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Fiber Optic Cable vs Coaxial Cable

 Fiber optic cables and coaxial cables are used in various applications. But many of us are still not having proper knowledge about fiber optic cable and coaxial cable. So, today in this article we will discuss the difference between fiber optic cable and coaxial cable. Comparison of Fiber Optic and Coaxial Cables The following are the main comparison between fiber optic and coaxial cables. Physical Construction Material of Construction Transmission Method Bandwidth Transmission Speed Efficiency Diameter Weight Installation Complexity Cost Uses Physical Construction Fiber optic cable is made of the core which is a fiber core. Outside the fiber core, a cladding is present. Cladding is protected by a coating and a strength membrane. This whole assembly is protected by an outer jacket. Coaxial Cable is made up of conductors which are protected by insulators and sheath/shield and outer cover. Material of Construction Fiber optic cable is made up of plastics and glass. While coaxial cab...

Why is the Humming Sound Produced in Transformer?

 Whenever you pass around a transformer, you must have heard a strange sound of humming surrounding it. This is mostly heard in large transformers. This sounds weird but it is true; because everyone wonders why if there is no moving part in it, then why the sound is produced. In this post, we will learn why a humming sound is produced in a transformer because it will then help the engineers to design the transformer properly. Transformer Humming Sound A transformer works on converting voltage either in step-up or step-down mode. It has two basic windings – primary and secondary. The windings are wound on a laminated magnetic core sheet. There are multiple such sheets in a transformer housing. These cores are multiple in number to reduce Eddy current losses. When current flows through windings, a magnetic field is generated around the cores. It will then flow fully around the cores. This means that the laminated sheets are now turning into a magnet when electric current flows throug...

What is an Auto Changeover Switch?

 Electricity is a very basic need in our day-to-day life. In today’s world, it is almost impossible to survive without electricity; as almost all devices from a small fan to a PC to an AC work with electricity. So, even a small amount of interruption for some period of time can hamper our lives. We get power supply from the primary source, which is directly from electrical power distribution grids. This is called a mains power supply. But, for backup purposes, in case of mains power failure, other secondary sources are used like diesel generators, UPS, or inverters. Related to both of these, we will learn about an important device that is used for power supplies – auto changeover switch. In this post, we will learn the concept of an auto changeover switch. What is an Auto Changeover Switch? Suppose you have two sources of electricity – primary and secondary. Earlier, when the mains power supply went off, the operator used to go and manually turn on the secondary source power supply...

Why is Capacitor Used in a Fan?

 In this post, we will learn the reason behind the use of a capacitor in a fan. Ceiling fan or table fan is one of the most commonly used devices everywhere. It is almost impossible to survive without a fan in an area where there is no natural ventilation or air conditioning. So, it is important to understand the importance of a fan. You must have heard that a capacitor is one of the most essential used parts of a fan. But, do you know why such a small part can affect the working of the fan? Why is Capacitor Used in a Fan? Let us first start from the basics. A fan works on a single-phase motor. You will not have heard of a fan working on three phases. So, a fan always requires a single-phase AC supply. Now, if you see the working of a motor, you will be knowing that it is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. This is due to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. If electrical energy is passed through a magnet, an electromagnetic field is generated wh...

What Happens When the Power Plant Blackout?

 Electricity is one of the basic needs of human beings in today’s life. Everything from our life is utilized by electrical energy that may be from health to fun and from transportation to traffic. As a result, social and economic influences are inevitable in an interrupted situation.  In normal operating conditions energy production systems enable electricity to reach consumers easily. Energy interruptions can occur due to disturbing currents.  When the power system is defined as a power grid collapse, which is partially or completely out of order, it is the most negative situation for power system operators. Blackout of Electrical Power Grid The electric power grid serves as a bridge between energy production plants and consumers. Energy supply and demand balance problems may occur at any time. These problems cause the voltage and frequency of the power grid to increase or decrease. Through these distortions, the power system is causing the power generation plants to be ...

Difference between KW and KVA

 In this post, we will learn the difference between KW and KVA in electrical engineering. Electrical power is a very important term which is commonly used in electrical circuits. When you are choosing or designing system, you first of all consider it’s power rating. In electrical power, two of the most general purpose terms are – KW and KVA. KVA is usually heard in generators and transformers. But, it is also used in many other types of electrical devices. Both these terms are power ratings used in every measuring the current characteristics. They are common electrical power abbreviations. In this post, we will see the difference between KW and KVA. Difference between KW and KVA KW stands for Kilowatts and KVA stands for Kilo Volts Ampere. KW is the amount of power that is converted into a useful output. Therefore, KW is usually also known as actual power or working power. KVA is the measure of apparent power. Basically, it gives an indication of how much total input power is being...

Difference Between Single Core and Multi-Core Cables

 Cables are a very important part of industrial automation. You must know which cable to use and where to use it so that there is no goof-up in the instrument part or electrical part. There are many types of cables used, but it is important to categorize them based on various sections. Because it is not possible to define every type in a single section. In this post, we will focus on two types of cables – single core and multi-core. Here, we will see the difference between both of them. What is a Single Core Cable? Cables come with conductors and insulators. Conductors are the ones that carry current and insulators are the ones that insulate or protect the conductor from the external environment. In a single-core cable, as the name defines, only a single conductor or wire is used inside a cable. Basically, it will simply consist of a single wire insulated in an external coating layer. Because a single conductor is used, it can be used with a large and thick diameter. So, it is said...

What is a Photodiode? Working, V-I Characteristics, Applications

 What is a Photodiode? It is a form of light sensor that converts light energy into electrical energy (voltage or current). Photodiode is a type of semi conducting device with PN junction. Between the p (positive) and n (negative) layers, an intrinsic layer is present. The photo diode accepts light energy as input to generate electric current. It is also called as Photodetector, Photo Sensor or Light Detector. Photodiode operates in reverse bias condition i.e., the p – side of the photodiode is connected with negative terminal of battery (or the power supply) and n – side to the positive terminal of battery. Typical photodiode materials are Silicon, Germanium, Indium Gallium Arsenide Phosphide and Indium gallium arsenide. Internally, a photodiode has optical filters, built in lens and a surface area. When surface area of photodiode increases, it results in less response time. Few photo diodes will look like Light Emitting Diode (LED). It has two terminals as shown below. The smalle...

What is Relay? How it Works? Types, Applications, Testing

 We use relays for a wide range of applications such as home automation, cars and bikes (automobiles), industrial applications, DIY Projects, test and measurement equipment, and many more. But what is Relay? How a Relay Works? What are the Applications of Relays? Let us explore more about relays in this guide. What is a Relay? A Relay is a simple electromechanical switch. While we use normal switches to close or open a circuit manually, a Relay is also a switch that connects or disconnects two circuits. But instead of a manual operation, a relay uses an electrical signal to control an electromagnet, which in turn connects or disconnects another circuit. Relays can be of different types like electromechanical, solid state. Electromechanical relays are frequently used. Let us see the internal parts of this relay before knowing about it working. Although many different types of relay were present, their working is same. Every electromechanical relay consists of an consists of an Elect...

What is Grounding? Its Importance and Types

 Grounding is an important part of any electrical system. A properly grounded system will save lives from electric shocks and also protects devices/equipment. But what exactly is Grounding? What is the need for Grounding? Are there different types of Grounding? If so, what are they? Let us explore the essentials of Grounding/Earthing. What is Grounding? Grounding (in US) or Earthing (in UK) is a process of connecting electrical systems, appliances and metal enclosure to ground. Here, ground refers to the physical connection to Earth which acts as a reference point and also a return path for current. The main purpose of grounding is to provide a low resistance path for electricity to flow. We can implement the connection to ground with the help of a grounding electrode. This way, we can keep all the non-current-carrying conductors such as metal frame/housing of a computer, washer, drier, electric drill etc. at 0V potential. A typical grounding system consists of two parts. In the fi...

How to Hide Speaker Wire – Complete Guide

 You love playing music, and your speakers are the best part of the home theatre system. But lying speaker wires often become an eyesore and health hazard. You cannot do without a good speaker, but who does want the wires that damage the interior design? On top of that, the wires often become a threat to your safety. A lot of people often trip on the wires accidentally and injure themselves. Additionally, these wires often accumulate dust and dirt and impose challenges during the cleaning. But, there are different ways to prevent such eyesores. You can use different methods to hide the wires from plain sight so that the room does not lose its appeal and remains safe. These are different ways to hide wires, even if you need to run the wires through different rooms. Are you interested? Then read on to learn the ideas that help you hide the speaker wires. Solution to How to Hide Speaker Wire 1. Use your Existing Room Decor Suppose you are not ready to spend money on different ways and...

Types of ADC Circuit Designs | Flash, Successive Approximation Register, Dual Slope

 We live in an analog World with digital ways of communication, convenience and data processing. So, there is an underlying task of converting data from one domain to the other i.e., from analog to digital or vice-versa all the time. We call these data converters as Analog to Digital Converters (ADC) or Digital to Analog Converters (DAC). In this guide, let us focus on the analog to digital converters, see how a simple ADC works and what are the different types of ADC Circuit Designs. This is not an in-depth guide on Analog to Digital Converters and different types of ADCs but rather a brief introductory discussion on some important types of ADC Circuits. Analog to Digital Conversion is a huge and fascinating subject on its own and if you are interested, we can make a series of guides on individual ADC Circuit that we mentioned here. Importance of Analog to Digital Conversion What is an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC)? It is a device or circuit that convert analog data (a continu...

Soldering Iron Vs. Soldering Gun

 Many people consider soldering iron and soldering gun as the same thing. But do you know they are different? Well, if you didn’t and want to know, we can help. In this article, you’ll find a detailed comparison between a soldering iron and a soldering gun. You’ll also find which item is used for what purpose. So, if you’re interested, let’s begin the Soldering Iron vs. Soldering Gun comparison. Soldering Iron Vs. Soldering Gun: Definition Soldering Iron: You can think of soldering iron as a hand tool. As the name tells, it is used for soldering purposes. It is an electric equipment that heats the tip to melt the solder to join two work pieces. There’s typically a solder tip and a plastic handle involved in a soldering iron. Soldering Gun: A soldering gun operates much like a pistol. Similar to the soldering iron, the soldering gun is also electrically powered. It uses a tin-based solder for joining metal surfaces with good electrical contact. It’s in the shape of a gun and uses a ...