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Building a One-Shot Multivibrator with an ESP32 Terminal Display:  A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

In this hands-on project, we will update a 1980s version of a one-shot (monostable multivibrator) circuit by giving it a modern, colorful output while also examining the circuit's operation.

September 17, 2023 by Don Wilcher

EM Side-Channel Attacks on Cryptography

Electromagnetic-based side-channel attacks are non-invasive, meaning the attacker does not need physical access to the device to steal information. We’ll look at how these EM side-channel attacks work.

July 26, 2023 by Jake Hertz

Transistor Controlled Switching of an LED Display: A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

Let’s modernize a circuit from a Science Fair 150-in-1 Electronic Project kit using a solderless breadboard, new electronic components, online EDA tools, and an M5Stack Core microcontroller.

July 09, 2023 by Don Wilcher

Fundamentals of Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD)

This article provides an introduction to the computational number system known as binary-coded decimal or BCD. This numeric encoding scheme is historically significant and still advantageous in certain applications.

July 07, 2023 by Robert Keim

Boolean Canonical Forms: Sum-of-Products and Product-of-Sums

Understanding two key Boolean canonical forms, the sum-of-products and the product-of-sums, is important in digital system design and optimization. We will introduce how to generate these forms and provide guidelines on when it is typically best to use each form.

June 30, 2023 by William Bahn

What is an Application-specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)?

Indispensable for modern electrical engineering, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) form a diverse group of integrated circuits (ICs) that help designers to optimize sophisticated electronic devices.

June 14, 2023 by Robert Keim

Controlling a Potentiometer-based Servo Motor Using a M5Stack Core

In this project, learn how to use a potentiometer's reading on the M5Stack core to control a servo motor.

June 04, 2023 by Don Wilcher

What is an Image Processor? Turns Out the Answer is Hazy

Real-time image processing is a resource-intensive task that often requires specialized hardware. With that in mind, let's explore processors that are designed specifically for photo and video applications.

June 02, 2023 by Robert Keim

Creating a DCO-based Audio Synthesizer With an Arduino Nano

In this project, learn to create a digitally-controlled oscillator or DCO-based audio synthesizer with an Arduino Nano or an Arduino Uno.

April 09, 2023 by Darby Hewitt

Designing Firmware for Embedded Systems Using Warnier-Orr Diagrams

Go from chaos to clarity by learning how to design programs for embedded systems leveraging the Warnier-Orr diagrams.

March 10, 2023 by Nthatisi Hlapisi

Receiving and Sampling Signals in Digital Pulse Amplitude Modulation

The receiver in a digital PAM system must sample and measure the amplitude of a signal that is affected by the frequency response of the transmission channel.

March 05, 2023 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Double Date Rate (DDR) Memory

Learn about double date rate (DDR) memory key concepts and applications surrounding this digital communication technique, where two data words are transferred during one clock cycle.

February 03, 2023 by Robert Keim

A Primer on Digital Pulse Amplitude Modulation

An encoding technique used for digital communication, pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) converts a discrete-time signal into a variable-amplitude continuous-time signal that is suitable for high-speed wired communication systems.

January 22, 2023 by Robert Keim

From Parallel to Serial and Back Again: Understanding SerDes

Serialization/deserialization circuitry, known collectively as SerDes, provides important benefits for digital communication systems, especially when high data rates are required.

January 15, 2023 by Robert Keim

Digital Square Wave Generator Design Via a Ring Oscillator, 555 Timer, and Arduino

Learn about digital square wave generators using a ring oscillator, a 555 timer-based oscillator, and an Arduino-generated square wave oscillator.

December 11, 2022 by Nicholas St. John

Is Assembly Language Still Relevant for Embedded Software Development?

As embedded systems continue to evolve, you might wonder: should I learn assembly language for embedded software development? Learn the answer in this article.

November 06, 2022 by Darby Hewitt

What is Clock Skew? Understanding Clock Skew in a Clock Distribution Network

Learn about clock skew, what it is, and its impact on modern systems through understanding synchronous circuitry, clock delivery, and clock distribution networks.

October 21, 2022 by Jake Hertz

Analyzing 2nd-Order Circuits in Laplace Space Using Python

Learn about simplifying the mathematics of circuit analysis using the Laplace transform, Python, and SymPy using a series RLC circuit as an example.

August 07, 2022 by Darby Hewitt

Boolean Algebra Laws—Delving Into Boolean Identities

Learn about the main Boolean algebra identities or laws associated with Boolean logic or digital logic.

August 04, 2022 by William Bahn

Boolean Algebra Basics—An Overview of Boolean Logic

New to digital logic, want a refresher, or to dive deeper into Boolean algebra? This article teaches the basics of Boolean algebra and prepares you for further learning.

July 28, 2022 by William Bahn