Symbols and Standards
The Core Issue – Outdated Safety Standards Existing safety standards for low-voltage electrical devices have not been substantially updated in decades, meaning they do not account for changes in device design and usage. The outdated standards base permissible current limits on outdated models of lethal electrical thresholds in the human body. For example, IEC 60479…
Common Belief: “It’s Only 12 Volts” A common misconception among both homeowners and professionals working with low-voltage systems is that “it’s only 12 volts, it can’t kill you.” This false sense of safety around 12-volt DC systems leads people to take risks that can have fatal consequences. While 12 volts DC carries less risk than…
Deciphering Supply Voltage Labels The naming conventions for supply voltages in electrical circuits can be confusing for those new to circuit design. Acronyms like VCC, VDD, VEE, and VSS are commonly used to denote supply rails in circuits, but the meaning behind these labels is not always clear. This article will explain the definitions and…
Definition and Purpose of Supply Voltages and Ground In electronics, supply voltages provide power to components and integrated circuits. The main supply voltage is denoted as VCC or VDD, indicating the higher, positive voltage rail. Another voltage called VSS, also referred to as ground or 0 volts, provides the reference point and return path for…
The Challenge of Logarithmic Scaling Implementing truly logarithmic relationships between electrical signals poses difficulties due to the fact that ideal resistor and capacitor values for logarithmic conversion rarely coincide with the standard values available. As such, designers must approximate the desired logarithmic response through careful selection and configuration of standard components. This presents challenges in…
Importance of Accurate Hazard Assessments The human body’s interaction with electricity poses risks of shock, burns, and electrocution under hazardous conditions. Accurately modeling the body’s electrical resistance enables improved safety analysis when designing electrical systems and medical devices. More precise resistance estimates allow determining safe voltage and current limits to prevent injuries. Electrical safety standards…
The Need for Precision Precision is paramount in analog measurement and instrumentation applications. The selected component values directly impact the accuracy and noise performance of precision analog circuits. Mismatched or imprecise components can severely degrade sensitive measurements through increased noise floors or reduced dynamic range. Carefully choosing resistor values, capacitor types, and operational amplifier characteristics…
