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How to Add Bluetooth 5 to a Project with a GT-tronics BLE5 Module

How to Add Bluetooth 5 to a Project with a GT-tronics BLE5 Module

This article demonstrates a solderless-breadboard compatible carrier-board for a pre-certified BLE4 or BLE5 module made by GT-Tronics. Use it to experiment with your own BLE5 compatible designs.


Projects Apr 04, 2018 by Mark Hughes
Design a Custom Microcontroller Programming and Testing Board

Design a Custom Microcontroller Programming and Testing Board

In this article we’ll discuss the design for a custom microcontroller programming/debug/extension PCB and we’ll look at an example project.


Projects Feb 25, 2018 by Robert Keim
Capacitive Control Panel PCB Design Considerations for TI’s MSP430FR2633 Microcontroller

Capacitive Control Panel PCB Design Considerations for TI’s MSP430FR2633 Microcontroller

This article provides a closer look at the PCB design considerations and programming of a custom capacitive touch interface device.


Handling Fragile and Irregular PCBs in Processing and Testing Machines

Handling Fragile and Irregular PCBs in Processing and Testing Machines

Manufacturers can use fixtures or panels to secure or frame fragile, thin, or oddly shaped PCBs. This allows them to easily fit the boards in the standard assembly or inspection machines.


How to Generate a High-Precision Waveform Using a DAC and a Custom PCB

How to Generate a High-Precision Waveform Using a DAC and a Custom PCB

In this article, we’ll develop firmware that will serve as the basis for high-precision, high-speed signal generation.


Projects Dec 01, 2017 by Robert Keim
PCB Layout for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

PCB Layout for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

In this article we’ll discuss the PCB layout for a custom-designed arbitrary waveform generator board.


Tamper Detection with Differential Inductive Sensing Coils

Tamper Detection with Differential Inductive Sensing Coils

This article demonstrates the creation of an inductive switch cabinet lock that can detect the movement of a conductive target. The purpose is to create a door that cannot be opened without triggering an alarm.


Projects Nov 06, 2017 by Mark Hughes
PCB Copper Trace Finish: Materials and Plating Methods

PCB Copper Trace Finish: Materials and Plating Methods

In this article, we discuss why PCB copper traces should be plated, and we’ll review various plating materials and plating methods.


DAC Schematic Design for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

DAC Schematic Design for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

This article presents a custom digital-to-analog-conversion design built around a high-speed DAC from Analog Devices.


Incorporating Microphone Functionality into a Robot System

Incorporating Microphone Functionality into a Robot System

In this article, we’ll look at a fairly straightforward circuit that enables a robot or other device to detect sound.


Projects Sep 11, 2017 by Robert Keim
Design a Control Board for a Romi Robot Chassis

Design a Control Board for a Romi Robot Chassis

In this article, we’ll discuss the hardware design for a robotics PCB, and we’ll write firmware for controlling two DC motors.


Projects Aug 25, 2017 by Robert Keim
Extend EAGLE CAD Tool with ULPs: Writing Your First User Language Program

Extend EAGLE CAD Tool with ULPs: Writing Your First User Language Program

In this tutorial, you will learn how to write your first ULP in EAGLE CAD to add a new capability to your CAD tool.


High-Speed ESD Protection: A New Line of TVS Diodes from AVX

High-Speed ESD Protection: A New Line of TVS Diodes from AVX

Components such as those in the GiGuard series can help you to protect your circuit from transient events while maintaining high-speed performance.


Bootloading an AT328P-PU and Approximating the Functionality of an Arduino Uno…on the Cheap!

Bootloading an AT328P-PU and Approximating the Functionality of an Arduino Uno…on the Cheap!

Reduce the cost of using an Arduino UNO by 50% or more by building your own device with comparable functionality.


Less EMI, More Available Board Space: A New Passive Filter from TDK

Less EMI, More Available Board Space: A New Passive Filter from TDK

Why install three components when you could use one instead? You can simplify your layout with single-component passive filters, such as the MEM1005PP251T from TDK.


Exploring UC Berkeley’s Wearable Sweat Sensor for Monitoring Dehydration

Exploring UC Berkeley’s Wearable Sweat Sensor for Monitoring Dehydration

Researchers develop a wearable sensor for detecting important analytes in sweat for monitoring dehydration.


Easier PCB Design: EAGLE CAD Tips and Tricks Part 3

Easier PCB Design: EAGLE CAD Tips and Tricks Part 3

More important tips and tricks for using EAGLE CAD to help make your work much easier and faster.


Controlling a Stepper Motor with an SIRC TV Remote and a PICAXE: Infrared Capabilities

Controlling a Stepper Motor with an SIRC TV Remote and a PICAXE: Infrared Capabilities

Remote controls for electronics often use IR (infrared) radiation in a very precisely coded sequence for channel surfing, volume adjustments, and more. One of the most popular codes is the SIRC (Sony Infrared Remote Code) which may be used with a PICAXE microcontroller to manage a stepper motor, or most any other electronic or electro-mechanical device.


Testing a Custom IoT Framework by Controlling an LED: RIOT (RealTime Internet of Things)

Testing a Custom IoT Framework by Controlling an LED: RIOT (RealTime Internet of Things)

Using a custom framework (RIOT) to control an LED with a networked computer.


Projects Feb 08, 2017 by Robin Mitchell
Build Your Own LED Photography Ring Light

Build Your Own LED Photography Ring Light

LED ring flashes and lights can be a valuable tool for photographers. In this tutorial, we are going to build our own ring light out of LEDs!


Projects Jan 26, 2017 by Alex Udanis