An alternative approach that I can think of is discrete implementation of CMOS buffer/inverter using power MOSFETs which might be easier for me to search for good P/Ns.
Alrighty, I need to post an RFC to the #electronics and #electricalengineering fedi mind hive:
I am searching for a method to inject a clock signal (f≤1Hz) into a power supply by swapping the +V/0V rails back and forth.
Requirements:
- Able to operate at up to +12V
- Single-rail supply
- Min. TDP: 1W
Update:
I figured out a solution based around cheap parts that will be more than adequate! Thanks for the feedback!
𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 :- 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭
𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐃𝐅 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞: - https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00004145
The Power Supply Market is expected to register a CAGR of 8.3% from 2025 to 2031
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At least I now know that what I'm designing is a bunch of giant, wall-mounted, concentric ring counters
to be implemented using discrete components.
That's knowledge I can carry forward to more effectively find solutions, and I may have actually already found one I can already use, but alas it must wait until the work day ends.
Update!
@MeiLin gave me the search engine shibboleth I needed to find this web page with a lovely and clever transistor circuit that I can try out!
It's even simple enough for me to try to breadboard it!
https://www.dos4ever.com/ring/ring.html
Edit:
... Oh wait this emulated schockley diode circuit requires obscene voltages in order to exceed the avalanche breakdown Vec. I uh... can't use that. I'll need to find other solutions. :x
Job - Alert
Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in (m/w/d) – Realisierung photonischer Module
Deadline: 2025-08-01
Location: Germany, Berlin
This circuit would be so much easier to implement if I would just let myself use J/K flip-flops, but:
1. the only cheap ones available are duals in 16-pin packages when I only need one per ring node and each ring node is an independent pcb, and
2. I very explicitly decided that the light at each node MUST be surrounded by a curious cloud of discrete components for the sake of art
Oh gods, I'm gonna have to find resources to study up about resistor-transistor, diode-transistor, and transistor-transistor logic, if I want to be able to implement the round-robin circuit for the Horologium Keplerus using discrete transistors. >.>;;
I guess RFC for links to resources if anybody has useful links that can cut through the less than optimal search engine algorithms that almost only return SEO'd blogs that have no meaningful information?
I am *very* temptedly considering something extremely cursed:
Abusing an "ultra thin" ethernet cable to bring +12V+GND to a control box that needs only a few mA max, and 3x 5V differential signals back out to the thing being controlled.
"ultra thin" ethernet cables typically use 30AWG conductors which have a max power transmission ampacity of ~142mA, way more than enough to power the control box.
I'm pretty certain the insulation inside can handle 12V.
Hey everyone! I've made the jump from Mastodon.Social and wanted to introduce myself. I'm an electrical engineer living in the southeastern USA.
You'll find me tooting about Linux, FOSS, Python, and scripting. When I'm not on the keyboard, I'm into photography, hiking, and enjoying nature with my spouse.
Also, I have two black cats that pay rent with their winning personalities and love. lol
Looking forward to connecting in this community! Don't hesitate to say hello.