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An Introduction to Oscilloscope Probes

An Introduction to Oscilloscope Probes

This article looks at various types of oscilloscope probes and how to use them.


Convenient Rotational Measurements: A New Angle-Sensor SoC from Allegro

Convenient Rotational Measurements: A New Angle-Sensor SoC from Allegro

Hall-effect-based ICs such as the A1337 can help your device to perform a variety of sensor tasks related to angular motion.


Addressing Harmonic Distortion in Audio Amplifiers

Addressing Harmonic Distortion in Audio Amplifiers

Harmonic distortion can be introduced to audio amplifiers from many sources but reduced to levels below the threshold of human hearing.


Tools and Techniques for Hot Air Soldering Surface-Mount Components

Tools and Techniques for Hot Air Soldering Surface-Mount Components

The best way to solder surface mount devices (SMDs) onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) is with a reflow oven, but when that's not possible, a hot-air station can be successfully used.


Determining the Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of Capacitors

Determining the Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of Capacitors

Learn more about the importance of capacitor ESR, how to measure it, and what factors can affect your measurements.


Capturing IMU Data with a BNO055 Absolute Orientation Sensor

Capturing IMU Data with a BNO055 Absolute Orientation Sensor

The BNO055 is an absolute orientation sensor from Bosch that combines sensor data and a microprocessor to filter and combine the data, giving users their absolute orientation in space.


Projects Mar 22, 2017 by Mark Hughes
The Punxsutawney 5000! A Sensirion Temperature Device

The Punxsutawney 5000! A Sensirion Temperature Device

No more waiting around for the groundhog. The Punxsutawney 5000 is here to keep you inside until springtime arrives!


Projects Feb 27, 2017 by Ryan Jones
Interpreting Current-Voltage Curves of Different Materials

Interpreting Current-Voltage Curves of Different Materials

This article discusses the ideas involved in measuring and interpreting the current-voltage curves of solar cells, batteries, and unknown materials.


Understanding, Calculating, and Measuring Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

Understanding, Calculating, and Measuring Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

Total harmonic distortion (THD) is a measurement that tells you how much of the distortion of a voltage or current is due to harmonics in the signal.


Quark D2000 I2C Interfacing: Add a Light Sensor and an LCD

Quark D2000 I2C Interfacing: Add a Light Sensor and an LCD

Get acquainted with using I2C with the Quark D2000 development board by interfacing an ambient light sensor and an LCD.


How the Boost PFC Converter Circuit Improves Power Quality

How the Boost PFC Converter Circuit Improves Power Quality

A boost power factor correction (PFC) converter can significantly improve both the power factor and the harmonic distortion.


Circular Touch Sensing with an EFM8 Microcontroller

Circular Touch Sensing with an EFM8 Microcontroller

In this project we will develop an algorithm for precisely locating a touch event that occurs somewhere on a circular capacitive sensor.


Projects Dec 15, 2016 by Robert Keim
Capacitive Touch Sensing with an EFM8 Microcontroller

Capacitive Touch Sensing with an EFM8 Microcontroller

This project explores capacitive-touch-sense technology using an evaluation board for an EFM8 Sleepy Bee microcontroller.


Projects Dec 12, 2016 by Robert Keim
Custom Microcontroller Design: Assembling, Measuring, Programming

Custom Microcontroller Design: Assembling, Measuring, Programming

This is part 2 of a step-by-step guide to bringing your custom microcontroller design to life.


Create a PID Controller on the NI myRIO—The Software

Create a PID Controller on the NI myRIO—The Software

In this short project article series, we will implement a simple PID controller using LabVIEW on a hobby DC servo motor and the NI myRIO.


Projects Nov 29, 2016 by Mark Narvidas
Build Your Own Low-Resistance Meter

Build Your Own Low-Resistance Meter

This project will show you how to make a device that can measure resistances as low as 0.1 ohms.


Projects Oct 26, 2016 by Robin Mitchell
Build Your Own LED Saber—Audio and Power Systems

Build Your Own LED Saber—Audio and Power Systems

In part 2 of the LED saber project, we'll assemble the power and audio systems.


Projects Oct 19, 2016 by Jeremy Lee
Many Functions, One Tool: The Analog Discovery 2 from Digilent

Many Functions, One Tool: The Analog Discovery 2 from Digilent

An introduction to the Analog Discovery 2 by Digilent.


Tutorial and Overview of Infineon’s 3D Magnetic 2Go Kit

Tutorial and Overview of Infineon’s 3D Magnetic 2Go Kit

The 3D Magnetic 2GO kit is a development kit for the TLV493D from Infineon that can detect magnetic field strength in x, y, and z directions.


Industrial Instrumentation and Control: An Introduction to the Basic Principles

Industrial Instrumentation and Control: An Introduction to the Basic Principles

In part one of this instrumentation and control (I & C) series, we'll go over the fundamental terminology and concepts used when working with industrial plants.