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Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 5: Adjusting Gains

Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 5: Adjusting Gains

We will explore how P, I, and D gain influences system performance, and in the process we will find a gain configuration that works well for our temperature controller.


Projects Feb 29, 2016 by Robert Keim
Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 4: The Scilab GUI

Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 4: The Scilab GUI

With USB communications and a Scilab graphical user interface, we can really see what the PID controller is doing.


Projects Feb 19, 2016 by Robert Keim
Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 3: Implementation and Visualization

Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 3: Implementation and Visualization

We will implement a basic PID (proportional–integral–derivative) controller in firmware and observe the results using an oscope and LEDs.


Projects Feb 15, 2016 by Robert Keim
Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 2: Board-Level Integration

Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 2: Board-Level Integration

This article covers the firmware that allows the EFM8 microcontroller to communicate with the DAC and the MAX31855.


Projects Feb 03, 2016 by Robert Keim
Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 1: The Circuit

Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 1: The Circuit

Invoke the power of the PID (proportional–integral–derivative controller)! The key components in this design are an EFM8 microcontroller, a DAC, and the MAX31855 thermocouple-to-digital converter.


Projects Feb 01, 2016 by Robert Keim
An Introduction to Digi International’s Device Cloud

An Introduction to Digi International’s Device Cloud

An introduction to Digi International's Device Cloud, an IoT and M2M Platform.


News Jan 29, 2016 by Orrin Bigelow
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
NI’s 5-in-1 VirtualBench Ups Speed and Power Ante

NI’s 5-in-1 VirtualBench Ups Speed and Power Ante

The five-in-one National Instruments release is a dream platform.


News Jan 27, 2016 by PatrickM
Enter These Hardware Contests Now

Enter These Hardware Contests Now

A few great contests are about to close. Enter your project now and get in on fame and fortune.


News Jan 19, 2016 by Jennifer A. Diffley
Learning PLCs on a Budget

Learning PLCs on a Budget

Typically, getting started with a PLC can be a costly endeavor, but this project will show how to get started with them on a small budget!


Projects Jan 18, 2016 by Alex Udanis
Galvanic Isolation: Purpose and Methodologies

Galvanic Isolation: Purpose and Methodologies

Galvanic isolation is a way to isolate functional sections of electrical systems to prevent current flow. A brief explanation of differing methods to create galvanic isolation.


How to Select a Custom Magnet Sensor

How to Select a Custom Magnet Sensor

Learn how to correctly select the right sensors for your project with this handy guide.


Low-Cost Programmable Logic Controllers for the Frugal Engineer

Low-Cost Programmable Logic Controllers for the Frugal Engineer

Typical PLCs are very expensive, but never fear: cheaper versions exist!


News Dec 28, 2015 by Alex Udanis
Build an Object Detection DC Motor Controller

Build an Object Detection DC Motor Controller

In this continuing series of Building Raspberry Pi Controllers, you'll learn how to build a object detection control circuit for operating a small DC motor using a photocell.


Projects Dec 27, 2015 by Don Wilcher
Getting Started with the Bosch BMP180 Sensor

Getting Started with the Bosch BMP180 Sensor

Learn one of the ways to get started with the BMP180 sensor and learn a simple way to improve the data.


Projects Dec 20, 2015 by Alex Udanis
Use Python’s Scientific Toolbox to Find the Natural Response of Thermal Systems

Use Python’s Scientific Toolbox to Find the Natural Response of Thermal Systems

Use Python's scientific toolbox to determine the natural response of a real thermal system and plot the results for visualization and further analysis.


Build a PICAXE ESP-01 Wi-Fi Communicator

Build a PICAXE ESP-01 Wi-Fi Communicator

A PCB for a Wi-Fi communicator using a PICAXE 08M2 and an ESP-01 module driven by interactive code makes a handy setup for data collection and IoT reporting.


Build Raspberry Pi Controllers: LED Flasher

Build Raspberry Pi Controllers: LED Flasher

In this project, you'll learn how to wire an LED and flash it using the Raspberry Pi. Also, to isolate the Raspberry Pi's + 3.3VDC compliant output pins from supply voltages greater than this power source, an opto-isolator will be introduced as well.


Projects Dec 11, 2015 by Don Wilcher
How to Build a Wall-Following Robot

How to Build a Wall-Following Robot

This is the final part in a series of articles on building a robot that can follow lines or walls and avoid obstacles!


Convert a Vintage Thermostat into a Modern Energy Saver

Convert a Vintage Thermostat into a Modern Energy Saver

Programmable thermostats can save a lot of energy and money. But you don't have to buy one- you can convert an old mechanical thermostat into a programmable thermostat using an Arduino and a servo.