Latest Electromechanical Technical Articles

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Classical R-C Oscillators: The Bridged-T Network and the Wien Oscillator Network

Learn more about these two classic oscillator network topologies, including their simulations.

one month ago by John Fattaruso

How to Use Nyquist Plots for Stability Analysis

In this article, we’ll see that a Nyquist plot provides a straightforward means of determining if an amplifier will oscillate.

3 months ago by Robert Keim

Safety Capacitors First: Class-X and Class-Y Capacitors

Learn about Class-X and Class-Y capacitors, where they are used, and why they are referred to as "safety" capacitors.

5 months ago by Nick Davis

Introduction to Reliability in Electronics: Tools and Metrics for Anticipating Device Failure

Reliability engineering estimates device lifetimes and failure rates to determine what will fail and when.

About 7 months ago by Mark Hughes

Never Run Out of Tea Again! How to Build the Gentleman Maker’s Intelli-T Raspberry Pi Sensor Alarm

Never run out of tea again! The Intelli-T uses a weight sensor and a Raspberry Pi to alert you when your tea supply is running low.

8 months ago by Robin Mitchell

Put an End to Stockings Full of Coal with the Raspberry Pi Santa Detector

For most, the name "Father Christmas" conjures images of toys and gadgets. But for this gentleman maker, the name brings misery. Be sure to stockpile your Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Particle Photons; it's time to catch Saint Nick red-handed.

10 months ago by Robin Mitchell

How to Choose the Right Driver IC for Stepper Motors

This article discusses features and functionality offered by integrated circuits that simplify the task of controlling a stepper motor.

10 months ago by Robert Keim

Choosing the Right Motor-Driver IC

This article provides some practical guidance on how to evaluate integrated circuits intended for controlling brushed DC motors.

10 months ago by Robert Keim

Designing Smart Meters with Circuit Protection, Sensing, and Power Control Capabilities

This article offers an overview of the various component options for smart meter design and how they can improve the operation of the meters into which they are designed.

10 months ago by Philippe Di Fulvio, Littelfuse Inc

Introduction to MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems)

This article explores basic characteristics and common applications of a technology that has been incorporated into a wide variety of high-performance electronic devices.

10 months ago by Robert Keim

Ladder Logic in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

This article describes the programming language ladder logic used to program PLCs and shows examples of how it functions.

11 months ago by Stephen St. Michael

Understanding the Virtual Short in Op Amp Circuits

This article explains and discusses an important simplification technique used in op amp analysis.

11 months ago by Robert Keim

Understanding and Modeling Piezoelectric Sensors

This article explains some theory behind piezoelectric sensors and presents an equivalent circuit that you can use when you’re designing sensor systems.

one year ago by Robert Keim

What Is a PLC? An Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers

What is a PLC? This article will lay out a succinct definition of what a programmable logic controller is and lay out its basic components.

one year ago by Stephen St. Michael

Protect Your Summer Harvest with the Gentleman Maker’s Raspberry Pi and Arduino Dog Corrector

In this episode of the Gentleman Maker, we're using a Raspberry Pi and an Arduino Uno to stave off the onslaught of dogs trying to eat every single plant in our garden.

one year ago by Robin Mitchell

Build a PWM Controller for PC Fans with GreenPAK

This article shows how to build a 12 V PC fan PWM controller with GreenPAK ICs.

one year ago by David Riedell, Dialog Semiconductor

Feeling Flashy? Tone It Down with the Gentleman Maker’s Raspberry Pi Colorboringizer

In this episode of the Gentleman Maker, we'll use a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, an Arduino Nano, and an Arduino Uno to create a handy system to rid ourselves of overly-colorful fashion choices.

one year ago by Robin Mitchell

Reverse Polarity Protection: How to Protect Your Circuits Using Only a Diode

Connecting power with incorrect polarity is an easy mistake to make. Fortunately, protecting your device from reverse polarity is also quite easy.

one year ago by Robert Keim

Three-Phase BLDC Motors Save Energy in Appliance Systems

This article looks at how appliance design is utilizing three-phase brushless DC motors to reduce system power consumption to meet Energy Star's requirements.

one year ago by Innocent Irakoze, Texas Instruments

Selecting and Implementing Photovoltaic Cells for Solar-Powered Devices

This article discusses details that will help you choose the right kind of solar cell and successfully incorporate it into your next project.

one year ago by Robert Keim