Typical circuits textbooks tell us that there are four basic feedback topologies. The impression is given (if not stated) that a given feedback circuit will conform to one of these four topologies.

A designer who uses a phototransistor to convert a modulated optical signal to an electrical signal frequently encounters problems when high-intensity background light saturates the phototransistor.

Maintaining perfect stability through negative feedback is a basic element of electrical circuitry, but it’s been a mystery how cells could do it — until now. Mustafa Khammash’s small Lego robot is ...

The hysteretic power supply is simpler than the voltage- or current-mode closed-loop-control dc-dc switchers, although its simplicity may be a bit deceiving due to component variations and potential ...

Most of the radio transmitters in use today depend on feedback, negative or positive, for their successful operation. Positive feedback can be found in the RF side of transmitters and negative ...

ASIC Advantage’s IPS20 and IPS21 power management ICs simplify the design of secondary-based feedback and protection circuit implementations ASIC Advantage’s IPS20 and IPS21 power management ICs ...

My last two columns covered the topic of voltage troubleshooting as it applies to electrical circuits. An important point to remember is that the majority of service problems are electrically based, ...