Supercapacitors, also known as electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), store energy electrostatically rather than via chemical reactions like traditional batteries. Their unique characteristics make them ideal for applications requiring short bursts of power and/or durability over time.  

One of the fundamental roles of capacitors is charging and discharging energy predictably. Many electronics applications leverage capacitors to store energy and release it in a controlled pulse of current or voltage. Here, we’ll revisit how pulses are produced in a basic RLC circuit featuring a capacitor (C), inductor (L) and resistor (R). 

At the most basic level, high-power amplifiers (HPAs) take signals from the waveform generator and increase the signal level to a higher power as shown in Figure 1. Depending on the system, the increase could take the signal from hundreds of watts to many megawatts. This is an essential step for many radar systems to boost the strength of a signal and improve range, resolution, and overall performance. 

Supercapacitors feature unique characteristics that set them apart from traditional batteries in energy storage applications. Unlike batteries, which store energy through chemical reactions, supercapacitors store energy electrostatically, enabling rapid charge/discharge cycles. In certain applications, this gives them a significant advantage in terms of power density, lifespan, efficiency, operating temperature range and sustainability.  

Low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) in radio frequency (RF) receivers are designed to amplify low-amplitude signals (i.e., less than -100 dBm) from an antenna without decreasing their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In radar applications, a strong SNR increases the likelihood of detecting a target, so LNAs play an important functional role (Figure 1). Effective targeting requires both high resolution and high accuracy. A strong SNR translates to high accuracy.  

Defibrillators are designed to deliver electric current to the heart, in the form of a controlled shock to the myocardium, to treat arrhythmias and restore the heartbeat back to normal. Capacitors play an important role in the function of these life-saving devices. Here, we’ll cover the basic components of a defibrillator circuit and explore the role of capacitor selection in defibrillator system design. 

As consumers demand rapid, and accurate, delivery of online orders, yet labor shortages continue to prevail, distributors need to increase efficiency and productivity, reduce errors, and improve inventory management in their warehouses. To do this, distributors must modernize warehouse logistics by creating smart warehouses that incorporate technologies such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated mobile robotics (AMRs), IIoT sensors, drones, and/or robotic arms. Using these technologies, distributors can streamline operations by automating and accelerating tasks such as order picking, inventory replenishment, automated storage and retrieval, and goods transportation.

The types of threats facing radar systems are continuing to diversify. To adapt, the industry is evolving toward fully digital arrays that can support a variety of mission profiles. As these systems grow more and more complex, component-level decisions have an increasingly significant impact on overall performance.   

As power conversion systems evolve to leverage higher voltages and wide bandgap semiconductors like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), system designers face new challenges in managing the electromagnetic interference (EMI) frequency landscape. Here’s how EMI filters play an important role in ensuring safe operation at higher voltages. 

Monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifiers are widely used in defense radar systems. The industry recognizes them as a compact, high-performance option that’s reliable and easy to integrate. Whether they serve a receive (e.g., low noise amplifier (LNA)) or transmit (e.g., power amplifier (PA)) function, MMIC amplifiers rely on bypass capacitors to perform their core function to amplify microwave signals.