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UART Baud Rate: How Accurate Does It Need to Be?

UART Baud Rate: How Accurate Does It Need to Be?

This article will help you to determine the maximum acceptable difference between the baud rates of a UART transmitter and receiver.


Designing a Circular-Touch-Sense User Interface

Designing a Circular-Touch-Sense User Interface

This project gives you an example of how a basic user interface can be implemented using only one circular capacitive touch sensor.


Projects Jan 05, 2017 by Robert Keim
The Packet Concept: High-Level Synchronization for Data Links

The Packet Concept: High-Level Synchronization for Data Links

Learn about (for lack of a better term) packetization, a technique that facilitates robust data transfer in optical, RF, and long-distance-digital communication systems.


LVDS: High-Speed, Low-Power, Robust Data Transfer

LVDS: High-Speed, Low-Power, Robust Data Transfer

This technical brief discusses characteristics and advantages of low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS).


How the Boost PFC Converter Circuit Improves Power Quality

How the Boost PFC Converter Circuit Improves Power Quality

A boost power factor correction (PFC) converter can significantly improve both the power factor and the harmonic distortion.


Circular Touch Sensing with an EFM8 Microcontroller

Circular Touch Sensing with an EFM8 Microcontroller

In this project we will develop an algorithm for precisely locating a touch event that occurs somewhere on a circular capacitive sensor.


Projects Dec 15, 2016 by Robert Keim
Capacitive Touch Sensing with an EFM8 Microcontroller

Capacitive Touch Sensing with an EFM8 Microcontroller

This project explores capacitive-touch-sense technology using an evaluation board for an EFM8 Sleepy Bee microcontroller.


Projects Dec 12, 2016 by Robert Keim
Power Factor, THD, and Why Linear Power Supplies Fail to Meet Power Standards

Power Factor, THD, and Why Linear Power Supplies Fail to Meet Power Standards

A discussion of international electrical quality standards and why basic linear power supplies fail to meet them.


Custom Microcontroller Design: Assembling, Measuring, Programming

Custom Microcontroller Design: Assembling, Measuring, Programming

This is part 2 of a step-by-step guide to bringing your custom microcontroller design to life.


Custom Microcontroller Design: Hardware, Tools, and Toolchain

Custom Microcontroller Design: Hardware, Tools, and Toolchain

This is Part 1 of a step-by-step guide to bringing custom microcontroller designs to life.


The Why and How of Differential Signaling

The Why and How of Differential Signaling

Learn about the important characteristics, benefits, and applications of differential signaling, as well as the proper layout techniques for differential signals.


LED Arrays: One Resistor or Many?

LED Arrays: One Resistor or Many?

When you have multiple LEDs with a common anode or common cathode, can you use just one current-limiting resistor? Let’s take a look.


How to Build a Touchless MIDI Controller with Arduino

How to Build a Touchless MIDI Controller with Arduino

Learn how to build your own touchless MIDI controller using an Arduino... video and code file included.


Projects Nov 03, 2016 by Evan Kale
Analyzing Circuits via Source Transformation

Analyzing Circuits via Source Transformation

This article uses examples to explain the technique of source transformation.


Introduction to Wireless Power Transfer

Introduction to Wireless Power Transfer

Wireless Power Transfer holds the promise of freeing us from the tyranny of power cords. This technology is being incorporated into all kinds of devices and systems.


Build Your Own Low-Resistance Meter

Build Your Own Low-Resistance Meter

This project will show you how to make a device that can measure resistances as low as 0.1 ohms.


Projects Oct 26, 2016 by Robin Mitchell
C-BISCUIT: Layout and Assembly for the Robot Control Board

C-BISCUIT: Layout and Assembly for the Robot Control Board

We’ll discuss some important layout and manufacturing concepts as we look at the PCB for the Robot Control Board.


Projects Oct 25, 2016 by Robert Keim
Ghostbusters Toaster—A Solenoid Lesson

Ghostbusters Toaster—A Solenoid Lesson

With the help of some solenoids, the Dancing Ghostbusters Toaster really topped off my Halloween costume this year!


Projects Oct 24, 2016 by Ryan Jones
Build Your Own LED Saber—Assembly and Hilt Construction

Build Your Own LED Saber—Assembly and Hilt Construction

In the final installment, we build our light-blade and assemble the electronics into the hilt.


Projects Oct 21, 2016 by Jeremy Lee
Build Your Own LED Saber—Firmware, Microcontroller, and Testing

Build Your Own LED Saber—Firmware, Microcontroller, and Testing

In part 3, we compile the firmware and build the controller at the heart of the Saber, then do initial testing and diagnostics.


Projects Oct 20, 2016 by Jeremy Lee