Circuit Boards Category - AX Control, Inc.

How Do Generator Excitation Systems Function?

Have you ever wondered how generator excitation systems function? We’ve got the answers you’re looking for! Read on to find out more about these systems.

If you have a facility that requires a generator excitation system to operate day-to-day performance, it makes sense that you would want to understand more about how these systems work. You’ve come to the right place! Read on and learn how generator excitation systems function and what you need to know about them.

Surface Mount Technology: What is SMT?

Surface mount technology components on a narrow circuit board. — Surface Mount Technology components in place. By JCHaywire. CC BY-SA 2.0

Surface mount technology has changed how printed circuit boards are designed. But what do you know about it?

The 1970s and 80s saw a sharp rise in the need for PCBs (printed circuit boards.) To meet that demand, designers had to find a way to manufacture boards more efficiently.

But the traditional way of mounting components–using pre-formed lead wires connected to the board through plated through holes–didn’t allow for fast assembly. Components had to line up at the correct angle before they could mount to the surface, slowing down assembly.

Circuit Board Reference Designators: FAQs

Circuit board reference designators help identify individual parts on a printed circuit board. — Circuit board reference designators help identify mounted parts on this GE Mark VI PCB. The board has a number of resistors (R), capacitors (C), and integrated circuits (U).

What do you know about circuit board reference designators?

If you’ve worked with printed circuit boards (PCBs) at all, you’ve noticed the letter codes on their surface. These are called reference designators. If you’ve designed circuit boards, you’ve probably spent more time than you want thinking about them.

What are Reference Designators?

Circuit board letters can be confusing when you first start working with components. These small codes litter the board’s surface and are sometimes hard to read. And sometimes they don’t make sense. Q for transistor? U for integrated circuit? What the heck.