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How to Write Better Unit Tests For Embedded Software With TDD

How to Write Better Unit Tests For Embedded Software With TDD

Test-driven development (TDD) is an iterative process for writing software, where the unit tests are developed just before the implementation. TDD isn't used widely in embedded software, but it's the best way to get started with unit testing.


Why Is the US Standard 60 Hz?

Why Is the US Standard 60 Hz?

The choice of 60 Hz for the AC line frequency is a win for Tesla’s engineering, but 110 V is an example of compromise for Edison’s business interests,


News Feb 01, 2016 by PatrickM
How to Eliminate Ground Loops with Signal Isolation

How to Eliminate Ground Loops with Signal Isolation

This project explains how to isolate signals to eliminate ground loops in electronic systems.


Projects Jan 29, 2016 by Orrin Bigelow
CES 2016: 1080p With HDR Trumps UHD/4K

CES 2016: 1080p With HDR Trumps UHD/4K

CES brings more information on the coolest innovations in consumer electronics.


News Jan 04, 2016 by PatrickM
Make Your Switch Sound Activated

Make Your Switch Sound Activated

In this article, we'll build a sound-activated switch that can be opened and closed with a double clap.


Projects Dec 21, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Negative Feedback, Part 10: Stability in the Time Domain

Negative Feedback, Part 10: Stability in the Time Domain

The transient response of a negative-feedback amplifier can help us to understand the nature of stability and convey useful information about the stability characteristics of a particular circuit.


Negative Feedback, Part 9: Breaking the Loop

Negative Feedback, Part 9: Breaking the Loop

A simple “break-the-feedback-loop” simulation technique makes for convenient stability analysis, especially with complex circuits.


An Intro to Adaptive Echo Cancellers

An Intro to Adaptive Echo Cancellers

A introduction to adaptive echo cancellers using Matlab simulation.


Adaptive Gain Control with the Least Mean Squares Algorithm

Adaptive Gain Control with the Least Mean Squares Algorithm

An introduction to the least mean squares algorithm and adaptive gain control through a simple example.


The Best FPGA Development Boards for New Designers

The Best FPGA Development Boards for New Designers

Here's a rundown of three boards best suited for beginning to intermediate FPGA designers. Some boards cost thousands of dollars, and it’s unrealistic to compare a board of that cost to a board that a hobbyist would likely choose, so this comparison looks at three popular boards in the sub-$90 price point.


News Nov 30, 2015 by Jennifer A. Diffley
Negative Feedback, Part 7: Frequency-Dependent Feedback

Negative Feedback, Part 7: Frequency-Dependent Feedback

This article will help you to understand why the frequency response of a feedback network can seriously, and sometimes unexpectedly, degrade stability.


Negative Feedback, Part 6: New and Improved Stability Analysis

Negative Feedback, Part 6: New and Improved Stability Analysis

This article will show you a handy alternative approach to assessing stability via open-loop gain and the feedback factor.


Negative Feedback, Part 5: Gain Margin and Phase Margin

Negative Feedback, Part 5: Gain Margin and Phase Margin

How to use frequency-domain simulations to analyze loop gain and evaluate the stability of your amplifier circuit. We need a way to determine whether a circuit is sufficiently stable—in other words, stable enough to ensure that the circuit will perform properly despite part-to-part variations and environmental or operational conditions that affect the characteristics of the open-loop gain or the feedback network. There is where gain margin and phase margin come into play.


Understanding Analog-to-Digital Converters: Deciphering Resolution and Sampling Rate

Understanding Analog-to-Digital Converters: Deciphering Resolution and Sampling Rate

Resolution and sampling rate are two important factors to consider when selecting an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In order to understand these fully, concepts such as quantisation, and the Nyquist Criterion must be understood to a certain degree.


Negative Feedback, Part 4: Introduction to Stability

Negative Feedback, Part 4: Introduction to Stability

Why are negative-feedback amplifiers susceptible to oscillation? What is the fundamental criterion for stability? Let’s find out.


Negative Feedback Part 3: Improving Noise, Linearity, and Impedance

Negative Feedback Part 3: Improving Noise, Linearity, and Impedance

Use negative feedback to increase your amplifier’s signal-to-noise ratio, reduce its nonlinear distortion, and improve its input- and output-impedance characteristics.


Make an Analog Sound Reactive LED Strip

Make an Analog Sound Reactive LED Strip

This analog design allows your LEDs to respond to your music. Just plug your music source into this which sends a channel to your sound system and some LEDs.


Projects Oct 28, 2015 by Fadi Kasem
Build a Laser Communication System

Build a Laser Communication System

Use a laser and a photo resistor to build a laser based point-to-point communication system. The best part? It's under $10.


Projects Oct 22, 2015 by Jacob Smith
EFM8 Sound Synthesizer: Playing Melodies via USB

EFM8 Sound Synthesizer: Playing Melodies via USB

Part 3 in the “How to Make an EFM8-Based Sound Synthesizer” series.


Projects Sep 17, 2015 by Robert Keim
EFM8 Sound Synthesizer: Driving the Speaker

EFM8 Sound Synthesizer: Driving the Speaker

Part 2 in the “How to Make an EFM8-Based Sound Synthesizer” series.


Projects Sep 11, 2015 by Robert Keim