It's taking longer than I'd like to get my buddies at the semiconductor manufacturers (you know who you are!) to get off their fat butts and start writing some technical articles for the Green Power Community so I figured I'd take matters into my own hands until they get their act together. I've rounded up a nice holiday bundle of application notes, tutorials, and educational videos. Included for your enjoyment are offerings from Microchip, National Semiconductor, Linear Technologies, and Power Integrations.

Power Integrations presents - Fixing a Flyback Supply with No Output Voltage

TechBites Says: No amps? No Volts? No problem. The wizards at PI University have prepared a short video that walks you through the methodical diagnosis of a modern switcher supply. Even if you don’t use PI components, the tips and tricks you’ll pick up in this tutorial will have you troubleshooting like a pro. For more information, click here.

 Linear Technologies presents “LTC3220/LTC3220-1 LED Driver User’s Guide”

TechBites Says: Linear’s detailed application note tells you everything you’ll need to know to get the most out of these handy the LTC3220/LTC3220-1 Universal LED (ULED) Drivers. You’ll learn how to program and use the driver’s unique capabilities, such as individually controlling, gradually turning on and off, or blinking up to 18 LEDs. You’ll also learn how to use the driver to provide digital signal(s) to other devices while in shutdown using a strong pull-down general purpose output (GPO) and an external power source. For more information, click here.

 Microchip presents “Brushless DC Motor Controls Made Easy”

TechBites Says: –-

This application note/tutorial discusses the steps of developing several controllers for brushless motors with a focus on sensor-based, sensorless, open loop, and closed loop designs. It even includes an easy-to-build controller with independent voltage and speed controls so you can discover your motor's characteristic's empirically. To view the tutorial, , click here.

 National Semiconductor Application Note - Benefits and Challenges of High-Frequency Regulators

TechBites Says:  One of the things that helped National Semiconductor create generations of loyal fans within the analog and power community is their long tradition of producing excellent application notes. And despite Ex-CEO Brian Halla’s best efforts to destroy it, and the rest of the company, the tradition seems to remain alive and well. Despite the occasional marketing hype and puffery, this recent app note is a nice introduction to modern switching supply theory and practice for the beginner and even a few tips for the seasoned pro.  Click here to download the .pdf document