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Resistance in Parallel Networks

Resistance in Parallel Networks

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.


Keep Your Cool: Monitor Temperature with an Arduino

Keep Your Cool: Monitor Temperature with an Arduino

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.


Projects Jun 28, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Beyond the DMM: Components and Circuits for Measuring Current and Voltage

Beyond the DMM: Components and Circuits for Measuring Current and Voltage

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


Feel the Rainbow: Sensing Color with an Arduino

Feel the Rainbow: Sensing Color with an Arduino

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


Projects Jun 26, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Voltage and Current Dividers: What They Are and What They Do

Voltage and Current Dividers: What They Are and What They Do

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


Five Places to Find Part Info Online

Five Places to Find Part Info Online

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


A World Without Cords: An Overview of Wireless Charging

A World Without Cords: An Overview of 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!


Reading and Writing Files from an SD Card with an Arduino

Reading and Writing Files from an SD Card with an Arduino

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.


Projects Jun 23, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Interfaces for Computer-Controlled Test Systems

Interfaces for Computer-Controlled Test Systems

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


Measuring Resistance, In Circuit and Out

Measuring Resistance, In Circuit and Out

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


Reading Sensors with an Arduino

Reading Sensors with an Arduino

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


Projects Jun 18, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
How to Use the Arduino Joystick Shield v2.4

How to Use the Arduino Joystick Shield v2.4

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.


Projects Jun 17, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Understanding Noise and PSRR in LDOs

Understanding Noise and PSRR in LDOs

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


Servo Control with Arduino Through MATLAB

Servo Control with Arduino Through MATLAB

Use MATLAB to write a program to control a servo motor connected to an Arduino.


Projects Jun 16, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Use a Keypad with Your Arduino

Use a Keypad with Your Arduino

Keypads allow users to input data while a program is running. This tutorial shows you how to connect a twelve-button keypad to an Arduino and how to use the library Keypad.h.


Projects Jun 15, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Arduino Interface with MATLAB

Arduino Interface with MATLAB

How to connect your Arduino board to MATLAB and actually control and get information on the Arduino.


Projects Jun 15, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
How Low Can You Go? Measuring Small Voltages with a DMM

How Low Can You Go? Measuring Small Voltages with a DMM

Understanding the relationship between resolution and accuracy will help you determine how small a voltage, current, or resistance—or how small a change in those values—that you can actually measure with your digital multimeter.


Remote Viewing: Communicating with an Arduino via Infrared Light

Remote Viewing: Communicating with an Arduino via Infrared Light

An infrared (IR) light sensor allows the use of an Arduino to receive and decode signals from a TV remote control.


Projects Jun 14, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
The Basics of Power Semiconductor Devices: Structures, Symbols, and Operations

The Basics of Power Semiconductor Devices: Structures, Symbols, and Operations

Learn about various power electronic devices which act as solid-state switches in the circuits, meaning they act as a switch without any mechanical movement.


Beginner’s Guide to the Arduino

Beginner’s Guide to the Arduino

This project will help you get started with the Arduino, including a description of the different types of Arduinos, how to download the Arduino software development environment, and describe the different shields that are available for the Arduino along with the accessories you will need to develop Arduino projects.


Projects Jun 12, 2015 by Tim Youngblood