Latest Industrial Automation Technical Articles

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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

Guide to PCB Design: How to Choose a PCB Manufacturer

In this article, we will discuss some best practices for how to choose a manufacturer to produce your custom PCB board.

August 29, 2018 by Robert Keim

Guide to PCB Design: How to Generate Manufacturing Files for Custom Printed Circuit Boards

In this article, we'll go over the basics of generating manufacturing files for PCB design and manufacturing.

August 28, 2018 by Robert Keim

Understanding Color Models Used in Digital Image Processing

Learn about digital-signal-processing concepts that help us to store and manipulate color information.

August 17, 2018 by Robert Keim

Learn RF Design: Choosing the Right RF Transceiver IC

Learn about integrated circuits that can help you to design customized RF communication systems.

August 10, 2018 by Robert Keim

What Is Embedded System Design? Defining an Electrical Engineering Field

Could you concisely define "embedded system design" off the top of your head? This article looks at the essential characteristics of an increasingly prominent specialization within the field of electrical engineering.

August 06, 2018 by Robert Keim

Choosing the Right Transistor: Understanding Low-Frequency MOSFET Parameters

This article provides an overview of various characteristics and specifications that are relevant to low-frequency MOSFET operation.

July 23, 2018 by Robert Keim

Beyond the Optocoupler: Understanding Digital Isolators

Optocouplers are undoubtedly effective, but alternative isolation technologies may be a better choice for your application.

July 13, 2018 by Robert Keim

Hardware Evaluation of a Custom Programmable Wi-Fi Controller: The WiCard

This article explores the schematic design and basic features of a smart programmable wireless controller module I designed: the WiCard.

June 01, 2018 by M. Mahdi K. Kanan

How to Stream Sensor Data from Bosch’s XDK110 Evaluation Board to the MQTT Messaging Service

In this article, we will take a look at the XDK110 rapid prototyping kit, characterize its hardware, explore its software environment, and demonstrate connecting the device to the MQTT messaging service.

April 12, 2018 by Mark Hughes

Comparing Optical Sensors: Understanding D-Star

This technical brief discusses a parameter that conveys the sensitivity of an optical detector.

April 05, 2018 by Robert Keim

How to Make an IoT Teapot | The Gentleman Maker

No longer will you have to get off the couch or out of your warm bed to get the pot brewed!

February 28, 2018 by Robin Mitchell