Difference between amplifier and oscillator

An amplifier is an electronic circuit providing output as an amplified form and an oscillator is an electronic circuit providing output without input application. There is no periodic signal generated by the amplifier.

 Main Difference :

 The main key difference between amplifier and oscillator is that amplifier is an electronic device that is used to increase the amplitude of electrical signal but in the oscillator is an electric device that is used to generate oscillatory electric current or voltage by no mechanical means.


amplifier vs oscillator


Difference between amplifier and oscillator is listed below:
  • The amplifier is an electronics circuit which gives output as an amplified form of input while in the oscillator is an electronic circuit which gives output without application of input.
  • The amplifier is basically negative feedback but oscillator uses positive feedback.
  • The amplifier does not produce any signal but oscillator are built to generate electronic signals.
  • Amplifier operates as a muliplier, oscillator oprate as a souce.
  • The amplifier provides an amplified signal, the oscillator is given the oscillatory signal.
  • The amplifier does not generate any periodic signal but the oscillator is generating of the periodic electronic signal.
  • Amplifiers do nothing till input signal is fed to the input, oscillator produces a signal from the moment of power.
  • The amplifier has both input and output while oscillators only have an output.
  • An oscillator generates a signal with a specific type of frequency so an oscillator itself uses an amplifier in order to generate a strong signal.
  • An Amplifier accepts an as input signal and produces a basically output signal which is an amplified version of the input signal.
  • In amplifier phase shift between input and output generally in between 180 degrees while the oscillator phase shift between input and output is 0 degree or 360 degrees.
  • In an amplifier, output frequency depends on active as well as the passive component used, while oscillator output frequency depends on only passive components.

Explore more information:

Difference between series circuit and parallel circuit

There are many ways to set up an electrical circuit. Electronics devices such as resistors, transistors, switches, diode, are components place and positioned in a circuit structure. The placement of such components is crucial to the operation of the circuits because different kinds of setup create a different kind of output or results. Two of the simplest electronics or electrical circuit connections are called a series and parallel circuits. These two are the most basic setup of all circuits, but significantly different from each other.


 Series circuits :

Generally, a series circuit has the same amount of current flow through all the components placed inline called the series because of the fact that the components are in the same single path of the current flow. 

In series circuits : 

Vt = V1 + V2 + V3 +........

It = I1 =I2 = I3 =.......

Rt = R1 + R2 + R3 +.......

Where, Vt = Total circuit voltage

V1, V2 and V3 = Voltage in each component
It = Total current
I1, I2, I3 = Current across each components 
Rt = Total resistance
R1 = R2 = R3 = Resistance value of each components


Parallel circuits : 

Generally, the parallel circuit has the same amount of voltage flow through all the components placed parallel called parallel circuits. The components are wired in separate loops. This circuit divides the current flow and ultimately combines the current flowing through each component to form the current flowing in the source.

In parallel circuits :

Vt = V1 = V2 =V3.....

It = V ( 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 ).....

1/Rt = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 +......


Main Difference : 

In a series circuits, the same amount of current flow through each of the components, and the voltage across the circuit is also the same of the voltages across each component. The voltage across each component is the same in a parallel circuit, and the total current is the sum of the currents across each component.

Now let we check it out some other difference between them one by one listed below. 


Difference :

  • Series circuit is an element we said to be connected if they are connected in cascade fashion called end to end, one after the other. If the finish point of the one element is connected to the start point of the next element and so on just like the links in the chain  while in parallel the element is said to be connected in  parallel if they are connected across each other one end of each element is bunched together to form one junction and the remaining end of each element is bunched together to form one junction and the remaining end of each element is bunched together to form the other junction. 
  • Each resistor in the circuit is not directly connected to supply in series circuits while in parallel circuits resistors are connected in end to end and directly connected to supply. 
  • There is only one path through which current flow in series circuits whereas in parallel circuits, the current is divided because there are many paths through which current flows. 
  • In the series circuits, the sum of the total voltage drop across resistors is equal to emf source whereas the current supply by the battery is equal to the sum of all current flow across each resistor in the circuit in parallel circuits. 
  • The value of equivalent resistance is larger than the value of the largest resistor connected in series circuits in case of a series circuit and the value of equivalent resistance is lesser than the value of smallest resistors connected in parallel circuits. 
  • If any resistor burns out in the series whole circuits will be disconnected from the supply while the current is not interrupted in parallel circuits if any resistor damage.

Full form of PLC

What is the full form of PLC?

  • Programmable Logic Controller

 What does PLC mean?


A PLC is microprocessor-based an industrial digital computer which has been ruggedized and adapted for the control of manufacturing processes, automation of the electromechanical process, such as lines, robotics devices, light fixtures or any activity that require high-reliability control and ease of programming process. So this system will work by monitoring the state of input devices and it makes decisions based upon a basic custom program to control the state of output devices.

Advantages and disadvantages of integrated circuits

Integrated circuit (IC), sometimes called as a chip or microchip that can work as an amplifier, oscillator, timer, microprocessor, or even memory of a computer. An IC is a small wafer, usually made of silicon, can be a function as an amplifier, oscillator, timer, counter, computer memory, or microprocessor. This post gives information about the pros and cons of integrated circuits called ICs to better understand this topic.

Advantages of ICs:
  • It is more reliable
  • The entire physical size of IC is the extremely small size
  • Low power consumption because of their small size
  • It can easily replace but it can hardly remain in case of failure
  • It has suitable for small signal operation
  • Greater ability to operate at extreme temperature
  • When the absence of parasitic and capacitance effect has an increased operating speed
  • The wight of an IC is very less as compared entire discrete circuits
  • Close matching of components and also a temperature coefficient because of bulk production in batches
  • Improved functional performance as some complex circuits can be fabricated for achieving better characteristics
  • The reduction in power consumption is achieved due to the extremely small size of IC

Disadvantages of ICs:
  • If one component in an integrated circuits fails, it means the whole circuit has to be replaced
  • It is difficult to be achieved low-temperature coefficient
  • It can be handled an only a limited amount of power
  • Coils or indicators cannot be fabricated
  • Low noise and high voltage operation are not easily obtained
  • The power dissipation is limited to 10 watts
  • Inductors cannot be fabricated directly
  • High-grade P-N-P assembly low-temperature coefficient
  • Operation at low voltage as IC function at fairly low voltage
  • Voltage dependence of resistor and capacitors
  • A large value of saturation resistance of transistors
  • Integrated circuits are not flexible
  • It is impossible to fabricate transformers
  • The IC will not work properly if wrongly handled or  it must be exposed to excessive heat
  • The power that integrated circuits can produce is limited and calls for extension
  • Higher values of capacitance discrete components exterior to the IC chip are connected

Advantages and disadvantages of PLC

PLC called a programmable logic controller, it has specially designed computer to operate in an industrial environment, which can operate in a wide range of temperature and humidity. Here this post gives a lot of advantages and disadvantages of PLC to better understood this topic. 

Advantages of PLC:
  • Rugged and designed to withstand vibrations, temperature, humidity and noise
  • PLC has a lot of contacts and low cost and safe
  • It has a very faster scan time, it has a fast operating time
  • A wide range of control application
  • It has capable to communicate with a computer in the plant
  • It has great computational capabilities 
  • It has shorter training time required
  • It has a small physical size
  • It has project cost can be accurately calculated
  • It has supervisory control capability
  • PLCs are easily programmed and it was relatively easily understood programming language
  • Have interfacing for input and output already inside the controller
  • One single programmable logic controller can easily run many machines so it is flexible
  • It has high-speed counters
  • It has shorter project implementation time
  • Troubleshooting in programming and reprogramming
  • The documentation was easy to do
  • It has a high level of reliability and low maintenance
  • Security in terms of programming
  • Adaptive to changes in production

Disadvantages of PLC:
  • There is too much work required in connecting wires
  • It has fixed circuit operation
  • PLCs manufacturers offer only closed-loop architecture
  • PLC is new technology so that should require training
  • There is a limitation of working of PLCs under high temperature, vibrations conditions
  • Some PLCs turn on when power is restored and may cause an accident
  • There is a difficulty with changes or replacement
  • Need extra security equipment such as really
  • Some application that performs a single function is not efficient in the use of PLC
  • Limited usage environments high temperatures and harsh vibrations can disrupt electronic equipment on the PLC
  • PLC is not considered necessary when it has applied to industrial systems that do not need to change the wiring
  • PLC is designed by semiconductors, which depends on the thermal characteristics
  • It is always difficult to find an error and requires a skillful workforce
  • When uses PLC, a problem occurs hold up time is indefinite and usually long
  • A number of operational modules must be added to maximize flexibility and performance
  • PLCs are propitiatory, meaning that the software and the use of parts can't be easily used by one manufacturer in combination with some uses by another manufacturer.
Explore more information:

Difference between synchronous and asynchronous transmission

The main key difference between synchronous and asynchronous data transmission is that while we are using synchronous transmission uses synchronized clocks to transmit data while in asynchronous transmission uses flow control instead of using a synchronized clock to the transmit data.

  • In synchronous transmission, data is sent in the form of block or frames but in the asynchronous transmission, data is sent one byte or one characteristic at a time.
  • In synchronous transmission, the rate of transmission of data is fast while in asynchronous the rate of transmission of data is slow.
  • Synchronous transmission is expensive, Asynchronous transmission is economical.
  • In synchronous time interval constant, while in asynchronous time interval random.
  • The gap between the data is absent but while in an asynchronous gap between the data is present.
  • Synchronous example chat room, video conferencing,  face to face interaction, telephonic conversion, etc but in an asynchronous letter, emails, forums, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of negative feedback amplifiers

Negative feedback amplifier has effects for reducing distortion, as well as noise, form sensitivity to external changes and improving system bandwidth and input and output impedances. Here this post gives some advantages and disadvantages of negative feedback amplifier over the positive feedback amplifier to better understand this topic.

Advantages of a negative feedback amplifier:
  • The negative feedback reduces the size
  • It has highly stabilized gain
  • It has fewer harmonics distortion
  • It has less phase distortion
  • It has higher fidelity
  • More linear operation
  • It has less frequency distortion
  • Input-output impedances can be modified as desired
  • It can increase or decrease output impedances
  • It can control the step response of an amplifier
  • It can control the step response of an amplifier
  • It has less amplitude distortion
Disadvantages of a negative feedback amplifier:
  • Its reduction in gain
  • It increases output resistance in the case of shunt and current series feedback amplifiers
This article also gives some advantages and disadvantages of a negative feedback amplifier over a positive feedback amplifier:

Advantages of a negative feedback amplifier over a positive feedback amplifier:
  • The operating point is stabilized
  • Output resistance decreases for certain configurations
  • Input resistance increases for certain configuration
  • The negative feedback is employed in various application such as an electronic amplifier, regulated power supplies, wideband amplifier, etc
Disadvantages of negative feedback over the positive feedback amplifier:
  • It reduced gain
  • Reduction of input resistance for current shunt amplifiers and voltage shunt type
  • Increases in output resistance in case of current series and current shunt feedback amplifiers
Explore more information:

Difference between scr and triac

The main difference between the two is that silicon control rectifier (SCR) switch direct current while in TRIAC is switch is alternating current. Here this post gives the main difference between them.
  • SCR stands for silicon controlled rectifier while TRIAC stands for triode for alternating current.
  • SCR is a unidirectional device but the TRIAC is a bidirectional device.
  • SCR is available in large rating but TRIAC is available for smaller ratings.
  • SCR is more reliable compared to TRIAC.
  • SCR is conducting current in one direction only while TRIAC is conducting current in both directions.
  • SCR need two heat sink, TRIAC needs only one heat sink.
  • SCR is only one mode of operation is possible whereas in TRIAC four different modes of operation are possible.
  • SCR can be triggered by positive gate voltage only but TRIAC can be triggered either by both positive or negative gate voltage.
  • SCR control a DC power, TRIAC control DC as well as AC power.
Explore more information:

Thermocouple application

There is some application of thermocouple listed below:
  • These are used as the temperature sensors in offices, homes, offices, and businesses
  • These are in industries for monitoring temperatures of metals in iron, aluminium, and metal
  • These are used in gas machines for detecting the pilot flame
  • These are used to test temperature in the chemical plants, petroleum plants
  • These are used in the food industry for cryogenic and low-temperature application
  • These are used for a heat pump for performing thermoelectric cooling
  • These are used for medical equipment
  • It can be used for packing equipment
  • It can be used as Diesel engine
  • These are also used for plastic industry modelling machinery, steel industry

RTD application

Here this some application of RTD listed below:

Automotive:
  • Automatic climate control
  • Audio amplifier
  • Emission control
  • Home weather stations
  • Coolant sensors
  • Electric coolant fan temperature control
  • Engine block temperature sensors
  • Engine oil temperature sensors
  • Oil level sensors
  • Transmission oil temperature sensors
  • Outside air temperature sensor
  • Water level sensors
  • Intake air temperature sensors
Computer:
  • Power supplies 
  • UPS system
Communication and Instrumentation:
  • Cellular telephones
  • Amplifier over temperature sensing
  • Copper coil winding temperature compensation
  • Oscillator temperature compensation
  • Rechargeable battery packs
  • Transistor gain stabilization
  • Transistor temperature compensation
Consumer electronics:
  • Toasters
  • Pool and spa  control
  • Oven temperature control
  • Rechargeable battery packs
  • Small appliance control
  • Thermostats
  • Fire detectors
  • Clothes dryers
  • Cellular telephones
  • Air conditioners
  • Washing machines
  • Refrigeable battery packs
  • Electric water heaters
  • Electric thermometers
  • Electric blanket controls
  • Computer power supplies
  • Dishwasher
Food handling and processing:
  • Coffee makers
  • Deep fryers
  • Fast food processing
  • Perishable shipping
  • Thermometers for  use in food preparation
  • Temperature controlled food storage systems 
Industrial electronics:
  • Crystal ovens
  • Commercial vending machines
  • Gas flow indicators
  • Fluid flow measurement 
  • Industrial process controls
  • HVAC equipment
  • Solar energy equipment
  • Microwave power measurement
  • Photographic processing 
  • Industrial process controls
  • Liquid level indicators
  • Welding equipment
  • Water purification equipment
  • Thermostats
  • Thermoplastic molding equipment
  • Thermocouple conductivity measurement
  • Thermocouple compensation
Medical electronics:
  • Blood analysis equipment
  • Blood dialysis equipment
  • Blood oxygenator equipment
  • Infant incubators
  • Esophageal tubes
  • Skin temperature monitors
  • Myocardial probes
  • Intravenous injection temperature regulator
  • Respiration rate measurement equipment
  • Internal temperature sensors
Military and Aerospace:
  • Aircraft temperature
  • Baththermography
  • Fire control equipment
  • Satellites
  • Missiles and spacecraft temperature 
  • Physiological monitoring
Explore more information:

Thermistor application

A thermistor is a special type of one resistor that uses sensors to help regulate cold and heat. Thermistor uses many devices like voltage regulation, voltage control, time delays, and circuit protection. Here this post gives the various application of thermistor listed below.

The thermistor has various application listed below:
  • A thermistor is used in the control devices actuated by temperature
  • It is used the measurement of flow
  • It is used for the measurement of high-frequency power
  • It measures the composition of gases
  • It is used to measures the vacuum and provides the time delays
  • It is used in automatic temperature controllers
  • It is widely used in temperature measurement
  • The thermistor measures the thermal conductivity
  • It is also used for biasing and compensating circuit of a transistor
  • In electronics circuit used for the temperature compensation
  • The thermistor measures the pressure of a liquid
  • It is used for a current limiting device for circuit protection as a replacement for the fuse
  • Used for the measurement of RF power
  • It is also used for the temperature sensor without or with compensation
  • Thermistor used in the measuring temperature distribution on a temperature gradient
  • Used for the thermal relay circuits and time delay circuit
  • It is used in the control devices actuated by temperature
Some uses of thermistors :
  • Household application
  • Circuit protection
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Digital thermometers
  • temperature compensation
  • Wheatstone bridge circuits
  • Measure thermal conductivity of electrical materials
Explore more information:

Thermistor advantages and disadvantages

Most of the thermistor is behave like a resistor with a high negative temperature coefficient. AT  that time resistance decreases with the increases in temperature. So this property of thermistor enables to thermistor to detect very small changes in temperature as compared to RTD or thermocouple. So here this post gives the advantages and disadvantages of the thermistor to better understand this topic.

Advantages of thermistor:
  • It is a small size
  • Highly sensitive allows them to work well over a small temperature range
  • They are more sensitive than other temperature sensors
  • Easy to use
  • They are fast in operation
  • It has good sensitivity in NTC region
  • Fast response over the narrow temperature range
  • Cost is low
  • Very responsive to changes in temperature
  • High accurate
  • Repeatable
  • It does not require contact and leads resistance problem not occurred due to large resistance
  • Options for customization
  • Easily interfaced to electronics instrumentation
  • it requires a standard two-wire connection system means they are compatible with many devices
Disadvantages of thermistor:
  • Thermistor need for shielding power lines
  • Extremely non-linear
  • Passive
  • The thermistor is not suitable for a large temperature range
  • The resistance temperature characteristics are nonlinear
  • Narrow working temperature range compared to other sensors such as RTD and thermocouple
  • More fragile as they are semiconductor devices
  • Susceptible to self-heating errors
  • The excitation for large temperature range
You have also read:

RTD full form

What is the full form of RTD?

  • Resistance Temperature Detectors

What does RTD mean?

RTD is a sensor that sometimes measures temperature by correlating the resistance of the RTD element with temperature. RTD are sometimes referred to generally as a resistance thermometer. Most of RTD elements consist of a length of fine coiled wire wrapped around a ceramic or glass core.  The relationship between as RTD resistance and this surrounding temperature is highly predictable, allowing for accurate and consistent the resulting voltages drop across the resistor, the RTD resistance can be calculated and the temperature can be determined.

RTD advantages and disadvantages

RTD stands for resistance temperature detectors, it is used to measure temperature. RTD is generally high repeatability, good precision, Accurate, and repeatability compared to a thermocouple. So here this post gives information about the advantages and disadvantages of RTD to better understand this topic.

Advantages of RTD:
  • Very stable output
  • Most accurate
  • Linear and predictable
  • High accuracy
  • High repeatability
  • Good precision
  • Low Drift 
  • More linearity compare to a thermocouple
  • No special wire required for installation, easily install and update
  • It is available for in wide range
  • It can be used to measure differential temperature
  • No necessity of temperature compensation
  • Stability maintained over a long period of time
  • They are suitable for remote indication
  • Easy to verify and recalibrate
  • RTD does not require a special extension cable
Disadvantages of RTD:
  • High initial cost
  • Low sensitivity 
  • It requires a more complex measurement circuit
  • Large bulb size
  • Low absolute resistance
  • Current source needed
  • Less rugged in a high vibration environment
  • A bridge circuit is needed with power supply
  • Shock and vibrations affect the reading
  • Point sensing is not possible
  • A circuit is little more complicated as it 34/4 wire measurement
  • Costlier as compared to other sensors like thermocouples
  • Slower response time than a thermocouple
  • More limited temperature range
  • Possibility of self-healing
  • Power supply failure can cause an erroneous reading
  • It can be avoided in industries for ranges above 650 deg. C
  • The RTD requires more complex measurement circuit

Thermocouple advantages and disadvantages

In temperature measurement, the thermocouple term is common and is mainly used in thermometer as the sensor of temperature measurement. The ability of thermocouple who can measure very high until the very low temperature is the main reason why so many industries applying it. This article has given the benefits and drawback of the thermocouple to better understand this topic.

Advantages or benefits of thermocouple:
  • Very wide temperature range about -200oC to +2500oC
  • Fast response time
  • They are a simple construction
  • Low initial cost
  • Durable
  • Easy to read has a clear screen and good scale
  • Quick response for any temperature changes
  • Precision accuracy in temperature measurement
  • It is not easily broken good durability
  • Good to be used temperature variation measurement with below 1 cm distance range
  • Available in small sheath sizes
  • Not required bridge circuit
  • Good accuracy
  • Does not required bridge circuit
  • Good reproducibility
  • High-speed response
  • They are rugged
  • They are a self-power active device
Disadvantages  or drawback of thermocouple:
  • Not as stable as RTD
  • Recalibration is difficult
  • More susceptible to RFI/EMI
  • They are nonlinear
  • It is used for only temperature measurement only
  • They have a low output voltage
  • Less sensitivity
  • They require a reference for operation
    The stray voltage pick up is possible
  • As output voltage is very small so it needs amplification
  • Decreased accuracy comparing to RTD
  • Difficult to verify
  • Require expensive TC wire from the sensor to recording device
  • The cold junction and lead compensation is essential

LVDT applications

LVDT is a displacement sensor and many other physical quantities can be sensed by converting the displacement to the desired quantity via thoughtful arrangements. It also used to convert mechanical motion or vibrations into a variable electrical current, voltage or electric signals specifically rectilinear motion. So, they are used in a wide variety of applications and lots of advantages, from pill making machines to measuring the thickness of dollar bills in ATM machines. 

 Applications of LVDT :
  • LVDT is used to measure the weight as a secondary transducer, this transducer can also work as a secondary transducer.
  • LVDT is used in industries as well as servomechanisms.
  • It can be used testing of soil strength.
  • It can used robotics cleaner.
  • Brain probing medical device.
  • Craft shaft balancer.
  • Final product infection ( checking dimension ).
  • Electronics dial indicator.
  • PILL making machine.
  • Natural gas fuel valve position for a gas turbine for throttle control.
  • Feedwater boiler pump valve positioning.
  • Dollar bill thickness in ATM machines.
  • LVDT is sensor works as the main transducer and that changes dislocation to an electrical signal straight.
  • It is also used in hydraulic cylinder displacement. 
  • It can be used for displacement ranging from the fraction of mm to few cms.
  • Some of these transducers are used to calculate the pressure and load and force.
  • The other application like power turbines, automotive suspension control, hydraulics, automation, aircraft, and satellites.

LVDT full form

What is the full form of LVDT?


  • Linear Variable Differential Transformer

What does LVDT mean?

LVDT is also called a linear displacement transducer or linear position transducer. LVDT is a robust, complete linear arrangement transducer and naturally frictionless. This sensor device measures linear displacement very accurately.

The application of LVDT is mostly used in automation, aircraft, hydraulics, satellites, power turbines and many more. These types of transducers contain low physical phenomena and also must outstanding repetition.


Advantages and disadvantages of LVDT

One of the key advantages of an LVDT is that there is no physical electrical contact across the transducer position sensing element. An LVDT output is clean data that has an infinite resolution and a very long life cycle. Here this post gives information about the benefits and drawbacks of LVDT to better understand this topic.

Advantages of LVDT:
  • LVDT has a low power consumption
  • It has a higher sensitive
  • It has a ruggedness
  • Easy to align and maintain
  • It has a wide range
  • It has a lower hysteresis loss
  • It has a higher measurement range 
  • It is a frictionless device
  • It offers a high resolution which is greater than 10 nm
  • It is less in weight
  • It is smaller in size
  • It is solid and robust, simple in construction
  • It has excellent repeatability
  • It has a lower output impedance
  • It is not affected due to the external environment
  • The sliding core does not touch inside the tube and hence it can mover without friction
Disadvantages of LVDT:
  • Sensitive to a stray magnetic field
  • It has large primary voltage produce distortion in an output
  • Temperature affects the performance
  • It has limited dynamic response
  • Vibration due to displacement can affect the performance of the LVDT device
  • DC output external demodulator is required
  • Large displacement is needed for small output
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)