MOSFET SO8-FL package app note from ON Semiconductors provide same thermal performance as metal top package with heat sink attached. Link here (PDF) The SO8−FL package can deliver high power density and provides excellent thermal dissipation to create a high efficiency, cool design environment when properly cooled. Metal−top devices attempt to remove heat easier through […]
Author Archives: DP
Free PCB Sunday: Pick your PCB
We go through a lot of prototype PCBs, and end up with lots of extras that we’ll never use. Every Sunday we give away a few PCBs from one of our past or future projects, or a related prototype. Our PCBs are made through Seeed Studio’s Fusion board service. This week two random commenters will […]
App note: PCB design guidelines that maximize the performance of TVS diodes
Correct TVS diodes location on the PCB provides optimal protection from surge, an application note from ON Semiconductors. Link here (PDF) Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) avalanche diodes and diode arrays can be used to protect sensitive electronic components from the surge pulses that arise from ESD and EMI. The small size, fast response time, low […]
App note: Single-cell battery discharge characteristics using the TPS61070 boost converter
TI’s application note (PDF!): Single-cell battery discharge characteristics using the TPS61070 boost converter This application report presents practical single-cell battery discharge characteristics in real-world application, and primarily focuses on the varying internal impedance of a battery and how that affects the battery terminal voltage.
App note: Using the TPS5430 as an inverting buck-boost converter
A Texas Instruments application note (PDF!) on using the TPS5430 as an inverting buck–boost converter: The wide input voltage range SWIFT™ (Switcher With Integrated FET) dc/dc converters are typically used as step-down converters where the derived output is a positive voltage less than the input voltage source. In some cases, it may be required to […]
Free PCB coupon via Facebook to 2 random commenters
Every Friday we give away some extra PCBs via Facebook. This post was announced on Facebook, and on Monday we’ll send coupon codes to two random commenters. The coupon code usually go to Facebook ‘Other’ Messages Folder . More PCBs via Twitter on Tuesday and the blog every Sunday. Don’t forget there’s free PCBs three […]
AUX in Volvo HU-XXXX radio
Karl Hagström wrote an article detailing how he hacked the stereo (HU-650) in his Volvo V70 (2007) and added his own AUX input: Why, why, why isn’t there an AUX input on my car stereo from 2007? Yes 2007 was before the big era of smartphones, but everyone owned a couple of dirt cheap mp3 players […]
Tracker for thing, APRS tracker with DRA818V
Tony G from Weird-Lab writes, “The idea of this project was to build a trackuino board with small gps module, low power arduino pro mini (3.3v @8mhz), a VHF transceiver DRA818V, and power management integrated.” Project info at Weird-Lab site.
Using Tronsmart Pavo M9 for HDMI input streaming
Danman wrote: Thanks to a tip of my reader, I found a relatively cheap (69Eur) Android box with HDMI input and record ability. I thought that it should be possible not only to record the HDMI input but also to stream it in realtime so I ordered one for experimenting. Full details at Danman’s blog.
Dirty PCBs review from Big Mess o’ Wires
Dirty PCBs detailed review by Big Mess o’ Wires: Now for the key question: were the boards any good? From my inspection, I’d say mostly yes. I spent a long time examining the boards under 10x magnification, and comparing them to my original EAGLE files, and to the Gerbers using gerbv. Probably I’ve never examined any […]
A CNC pickup winding machine built on an ATmega8
Davide Gironi blogged about his DIY ATmega based CNC pickup winding machine: A pickup winding machine it is used to wind a guitar pickup. You can find my previous ATmega manual pickup winding machine here This project is a manual / CNC pickup winding machine, built on top of an ATmega8 microcontroller. More details at Davide Gironi’s blog. […]
MIDI controller – Tannin 2
Shantea has a nice build log about the DIY MIDI controller he built: For second revision of Tannin controller, I decided to use PCBs crafted specifically for Tannin 2, instead of using OpenDeck reference board. This proved to be a very challenging task, as I literally had to do everything from scratch. The main premise […]
Build a simple brushless motor
Matthew Venn built a simple brushless motor, that is available at GitHub: Quite a few things inspired me to make this motor: I’ve been watching Walter Lewin’s excellent 8.02 lectures from his MIT course on electromagnetism, I saw a 3D printed motor on Hackaday, and I’m working on some simple educational science projects for kids. I […]
ViaConnect circuit board test tool
David Spinden writes, “Wanted to pass along an open source hardware circuit board tool that allows a person that has a circuit board that has vias for .1 inch headers, but has no headers to prototype for their idea. Using a spring contact, the ViaConnect attaches directly to the via. It is great for students […]
La Skala Arduino controlled ladder attenuator
Dimdim has designed and built his own stepped ladder attenuator, controlled by an Arduino: A few years ago I had an encounter with a ladder volume attenuator. I loved hearing the relays clicking away as they dialed-in the desired attenuation. Ever since then I wanted to design and build one for myself. The years passed, with […]
Modified Heathkit HD-1410 electronic keyer
Dilshan Jayakody writes: HD-1410 is quiet popular iambic keyer which is manufactured around 1970’s by Heathkit. The original HD-1410 keyer is designed using 5 commonly available 74LS series TTL ICs and 8 transistors. Other than iambic operation it has an option to adjust sidetone frequency and support for (external) single-paddle key unit. In this project […]
USB to RS485
Marko Pavlin has published a new build: Testing of sensors with RS485 using PC without proper interface is not possible. Since RS232 interfaces are very rare, the interface should be hooked to USB. The interface between USB and RS485 can be soldered with one of the many FTDI interfaces with added RS485 driver, or bought […]
Bus Pirate v3.8 free PCB build
Ben built a free Bus Pirate v3.8 PCB. The Bus Pirate is an open source hacker multi-tool that talks to electronic stuff. If you build a free PCB we’ll send you another one! Blog about it, post a picture on Flicker, whatever – we’ll send you a coupon code for the free PCB drawer. Get […]
App note: Press-Fit technology
PCB Power connection solution from Würth Elektronik, Link here As a solder free fastening technology, press-fit technology frequently offers an attractive alternative to simple soldering technology. An effective electrical press-fit connection is created by pressing a pin into the plated through hole of a circuit board and – as part of cold welding process – […]
Free PCB Sunday: Pick your PCB
We go through a lot of prototype PCBs, and end up with lots of extras that we’ll never use. Every Sunday we give away a few PCBs from one of our past or future projects, or a related prototype. Our PCBs are made through Seeed Studio’s Fusion board service. This week two random commenters will […]