Automobile assembly lines and other factory operations are massive, intricate undertakings. Each individual part must properly carry out its task to contribute to the entire system. More often than not, small and large mechanical processes are controlled by something called an electrical control panel. This blog will explain what electrical control panels are and the many components and make up the panel as a whole. Read more >>

An RF (radio frequency) filter is an electronic component used to allow signals to pass through at certain frequencies but reject signals at any frequency outside the approved range. RF filters are commonly used as a base for duplexers and diplexers to combine or separate frequency bands. One problem that can occur when sending and receiving signals is load impedance on the circuits. The load impedance should match the internal impedance of the lowpass and highpass filters. This minimizes the amount of signal reflections when many frequency signals are being sent out or received. This blog will explain the types of RF filters and their characteristics. Read more >>

When designing an electronic device or system, ensuring that proper resistance is in place is paramount to safe operation. Resistance refers to a material’s ability to impede the flow of electric current, allowing for the limitation of electrical flow in order to protect sensitive components and those that are operating the system. Resistors are the component or device that is implemented to oppose electric current, and there are various types that are commonly used across different electronic applications depending on the amount of electricity present and the need for impeding electricity. Read more >>

The terms wire harness and cable assembly are often used interchangeably but what many people do not know is that they are very different and distinct. The actual items themselves have very similar functions but their function and design operate significantly differently. Note that they are unique in their own way because a wire is basically a piece of material that can conduct electric currents, with some examples being copper and aluminum. On the other hand, a cable is not the same because it consists of two or more wires that are bonded together. You can sometimes find them to be braided or melded together as one, which explains why you might see cables that appear like bundles of intertwined wires. For more information on the difference between a cable assembly and a wire harness, read the article below. Read more >>

A capacitor is an electrical device that stores energy in an electric field. The effect of a capacitor, a passive component with two terminals, is known as capacitance. Capacitance is the ratio of change in electric charge of a system to the corresponding change in its electric potential. There are many different types of capacitors, ranging from very small, delicate trimming capacitors used in oscillators of radio circuits, to large metal-can type capacitors found in high voltage power correction circuits. Generally speaking, there are three categories of capacitors: dielectric, ceramic, and electrolytic. This blog will explain each of them, their subtypes, and what makes them unique. Read more >>

Relays are important electrical components that, at their most basic, act as an electrically operated switch. A relay is often used within a system to control a circuit with an independent low-power signal or for multiple control signals. Relays consist of a set of input terminals, and they often serve as the main protection and switching device for control processes and equipment. There are multiple different relay types, each providing for various applications or functions such as protective, reclosing, regulating, auxiliary, and monitoring relays. In this blog, we will discuss some of the main relay types, their components, and provided functions. Read more >>

The gas turbine engine, also known as a combustion turbine engine, is a type of internal combustion engine that utilizes the ignition of a fuel and air mixture to produce thrust and propulsion for an aircraft to sustain flight. There are various types of the aircraft turbine engine, and these include the turbojet, turboprop, turboshaft, and turbofan engine. Although each may differ in areas such as their compressor parts, as well as each provide various advantages and disadvantages, there are some common components that can be found across all types of the gas turbine engine. These include the air inlet, compressor parts, combustion chamber, turbine section, and exhaust parts. Read more >>

Turbine engines were a huge advancement in aviation, allowing for unprecedented flight capabilities. Generally speaking, turbine engines are classified based on whether the compressor is centrifugal flow, axial flow, or a combination of the two. Further distinctions are made based on the path the air takes through the engine and how power is produced. Turbine engines come in four basic types: turbojet, turboprop, turbofan, and turboshaft. Read more >>

Shaft couplings are different from some other types of connectors because instead of just joining two parts, they actually transmit power from one end to the other on rotating shafts— this is their primary function. Several other features that they have are that they accommodate misalignment and create mechanical flexibility, they reduce transmission shock, and they protect against overload. Shaft couplings join two pieces of rotating equipment such as motors, pumps, compressors, and generators. Shaft couplings generally do not disconnect during operation, but there are torque limits; if exceeded, the coupling may slip or disconnect. There are numerous types of couplings styles; they support particular torque or power transmission and afford various misalignments. Read more >>

How do Electromechanical Relays Work?

To put it simply, an electromechanical relay is essentially just a switch. However, relays are controlled by electromagnets, whereas switches are manually actuated. They are used in a control circuit when a low power signal is required, or when several circuits need to be controlled. Inside the relay, a small current is used to create a magnetic field within the coil. This magnetic field is used to switch or control a much larger current. Relays come in a variety of sizes and can use different technology, but they operate with the same basic concept that makes them an electromagnetic relay. Read more >>