All About Circuits

Latest Fiber Optics Technical Articles

Categories

A Primer on Digital Pulse Amplitude Modulation

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.


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

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.


Touchscreen vs. Button Interface Design: Capacitive and Resistive Touchscreens and Haptics

Touchscreen vs. Button Interface Design: Capacitive and Resistive Touchscreens and Haptics

Learn about some of the most important fundamentals for understanding how interface technologies have evolved.


Electrical Symbols for Electronic Components: Passive Components

Electrical Symbols for Electronic Components: Passive Components

This two-article series provides an overview of circuit symbols, along with some information on the components that they represent.


Beyond the Optocoupler: Understanding Digital Isolators

Beyond the Optocoupler: Understanding Digital Isolators

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


Hardware Assessment: LightCrafter Evaluation Kit for BeagleBoard Black from Texas Instruments

Hardware Assessment: LightCrafter Evaluation Kit for BeagleBoard Black from Texas Instruments

The Texas Instruments DLPDLCR2000EVM is a demonstration cape designed to plug into a BeagleBone Black (BBB) and provide instant-on projection capabilities using a digital micromirror device and a relatively high-power RGB LED.


Projects Jul 09, 2018 by Mark Hughes
An Introduction to Optoelectronics

An Introduction to Optoelectronics

In this article, we talk about the basics of optoelectronics, including a brief lecture on photons. Also, various optoelectronic devices will be discussed including lamps, LEDs, photodiodes, photoresistors, and laser diodes.


Radio Meets Fiber Optics: RF Over Fiber

Radio Meets Fiber Optics: RF Over Fiber

Radio Over Fiber (ROF) combines RF and optics, providing optical links to replace strategic portions of cellular, satellite, and copper based systems.


Dealing with Variable Lighting: CMOS Vs CCD Image Sensors

Dealing with Variable Lighting: CMOS Vs CCD Image Sensors

Despite the convenience of CMOS imagers, CCD imagers still have their place. And if you really need low-light performance, consider a device with EMCCD technology, such as the KAE-02152.


Quark D2000 I2C Interfacing: Add a Color Sensor and Asynchronous Mode

Quark D2000 I2C Interfacing: Add a Color Sensor and Asynchronous Mode

Use I2C on the Quark D2000 development board to interface a color sensor and get acquainted with using asynchronous mode.


How to Build a Raspberry Pi Camera

How to Build a Raspberry Pi Camera

In part 8 of the "Building Raspberry Pi Controller" series, readers will learn how to attach a camera board to a Raspberry Pi and write Python code for photo imaging projects.


Projects Aug 01, 2016 by Don Wilcher
Building Raspberry Pi Controllers Part 6: Displaying Messages on a LCD with a RPi

Building Raspberry Pi Controllers Part 6: Displaying Messages on a LCD with a RPi

Readers will learn how to wire a standard 16x2 LCD (liquid crystal display) to a Raspberry Pi to display messages.


Projects Mar 04, 2016 by Don Wilcher
Design a Luxmeter Using a Light Dependent Resistor

Design a Luxmeter Using a Light Dependent Resistor

Take a few minutes to characterize a light dependent resistor (LDR) and you can build a simple and reasonably accurate light meter can be built using an LDR and an Arduino.


Projects Dec 13, 2015 by David Williams
How to Use RTC with Arduino and LCD

How to Use RTC with Arduino and LCD

This article will show you one way of making an accurate clock by using the Real Time Clock IC DS1307. The time will be shown on a LCD display.


Ambient Light Monitor: Zero-Cross Detection

Ambient Light Monitor: Zero-Cross Detection

Part 4 in the “How to Make an Ambient Light Monitor” series


Projects Aug 16, 2015 by Robert Keim
Make a Digital Voltmeter Using an Arduino

Make a Digital Voltmeter Using an Arduino

It's easy to make a simple digital voltmeter using an Arduino and 16x2 liquid crystal display (LCD).


Projects Jun 04, 2015 by Tim Youngblood