Posts by Mun KH

By Dr. KH MunSelecting between an LDO vs. switching regulator comes down to a trade-off between simplicity/noise and efficiency. LDOs (a type of linear regulator) are quieter and simpler but dissipate more power as heat when the input-to-output voltage difference is large; switching regulators are more efficient but add complexity and switching noise[1]. LDO: Lower…

By Dr. KH MunA power good signal (often labeled PGOOD, PG, or PWRGD on datasheets, and PWR_OK in PC power supplies) is an output from a voltage regulator or power management IC (PMIC) that indicates when its output voltage is within a specified range and is safe to use[1][5]. This diagnostic PG signal serves as…

By Dr. KH MunPower sequencing is the process of turning multiple voltage rails on (and off) in a specific, controlled order so a multi-rail system powers up safely.Managing modern multi-rail architectures requires strict coordination across distinct voltage boundaries. Complex system-on-chip (SoC) devices, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontrollers (MCUs), and microprocessors rely on separate power rails…

By Dr. KH MunDRAM refresh is the mandatory background operation of periodically recharging the internal storage capacitors within dynamic random-access memory cells to prevent data loss due to charge leakage. Because DRAM specifications only guarantee that cells hold their charge for tens of milliseconds (DDR4 requires every cell to be refreshed at least every 64…

By Dr. KH MunManaging obsolete memory chips requires balancing immediate inventory needs with technical verification. When a manufacturer discontinues a critical memory IC, engineers and procurement teams must evaluate Last-Time-Buy opportunities, identify Form-Fit-Function equivalents, or plan board redesigns. Sourcing verified replacements through vetted independent channels helps prevent production line shutdowns while preserving design integrity. The…

By Dr. KH MunHardware engineers and embedded system designers face complex decisions when selecting memory integrated circuits (ICs). Choosing the wrong type of memory can lead to excessive power draw, sub-optimal processing bandwidth, pin-count bottlenecks, or unnecessary printed circuit board (PCB) footprint expansion. Understanding the fundamental trade-offs between memory IC types is essential to optimizing…

By Dr. KH MunIn the fast-changing field of hardware design, choosing the right non-volatile storage is a key architectural choice that affects system reliability, BOM cost, and device lifespan. While modern consumer devices often require hundreds of gigabytes of fast NVMe SSDs, industrial, medical, and automotive systems face very different constraints. For these embedded systems,…

By Dr. KH MunIn 2026, the global semiconductor market is experiencing a subtle yet disruptive structural change. While the media prominently highlights next-generation architectures and generative AI, hardware designers and procurement experts working on long-term industrial, networking, and medical platforms encounter a different challenge: a significant shortage in legacy DRAM supply. Standard dynamic random-access memory…