All About Circuits

Latest Electromechanical Articles and Videos

Categories

Build a Raspberry Pi Pushbutton Switch

Build a Raspberry Pi Pushbutton Switch

Learn how to build a variety of electronic controllers using the Raspberry Pi. In part one, you will learn how to wire a basic pushbutton switch and read the status of its electrical contacts using the Python programming language.


Projects Nov 19, 2015 by Don Wilcher
Mastering the Boost Converter’s Vulnerability with Alternative Power Conversion Topologies

Mastering the Boost Converter’s Vulnerability with Alternative Power Conversion Topologies

This article discusses power conversion topologies that can be used as alternatives to the boost converter that are less vulnerable to short circuit load conditions.


Control an Arduino With a TV Remote

Control an Arduino With a TV Remote

Nothing on TV tonight? Control an Arduino with any infrared remote control, including the one you use to command your television.


How to Build a Robot - Line Follower

How to Build a Robot - Line Follower

Part four of a series of articles on building a robot that can follow lines or walls and avoid obstacles!


Control Your AC Mains with a Microcontroller

Control Your AC Mains with a Microcontroller

Learn how to put together your own toaster oven controller with a handful of inexpensive, through-hole parts. The emphasis is on safety, low price, and minimal modification of the toaster oven.


Projects Nov 09, 2015 by Patrick Lloyd
How to Build a Robot - PCB Design

How to Build a Robot - PCB Design

Part two of a series of articles on building a robot that can follow lines or walls and avoid obstacles! This time we'll be covering PCB design.


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
Cut Out 3D Printing Noise with the Replicape

Cut Out 3D Printing Noise with the Replicape

Elias Bakken has found a way to eliminate noise and increase productivity when working with 3D printers. Here's a look at his Replicape.


News Oct 27, 2015 by Jennifer A. Diffley
Breadboard and Program an ESP-01 Circuit with the Arduino IDE

Breadboard and Program an ESP-01 Circuit with the Arduino IDE

The ESP8266 combination microcontroller/Wi-Fi modules can now be programmed using the Arduino IDE. Here's how!


Anatomy of a Viral Kickstarter: Strong Starts

Anatomy of a Viral Kickstarter: Strong Starts

The first in a series of one successful Kickstarter campaign--learn how to fund your project by learning the ins and outs of the whole process.


News Oct 02, 2015 by Jennifer A. Diffley
How to Build a Web-based Garage Door Controller

How to Build a Web-based Garage Door Controller

Use your Android device to open and close your garage door! Much better than that clunky remote you've been using.


Electric Versus Electronic Systems

Electric Versus Electronic Systems

Electronic and electric devices are not synonymous. Here's an overview of the differences between each and why the distinction can be confusing even for professionals.


News Sep 17, 2015 by Trent Ziemer
Writing PICAXE BASIC Code - Part 3

Writing PICAXE BASIC Code - Part 3

Part 3 introduces the if...then, endif, gosub, and return PICAXE BASIC commands. It is the third article in a multi-part series on writing PICAXE code.


Switch Bounce and How to Deal with It

Switch Bounce and How to Deal with It

In this article I will discuss what switch bounce is and some ways to deal with it. First I will take you through the theory, and later I will show you some ways to handle it in both hardware and in software.


How to Use MAX232 to Communicate Between a PIC and a PC

How to Use MAX232 to Communicate Between a PIC and a PC

This is one simple way to control a LED, fan, relay or solenoid with a computer and a PIC.


World’s Smallest MEMS Angular Acceleration Sensor

World’s Smallest MEMS Angular Acceleration Sensor

Murata announces the first surface mount MEMS angular acceleration sensor.


News Aug 05, 2015 by Jennifer A. Diffley
Transformer Isolation

Transformer Isolation

An in-depth look at transformer isolation. Electrical isolation is necessary to protect circuits, equipment, and people from shocks and short circuits, as well as to make accurate measurements. Isolation transformers are one way to go.


Understanding Inductor Designs for Converters

Understanding Inductor Designs for Converters

A handy technical article demonstrating filter inductor design for boost converters, design of the coupled inductor for a two-output forward converter, and the design of flyback transformer in continuous conduction mode.


Converter Evaluation and Design

Converter Evaluation and Design

List of common converters and calculations of switch stresses/utilization are presented in this article. Converter design with the aid of computer spreadsheet is also shown here. A short list of converters is provided based on the basic topologies and circuit manipulations of the converters discussed on other technical articles.


Real Life Gets Sci-Fi: Samsung’s New OLED Transparent Displays

Real Life Gets Sci-Fi: Samsung’s New OLED Transparent Displays

The displays come in the clear and mirrored variety and both are equally amazing.


News Jun 12, 2015 by Jennifer A. Diffley