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 […]
Author Archives: DP
App note: Common-Mode transients in current sense applications
Transient considerations in current sensing especially in motor and solenoids, app note(PDF) from Analog Devices. Current sense amplifiers are used in a variety of applications, such as motor or solenoid control, load current monitoring, and fault detection. In such applications, it is typical for the input common-mode voltage to swing from ground to a certain […]
App note: FPGA configuration from SPI Flash memory using a Microprocessor
From Xilinx application note on FPGA configuration method: This application note describes a simple and efficient FPGA configuration method that utilizes a microprocessor to configure an FPGA device from a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) flash memory. This method reduces hardware components, board space, and costs. Reference hardware design and firmware are included to illustrate the methodology.
Simple 3D gesture control IC by Microchip
Microchip simplifies 3D gesture IC: Housed in an easy-to-manufacture SSOP28 package, the MGC3030 expands the use of highly sought after 3D gesture control features to high-volume cost-sensitive applications such as toys, audio and lighting. The simplicity of gesture-detection integration offered by the MGC3030 is also achieved through the company’s free, downloadable AUREA Graphical User Interface […]
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 times every […]
3DRacers, a 3D printed indoor racing game based on Arduino
3DRacers, the open source 3D printed racing game that you control with a smartphone: 3DRacers are 3D printed race cars that you can customize for free with their online editor. Once you have downloaded and printed your design, the electronics are a snap. The 3DRacer team has created an Arduino compatible control board that fits […]
Simple I2C SSD1306 driver for AVR
Jean THOMAS of TiBounise writes: I wrote a small SSD1306 library for AVR, with a framebuffer. It even features a small simulator to let you have a preview of what it’ll look like on the OLED screen without having to upload again and again code to your development board. The library is released under a very […]
Basic Experimenter Board for rapid prototyping of electronic circuits
Raj of Embedded Lab has published new project the Basic Experimenter Board for easy prototyping of electronics circuits: Most electronics projects require some common stuff like regulated power supply, input tact switches, and output LEDs during prototyping and testing phase. Wiring these things on a breadboard for every new project could be time consuming and […]
Using the Bus Pirate to see if it’s alive- TI HDC1000
Inderpreet of EmbeddedCode writes: This mini article is part of a larger project an I will link to it at the end. For this project, I was required to use the TI HDC1000 and instead of buying a module, I decided to get samples and a make a PCB of my own. This would be great […]
GPS clock assembly, part III
An update on Kevin Rye’s GPS clock project we covered previously: I’ve been working on this clock for a long time, and a lot of effort has been put into it. I’ve learned so much from this project. I do have to admit some parts of the code aren’t as elegant as they should be, […]
Simple DIY lab power supply
Bajdi made this DIY lab power supply and wrote a post on his blog detailing its assembly: My DIY lab PSU has 10 binding posts in total. The ones on the left provide 12V, 5V and 3V3. The 12V output comes straight from the laptop power supply. The 5V and 3V3 are provided by a KIM055L and […]
App note: Medium power small-signal MOSFETs in DC-to-DC conversion
App note(PDF) from NXP on DC-DC medium power small-signal MOSFETs. This application note explores different methods of DC-to-DC conversion. It includes some examples of DC-to-DC down-converters using small-signal MOSFETs.
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: SD(HC)-memory card and MMC interface conditioning
An ESD and EMI protection app note(PDF) from NXP for SD and MMC memory interfaces. This document gives an overview about different ESD protection and EMI filter devices optimized for SD-memory card and MMC interfaces. These devices cover the range from 1-bit to current standard 4-bit (SD-memory card, SD 2.0) or 8-bit (MMC) high-speed memory […]
App note: Energy Harvesting reference design user’s guide
An application note from Silicon Labs on energy harvesting reference design user’s guide(PDF!): The purpose of this reference design is to demonstrate an ultra low power wireless sensor, powered from an energy harvesting source. This application is typical of systems which wake periodically to measure and transmit results. Since it is powered from an energy harvesting […]
DIY active differential probe characterization
An 1GHz active differential probe project by Daniel Kramnik: This project was an ultra high input impedance (0.5pF||30MΩ or better) high bandwidth differential oscilloscope probe designed, built, and revised over the course of two weekends for the 2014 MakeMIT hardware hackathon. It can be built for about $30 in parts, plus the cost of etching or sending […]
DP6037 Protoboard v1 PCB back in stock
The DP6037 Protoboard v1 PCB is back in stock at Seeed Studio. A multipurpose 0.1″ pitch prototyping board that fits a DP6037 acrylic case. Grab a PCB from Seeed for $2.50.
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 times every […]
Week in (p)review January 23, 2015
Here’s a summary of major developments over the last week. Free PCB Friday is coming up soon. Hacker Camp Shenzhen vol 4: 182 degrees open for registration! Bus Pirate v3.8 free PCB build Logic Sniffer and Bus Blaster v4 back in stock at Seeed USB IR Toy free PCB assembly cheatsheet Coming up: Free PCBs via […]
DIY PSU console
Simon wrote a post on his blog detailing his DIY PSU console assembly: If I was going to build a power supply display add on, I decided to add some current limiting to it as well – but it had to be simple, cheap, and work with the panel meters. Yes you can get similar Ammeters on […]