Mitchell Belser

Do you make the same mistake as I often do? :) How often this happens to me: - The hardware configuration is completed - Code is completed and compiled without errors and warnings - Downloaded to the PLC and started testing And for some reason, the analog inputs begin behaving crazily: showing open circuit, or value jumps from almost zero to almost max with minimum change on the input After countless mistakes like this, I know where to look immediately. But it wasn’t always that clear for me. Go to hardware configuration, open your Analog Input module properties and check what type of input is configured: voltage/current and the range. Most probably it is wrong :). Sounds stupidly simple? Yes. But how many times does it get forgotten! Planning a new project? Message me to see how I can help. #otomakeit #efficiency #industrialautomation #controlsystems #controlpanel #PLC #Siemens

120

12 Comments

🔧 PCB Design : Your Complete Layout Guide Whether you're a hardware engineer, electronics hobbyist, or student getting into PCB design, mastering the layout process is crucial for bringing your circuits to life. Designing a PCB might seem intimidating at first, but with the right approach and tools, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. Here's my step-by-step guide: 📐 1. Schematic Design Start with a clear schematic diagram. This is your blueprint—it defines all connections and helps you visualize the overall layout. 💻 2. Choose Your Software Popular options: Altium Designer, Eagle, KiCad, OrCAD. Pick one that matches your expertise level and project requirements. 📍 3. Component Placement Strategic placement is key. Optimize for signal flow, minimize trace lengths, and maintain proper clearances. 🔌 4. Routing Traces Keep traces short and direct. Consider current capacity, signal integrity, and EMI. This step can make or break your design. ⚡ 5. Power & Ground Planes Separate planes improve noise reduction and power distribution. Always create low-impedance return paths. 📊 6. Signal Integrity Watch for reflections and crosstalk. Use controlled impedance for high-speed signals. ✅ 7. Design Rules Check (DRC) Run DRC to catch trace width violations, clearance issues, and manufacturing constraints before production. 🌡️ 8. Thermal Management Factor in heat dissipation from the start. Use thermal vias and heatsinks where needed. 🏷️ 9. Silkscreen & Documentation Clear labeling saves time during assembly and debugging. Don't skip this step! 🔍 10. Design Verification Simulate and verify before manufacturing. Catching errors early saves time and money. 📄 11. Generate Gerber Files These are your manufacturing blueprints. Double-check everything before submission. 🏭 12. Manufacturing Choose a reputable PCB manufacturer. Review their guidelines carefully to ensure compatibility. 🔧 13. Assembly The final step—either DIY or use an assembly service. 💡 Pro Tip: Don't rush the design phase. A well-planned layout prevents costly revisions and ensures reliable performance. 👉 Save this post for your next PCB project #PCBDesign #ElectronicsEngineering #HardwareDesign #CircuitDesign #EmbeddedSystems #ElectricalEngineering #Engineering #PCB #HardwareDevelopment #TechTips

61

6 Comments

“NPN Transistor Operation and Current Relationships ⚙️📊” A technical schematic illustrating the NPN transistor structure (Emitter–Base–Collector), biasing conditions, current directions, and fundamental equations governing transistor operation in active mode.

11

Noise is the enemy of precision in embedded systems. In my latest article, I dive deep into how to leverage the dsPIC33C family microcontrollers for efficient signal processing and noise reduction:

30

I documented a comparison between Series and Parallel Resonant Converters, highlighting how resonance, quality factor, and operating region affect gain, harmonic attenuation, and soft switching. Also included an application example using fluorescent lamp electronic ballasts. #PowerElectronics #ResonantConverters #SRC #PRC #SoftSwitching #ZVS

25

3 Comments

Why & How Clipping Signals Can Mislead Your FFT Analysis When a sensor or ADC clips the signal, the sine wave gets flattened. 🔊 In time-domain → smooth wave turns square-like. 📊 In frequency-domain (FFT) → extra false harmonics appear, hiding the real fault signature. SDT Ultrasound Solutions SDT Ultrasound Solutions India #ConditionMonitoring #Ultrasound #Reliability

86

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are often discussed in terms of motors, control algorithms, or power electronics. However, two elements quietly determine how stable, efficient, and reliable a VFD truly is: DC-link capacitors and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). ✓ Role of Capacitors in a VFD DC-Link Energy Storage In a typical VFD, AC input is rectified into DC. ∆ The DC-link capacitors: • Smooth the rectified DC voltage • Reduce ripple and voltage fluctuations • Provide short-term energy storage during load transients Without proper capacitance, the inverter stage becomes unstable, leading to torque ripple and increased stress on power devices. ∆ Dynamic Load Support During sudden load changes or acceleration: • Capacitors supply instantaneous current demand • Voltage sag is minimized • Inverter switching remains stable ∆ This directly improves: • Motor torque response • Drive reliability • System availability ∆ Advanced Perspective: Reliability and Aging From a reliability standpoint: • Capacitor health strongly affects MTBF • Thermal stress and ripple current accelerate aging • Degraded capacitors increase DC ripple>higher IGBT stress>premature failures. This is why capacitor monitoring is increasingly used in predictive maintenance strategies. ✓ PWM controls motor voltage and frequency by: • Switching power devices at high frequency • Varying pulse width to synthesize sinusoidal waveforms • This allows precise speed and torque control without mechanical losses. ∆ Performance and Efficiency PWM enables: •Smooth motor acceleration and deceleration •Reduced inrush current •Better energy utilization across operating ranges ∆ Optimized PWM strategies reduce: •Motor heating •Acoustic noise •Harmonic losses ∆ Control Algorithms and Research Advanced PWM techniques include: •Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) •Discontinuous PWM •Adaptive PWM for energy optimization. ∆These techniques: •Improve DC bus utilization •Reduce switching losses •Enhance dynamic response PWM selection and tuning is an active R&D and research domain, especially in high-efficiency and high-power applications. ✓The relationship is tightly coupled: Capacitors stabilize the DC bus PWM draws controlled energy from the DC link. Any instability in capacitors directly distorts PWM output ∆From an engineering view: •Poor DC-link design → distorted PWM → torque ripple and energy loss •Proper capacitor sizing + optimized PWM → smooth motor operation and longer asset life. ✓From a maintenance and safety standpoint: •DC-link capacitors retain charge even after power-off •Proper discharge procedures are mandatory. •Periodic inspection for bulging, ESR increase, and thermal damage is critical. •PWM-related EMI must be controlled through grounding and shielding Ignoring these aspects increases both safety risk and downtime.

6

My first KiCad contribution just shipped in 10-RC1: text variables now work in tables. Why does this matter? If you're doing FPGA work with BGA packages, you know the pain: Schematic is organized by function (LVDS pairs, clocks, banks) Datasheet lists pins alphabetically (AA12, AA13, AB1...) Cross-referencing 289 pins manually is time consuming and error prone Now you can build a table that pulls net names, pin numbers, and custom attributes directly from your schematic. One source of truth, two views. Currently working on a new design and this is already saving me hours. Table built with copy/paste in a few minutes! Couldn't find equivalent functionality in Altium's Draftsman tables - happy to be corrected if I missed it. MR: https://lnkd.in/dhjjkjGC #KiCad #FPGA #OpenSource #HardwareDesign

193

12 Comments

Been digging into interconnects lately. Wires aren't passive anymore, they define performance. Wrote a short post going over key ideas from Weste & Harris and beyond: RC delay, π-models, signal integrity, crosstalk, repeaters and metal layer tradeoffs. Just trying to make sense of what really matters in modern IC design. Read here: https://lnkd.in/dH69a6MN #VLSI #Interconnects #ChipDesign #Semiconductors #EDA

19

2 Comments