What Are Bias Filter and Self-Bias Networks?

Posted by Peter Matthews on Nov 8, 2023 8:15:00 AM

Bias filter networks and self-bias networks are two types of biasing components developed by Knowles Precision Devices for use in high-frequency microwave and RF applications.

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Topics: Filtering

Non-Magnetic Trimmer Capacitors for In-Suite or Portable MRI Machines

Posted by Jordan Yates on Nov 1, 2023 8:15:00 AM

MRI systems are so robust and require so much infrastructure that they need their own dedicated room—until recently.

A portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, or point of care (POC) MRI machine, is a compact, traveling device that’s designed for patient imaging outside of the traditional MRI suite (e.g., emergency rooms, ambulances, rural clinics, field hospitals, etc.)

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Topics: Capacitor, Medical

Power Divider Basics

Posted by Peter Matthews on Oct 25, 2023 8:15:00 AM

Radio frequency (RF) power dividers are designed to split an incoming signal into multiple outputs such that there’s a portion of the original signal’s power in each output. Given their critical function, power dividers play a particularly important role in antenna systems, telecommunications, and signal processing.

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Topics: Capacitor, Military and Aerospace, High Reliability

How Gallium Nitride (GaN) Semiconductors in Defense Power Supplies Affect Capacitor Selection

Posted by Jordan Yates on Oct 18, 2023 8:30:00 AM

Defense applications tend to operate at high voltages and wide temperature ranges. They require components with increased efficiency, reduced size, and high power density. Because a wideband gap (WBG) semiconductor embodies these characteristics, defense and aerospace systems are increasingly using Gallium Nitride (GaN) for power conversion. 

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Topics: Capacitor, Military and Aerospace, High Reliability

The Role of Resonant Capacitors in Power Electronics

Posted by Jordan Yates on Oct 11, 2023 8:23:00 AM

At a foundational level, the ability to store electric charge and more easily pass higher-frequency AC currents are two of the most identifiable properties of capacitors. However, at very high frequencies, the ideal behavior of a capacitor can be compromised. In those situations, the parasitic, resistive and inductive components of a capacitor have an outsized influence on its behavior. 

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Topics: Capacitor

The Importance of Safety Capacitors in Power Electronics

Posted by Jordan Yates on Oct 4, 2023 8:14:36 AM

Safety capacitors are designed to mitigate the effects of transient voltages and interference in electrical and electronic circuits, especially high-voltage applications, ensuring their safe operation. Even everyday devices need safety capacitors: modems and other telecoms equipment, AC-DC power supplies, power distribution switchgear, and electric vehicles (EVs) and other automotive applications.

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Topics: Capacitor

What Are DC Link Supporting Filters?

Posted by Jordan Yates on Sep 27, 2023 8:15:00 AM

In power electronics, the DC link refers to the section that connects the input and output sides of the power conversion system (Figure 1). The primary function of the DC link is to store energy during the times when the input power is higher than the output power and release energy when the output power demand exceeds the input power. The DC link should include a capacitor that servers as a supporting filter to act as a buffer, minimize voltage ripples, and smooth and stabilize the power flow between various components such as rectifiers, inverters, and other converters in the power system.

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Topics: Capacitor

Understanding the Crucial Role of Snubber Capacitors in Power Electronics

Posted by Jordan Yates on Sep 20, 2023 8:28:00 AM

Large voltage spikes are common in power circuits, particularly during switching—a core action for device functionality. As a result, voltage suppression is a fundamental system requirement to protect circuits.

Enter: snubber capacitors

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Topics: Capacitor

What are Bootstrap Capacitors?

Posted by Jordan Yates on Sep 13, 2023 10:13:14 AM

Power electronics play a critical role in converting and managing electrical energy efficiently. As electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics quickly become more powerful, the demand for high-voltage power electronics is quickly increasing. This means the importance of components like bootstrap capacitors has grown significantly.

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Topics: Capacitor

High Q Capacitors – Roles and Specifications

Posted by Peter Matthews on Sep 6, 2023 8:15:00 AM

Q factor, or quality factor, is an electrical term used to describe the ratio of energy stored to energy dissipated in a capacitor at a certain frequency (you can learn more about the different components of Q factor and ways to define it here). In other words, Q factor tells us how good a capacitor is at its job at a certain frequency. A high Q value indicates low energy loss during operation, making these capacitors a good fit for applications requiring low power dissipation and high stability.  

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Topics: Capacitor

Insights Into Precision Passive Devices

Knowles Precision Devices is a premier global source for Capacitors, RF Filters, EMI Filters, Resonators, non-magnetic components and advanced dielectric materials. An umbrella for the brands of Compex, DLI, Johanson MFG, Novacap, Syfer and Voltronics, Knowles Precision Devices serves a variety of markets including military, aerospace/avionics, medical equipment, implantable devices, EMI and connector filtering, oil exploration, instrumentation, industrial electronics, automotive, telecoms and data networks.

This Blog will provide insights into:

  • Filters for 5G and mmWave
  • Capacitors for High Voltage
  • Capacitors for High Reliability

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