ASAP Parts Unlimited Blog

Power surges are common events that may occur over 50 times a day in a given power system. While the vast majority of these surges are minor and do not pose any threats to devices, those which are greater in magnitude may cause serious damage or even complete destruction to associated electronics. To help attenuate the impact caused by transient overvoltage, distributors and end-users implement surge protection into their systems. Surge protection is facilitated by specialized components called surge protection devices, or SPD. SPDs are designed to limit the voltage reaching an electronic device by blocking or shorting the current. Such strategies may be met by the use of inductors, metal-oxide varistors, spark gaps, or gas discharge tubes. In this blog, we will focus on gas discharge tubes and what factors must be considered when deciding upon one.

One of the more notable pieces of engineering that makes complex power distribution easier and more affordable is busbars. Generally housed inside switchgears, panel boards, or busways, busbars serve to conduct an ample current of electricity. Instead of branching the main power supply at one location, busbars enable new circuits to branch off anywhere along the busway.

Pressure regulators have numerous applications in industrial and consumer markets, but their importance is most significant in industrial automation and aviation. At the most general level, a pressure regulator is a device that helps control the pressure of a fluid to a set level. However, the means by which the regulator achieves that goal may vary significantly with design, making it essential to understand the fundamentals of pressure regulation first. In this blog, we will discuss the basic operating principles of pressure regulation and the various ways these devices may be implemented in industrial automation and aerospace applications.

Pressure transducers convert pressure into an electrical output signal that is either digital or analog. This signal can be used by other devices, such as controllers, alarms, and other similar closed-loop systems. They find use in a wide range of residential and commercial applications like HVAC, pumps, vehicles, and aircraft, where a pressure measurement is necessitated.

Piezo and magnetic buzzers are used extensively to produce sound in a variety of consumer devices. These two components account for the tone produced by nearly every automobile alarm, washing machine, sound-making toy, and other such products. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about piezo and magnetic buzzers, including their differences, applications, and function.

The term “TRIAC” stands for “triode for alternating current,” and as the name suggests, it is utilized as a control element in AC circuits. These semiconductor devices feature three terminals, each of which perform varying functions. However, they operate by utilizing only one terminal called the gate to trigger the flow of electrical current in the other two terminals, which are called the main terminals or anodes.

Color is one of the most important aspects of light, and it can serve a variety of important roles within industrial and scientific applications. By determining the color of a particular item or material, one may be able to effectively evaluate its properties. Additionally, color sensing can also permit the filtration of infrared or ultraviolet light as needed for the benefit of certain applications or systems. As technology continues to advance over the years with constant breakthroughs in science and manufacturing, color sensing has reached new heights in its potential. To help you better understand the importance of color sensors and color sensing in general, we will describe how it works alongside the common applications of such devices.

DIN rails are rail mounting systems that permit the secure attachment and assembly of electrical and industrial control products, allowing for various circuit breakers, terminal clocks, and electronic enclosures to be organized with ease. With global standardization of size and manufacturing, DIN rails can be used across multiple industries to secure all compatible products. Whether one is organizing electronic components within an aircraft or for a business, it can be highly beneficial to be aware of the various types of DIN rails that one may use, ensuring that the correct types are procured for a given assembly of components and devices.

Printed circuit boards (PCB) are common to countless electronic devices, coming in the form of miniature assemblies with ICs and other components that facilitate standard operations. As PCB technology has continued to become more advanced and compact, the amount of heat generated per unit area has greatly increased. To best combat heat that can be detrimental to sensitive components, heat sinks are used for dissipation. For the most optimal cooling, thermal paste and thermal pad materials are implemented.

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.