ASAP Parts Online Blog

The function of an analog input, also known as an AI or AIN, is to convert voltage levels of an item into a digital value that can be processed and stored inside of a computer. An AO or analog output, on the other hand, does the opposite in that it converts the digital value from a computer into a voltage level that is presented on an output terminal so as to provide an adjustable output.

A board stacking connector, sometimes known as a board to board connector or simply PCB connector, is an item that provides a foundation, housing, and terminals for printed circuit boards. Manufacturers in the industry will use board stacking connectors because it enables them to utilize more than one printed circuit board while simultaneously keeping them organized and condensed. By stacking the printed circuit boards on top of one another, you can save space inside of your computer or wherever else you are placing your printed circuit boards

Transformers are electrical devices that allow an AC input signal (like audio) to produce a related AC output signal without the input and output being physically connected. This phenomenon is called inductive coupling. Inductive coupling occurs by having two or more coils of insulated wire wound around a magnetic metal core. These wire coils are called windings. When an AC input passes through the input winding (the primary), a related AC out signal appears on the output winding (the secondary). This wireless magnetic field communication is preferred over expensive and inefficient downtimes of physical connectors that wear down quickly due to mating and de-mating. In this article, we will focus on transformers designed for audio.

With the debut of GPS for the consumer and business market, the technology has seen tremendous growth in its use and applications. From smartphones to vehicles, GPS services are often just a click away and can provide life saving information. Within marine equipment, GPS can now help increase safety and navigation while traversing the open waters. As the years go by, technology for marine navigation is constantly improving as well. In this blog, we will give a short overview of the various types of GPS and navigational systems that can be used for vessels.

In any electric circuit breaker, resistors play a key role in managing the flow of electricity. Sometimes however, an electrical engineer only wants to limit certain amounts of current, rather than a blanket level. In these cases, the designers or engineers will install a varistor, a voltage-dependent resistor. A portmanteau of “variable resistor,” a varistor’s resistance decreases as the voltage flowing through it increases. In the case of an excessive voltage increase, their resistance drops dramatically, making them very useful serving as transient voltage suppression, which can be caused by natural phenomena like lightning strikes and electrostatic discharges.

Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) describes the maintenance activities conducted regarding aircraft and aviation. Often, MRO are professional services provided by a variety of businesses and experts, working with different segments of aviation including business and commercial aircraft, helicopters, military, and more. For aircraft in general, there are various set FAA guidelines for required inspection, repair, and overhaul to ensure that aircraft remain airworthy and safe to operate. MRO is an important service to ensure aircraft remain airworthy, and these providers play a very integral role in supply chain management.

National Stock Numbers (NSNs) are assigned by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, which is a sub-branch of the U.S. Department of Defense. All items that are stocked, sourced, and procured within the U.S federal supply system is assigned an NSN by the DLA. A manufacturer can not request an NSN. Instead, there must be an official need for the component from either the U.S. military itself, a government contractor, or a NATO country. Also known as NATO number, NSNs are officially recognized by all the NATO countries. Although a U.S. based program, components manufactured outside the U.S. are eligible for NSNs.

Derived from the term “thermally sensitive resistor,” thermistors are accurate and cost-effective sensors for measuring temperatures. Thermistors are available as negative temperature coefficient (NTC), and positive temperature coefficient (PTC), with NTC thermistors being the more commonly-used. NTC thermistors have their resistance decrease as their temperature increases, while PTC thermistors’ resistance increases as their temperature increases.

What goes up must inevitably come back down. An aircraft’s landing gear ensures that the “coming back down” part ends safely and allows the aircraft to maneuver safely on the ground. Landing gear on aircraft comes in several different types and configurations, which this blog will explore.

The increasing complexity of aircraft engine systems has facilitated more requirements of proper lubrication. Aircraft engines require lubrication to prevent friction from reducing the engines’ efficiency; oil is the lifeblood of the engine. If the oil flow to the bearings stops, the lubricating films break down and cause degradation, wear and tear, and burning between moving parts. Fortunately, the engine fuel pump and oil system are very reliable. Like the circulatory system of the human body, they quietly perform their functions.