https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/ Have questions for our community members? Ask the experts here!en-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/29825/supercapacitor-balancing-questions/235985Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:34:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:e9c2113c-c083-498c-980b-d4cd3505f0e7michaelkellett@ Did you notice that the question is 10 years old and the last answer is seven. I've been working on a super-capacitor buffered power supply with 10 x 400F caps in series. It has a micro to control balancing with up to about 3A current and measures the voltage across each cap. Have you got a supercap project on the go ? MKhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/29825/supercapacitor-balancing-questions/235983Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:09:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:1afc9bf3-e80e-402c-86e5-f41cd8b73c56BillyVelasquezThis is an interesting discussion. One thing I learned when working with supercapacitors is that balancing becomes much more important than many people expect, especially when capacitors are connected in series. I like that you're considering several approaches instead of just relying on resistor balancing. The trade-off between efficiency, complexity, and long-term reliability is always the tricky part with these designs.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235942Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:46:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:1444bea8-50ce-41ac-83fc-bb13773e4e2dgeralds... "Der Transformator-Spezifikation sagt 220 mA FLA. Ich weiß nicht, wie dein Leistungsbedarf für die Spieler ist, aber nur zum Spaß tu so, als wären die 25 VA Unity PF, also Watt. Der Transformator ist also vielleicht in Ordnung. Ich habe einen günstigen Blue-Ray-Player mit HDMI-Ausgang, der 10W und 12V bei 800 mA verbraucht." Please don't merge two values: 10W / 12V/800mA DC is not the same as 115V/220mA AC. Relatively, in his calculation with your player - in his player (i don't know??) is built-in a power supply, as well as a controller with buttons, a display, etc.. which need also a bit of "water".https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235939Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:16:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c7763e74-3f17-47d3-a088-3b8b632b7a72geraldsok! Your selection is ok. But i think it's a bit small. Look for the next dimension, e.g. number of this transformer, https://at.farnell.com/triad-magnetics/vpt230-220/toroidal-power-transformer/dp/1785733 You can use it up to 440mA secondary if you connect the secondary parallel; 50VA. 50VA is enough for your application. The primary must connect in serial. http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2279608.pdf?_gl=1*1ydhd2r*_gcl_au*Mjg3NDk2NzU0LjE3Nzg0MDY2MTg . On the primary side you can mount a filter combined with a switch as well as fuses, https://at.farnell.com/xp-power/fgsma10bfr/iec-filter-medizin-200uh-10a-steck/dp/2992528 The housing must be a metal housing which is grounded to earth. Be careful how you mount the transformer! Or.... use this https://www.thomannmusic.com/tube_amp_doctor_transformer_230_115v_100va.htm Best regards Gerald ---https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57006/bosch-plena-lbb1935-schematicTue, 02 Jun 2026 23:11:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:4055a5ec-3a22-462c-9661-08ff9f56019djsmartinsHello, I have two Bosch Plena LBB1935 amplifiers that need repair. On the main bord there are some resistores with burn signs but i will nee the schematic to find the right values. Anyone have the circuit that can share a copy? Thanks José Martinshttps://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235936Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:34:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:6e8521ed-9351-4d16-8c39-be8ee1a74358colporteurYou are looking to purchase the unit? That is the need for the step-down transformer.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235935Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:18:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:1b7f1337-c457-451f-8555-764cde7c54bcHKPhysicistIt is a big sale from a USA dealer on ebay for US$100 a Sony audiophile grade blue disc player! What can be better?!? Then, I can watch 4k blue disc movie, high resolution CD, etc.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235930Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:42:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:e74baef1-0712-4106-a572-980c1105ac65geraldsHi https://community.element14.com/members/hkphysicist , ähm? You have 230V AC and want to use a 115V disc player? Why not just get a 230V disc player? Okay, okay… I don't know everything. An analog solution might look good (“audiophile quality”), but your disc player is a digital device that converts digital signals into analog ones. You can't hear that. A cheap power supply is therefore perfectly adequate for your needs. What is the type of your Sony disc player? How is its power consumption? May be this device has a built-in switch for selecting the main voltage.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235929Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:31:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:55b2347e-26b5-4c16-9563-30c0a42c6b87dang74I don't imagine the current draw on a disc player would be all that high, so on the surface 25VA doesn't seem that crazy to me... but I'd personally, I'd feel more comfortable knowing the player's current draw.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235928Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:52:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:81c47995-7519-4514-8497-0d6060f6ad1brobogaryNo dilemma at all. IMHO, if you have an audiophile player, it has no audio power amplifier. As long as your power supply can supply the power peaks of the dynamic range, its OK. That being said, 25 VA at 115 VAC is only about 210 mA. Transformer spec says 220mA FLA. I dont know what your player power requirements are, but just for giggles pretend the 25 VA is unity PF, i.e. watts. So the transformer rated maybe ok. I have a cheapo blue ray player with HDMI output that uses 10W, 12V at 800 mA. Anyway to get to the real point of your question, transformers, motors, etc are often fused unless they are impedance protected, i.e. their impedance is high enough that a short circuit doesnt overload the wiring. This transformer has 12% voltage regulation from no load to full load, so without doing calcs, Id swagger short circuit current is enough that Id want to fuse the primary. 600mA to 1A slo blo would do the job.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235927Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:14:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:610c215b-99f0-42aa-95a7-b079c1acb000kmikemooIf you're going with the toroidal transformer, be sure to use a bit of insulating mat under it. Typically, the ground plane is closest at that point and it stresses the insulation more than any other place in the insulating system. I agree with michaelkellett that 25VA is tiny for a power transformer.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235926Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:03:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:3931f010-95d8-41fc-9fe2-7bc53ceaf93amichaelkellettThe only way you will hear any difference is (perhaps) if you drop them both on the floor. The transformer you have chosen should be fine if it's power rating is sufficient (25VA sounds very low for a high end player). I would generally select a transformer with at least twice the VA rating of the load. If the player has a mains earth connection make sure that you connect that as well. MKhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235925Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:38:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:aaa691e3-0c8a-454b-8584-77fb740df617HKPhysicistYes, DIY only. Because audiophiles like bigger power. Toroidal is also regarded as having less hysteresis. However, other persons prefer E type. They say E type sounds better.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-safer/235924Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:31:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:4b1a2941-8480-44d7-b8e7-cc524966009fcolporteurThere are numerous step-down device for reducing AC for consumer electronics. https://www.amazon.ca/Converter-Transformer-Switching-Household-Electronics/dp/B0FN6RL9LF/ref=asc_df_B0FN6RL9LF?mcid=e4879fff5de13fcea9fff60e8744ace0&tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=766556333461&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1849706179935057473&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002013&hvtargid=pla-2449076496662&hvocijid=1849706179935057473-B0FN6RL9LF-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1&th=1 I grabbed the google link, please don't take this as an endorsement. The AC input has the potential to impact audio if you have really dirty AC. I live in Canada where AC power is fair stable. Our Arctic regions where power is from diesel generators not so much. Why the TOROIDAL choice for a solution? DIY project?https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/57004/do-i-need-to-add-more-components-to-make-this-transformer-saferMon, 01 Jun 2026 16:14:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:fc46d48c-71e5-4dca-8d2c-8490c824793dHKPhysicistDear all Electrical and Electronic Engineers, I own an audiophile grade Sony blue disc player. It accept 115V AC. Then, I bought this transformer which transforms my wall outlet 230V AC to 115V AC, which is then connected to my Sony Disc Player. https://hk.element14.com/triad-magnetics/vpt230-110/transformer-toroidal-2-x-115v/dp/1785731 Do you think whether I need to add additional components to make this transformer safer to work? I have already bought another beautiful aluminium enclosure to contain it. The main point is - it is an audiophile grade system. Additional components may degrade the final sound quality. So, there is a dilemma.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/56999/clarification-on-ad7192-system-calibration-input-span-vs-observed-full-scale-behavior/235903Sat, 30 May 2026 08:32:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:88cf017b-6795-4671-8bf6-f9d7b8221436michaelkellettYou need to describe your set up in more detail. Check out the Data Output Coding on page 32 of the data sheet. Are you working in uni-polar or bipolar mode. Another possibility is that you are nor reading the device output correctly but are shifting the data by 1 bit at some point. You should be aware that E14 is a forum with a wide range of members and while you may get direct support from Avnet/Farnell/Newark you may not. If you want support from AD you should contact them directly. I don't work for any of the above and my suggestions are based on general experience of load cells and ADCs and looking at the device data sheet. MKhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/56999/clarification-on-ad7192-system-calibration-input-span-vs-observed-full-scale-behaviorSat, 30 May 2026 06:48:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:6e21e77d-aba4-4070-a7ad-f5e6b88ecb88Jay_InstrumentHello, We are currently evaluating the AD7192 ADC as a replacement for the obsolete CS5532 in our load cell application. With the CS5532, after system calibration, we were able to achieve full-scale output at an input of 10 mV. While testing the AD7192, we are observing behavior that does not fully align with the system calibration input span specifications given in the datasheet. Our configuration is as follows: Reference voltage (Vref): 5 V Gain: 128 Calculated full-scale input range (FS): 39 mV As per the datasheet, the allowable input span for system calibration is: Minimum input: 0.8 × FS ≈ 31 mV Maximum input: 2.1 × FS ≈ 81 mV However, our load cell has a maximum output of 10 mV, which is significantly below the specified minimum calibration span. Observed behavior: We tested inputs at 10 mV, 15 mV, and 30 mV. We begin to observe full-scale counts starting at approximately 15 mV. This is notably lower than the expected ~31 mV minimum based on the datasheet. Questions: What could explain achieving full-scale counts at ~15 mV, which is below the specified minimum system calibration span? Is this behavior valid and reliable for production use, or could it lead to accuracy or stability issues? Given our load cell output (max 10 mV), would you recommend proceeding with AD7192, or should we consider alternative configurations or devices? Additionally, could you please connect us with an Analog Devices application engineer to further investigate and discuss this issue in detail? We would appreciate your guidance in understanding whether this observed behavior is within acceptable operation limits and suitable for long-term use.EVAL-AD7192ASDZad7192https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/56947/ersa-soldering-iron-tip-suddenly-un-tinnable/235707Thu, 21 May 2026 09:26:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:4b90e3db-caac-4b85-9ff2-57e102bc47c6Jan CumpsI have used these products to revive tip wetting issues: They aren't general maintenance solutions. Intended to recover what otherwise would be a throwaway.https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/56954/would-someone-be-interested-to-create-ben-bulsink-s-nfc-game-board/235705Thu, 21 May 2026 09:17:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c49c458d-f22f-41eb-81ec-1fa29a2548b3jc2048"Does anyone has any idea on it and how to fix this?" Maybe it's trying to protect itself from your coil. I've never worked with NFC, but it seems obvious that there would need to be a way for the chip to protect itself from any items placed into the volume of the operating magnetic field that would, in effect, 'short' the field. A technology used extensively, like this is, needs to be pretty robust and difficult to kill. Imagine the economic mayhem if you could put a card reader out of action with a simple shorted turn. With a low frequency transformer, you'd rely on a fuse to get you out of trouble with a shorted secondary, but here it would either be indirect with a temperature monitor or directly by looking at the current supplied to the TX drive. It's possibly a bit complicated because of the need to power 16 tags simultaneously over a short period with the ISO scheme to enumerate them, so maybe it can't simply be a sensible limit easily within the dissipation limit of the chip - there possibly needs to be a time element to it as well. If the resonance of your makeshift coil with the parallel capacitance on the board is a long way from the operating frequency, it will look like a heavy load to the chip. Just a theory. If you know the parallel capacitance on the board, perhaps you could try the same capacitance alone with the coil, find the resonance, and then adjust the coil so the resonance moves back to 13.56MHz. Then your coil's inductance will match that of the one on the board. Use a good quality SMD cap, similar to the ones on the board (if you use an old leaded part, you'd just be measuring the self resonance of the cap). You could probably get it close enough to function, even if it's not spot on. After all, it can't be too hard a resonance because the signalling sidebands are so far away from the centre (800kHz is it?) and they'll want a reasonable signal level for the RX detection. The grid of coils is an interesting idea, but what would you use to do the multiplexing? Lots of RF relays?https://community.element14.com/technologies/experts/f/forum/56945/help-identify-replacement-for-burnt-out-component/235693Wed, 20 May 2026 22:08:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:ef2673f7-6533-4f2d-92f5-af214e782308stantoUnfortunately I was not in a position to replace those parts within the time and resources available, surprisingly getting hold of parts like this in Norway is not trivial.