In any electric circuit (AC or DC), the electric power is one of the major electrical quantity. The electrical power is broadly classified into three types namely active power, reactive power and apparent power. These three types of electric powers are measured in different units. Where, the active power is measured in Watts (W), the reactive power is measured in Volt Ampere Reactive (VAR) and the apparent power is measured in Volt Ampere (VA). But in practice, these powers are measured in larger units, i.e., kW (kilo-Watt), kVAR (kilo Volt Ampere Reactive), and kVA (kilo Volt Ampere). Read through this ... Read More

In electronic circuits, we use an electronic device called operational amplifier (Op-Amp). The operational amplifier is a high-gain multistage differential amplifier. It has two inputs and one output, where the input terminals are named as inverting terminal and non-inverting terminal. The inverting terminal of the Op-Amp is marked with positive (+) polarity, whereas the noninverting represents the negative (-) polarity terminal. Depending on the circuit configuration, the operational amplifier is classified into two types namely, Inverting Amplifier Non-Inverting Amplifier This article is meant for explaining the differences between an inverting amplifier and a noninverting amplifier. But before that, ... Read More

The terms diode and rectifier are extensively used in electronics engineering. Sometimes, both these terms seam similar because they perform similar functions. However, there are many differences between a diode and a rectifier. This article is meant for explaining the differences between diode and rectifier. But before discussing the differences, it is advantageous to learn the basics of these two devices so it becomes easier to understand the differences between them. What is a Diode? A diode is a two terminal semiconductor device that allows the flow of electric current only in one direction. Therefore, the diode can ... Read More

A transformer is a static electrical machine that is used to increase or decrease the voltage and current in an AC (Alternating Current) system. Based on construction, the transformers are broadly classified into following two types Core Type Transformer Shell Type Transformer In this tutorial, we will highlight all the major differences between a core type transformer and a shell type transformer. But before discussing the differences, let's understand the basics of core type and shell type transformer, so that it becomes easier to understand the differences between them. What is a Core Type Transformer? In the ... Read More

There are two most popular MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technologies namely CMOS and NMOS which are widely used in the field electronics and power electronics such as in ASICs, memories, processors, etc. Nowadays, the CMOS technology is one of the leading semiconductor technology. It is because the CMOS technology dissipates less power when compared to the bipolar and NOMOS technology. In this tutorial, we will discuss the major differences between CMOS technology and NMOS technology. But before discussing the differences, let's get a brief overview of what the CMOS and NMOS technologies are. What is CMOS Technology? CMOS stands ... Read More

A power plant is an interconnected system of various electrical equipment that is used to generate electricity. The major components of a power plant include an alternator (or generator), a prime mover, control system, a generating transformer, etc. The prime mover is a mechanism that drives the alternator or generator to produce electrical energy. The control system governs the parameters such as voltage, power factor, reactive power, frequency, etc. of the generating system. The generating transformer is to step up the voltage of the generated power for transmission purpose. Nowadays, several types of power plants are being used for power ... Read More

In a semiconductor diode, the term breakdown implies the short circuit of the diode. As we know, the diode allows the flow of electric current in only one direction (forward direction) and blocks the flow of current in the reverse direction. But, when the applied voltage in the reverse direction exceeds a limit (called breakdown voltage), the diode starts conducting in the reverse direction as well. This stage is called the breakdown in the diode. The following two types of breakdowns take place in a PN-junction semiconductor diode − Zener Breakdown Avalanche Breakdown In this article, we shall ... Read More

In electronics and communication engineering, amplifiers and oscillators are two important circuits. The major difference between an amplifier and an oscillator is that an amplifier increases the magnitude of a signal, while an oscillator generates an oscillating signal. However, there are many more differences between an amplifier and an oscillator that we shall learn in this article. But, before highlighting the differences, let's get a brief overview of what amplifiers and oscillators are. What is an Amplifier? An amplifier is an electronic circuit which accepts a weak signal as its input and produces an output signal of high magnitude or ... Read More

Vacuum tube and Transistor are types electronic switching devices used a variety of electronic devices and circuits such as computers, communication systems, power supplies, TV, radios, amplifiers, etc. However, both are significantly different from each other based on their technology and operation. In this article, we will highlight all the points that differentiate a vacuum tube from a transistor. Let's start with some basics of vacuum tubes and transistors. What is a Vacuum Tube? A vacuum tube is an electronic device used to control the current flowing in a circuit using a vacuum in a sealed glass tube. Basically, ... Read More

In every electrical system, we need to measure various electrical quantities such as current, voltage, power, energy, etc. For this purpose various types of measuring instruments have been developed to measure the respective quantity. Go through this article to find out more about wattmeter and energy meter. We also learn about the significant differences between a wattmeter and energy meter. One major difference between wattmeter and energy meter is that the wattmeter measures electrical power in the circuit, whereas the energy meter measures total amount of energy consumed by the load.What is a Wattmeter? A wattmeter is an ... Read More