ASAP Parts Unlimited Blog

Switches are electrical components that are common to countless assemblies, serving to disconnect or connect the conducting path within an electrical circuit. Consisting of contacts that are managed by a knob or actuator, switches may come in many different configurations to facilitate varying operations. Tactile and touch switches are two common variations, both of which allow for a process to be carried out when the switch is touched or pressed. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between each switch type and their use, allowing you to better understand their functionality and importance.
 
A touch switch is one of the most simplistic types of tactile sensors, allowing for operations to be carried out with a simple touch. Generally, these buttons may be found on systems such as lamps, wall switches, and various computer terminals. Additionally, touchscreens are also composed of touch switches.

FireWire cables are a specialized type of data transfer wiring option, providing transfer speeds that far surpass other components. Often found in applications ranging from simple computer processes to the operation of military aircraft, FireWire cables remove requirements for multiple cables as they are very versatile and highly performing. In this blog, we will discuss the general functionality and roles that such wires play, allowing you to see if they are a good fit for your particular needs.

When searching for data transfer components that are unmatched by the competition, FireWire cables are a perfect option. While presenting a higher price point as compared to standard USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 cables, FireWire cables are beneficial for their increased performance and may transfer both power and data at the same time. With such capabilities, one may reduce the amount of wires present within an assembly, ensuring easier management and the mitigation of various hazards. FireWire cable options also help match transfer speeds with power supply capabilities, benefiting applications related to audiovisual devices and television sets.

Whether applied in aircraft or employed for industrial applications, temperature management systems and the components that comprise them are integral for many regulatory functions. Often found in the form of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) or thermocouple (TC), both temperature sensor types are broadly versatile, but come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages when implemented within various applications. To get a better understanding on how thermocouples and resistance temperature sensors work based on industry demand, we will go over their common functions and differences that set them apart.

Radio frequency amplifiers, or RF amplifiers, are components that are capable of boosting low-power radio-frequency signals. Such devices may be beneficial for a number of applications, often serving to drive a high power source, drive a transmitting antenna, or to excite microwave cavity resonators. With many devices relying on such components, an equal number of types have come about with varying characteristics and designs. To help you make the best decision for your particular needs, we will provide a short overview of a few of the most common RF amplifiers that accommodate transceivers, transmitters, antennas, and more.

An impeller is a type of rotor that is often implemented in compressors and pumps in order to increase the pressure and flow of a fluid. Motorized impellers in particular are fan impellers which are fixed to the rotor of an external rotor motor, meaning that they can operate with lower bearing loads and minimal vibration. Motorized impellers also have the ability to serve as a rotating heat sink, ensuring that heat is well dissipated for optimal cooling. With the combination of multiple roles into a single assembly, a motorized impeller serves as an advantageous device for applications in which space is a concern.

Rheostats are variable or adjustable resistors used to divide voltage in applications that require the adjustment of resistance in an electrical circuit. Similar to potentiometers, rheostats are commonly used in applications that call for variable control for higher amounts of voltage. In this blog, we will discuss the construction, operation, and applications of rheostats.

A force sensor is a device used to measure the forces that act on an object. In general, force sensors measure tensile and pressure forces in addition to elastic deformations. However, there are many variants in which force can be measured and determined by the sensors. When determining what type of sensor is best for a certain application, factors such as desired measuring range and expected accuracy are the primary criteria to consider. If a precise value within a small range is needed, the more receptive the force sensor you will need. In this blog, we will discuss the main types of force sensors, how they work, and their benefits.

For anyone who has seen the inside of an aircraft cockpit, the multitude of monitors, switches, knobs, dials, and indicators spread throughout the room can make piloting seem like an impossible endeavor. Nevertheless, it is a matter of having pilots train and learn about the various systems and controls available to them, ensuring that they know how to pilot each aircraft model that they enter. While the layout and availability of various components may differ by aircraft, there are some common elements that span across most types. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common flight deck components and systems that pilots regularly use.

The aircraft battery is an important part of the electronic system, allowing for power to be provided during ground operations and emergencies, clearing faults, increasing the stability of DC buses, and more. Similar to other aircraft systems and components, the aircraft battery requires regular maintenance to ensure its health and efficiency. Depending on the construction of the battery and its chemical contents, there are a number of ways in which maintenance can be performed.

A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one electric circuit to another without changing the frequency. It does this through the principles of electromagnetic induction, with the energy transfer generally taking place with the change of voltage and current. Transformers are able to either increase or decrease AC voltage and are used to meet a wide range of needs. They can vary greatly in size, some transformers being small enough to hold in your hand and others being several stories high. Regardless of their shape or size, their function remains the same: to transform electrical power from one type to another. This blog will analyze how transformers work and their many different types.