

While the selection of components in electrical equipment plays a crucial role, a sound understanding of the characteristics of safety-critical and high-integrity components can provide valuable information about the ways to advance and achieve safety goals.

High-Integrity Components in Electrical Equipment, Part 1

While the selection of components in electrical equipment plays a crucial role, a sound understanding of the characteristics of safety-critical and high-integrity components can provide valuable information about the ways to advance and achieve the safety goals.

Capacitors: Theory and Application

This article presents the fundamentals and application of capacitors. What is a capacitor, and how do we select them? Techniques of selecting capacitors and things to consider when using capacitors are highlighted. Both practical examples and simulation are used to demonstrate the key points.

Waveguide Components

Fairview Microwave has launched its new line of double ridge waveguide components that are ideal for radar, wireless, and satellite communication devices, and for test instrumentation.

EMC Resonance Part I: Non-Ideal Passive Components

The fundamental circuit background is presented and illustrated by the resonance phenomenon in the non-ideal models of passive circuit components: capacitors, ferrite beads, resistors, and inductors.

There’s an “R” in “Varistor”

This article analyzes the V-I characteristic of a varistor and shows it is more appropriate to treat the varistor as a current dependent resistance rather than the conventionally taught voltage dependent resistance. Spice circuit examples are given, based on a current dependent resistance varistor model.