All About Circuits

Latest Processors Articles and Videos

Categories

A Rundown of x86 Processor Architecture

A Rundown of x86 Processor Architecture

x86 processor architecture is coded in a language known as Assembly. Assembly language is a great tool for learning how a computer works, and it requires a working knowledge of computer hardware. This article will detail basic microcoputer design, instruction execution cycles, how memory is read, and how programs run.


The I2C Bus: Firmware Implementation Details

The I2C Bus: Firmware Implementation Details

Understand the I2C protocol in the context of firmware design and make your projects seamless.


Understanding the Successive Approximation Register ADC

Understanding the Successive Approximation Register ADC

One of the most common analog-to-digital converters used in applications requiring a sampling rate under 10 MSPS is the Successive Approximation Register ADC. This ADC is ideal for applications requiring a resolution between 8-16 bits.


Implementing a Finite State Machine in VHDL

Implementing a Finite State Machine in VHDL

Impress your friends and family by learning how to implement a finite state machine in VHDL


The I2C Bus: Hardware Implementation Details

The I2C Bus: Hardware Implementation Details

This article covers information essential for understanding and designing the hardware needed for an I2C bus.


Download Your First Program Using ARM mbed and KEIL MDK V5

Download Your First Program Using ARM mbed and KEIL MDK V5

The FRDM-K64F is a development platform which utilises the MK64FN1M0VLL12 microcontroller. This tutorial includes how to download a simple blinky example onto the FRDM-K64F using the ARM mbed online IDE and KEIL MDK. Details of the GPIO module configuration are included.


Projects Dec 17, 2015 by Elliott Smith
Everything You Need to Know About Direct Digital Synthesis

Everything You Need to Know About Direct Digital Synthesis

Direct Digital Synthesis is used to generate precise analog waveforms that can quickly change frequencies. It's used in test equipment, spread spectrum techniques and to enable frequency sweeps.


Use LaunchPad to Make a Laser Tripwire Alarm

Use LaunchPad to Make a Laser Tripwire Alarm

Use the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) feature of LaunchPad to build a laser tripwire alarm. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with LaunchPad while simultaneously making something cool.


Projects Nov 18, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Introduction to the RFM69HW Transceiver

Introduction to the RFM69HW Transceiver

This handy introduction teaches you all about the RFM69HW transceiver module using two circuits running a wireless version of the "blinky" code.


How to Use a Rotary Encoder in an MCU-Based Project

How to Use a Rotary Encoder in an MCU-Based Project

Learn how to use a rotary encoder in an Arduino project. Rotary encoders are electromechanical, electro-optical or electro-magnetic devices which convert rotational motion into digital or analog information.


Projects Nov 01, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
How to Use RTC with Arduino and LCD

How to Use RTC with Arduino and LCD

This article will show you one way of making an accurate clock by using the Real Time Clock IC DS1307. The time will be shown on a LCD display.


EFM8 Sound Synthesizer: From Square Wave to Sine Wave

EFM8 Sound Synthesizer: From Square Wave to Sine Wave

Part 1 in the “How to Make an EFM8-Based Sound Synthesizer” series, which will design a sound synthesizer that can play standard musical notes. We will accomplish this using a low-cost, small-form-factor EFM8 microcontroller in conjunction with a few external components and a speaker.


Projects Sep 04, 2015 by Robert Keim
Getting Started with PSoC®

Getting Started with PSoC®

Getting started with PSoC®, the Programmable-System-on-Chip by Cypress Semiconductor for developing and testing embedded systems.


How to Use the Digital I/O on a BeagleBone

How to Use the Digital I/O on a BeagleBone

Beaglebone Black is the most recent incarnation of the Beaglebone open source hardware platform. For less than $50, the board includes Ethernet, graphics processing, 4Gb of nonvolatile storage, and ports supporting USB, HDMI, and Beaglebone's custom I/O add-ons, called "capes". Here's how to run some simple commands to toggle digital I/O on the board!


Projects Aug 17, 2015 by Nash Reilly
Semiconductor Mergers and Acquisitions in 2015….So Far

Semiconductor Mergers and Acquisitions in 2015….So Far

A look at some of the biggest mergers and acquisitions in the semiconductor industry.


News Aug 15, 2015 by Jennifer A. Diffley
Ambient Light Monitor: Understanding and Implementing the ADC

Ambient Light Monitor: Understanding and Implementing the ADC

Part 2 in the "How to Make an Ambient Light Monitor" Series. Our smart ambient light monitor will need to digitize and analyze signals from an optical detector, so it is time to explore the EFM8’s integrated analog-to-digital conversion functionality.


Projects Aug 05, 2015 by Robert Keim
Introduction to Arduino SPI Library with LTC1286 and DAC714

Introduction to Arduino SPI Library with LTC1286 and DAC714

Introduction to the Arduino SPI Library with example sketch for the LTC1286 12 Bit ADC and the DAC714 16 bit DAC.


Projects Jul 17, 2015 by Aaron Dennis
The EFM8 Series from Silicon Laboratories: A Powerful New Embedded Development Platform

The EFM8 Series from Silicon Laboratories: A Powerful New Embedded Development Platform

An introduction to the SiLabs EFM8 microcontrollers and related development tools.


Five Places to Find Part Info Online

Five Places to Find Part Info Online

These online sources not only help you find part data quickly, but can also help you determine availability and manage bills of materials.


Freescale’s new ARM-based QorIQ Multicore Reinvents Fast

Freescale’s new ARM-based QorIQ Multicore Reinvents Fast

Freescale's new ARM-based QorlQ reinvents speed and accessibility.


News Jun 23, 2015 by Jennifer A. Diffley