Positive vs. Negative: How to Diagram and Wire a Capacitor
If you’ve ever installed an upgraded car audio system, you’ve probably seen diagrams for a capacitor. This shows you how to wire a capacitor. Did you know there are different types of capacitors, all with different capacitor connections? Only one type is polarized, and that’s the electrolytic capacitor. They’re more expensive compared to non-polarized ones… Read more »
How to Calculate Capacitance
To learn how to calculate capacitance, you must first know the answer to the question, “What is capacitance?” Capacitance is the measure of a capacitor’s ability to store charge. This ability is measured in units called farads, named after Michael Faraday. However, many of the devices used in electronic circuits hold capacitors with capacitance that… Read more »
What is Electrostatic Discharge?
Electrostatic discharge (also known as ESD) is a sudden burst of electricity created between two electrically charged components. ESD is caused by either static electricity or electrostatic induction, and occurs either when oppositely charged objects come together or experience a dielectric break. While ESD can create sparks, it often takes place without visual or audible… Read more »
What is a Twisted Pair Cable?
A twisted pair cable is created by taking two different insulated wires and twisting them together, allowing them to run parallel to each other in a pattern. This type of cable can be either a shielded twisted pair cable (STP) or unshielded twisted pair cable (UTP), and while they each exhibit a unique design, both… Read more »
How to Check the Starter Relay On Your Vehicle
How to Test a Starter Relay A vehicle’s starting system is a symphony of components, with the starter relay playing a vital role. This small yet critical device acts as the liaison between your car’s ignition switch and the starter motor. When your engine refuses to start, a faulty starter relay might be to blame…. Read more »
What is a Terminal Block?
A terminal block is a tool used to safely connect two or more wires together. Also known as a terminal block connector, these blocks use a clamping component and conducting strip to secure and organize connecting wires. A terminal block allows users to join multiple outgoing wires to one singular incoming wire, thanks to its… Read more »
How to Test a Thermistor
Thermistors are used to measure changes in temperature and deliver changes in electrical resistance in response. Because these thermally sensitive resistors aim to maintain an absolute temperature for electronics and machinery, it is vital to ensure they are working properly at all times. Learn about how testing a thermistor can keep your electronics running at… Read more »
What is ESS Testing?
An ESS test evaluates whether electronic products have any defects or malfunctioning components. ESS stands for “environmental stress screening,” and is commonly used for military technology rather than commercial products. While the tests themselves are not particularly complicated, they help weed out flaws and avoid any potential failures during future product use. Request a Quote… Read more »
What is a Thermistor?
Thermistor comes from “thermally sensitive resistor,” which was the original name of these devices. Thermistors are resistance thermometers and a type of semiconductor that have an electrical resistance that changes depending on the weather. They have a low resistance to insulation but a higher resistance to conduction. Thermistors are made of metallic oxides that are… Read more »
How to Terminate Coax Cable
Before you terminate your coax cable, it’s always a good idea to test it first. If your coax cable has incurred a cut or crack during its use, it may be less effective at transmitting signals. You’ll need to test for: Signal strength Signal loss Connectivity The best method for how to test coax cable… Read more »
What is a Slave Cable?
What is a slave cable, and why are they called slave cables? Despite the name, they actually are rather commonly used across the world. Slave cables are used to jump start military vehicles with dead batteries. Outside of military use, they are more commonly referred to as jumper cables, and provide a fast, easy, vehicle-to-vehicle… Read more »