In the world of electronics, power supplies are crucial in converting AC (alternating current) from mains power to a stable DC (direct current) required by most electronic circuits. Two common types of power supplies are capacitive and transformer-based . Each has its own set of characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between capacitive and transformer-based power supplies in detail. 1. What is a Capacitive Power Supply? A capacitive power supply is a type of power supply that uses a capacitor to drop the voltage from the AC mains. The capacitor, in combination with other components, reduces the input voltage to a lower value that can be used by low-power circuits. This type of supply is often used in small, low-power applications where isolation from the mains isn't a critical requirement. Working Principle The key component here is a non-polarized capacitor connected in series with the AC mains. The capacitor limi
Understanding the Astable Multivibrator with the 555 Timer IC The 555 Timer IC is one of the most versatile and widely used integrated circuits in electronics. Among its various applications, one of the fundamental configurations is the astable multivibrator . In this blog post, we'll delve into the concept of the astable multivibrator, how to design one using the 555 Timer IC. What is an Astable Multivibrator? An astable multivibrator is an electronic oscillator circuit that continuously switches between its high and low states without requiring external triggering. This makes it a perfect choice for generating a square wave signal, which can be used for various applications such as pulse generation, clock pulses, and tone generation. 555 Timer IC Overview The 555 Timer IC, developed by Signetics (now part of ON Semiconductor), is a highly reliable and easy-to-use chip capable of operating in various modes: astable, monostable, and bistable. For our purposes, we&