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The Kilo Lamp: An Interactive Lamp Controller

The Kilo Lamp: An Interactive Lamp Controller

This project brief provides the instructions for building a weight-sensitive LED lamp with an Arduino Uno and a handful of commercially available parts.


Constructing a Solar-Powered Snake Robot

Constructing a Solar-Powered Snake Robot

Learn how to create a batteryless crawling robot using basic electronic components and a 3D-printed chassis.


The BBC Micro:bit Adjustable Brightness Alarm: A Radio Shack Remix

The BBC Micro:bit Adjustable Brightness Alarm: A Radio Shack Remix

In this project article, we’ll create a programmable device that alerts users to changes in ambient light levels. Along the way, we’ll learn about astable multivibrators and the Darlington pair.


Projects Nov 20, 2024 by Don Wilcher
Using QSPICE to Understand and Tune an LED Blinker Circuit

Using QSPICE to Understand and Tune an LED Blinker Circuit

In this article, we examine the oscillation behavior of an LED blinker circuit in QSPICE and learn how to control its ON-time and pulse repetition frequency.


Transferring SPICE Models From LTspice to QSPICE

Transferring SPICE Models From LTspice to QSPICE

In this article, we'll walk through the process of importing SPICE models into QSPICE and demonstrate the basics of using the QSPICE waveform viewer, including measurement markers.


Transferring LTspice Schematics to QSPICE

Transferring LTspice Schematics to QSPICE

In this article, we'll walk through the process of moving an LTspice circuit into QSPICE and learn some QSPICE schematic techniques.


Introduction to QSPICE for LTspice Users

Introduction to QSPICE for LTspice Users

This article, the first in a four-part series on moving from LTspice to QSPICE, introduces an LED blinker circuit that we’ll simulate with both programs.


The Wireless Alphabet Flasher: A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

The Wireless Alphabet Flasher: A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

In this project, we mix the old and the new by integrating present-day BLE technology with a vintage Science Fair computer kit.


Projects Jul 21, 2024 by Don Wilcher
Introduction to Photosensitive Integrated Circuits

Introduction to Photosensitive Integrated Circuits

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


Introduction to Phototransistors

Introduction to Phototransistors

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


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.


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

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.


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.


Understanding the Photodiode Equivalent Circuit

Understanding the Photodiode Equivalent Circuit

This article presents a circuit model that helps us to analyze the electrical behavior of a photodiode.


Characteristics of Different Photodiode Technologies

Characteristics of Different Photodiode Technologies

Learn about the differences between silicon photodiodes and photodiodes made from other semiconductor materials.


Understanding Photovoltaic and Photoconductive Modes of Photodiode Operation

Understanding Photovoltaic and Photoconductive Modes of Photodiode Operation

In this article, we’ll look at advantages of two types of photodiode implementation.


The Physical Operation of Light-Sensitive pn Junctions

The Physical Operation of Light-Sensitive pn Junctions

In this article, we’ll delve into semiconductor physics to better understand the operation of photodiodes.


Introduction to Photodiodes: The Nature of Light and pn Junctions

Introduction to Photodiodes: The Nature of Light and pn Junctions

Learn about how semiconductor devices interact with electromagnetic radiation to enable electronic detection of light, UV, and infrared.


Introduction to Adaptive Front Lighting Systems (AFS)

Introduction to Adaptive Front Lighting Systems (AFS)

Learn more about the design considerations that go into developing adaptive automotive lighting solutions.


Characterizing LED Performance with a Frequency Response Analyzer and Line Injector

Characterizing LED Performance with a Frequency Response Analyzer and Line Injector

This application note series explores the measurement of the dynamic resistance of an LED and how to create a usable SPICE model from the data.