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Convenient, High-Efficiency Power: A New Series of DC/DC Converter Modules from Murata

Convenient, High-Efficiency Power: A New Series of DC/DC Converter Modules from Murata

You can’t beat the efficiency of switch-mode power supplies, and you can avoid the design-complexity issue by using DC/DC modules such as those in the OKDx-T/90 series.


A Microcontroller Enthusiast’s First Look at Programmable Logic

A Microcontroller Enthusiast’s First Look at Programmable Logic

The FPGA can be a great addition to your arsenal, but it requires some adjustments to the way a microcontroller jockey thinks.


The AS7261 Color Sensor: Measuring Color in XYZ

The AS7261 Color Sensor: Measuring Color in XYZ

The AS7261 is a highly integrated sensor that provides optical measurements via a digital interface.


Clean Clocking: The New CDCE813-Q1 Clock Synthesizer

Clean Clocking: The New CDCE813-Q1 Clock Synthesizer

The CDCE813-Q1 is a customizable, fairly high-frequency clock generator that is qualified for automotive applications.


Comparing the Electret to MEMS Microphones

Comparing the Electret to MEMS Microphones

This technical brief explains the physical characteristics and the benefits of microphones based on MEMS technology.


Back to Basics: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)

Back to Basics: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)

The Serial Peripheral Interface Bus enables full-duplex serial data transfer between multiple integrated circuits.


The How and Why of Spread-Spectrum Digital Signals

The How and Why of Spread-Spectrum Digital Signals

This technical brief discusses the use of spread spectrum modulation in digital circuits, particularly clock signals.


Controlling a Stepper Motor with an SIRC TV Remote and a PICAXE: Infrared Capabilities

Controlling a Stepper Motor with an SIRC TV Remote and a PICAXE: Infrared Capabilities

Remote controls for electronics often use IR (infrared) radiation in a very precisely coded sequence for channel surfing, volume adjustments, and more. One of the most popular codes is the SIRC (Sony Infrared Remote Code) which may be used with a PICAXE microcontroller to manage a stepper motor, or most any other electronic or electro-mechanical device.


Testing a Custom IoT Framework by Controlling an LED: RIOT (RealTime Internet of Things)

Testing a Custom IoT Framework by Controlling an LED: RIOT (RealTime Internet of Things)

Using a custom framework (RIOT) to control an LED with a networked computer.


Projects Feb 08, 2017 by Robin Mitchell
An Introductory Project for Software Defined Radio

An Introductory Project for Software Defined Radio

Learn how to listen to frequencies on the air with nothing more than a USB dongle: first FM radio, then voice signals.


Projects Feb 02, 2017 by Christi Durham
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.