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DIY Tools—Build Your Own Logic Probe

DIY Tools—Build Your Own Logic Probe

Having a logic probe handy is always a must for an electronics workshop. But instead of buying one, why not build your own for a fraction of the cost and have it working in an hour?


Projects Sep 22, 2016 by Robin Mitchell
C-BISCUIT: Schematic Design for the RCB—Microcontroller, Motor Controller

C-BISCUIT: Schematic Design for the RCB—Microcontroller, Motor Controller

In this article we’ll take a close look at two sections of the custom-designed control board for the C-BISCUIT demo bot.


Projects Sep 21, 2016 by Robert Keim
Basic Waveform Analysis with an Oscilloscope

Basic Waveform Analysis with an Oscilloscope

In this first part of a multi-part series, we will use a Tek MDO Mixed Domain Oscilloscope to illustrate options to measure various circuit elements.


C-BISCUIT: Robot System Architecture

C-BISCUIT: Robot System Architecture

The C-BISCUIT saga continues as we combine the various system components into a demo bot.


Projects Sep 08, 2016 by Robert Keim
Understanding MOSFET On-State Drain-to-Source Resistance

Understanding MOSFET On-State Drain-to-Source Resistance

This technical brief covers some useful details regarding a common MOSFET parameter referred to as on-state resistance.


Inspecting Electronic Circuits with an Audible Circuit Probe

Inspecting Electronic Circuits with an Audible Circuit Probe

When inspecting electronic circuits, most measurements are displayed visually. This tool provides audible feedback to augment your analyses.


An Introduction to Antenna Basics

An Introduction to Antenna Basics

Antennas are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic energy. This article covers basic antenna theory.


The Basics Behind Constant-Current LED Drive Circuitry

The Basics Behind Constant-Current LED Drive Circuitry

This technical brief discusses the reasoning behind and implementation of constant-current drive circuitry for illuminating LEDs.


DIY Synth Series Part 1 — The Exponential VCO

DIY Synth Series Part 1 — The Exponential VCO

Build a 1V octave voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) module and create your own analogue synth sounds.


Projects Aug 08, 2016 by Robin Mitchell
Stencil Design for Exposed-Pad Packages

Stencil Design for Exposed-Pad Packages

A properly designed solder stencil helps to ensure successful reflow soldering with IC packages that have an exposed thermal pad.


Thermal Design with Exposed-Pad Packages

Thermal Design with Exposed-Pad Packages

This technical brief discusses thermal design techniques for IC packages—such as QFN, DFN, and MLP—that incorporate an exposed thermal pad.


Rapid Analysis of BJT Switch/Driver Circuits

Rapid Analysis of BJT Switch/Driver Circuits

This technical brief explains a quick, straightforward procedure for evaluating a switch/driver circuit based on an NPN bipolar junction transistor.


Build Your Own RFID Technology Using an Arduino MEGA

Build Your Own RFID Technology Using an Arduino MEGA

In this article, we are going to learn some basics about RFID technology and use an Arduino MEGA to a play around with a popular RFID module, the ID12LA.


Projects Jul 20, 2016 by Joseph Corleto
Building an RC Robot Using a Wheelchair Base—Part 2

Building an RC Robot Using a Wheelchair Base—Part 2

The Sabertooth 2x32 motor controller can be used to create a robust drive platform for your next robotic endeavour. This article uses an Arduino Uno to communicate with the Sabertooth 2x32 controller.


Projects Jul 13, 2016 by Mark Hughes
The Actively Loaded MOSFET Differential Pair: Measuring Lambda, Predicting Gain

The Actively Loaded MOSFET Differential Pair: Measuring Lambda, Predicting Gain

In this article, we’ll look at the equation for differential gain and use LTspice to find the value of the channel-length-modulation parameter referred to as lambda (λ).


Building an RC Robot Using a Wheelchair Base

Building an RC Robot Using a Wheelchair Base

This two-part project will begin by showing you how to create a robot base from a used electric wheelchair. Part 1 creates a simple robot platform for use with remote control. Part 2 will develop a platform for use with and Arduino.


Projects Jul 06, 2016 by Mark Hughes
The Actively Loaded MOSFET Differential Pair: Output Resistance

The Actively Loaded MOSFET Differential Pair: Output Resistance

In this article, we’ll discuss MOSFET small-signal output resistance as we make our way toward predicting the gain of the actively loaded differential pair.


An Introduction to Rectifier Circuits

An Introduction to Rectifier Circuits

An important application of the diode is one that takes place in the design of the rectifier circuit. Simply put, this circuit converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). This is an essential circuit in AC-to-DC power-supply design.


The How and Why of Energy Harvesting for Low-Power Applications

The How and Why of Energy Harvesting for Low-Power Applications

Harvesting energy from non-conventional sources has received an increased interest as designers look for alternative power sources. Even though the power is usually harvested in small amounts, it is adequate for various low-power applications.


Advantages of the Actively Loaded MOSFET Differential Pair

Advantages of the Actively Loaded MOSFET Differential Pair

In this article, we’ll discuss two benefits of using an active load: improved biasing conditions and differential-to-single-ended conversion.