Latest Technical Articles

A simple LCD control project with an EFM8 evaluation board demonstrates basic principles of embedded development.

A simple LCD control project with an EFM8 evaluation board demonstrates basic principles of embedded development.

Magnetic devices shape our world: they power our homes, tools, toys, and they even store our data. Quantum physics…

Magnetic devices shape our world: they power our homes, tools, toys, and they even store our data. Quantum physics provides insights needed to understand magnetism and its relationship to the intrinsic nature of the electron.

Delta/wye transforms allow us to replace part of a circuit with a different circuit that, while equivalent in behavior,…

Delta/wye transforms allow us to replace part of a circuit with a different circuit that, while equivalent in behavior, can make circuit analysis much simpler. Here we learn where these transforms come from.

Learn about the Hall effect and how it enables accurate, isolated current measurements.

Learn about the Hall effect and how it enables accurate, isolated current measurements.

A handy technical article demonstrating filter inductor design for boost converters, design of the coupled inductor for a…

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.

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

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

Parallel circuits are one of two fundamental circuit configurations we come across every day. Like a parallel universe,…

Parallel circuits are one of two fundamental circuit configurations we come across every day. Like a parallel universe, parallel circuits and networks can give us unexpected results. Adding more gives less, and voltage stays the same no matter what! Learn about the role resistance plays in parallel circuits for your designs and safety.

The LM35 is an ideal temperature sensor for measuring ambient temperature. It provides a linear output proportional to…

The LM35 is an ideal temperature sensor for measuring ambient temperature. It provides a linear output proportional to the temperature, with 0 V corresponding to 0 degrees C and an output voltage change of 10 mV for each degree C change. LM35s are easier to use than thermistors and thermocouples because they are so linear and require no signal conditioning.

Learn about devices and techniques used for in-circuit monitoring of currents and voltages.

Learn about devices and techniques used for in-circuit monitoring of currents and voltages.

Since different colors reflect different levels of light, you can use a photoresistor or a phototransistor to sense…

Since different colors reflect different levels of light, you can use a photoresistor or a phototransistor to sense different colors.

This article describes what voltage and current dividers are and how they can be used.

This article describes what voltage and current dividers are and how they can be used.

These online sources not only help you find part data quickly, but can also help you determine availability and manage…

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

Qi (pronounced as "chee") charging is an optimized inductive charging concept also known as “wireless charging,”…

Qi (pronounced as "chee") charging is an optimized inductive charging concept also known as “wireless charging,” allowing you to charge your devices wirelessly. Compatible devices’ batteries are charged by using induction transfer without requiring separate chargers, cables or adapters... Simply place your compatible device on top of the wireless pad and watch your device charge. Finally--an end to cords!

In some Arduino applications, it is advantageous to be able to store and retrieve information locally. You can do this…

In some Arduino applications, it is advantageous to be able to store and retrieve information locally. You can do this with a Secure Digital, or SD, card. An SD card is a non-volatile memory card used extensively in portable devices, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, GPS navigation devices, handheld consoles, and tablet computers. Another type of SD Card is the Micro SD card. Measuring only 15 mm x 11 mm x 1 mm, it is the smallest memory card available. It is about one-quarter the size of a normal-sized SD card, or about the size of a fingernail.

A short introduction to some of the more popular interfaces used to connect test instruments to computers.

A short introduction to some of the more popular interfaces used to connect test instruments to computers.

This article explains how to measure a resistance value, even if the resistor cannot be removed from its circuit.

This article explains how to measure a resistance value, even if the resistor cannot be removed from its circuit.

The ease with which an Arduino can obtain sensor values is one of the features that makes it so useful.

The ease with which an Arduino can obtain sensor values is one of the features that makes it so useful.

In this tutorial we are going to see how to use Arduino Joystick Shield. There are different versions but we'll be using…

In this tutorial we are going to see how to use Arduino Joystick Shield. There are different versions but we'll be using v2.4, which has some interesting features and some extra buttons which can be used in your application in different ways.

The effect of noise and Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) in Low-dropout (LDO) regulators.

The effect of noise and Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) in Low-dropout (LDO) regulators.