Latest Industrial Automation Technical Articles

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What Does an Accelerometer Output When It Isn’t Moving? Zero-g Bias

In this article, learn about zero-g offset and zero-g bias level, how it pertains to capacitive MEMS accelerometers, as well as accelerometer offset calibration to trim out offset error.

January 23, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Deriving the Transfer Function of a Capacitive Sensing Accelerometer

In this article, we'll learn about deriving the transfer function of a mass-spring-damper system used in a capacitive MEMS accelerometer.

December 19, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

Introduction to Capacitive Accelerometers: Measuring Acceleration with Capacitive Sensing

In this article, we'll discuss how to use capacitive sensing to measure acceleration.

December 12, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

Introduction to Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs)

Looking for a succinct intro to LVDTs? This article will explain LVDT basics, including structure, circuit, transfer function, linear range, sensitivity, and more.

May 09, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

Assembly vs. C: Why Learn Assembly?

This article discusses two programming languages, namely, C and Assembly, and presents the need to know Assembly language for programming embedded systems.

September 20, 2019 by Colin Walls

Special Topics in Schematic Capture

Learn about heterogeneous and homogenous buses, special IC packages, and more!

August 23, 2019 by Stephen Colley

Error Checking Schematics

This article presents tools and practices in reducing errors in your schematics.

August 22, 2019 by Stephen Colley

Introduction to Electric Vehicle Battery Systems

Electric vehicle design is a complex concept. Here's a look at the heart of every EV: the battery.

July 31, 2019 by Erik Johnson

UPS in Critical Data Centers

Data center applications require reliable power sources. Learn more about uninterruptible power supplies in data centers.

June 17, 2019 by Sean Evanuik

An Overview of Software Languages for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

What software languages are used with programmable logic controllers?

May 10, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

When Can Electrical Engineers Use Python? Applications for the Python Programming Language

Where can EEs use Python in their day to day? Here's a look at the applications where Python excels.

May 05, 2019 by Christopher Wang

How to Choose the Right Microcontroller for Your Application

This article continues the Introduction to Microcontrollers series with a discussion of the most important things to consider when you’re trying to find the best MCU for your next project.

March 28, 2019 by Robert Keim

Applications and Limitations of the Current-Feedback Amplifier: Dual CFAs and Composite Amplifiers

In this article, we continue our study of the current-feedback amplifier. We’ll also look at a composite amplifier that combines the benefits of the voltage-feedback topology and the current-feedback topology.

February 28, 2019 by Dr. Sergio Franco

How to Write Assembly Instructions for Programming a 32-bit ARM Core with a Raspberry Pi

This article explores the basic instructions needed to program a 32-bit ARM core, while building a foundational understanding of the micro-architecture.

February 26, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

Build Your Own Voice-Activated Home Automation System with the Gentleman Maker’s Posh Butler

Learn how to use a Raspberry Pi to make your own posh home automation system!

February 24, 2019 by Robin Mitchell

Introduction to CAN (Controller Area Network)

This article introduces the Controller Area Network (CAN) serial communication bus, detailing message frames, bus arbitration, and signaling.

February 19, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

How to Write Assembly Language: Basic Assembly Instructions in the ARM Instruction Set

Learn some basic instructions used in the ARM instruction set used for programming ARM cores.

February 08, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

What Is a Microarchitecture? Understanding Processors and Register Files in an ARM Core

Learn about the microarchitecture of an ARM processor, including an explanation of the register file and how it functions within a processor.

February 07, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

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.

November 21, 2018 by Stephen St. Michael

How to Design a Super Simple Sensor System for Industrial Monitoring Applications

This article describes an Ethernet-connected subsystem of a larger modular sensor system designed for industrial or smart home sensing and monitoring. We will discuss a custom sensor subsystem developed for this application.

September 12, 2018 by Mark Hughes