Latest Optoelectronics Technical Articles

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.

4 days ago by Don Wilcher

Electrochromic and Electrophoretic Technologies Shine in Low-Power Displays

Ultra-thin, flexible, and low-power displays support wireless, IoT, and energy-harvesting applications that continue to bring intelligence to more products. This article examines two of the most popular low-power reflective display technologies—electrochromic and electrophoretic.

July 02, 2023 by Dale Wilson

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

Learn to Build a Photoelectric Sensor System Using an Arduino Uno and OpenPLC

Since photoelectric sensing can be achieved with electrical, electromechanical, and electronic components, learn to build, test, and implement a prototype photoelectric switch using off-the-shelf components with Arduino OpenPLC.

March 12, 2023 by Don Wilcher

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

Introduction to Bluetooth Mesh Models

Learn about Bluetooth mesh models—namely what they are—as we lead you through an example and the different types like generic, lighting, etc.

June 19, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Understanding Piezoelectric Accelerometer Basics

Learn about piezoelectric accelerometers, namely the piezoelectric effect, how piezoelectric materials generate electricity, the different accelerometer design modes, and their upper and lower frequency limits.

March 20, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Types of Magnetometers

This high-level guide introduces common types of magnetometers, including scalar, vector, gradient, and more.

April 12, 2021 by Ignacio de Mendizábal

Introduction to Photosensitive Integrated Circuits

This article continues our introductory discussion of light-sensitive components that produce higher output-current amplitude than photodiodes.

January 27, 2021 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Phototransistors

In this series of articles, we’ll explore higher-output-current alternatives to photodiodes.

January 26, 2021 by Robert Keim

Tips for Achieving Low-Frequency Precision and Improved Bandwidth in Photodiode Circuits

This article continues our discussion of design techniques that help us to improve the performance of transimpedance amplifiers.

January 13, 2021 by Robert Keim

Design Tips for Photodiode Amplifiers

This article covers important details related to the design of transimpedance amplifiers for photodiode-based systems.

January 12, 2021 by Robert Keim

The Glass Cockpit: The Story of Display Technologies in Space Shuttles

In this final part of the Glass Cockpit series, we look at how displays have reached their current iteration in Space X shuttles.

January 10, 2021 by Steve Taranovich

Display Technologies for Aerospace Applications: The F/A-18 Super Hornet

Learn about real-world display technology design in aerospace applications in a legendary example—the F/A-18 Super Hornet—from an engineer who's flown them.

January 08, 2021 by Steve Taranovich