Photodiodes and phototransistors are often compared to one another, both being capable of transforming light energy into an electrical current. While providing similar methods of operation, both components differ from each other in their current gain and internal components. In order to better understand the distinct roles that the photodiode and phototransistor serve, one must first familiarize themself with the internal makeup and processes of each.


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A Transistor is a common type of semiconductor device, capable of amplifying or switching electrical signals and power. As a building block of modern electronics, transistors typically feature three or more terminals that establish connection to an external circuit and enable the application of power to control another terminal’s current. While transistors may be packed independently within a circuit, they may also be arranged onto a single semiconductor, establishing what is known as a transistor array.


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To help mitigate the spread of electricity beyond a designated threshold within assemblies, apparatuses such as electrical insulators are commonly implemented. Often found in solid, liquid, and gaseous states, insulators have evolved over time to reduce faults, improve reliability, and reduce human harm resulting from electrical exposure. Within an environment where electricity needs to be meticulously controlled, such as those containing electrical wires, high voltage systems, microelectronics, and more, insulators and their lack of electrical conductivity help keep both humans and electrical apparatuses safe.


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A transformer is an electrical device designed to transfer alternating current or voltage from one circuit to another through electromagnetic induction. Electrical transformers convert AC voltage from one value to another, and can be designed to “step” a voltage up or down. There are many different types of transformers used to carry out different functions. In this blog, we will discuss the twelve most commonly used types of transformers.


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A capacitor is a passive electronic component that is capable of storing an electric charge within an electric field. The film capacitor is a common capacitor type, and they utilize insulating plastic film as their dielectric and may act as a carrier of electrodes when paired with paper. Regularly found within X-rays, phase shifters, safety capacitors, and fluorescent light ballasts, such capacitor types are very useful for a number of electronic devices. To understand how a film capacitor may be used, it is important to first learn about their working principles and functionalities.


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Electricity is a powerful source of energy, allowing for countless systems, appliances, and devices to function with power. As electricity is volatile in its nature, it is important that various devices are used to mitigate its flow and protect systems from surges, faults, and other issues. Circuit breaker and isolator devices are two common types of equipment that are often used for dealing with electrical faults. As each device presents its own unique functionality, construction, and application, understanding the differences between the two can be very beneficial when searching for protection devices.


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Plugs, connectors, ports, and jacks all have a role to play within an electrical system. They are commonly used in conjunction with one another, and the intricacy of some electrical systems can make it difficult to fully understand the differences between these components. In this blog, we will discuss unique characteristics of each and hopefully clear up any confusion you may have about their differences.


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Fasteners are used in a wide range of applications and industries to keep important parts and assemblies together. As such, they are commonly made from very strong and robust materials. For this reason, it may come as a surprise that fasteners made from nylon hardware such as nylon insert lock nuts not only exist, but play a crucial role in a myriad of fastening applications. Therefore, when carrying out an industrial or manufacturing process that heavily relies on fasteners, nylon fasteners should be considered just as seriously as traditional types of fasteners. In fact, in many cases, nylon fasteners have superior qualities over other fastener types. This blog will cover what nylon fasteners are, what they are made from, and why they are used.


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A sensor is a device that detects physical or chemical changes including pressure, force, or an electrical quantity. Simply put, a sensor is a device that helps send a signal from an object to a human operator. After detection, the signal is sent to the processor before the sensor ultimately produces an output signal that corresponds to the input signal. A resistive sensor is an electromechanical device that converts a mechanical change into an electrical signal that can be monitored after conditioning. There are three types of resistive sensors: resistive transducers, potentiometers, and strain gauges. This blog will cover each in detail.


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A relay is an electrically operated switch that consists of a set of input terminals for one or multiple control signals and a set of operating contact terminals. Relays are classified into two groups: contact relays (electromechanical) and contactless relays (semiconductor). Within these groups are a variety of subgroups. Subgroups of contact relays include signal and power relays, while those of contactless relays include solid-state and photorelays. Solid-state relays typically utilize semiconductor photo triacs, phototransistors, or photo thyristors as the output device and are limited to AC loads alone. Adversely, photorelays use MOSFETs as the output device and are capable of handling both AC and DC loads. Photorelays are mainly used as replacements for signal relays. This blog will discuss photorelays in greater detail.


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