The gas turbine engine is a powerful apparatus that enables flight for countless aircraft models, commonly coming in the form of turbofan engine, turbojet engine, turboprop engine, and turboshaft engine types. In order to initiate standard operations, the gas turbine engine relies on the rotation of the high-pressure compressor which must be accelerated to the point where optimal air intake and fuel combustion takes place. A turbine starter is the device that makes such engine initiation possible, accelerating the compressor and assisting the engine until a self-sustaining speed is reached. In this blog, we will provide an overview of gas turbine engine starters, allowing you to better understand how they are used for flight operations. Read more >>

Fiber optics are powerful communication devices, capable of transmitting data over great distances in the form of light. While the signal power and speed of fiber optic signals is an advantage that allows for easy long distance communications, there can sometimes be instances where a signal can be too strong and requires weakening before it overloads a receiver. With devices known as fiber optic attenuators, or optical attenuators, optical signal power may be reduced in a free space or within a fiber. Read more >>

A relay is an electrical component that acts as an electrically operated switch, and such part types commonly serve numerous circuits. When implemented in an electrical system, relays are used for controlling a circuit with a low-power signal or to manage multiple circuits with a single signal. Relays can be used for numerous appliances and electronics such as microprocessors, power system networks, automation equipment, current protection devices, and more. As there are multiple relay types that feature varying construction and capabilities, understanding the most common types and their uses can be beneficial when searching for a solution for your part requirements. Read more >>

A pressure transducer is a device used to measure the pressure of a fluid by indicating the force the fluid is exerting on surfaces it comes in contact with. Pressure transducers are used in a broad range of control and monitoring applications including flow, air speed, level, pump systems, and altitude. To calculate pressure, pressure transducers consist of a force collector, such as a flexible diaphragm, which deforms when pressurized, and a transduction element that converts this deformation into an electrical signal. Read more >>

A terminal block is a modular block with an insulated frame used to secure two or more wires together. The standard terminal block consists of a clamping component and a conducting strip. The insulating body of a terminal block houses a metal strip, terminal bar, or other type of current-carrying element, in addition to providing a base for the clamping element. The body features a mounting arrangement allowing the block to be easily mounted and unmounted from a printed circuit board (PCB) or mounting rail. Most terminal blocks are modular and mounted on a DIN rail, allowing for an increased number of terminals depending on the requirement of the application. Terminal blocks are key in keeping connections secure and wires organized. In this blog, we will look at the most common types. Read more >>