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Archive for August, 2008

Applications of Switching Regulators

Applications of Switching Regulators

Virtually all of today’s electronic systems require some form of power conversion.
The trend toward lower power, portable equipment has driven the technology and
the requirement for converting power efficiently. Switchmode power converters,
often referred to simply as “switchers”, offer a versatile way of achieving this goal.

Switching regulators are small, flexible, and allow either step-up (boost)
or step-down (buck) operation.

When switcher functions are integrated and include a switch which is part of the
basic power converter topology, these ICs are called “switching regulators”. When no
switches are included in the IC, but the signal for driving an external switch is
provided, it is called a “switching regulator controller”. Sometimes - usually for
higher power levels - the control is not entirely integrated, but other functions to
enhance the flexibility of the IC are included instead. It is important to know what you aregetting in your controller, and to know if your switching regulator is really aregulator or is it just the controller function.

The primary limitations of switching regulators as compared to linear regulators are
their output noise, EMI/RFI emissions, and the proper selection of external support
components. Although switching regulators do not necessarily require transformers,
they do use inductors.

One unique advantage of switching regulators lies in their ability to convert a given
supply voltage with a known voltage range to virtually any given desired output
voltage, with no “first order” limitations on efficiency. This is true regardless of
whether the output voltage is higher or lower than the input voltage - the same or
the opposite polarity.

Switchers also offer the advantage that, since they inherently require a magnetic
element, it is often a simple matter to “tap” an extra winding onto that element and,
often with just a diode and capacitor, generate a reasonably well regulated
additional output. If more outputs are needed, more such taps can be used. Since the
tap winding requires no electrical connection, it can be isolated from other circuitry,
or made to “float” atop other voltages.

Though switchers can be designed to accommodate a range of input/output
conditions, it is generally more costly in non-isolated systems to accommodate a
requirement for both voltage step-up and step-down. So generally it is preferable to
limit the input/output ranges such that one or the other case can exist, but not both,
and then a simpler converter design can be chosen.

The concerns of minimizing power dissipation and noise as well as the design
complexity and power converter versatility set forth the limitations and challenges
for designing switchers, whether with regulators or controllers.

The ideal switching regulator performs a voltage conversion and input/output energy transfer without loss of power by the use of purely reactive components. Although an actual switching regulator does have internal losses, efficiencies can be quite high, generally greater than 80 to 90%. Conservation of energy applies, so the input power equals the output power. This says that in stepdown (buck) designs, the input current is lower than the output current. On the other hand, in step-up (boost) designs, the input current is greater than the output current. Input currents can therefore be quite high in boost applications, and this should be kept in mind, especially when generating high output voltages from batteries.

Engineering Services

Analog Switch Ics

Applications of Switching Regulators / Author: Rohit Singh

Restaurant Supplies Offer Memorable Dining Experience

Restaurant Supplies Offer Memorable Dining Experience

Keeping in mind to increase profits, restaurant has to follow a variety of marketing strategies. Often, restaurant requires large number of things that include food, cooking equipment, catering supplies, furniture and sanitation aids. A variety of equipment that includes refrigerators, cooking equipment, food processors, dishwashers and furniture are long-term investments and are not shopped in bulk by restaurant owners. Restaurant supplies work to attract people and leave them with an unforgettable memory.

With a view to offer a memorable experience for diners, the premises of restaurants and/or bars and especially their interiors are to be made luxurious and comfortable. The restaurant supplies assist in ascertaining that the activities of the restaurant are performed well and customers are served satisfactorily.

Those manufacturers who distribute their products directly to the market or supply them to wholesalers offer highest percentage of discounts on restaurant supplies. Most of the restaurant supplies are required for daily use and have to be often stocked. These restaurant supplies include foodstuff for instance dairy, meat, fruit, vegetable, tea, coffee, condiments and oil. A number of retailers are available to offer these daily use supplies at discounted rates. Nowadays, it has become necessary to check the credentials of suppliers because, even a single complaint against a particular restaurant can lead to suspension of licenses or end in a costly lawsuit.

Retailers and whole sellers are offering discounts on restaurant supplies, but the discount rate offered depending upon the size of an order. If minimum order requirements are met, the discounts provided are very high and thus lucrative for a restaurant. Some of the common supplies that include paper napkins, aluminum foil, containers, disposable plates, glasses, spoons, forks, knives and chopsticks are available at discounted rates when bulk orders are made. Most of the restaurants shop their supplies from varied manufacturers and retailers in wholesale.

Before making a final deal, it is necessary to search through the internet for getting maximum discounts. In these days, restaurant owners are taking advice from professionals who have ability to scan the market and evaluate the discounts before selecting a supplier for each item on the restaurant’s list of supplies.

Rapidswholesale.com is providing an outstanding service of Restaurant Supplies, furniture consulting services, commercial kitchen equipments, food and beverage services to the customers. Rapidswholesale.com is the best choice for Restaurant Supplies at wholesale rate.

Restaurant Supplies Offer Memorable Dining Experience
Author: Article Manage /

Melbourne Discover Its Spectacular Sites

Melbourne: Discover Its Spectacular Sites

Melbourne’s laidback pace is ideal for taking pleasure in its elegant Victorian architecture, its abundant parks and gardens, as well as its many cultural exhibits. Majority of the city’s key sights are just a short distance from one another. Melbourne is definitely the self elected Australia’s cultural capital. This claim is backed by its many finest theaters, festivals, art galleries, performances and topnotch restaurants. Some places that you should take note in your list when planning for a Melbourne holiday are:

Healesville Sanctuary

This sanctuary opened back in 1934 and it specializes in local Australian wildlife. The Healesville Sanctuary is among the greatest places in Australia to visit and observe some exotic Australian creatures. Some examples of wildlife that you could see here are koalas, wombats, kangaroos, and above all, platypus. This site has kept platypus ever since the 1930s. In the 1940s, it also became the first location in the world to actually raise a platypus in captivity. Another site here is the Australian Wildlife Health Center that offers a behind the scenes picture of an authentic wildlife hospital.

National Gallery of Victoria

This gallery has been exhibiting one of the richest and most impressive art collections in Australia since 1861. The ongoing growing art collection actually outgrew its St, Kilda Road home and back in 2002m, the art collection was divided in two. The native Australian art works are presently displayed in the contemporary Ian Potter Center. Meanwhile, the international works of art are still exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Luna Park

You could also drop by Luna Park when you are in St. Kilda. This park opened back in 1912 and it is the city’s iconic amusement park. Luna Park is owned by Lindsay Fox, who is a transport magnate. This park is identified with its gigantic, moon face entrance. The picturesque railway is the oldest constantly operated roller coaster in the whole world. The beautifully restored carousel here is, in fact, listed in the heritage records. You would be able to find sixteen rides as well as three roller coasters in the area. You would not need to pay admission to Luna Park but you would have to purchase tickets for actual rides at the ticket box.

Melbourne Museum
This is located at the Carlton Gardens, and it is the country’s largest museum. It is home to nine main exhibition areas, which include an indoor rainforest, some dinosaur exhibits, the mind and body gallery, as well as the insect and butterfly collection that showcases real life insects. The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Center, which is a living cultural center, is a place dedicated to the Koorie people of Victoria. You would also be amazed by Bugs Alive, which magnifies the world of bugs into a human scale. The renowned Melbourne Museum is also the final resting place of the most famous Australian racehorse named Pharlap. You would also see here an interactive and multicolored children’s museum. This complex is also home to the IMAX Theater that provides a huge movie screen.

Melbourne Accommodation

You would definitely feel at home with the fantastic Melbourne accommodation offered here. If you are searching for opulence, the city has plenty of luxury hotels that would be perfect for your Melbourne holiday. Or, if you are the type that craves a sweet, cozy home, a serviced apartment would let you rest in style and comfort. Other Melbourne accommodation options include backpackers, cabins, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks, motels, cottages, holiday houses, resorts, as well as self contained units. Whatever your budget or preference may be, the city could provide you with the best accommodation to ensure that you have an ideal Melbourne holiday.

The author is a contributor for the travel website Cheap Holiday Accommodation. This offers many travel suggestions, articles, as well as other information on Melbourne accommodation. You can also gain some tips on spending your Melbourne holiday

Melbourne: Discover Its Spectacular Sites / Author: Bei Maniago