Op-amp comparators are circuits that use an operational amplifier (op-amp) in an open-loop configuration (without negative feedback) to compare two input voltages. The output of the op-amp rapidly saturates to either the positive or negative supply rail depending on which…

A voltage follower, also known as a buffer, is a configuration where an operational amplifier (op-amp) is set up to have a voltage gain of 1. This means the output voltage follows the input voltage, hence the term “voltage follower.”…

A Zener diode is a special type of semiconductor diode designed to allow current to flow not only in the forward direction but also in reverse under specific conditions. What makes it unique is that it is heavily doped to…

Capacitors are circuit components that store electric charge when a potential difference is applied across their terminals. This ability to store charge is called capacitance (C) and is measured in farads (F). One farad is equivalent to one coulomb of charge…

A schematic diagram is a simplified representation of various circuit elements. It uses lines and standard graphic symbols to depict the interconnection of components and other parameters. Nowadays, software like Fritzing and Tinkercad uses realistic pictures to represent different components…

If you’re working on a circuit and you don’t know where the ground is, the first step is to consult the schematic diagram. The ground is usually (but not always) marked with a symbol that looks like a series of…

You can play the audio version of this article. This podcast episode discusses the fundamentals of diodes, including: How they work Biasing Preventing reverse current Rectification in power supplies Diodes are essential and widely used components in electronics. They play…