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PCB Layout for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

PCB Layout for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

In this article we’ll discuss the PCB layout for a custom-designed arbitrary waveform generator board.


Tamper Detection with Differential Inductive Sensing Coils

Tamper Detection with Differential Inductive Sensing Coils

This article demonstrates the creation of an inductive switch cabinet lock that can detect the movement of a conductive target. The purpose is to create a door that cannot be opened without triggering an alarm.


Projects Nov 06, 2017 by Mark Hughes
PCB Copper Trace Finish: Materials and Plating Methods

PCB Copper Trace Finish: Materials and Plating Methods

In this article, we discuss why PCB copper traces should be plated, and we’ll review various plating materials and plating methods.


Teardown Tuesday: Akai LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller

Teardown Tuesday: Akai LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller

In this teardown, we open up Akai's Laptop Pad Controller and find a refreshing surprise.


News Oct 24, 2017 by Nick Davis
DAC Schematic Design for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

DAC Schematic Design for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

This article presents a custom digital-to-analog-conversion design built around a high-speed DAC from Analog Devices.


Get Out of My Space! The Importance of PCB Keepout Areas

Get Out of My Space! The Importance of PCB Keepout Areas

Learn about the concept of PCB keepout areas, why they can often be overlooked, and some tried-and-true methods for maintaining keepout areas.


News Oct 11, 2017 by Nick Davis
Teardown Tuesday: Square Chip and NFC Reader

Teardown Tuesday: Square Chip and NFC Reader

In this Teardown Tuesday, we are going to take a look at the insides of a Square chip reader.


News Oct 03, 2017 by Alex Udanis
Incorporating Microphone Functionality into a Robot System

Incorporating Microphone Functionality into a Robot System

In this article, we’ll look at a fairly straightforward circuit that enables a robot or other device to detect sound.


Projects Sep 11, 2017 by Robert Keim
Design a Control Board for a Romi Robot Chassis

Design a Control Board for a Romi Robot Chassis

In this article, we’ll discuss the hardware design for a robotics PCB, and we’ll write firmware for controlling two DC motors.


Projects Aug 25, 2017 by Robert Keim
Teardown Tuesday: Hi-Fi Audio Amplifier with Bluetooth

Teardown Tuesday: Hi-Fi Audio Amplifier with Bluetooth

In this teardown, we examine the Lepy LP-168 Hi-Fi Stereo USB Audio Amplifier with Bluetooth, by NKTECH.


News Aug 15, 2017 by Nick Davis
Extend EAGLE CAD Tool with ULPs: Writing Your First User Language Program

Extend EAGLE CAD Tool with ULPs: Writing Your First User Language Program

In this tutorial, you will learn how to write your first ULP in EAGLE CAD to add a new capability to your CAD tool.


Teardown Tuesday: USB CD Drive

Teardown Tuesday: USB CD Drive

Check out the insides of a USB CD drive in this Teardown Tuesday!


News Jun 13, 2017 by Robin Mitchell
Teardown Tuesday: Bluetooth Keyboard

Teardown Tuesday: Bluetooth Keyboard

In this teardown, we will look at the innards of a Bluetooth keyboard.


News May 30, 2017 by Robin Mitchell
Teardown Tuesday: Mini Network Router

Teardown Tuesday: Mini Network Router

In this teardown, we will look inside a mini router that creates a wireless local area network.


News May 23, 2017 by Robin Mitchell
High-Speed ESD Protection: A New Line of TVS Diodes from AVX

High-Speed ESD Protection: A New Line of TVS Diodes from AVX

Components such as those in the GiGuard series can help you to protect your circuit from transient events while maintaining high-speed performance.


Bootloading an AT328P-PU and Approximating the Functionality of an Arduino Uno…on the Cheap!

Bootloading an AT328P-PU and Approximating the Functionality of an Arduino Uno…on the Cheap!

Reduce the cost of using an Arduino UNO by 50% or more by building your own device with comparable functionality.


Less EMI, More Available Board Space: A New Passive Filter from TDK

Less EMI, More Available Board Space: A New Passive Filter from TDK

Why install three components when you could use one instead? You can simplify your layout with single-component passive filters, such as the MEM1005PP251T from TDK.


Exploring UC Berkeley’s Wearable Sweat Sensor for Monitoring Dehydration

Exploring UC Berkeley’s Wearable Sweat Sensor for Monitoring Dehydration

Researchers develop a wearable sensor for detecting important analytes in sweat for monitoring dehydration.


Easier PCB Design: EAGLE CAD Tips and Tricks Part 3

Easier PCB Design: EAGLE CAD Tips and Tricks Part 3

More important tips and tricks for using EAGLE CAD to help make your work much easier and faster.


Teardown Tuesday: Portable Power Bank and Solar Charger

Teardown Tuesday: Portable Power Bank and Solar Charger

In this teardown, we look at the Hiluckey solar charger with an inbuilt lithium-ion battery.


News Mar 14, 2017 by Robin Mitchell