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Finite State Machines & Microcontrollers

Finite State Machines & Microcontrollers

Using Finite State Machines (FSM) is a common industrial practice in coding but their use extends beyond everyday software. They can easily be used in projects, help prevent bugs, stop infinite loops hogging the processor, and ease debugging.


Characteristics of the Ideal Silicon Diode

Characteristics of the Ideal Silicon Diode

In this article, we will discuss some characteristics of the ideal diode. We'll also learn how to analyze circuits that contain more than one ideal diode in conjunction with resistors and DC power sources.


Do-It-Yourself Soldering Station with an ATmega8

Do-It-Yourself Soldering Station with an ATmega8

The mighty soldering iron. If you need one, want one, or just love to build stuff, then this project is for you.


Projects May 05, 2016 by Cezar Chirila
Non-inverting Configuration of an Operational Amplifier

Non-inverting Configuration of an Operational Amplifier

Mentioned in the previous article, the first of two most commonly used operational amplifiers, the inverting configuration is heavily used in audio mixers or digital-to-audio converters. In this article, we will discuss the second amplifier configuration, known as the non-inverting amplifier.


NES Controller Interface with an Arduino UNO

NES Controller Interface with an Arduino UNO

Learn about the NES Controller's data protocol, then use this knowledge to easily integrate into an Arduino Uno.


Projects Apr 29, 2016 by Joseph Corleto
Characteristics of Operational Amplifiers

Characteristics of Operational Amplifiers

One of the reasons the operation amp (op-amp) is so reputable is because of its versatility. In this article, you will see that almost anything can be done using an op-amp. It is also notable that this integrated circuit has many characteristics that approach those that are considered to be ideal.


Linear Amplitude Modulation Applications

Linear Amplitude Modulation Applications

In this article, we'll delve into amplitude modulation and what it's used for. Also, we will differentiate between communication methods that do and do not use modulation.


How to Create a Gaming System with the Atmel SAM4S Xplained Pro

How to Create a Gaming System with the Atmel SAM4S Xplained Pro

This article provides additional details related to code development, hardware configuration, and the OLED interface.


Projects Apr 01, 2016 by Robert Keim
Build a Solar Battery Charger For Ni-MH Batteries

Build a Solar Battery Charger For Ni-MH Batteries

Build a simple solar powered battery charger for Ni-MH batteries.


Projects Mar 16, 2016 by Jacob Smith
Create Your Own Battery Backup Power Supplies

Create Your Own Battery Backup Power Supplies

In this project, Jason Poel Smith builds a battery backup system that you can use for small electronics to make sure that they never lose power.


Controlling a Toaster Oven with a PICAXE - Part 2

Controlling a Toaster Oven with a PICAXE - Part 2

Soldering surface mount components by hand can be done, but reflow soldering in an oven is much quicker and produces more consistent results. Building a microprocessor controlled reflow oven is well within the abilities and budget of many hobbyists.


Controlling a Toaster Oven with a PICAXE - Part 1

Controlling a Toaster Oven with a PICAXE - Part 1

A toaster oven can do more than just make toast; guided by a PICAXE microcontroller, it can make a sweet reflow soldering station.


C-BISCUIT: A Robotics Platform for the Hacker and Hobbyist

C-BISCUIT: A Robotics Platform for the Hacker and Hobbyist

This is the beginning of a multi-part, multi-author series on how to build your own robotics platform called C-BISCUIT, an acronym for Collaborative Bot with Integrated System Core, Unmanned Interactivity, and Telemetry -- based on the Wandboard Quad computer.


Projects Jan 25, 2016 by Patrick Lloyd
Custom PCB Design with an EFM8 Microcontroller

Custom PCB Design with an EFM8 Microcontroller

Tips and techniques for incorporating EFM8 microcontrollers into your custom hardware.


Projects Jan 18, 2016 by Robert Keim
Galvanic Isolation: Purpose and Methodologies

Galvanic Isolation: Purpose and Methodologies

Galvanic isolation is a way to isolate functional sections of electrical systems to prevent current flow. A brief explanation of differing methods to create galvanic isolation.


Implementing I2C with an EFM8 Microcontroller, Part 2

Implementing I2C with an EFM8 Microcontroller, Part 2

Firmware architecture and example code for an I2C interface based on the Silicon Labs SMBus peripheral.


Implementing I2C with an EFM8 Microcontroller

Implementing I2C with an EFM8 Microcontroller

Learn how to design an I2C interface using the Silicon Labs SMBus peripheral.


The I2C Bus: Firmware Implementation Details

The I2C Bus: Firmware Implementation Details

Understand the I2C protocol in the context of firmware design and make your projects seamless.


The I2C Bus: Hardware Implementation Details

The I2C Bus: Hardware Implementation Details

This article covers information essential for understanding and designing the hardware needed for an I2C bus.


Hack Your Toaster Oven to Become a Thermocouple Measurement System

Hack Your Toaster Oven to Become a Thermocouple Measurement System

The intuitive, step-by-step procedure presented in this article will help you to successfully perform reflow soldering in your toaster oven.


Projects Dec 18, 2015 by Robert Keim