Latest Technical Articles

Categories

Introduction to Microcontroller Timers: Periodic Timers

This article, the first in a series on “timer/counter” functions in microcontrollers, discusses periodic timers.

4 days ago by Stephen Colley

How an Internal Faraday Shield and Small Ci-O Improve Optocoupler Galvanic Isolation

This article discusses how the use of three key design methods utilized in optocouplers improves galvanic isolation performance and presents an accompanying high voltage surge test as proof. 

4 days ago by Lim Shiun Pi, Broadcom Inc

Analog Design Trade-Offs in Applying Linearization Techniques Using Example CMOS Circuits

This article will look at the trade-offs we face when trying to improve the linearity of a circuit.

5 days ago by Steve Arar

Neural Network Architecture for a Python Implementation

This article discusses the Perceptron configuration that we will use for our experiments with neural-network training and classification, and we’ll also look at the related topic of bias nodes.

January 09, 2020 by Robert Keim

Implementing LoRa-based Solutions for Smart Metering

This article explores the use of LoRa devices for long-range, low power smart metering of utilities, which allows for remote daily operations and the collection of data.

January 07, 2020 by Rémi Demerlé, Semtech

Understanding Training Formulas and Backpropagation for Multilayer Perceptrons

This article presents the equations that we use when performing weight-update computations, and we’ll also discuss the concept of backpropagation.

December 27, 2019 by Robert Keim

How to Train a Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network

We can greatly enhance the performance of a Perceptron by adding a layer of hidden nodes, but those hidden nodes also make training a bit more complicated.

December 26, 2019 by Robert Keim

The Sigmoid Activation Function: Activation in Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks

In this article, we’ll see why we need a new activation function for a neural network that is trained via gradient descent.

December 25, 2019 by Robert Keim

Advanced Machine Learning with the Multilayer Perceptron

This article explains why high-performance neural networks need an extra “hidden” layer of computational nodes.

December 24, 2019 by Robert Keim

Assessing the ADC SNR and SFDR for Communications Systems

In this article, we will see how we can determine the SFDR for an ADC used in a radio receiver. Also, we’ll examine the ADC SNR requirement for this application.

December 22, 2019 by Steve Arar

Understanding Learning Rate in Neural Networks

This article discusses learning rate, which plays an important role in neural-network training.

December 19, 2019 by Robert Keim

How Software Automation in PCBA Manufacturing Helps Quicken Innovation

Manufacturing still takes a large portion of time in the electrical engineering cycle. This article discusses how software-driven automation and the IIoT can help hasten the manufacturing process.

December 17, 2019 by Shashank Samala, Tempo Automation

How to Calibrate an Microcontroller Internal Oscillator: A DIY Trimming Procedure Algorithm

This article presents an algorithm intended for humans to calibrate the internal oscillator of an MCU, with the help of an oscilloscope and a spreadsheet. An example experiment with numbers is also shown.

December 13, 2019 by Eduardo Corpeño

How to Calibrate MCU Internal Oscillators

This article describes the internal RC oscillator calibration mechanism available in low-end microcontroller units. A basic calibration procedure and considerations on automated calibration are presented.

December 12, 2019 by Eduardo Corpeño

Introduction to the Synchronous Demodulation

This article will discuss the basic idea behind the synchronous demodulation technique.

December 11, 2019 by Steve Arar

The Good and the Bad of MCU Internal Oscillators

This article describes the benefits and requirements of the internal RC oscillator often available inside many low-cost Microcontroller units, including the calibration procedure to obtain the best possible accuracy.

December 11, 2019 by Eduardo Corpeño

Predicting Battery Degradation with a Trinket M0 and Python Software Algorithms

Learn how to build a setup that will help you predict a battery's performance as it ages using a Trinket M0 and software algorithms.

December 09, 2019 by Aaron Hanson

An Introduction to Training Theory for Neural Networks

In this article, we’ll explore Perceptron training from a more theoretical perspective, focusing on the “error bowl.”

December 05, 2019 by Robert Keim

Utilizing INICnet for Automotive Networking and Connectivity

In this article, learn about INICnet and how it helps to solve the question of how designers can create a safe and effective connectivity method for vehicles.

December 03, 2019 by Carmelo De Mola, Microchip

Understanding Different Definitions of the Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) Specification

In this article, we’ll look at the spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) which is a popular specification for quantifying the linearity of a circuit.

December 01, 2019 by Steve Arar