Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange
Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [component-selection]

All related to methods to select the correct components and/or component values to specific applications

Component selection is an important part of electronics design/prototyping. it is related to all the methods, opinions and rules of choosing components to certain applications. It could be selecting specific passive component values for a specific application circuit, choosing IC's for a determined task, and so on.

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What is the reason that the value "47" is so popular in electrical engineering?

We often see component values of 4.7K Ohm, 470uF, or 0.47uH. For example, digikey has millions of 4.7uF ceramic capacitors, and not a single 4.8uF or 4.6uF and only 1 listed for 4.5uF (specialty product). What's so special about the value 4.7 that…
MandoMando
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Darlingtons, MOSFETS, and bipolar junctions

I realize there are dozens upon dozens of kinds of transistors, each used for specific purposes. Sometimes there is great overlap; multiple kinds may work in a given circuit, but at times only a specific transistor is ideal. Without reading all of…
JYelton
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What is the difference between 1N4001 and 1N4007 other than their maximum reverse voltage?

I compared 1N400x diodes here. As far as I see, all of their properties are same other than their maximum reverse voltages. Their maximum current recovery time reverse leakage current capacitance are the same. It looks like 1N4007 is the super…
hkBattousai
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How do I plan a long range product with microcontroller that needs long term support?

I need to use a microcontroller on a system that must stay working without major changes for a long time (decades). To ensure that there always will be replacement parts, I need a microcontroller that will be long run produced or produced by some…
user3368561
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How to ensure long-duration manufacturing of central components?

This question is related to project planning and minimizing risks in the future. Say that Company X builds this clever device (I do not own a company - I am just curious). The clever device takes advantage of a micro controller unit (MCU) as the…
Ole Thomsen Buus
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What's the main differences between a TSSOP and a SOIC and when would you use one over the other?

I was recently looking at some SPI SRAM chips at Mouser and noticed that a particular IC came in both a SOIC-8 and TSSOP-8 package. The specs seem identical but the price is different (not by much, but different). Visually, it looks like you could…
cbmeeks
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Parallel RAM without large number of pins?

Back in the 1970s, Texas Instruments had a now-discontinued range of products that they called GRAM (and read only equivalent GROM) which was basically a standard memory chip with address and data all multiplexed onto 8 pins. You'd start an…
Jules
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Ceramic (MLCC) versus Tantalum capacitors

From the perspective of an electronics designer, but also taking into account price/cost and social considerations (see Coltan mining and ethics link below), I tend to avoid Tantalum capacitors under many circumstances, while favouring Multi-Layer…
jose.angel.jimenez
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What is the "ammo" packaging method when ordering through hole parts?

I'm familiar with bulk, tape and reel, cut tape, and tube, but what is "AMMO?" Source: Fairchild 2N3904 datasheet, page 2
JYelton
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Why are these two electrolytic capacitors so hugely different in size?

I'm recapping a vintage amp, and that amp has two larger caps at 2200uF @ 50V. I have sourced some possible replacements, and I'd like some insight into why these are SO different in size, and how I should think about that. (These are both new…
BZo
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Is C0G a synonym for NP0?

This question is in the context of a production environment where part numbers and change notices are strictly controlled, and any alternate manufacturer parts under an internal part number must be equivalent components. For Class 2 Dielectrics,…
crasic
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How to choose a inductor for a buck regulator circuit?

I am designing a buck-regulator circuit, with possibly the MAX16974 as the regulator. I have never done such a thing before, and actually not too much analog electronics at all. I got stuck at the part where I should select a inductor. Part of the…
varesa
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A decent library of component simulation, schematic and PCB layout?

I am truly a novice in PCB design, so I am new to all aspects of it. What I am having the most trouble with is actually picking suitable components. The trouble I am having is that I am not really able to use most of the components I find from…
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Sensor for ultralow (to -85°C) freezer monitor

I am planning to build a series of Arduino-controlled temperature-reporting units for a room full of "Ultracold" -80°C freezers. (I ultimately want to convert the signal to a serial stream that will interface with my existing system.) So far I have…
beroe
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Selecting a MOSFET for DC use

I have a general question regarding MOSFET Selection. I am trying to select a MOSFET for DC use. I am looking to replace a 5A 24V Relay with a N Type MOSFET. The MOSFET would be driven from a micro so I would need a logic level gate. The micro is…
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