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 […]
Author Archives: DP
Repairing a 1960s mainframe: Fixing the IBM 1401’s core memory and power supply
Ken Shirriff wrote a great article describing the repair process of the vintage IBM 1401 mainframe computer: The problem started when the machine was powered up at the same time someone shut down the main power, apparently causing some sort of destructive power transient. The computer’s core memory completely stopped working, making the computer unusable. […]
Arduino controlled Dual Mono AK4490 DAC (part 2)
An update on Arduino controlled Dual Mono AK4490 DAC project we covered previously: After I was certain that everything related to the software was working the way it should, I designed a “motherboard” that would take care of the following: Accept the STM32F106 board Accept the 3.5″ TFT Accommodate an 24LC256 EEPROM chip, used to […]
CHIP Pro TNC
Angus Ainslie writes about an open source project a CHIP Pro TNC: So I finally have a design of the TNC I’ve been working on that I think is ready for release. Initially this started with me wanting a replacement for my mobilinkd and AP510. With feature creep it has turned into much more. The […]
#FreePCB via Twitter to 2 random RTs
Every Tuesday we give away two coupons for the free PCB drawer via Twitter. This post was announced on Twitter, and in 24 hours we’ll send coupon codes to two random retweeters. Don’t forget there’s free PCBs three times a every week: Hate Twitter and Facebook? Free PCB Sunday is the classic PCB giveaway. Catch […]
BML USB 3.0 FPGA interface over PMOD
An open-source-hardware USB 3.0 to FPGA PMOD interface design from Black Mesa Labs: Black Mesa Labs is presenting an open-source-hardware USB 3.0 to FPGA PMOD interface design. First off, please lower your expectations. USB 3.0 physical layer is capable of 5 Gbps, or 640 MBytes/Sec. This project can’t provide that to your FPGA over 2 […]
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. May you find many PCBs and other electronics wizardry under your tree or pole. Remember, support is available on Christmas. Just give us a shout in the forum.
App note: Power source ON/OFF characteristics for linear regulator
A good read app note from ROHM on linear regulator On and Off characteristic. Link here (PDF) When a linear regulator IC is turned ON, the electric charge is stored in the output capacitor and the output voltage increases up to the specified value. At this time, an inrush current flows from the input 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 […]
Small USB to PTT/CW adapter
Mare writes, “In this post, I will first introduce some of the basic technical background of the control of the transmit signal (PTT) and other signals (eg CW or linear activation). The second part will describe the interface development and the final product.” More details at Mare & Gal Electronics blog.
Sense energy monitor teardown – sampling in MHz
Tisham Dhar did a teardown of a Sense Energy monitor: Recently I obtained a Sense Energy monitor via US from Margaret of BitKnitting. She is doing a very interesting neighbourhood energy efficiency project. As usual I could not contain my curiosity and opened it up to have a look. I will start off with an […]
App note: Application of SiC MOSFETs
App note from ON Semiconductors about Silicon Carbide MOSFETs, their difference and gains over Silicon MOSFETs. Link here (PDF) Among the Wide Band Gap materials silicon carbide (SiC) is by far the most mature one. The raw wafer quality has greatly improved over the last years with significant reduction of micro pipes and dislocations. Silicon […]
App note: Workflow for an IoT product
ON semiconductor’s IoT device development process. Link here (PDF) In this application note a complete list of process steps is described in order to develop a specific system in the IoT environment. In order to make the description more practical the PIR sensor alarm example is used.
BML HDMI video for FPGAs over PMOD
Here are two open-source-hardware HDMI video boards for adding digital video to FPGA platforms with standard PMOD connectors from Black Mesa Labs: The BML 3bit HDMI over single-PMOD uses 7 of 8 available LVCMOS 3.3 pins on a single PMOD to provide 3bit color ( R,G,B 100% On or Off ). Example Verilog design drives 800×600 […]
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 […]
Teardown of an Extech 380460 milliohm meter
Kerry Wong did a teardown of an Extech 380460 miliohm meter: This is a highly specialized instrument, all it does is measuring low ohm range resistance (from 200mΩ to 2000Ω in five ranges) and nothing else. The meter came with a rugged case which is handy for field use, although its portability is hampered by […]
Hands-on with the PocketBeagle: a $25 Linux computer with lots of I/O pins
Ken Shirriff shares his experience with a low-cost, compact Linux computer PocketBeagle: The PocketBeagle is a tiny but powerful inexpensive key-fob-sized open source Linux computer. It has 44 digital I/O pins, 8 analog inputs, and supports multiple serial I/O protocols, making it very useful as a controller. In addition, its processor includes two 200-MHz microcontrollers that […]
App note: Choose the right power supply for your FPGA
Designing a power supply for FPGA includes multiple voltage, ripple management and power sequencing, here’s an app note from Maxim Integrated. Link here (PDF) Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) require 3 to 15, or even more, voltage rails. The logic fabric is usually at the latest process technology node that […]
App note: Current-sense amplifier doubles as a high common mode instrumentation amplifier
Application note from Maxim intergrated on utilizing a boost converter and a current-sense amplifier to form a regulator that derives +5V from -48V without isolation. Link here (PDF) Instrumentation amplifiers (IAs) are used where gain accuracy and dc precision are important, such as in measurement and test equipment. The downside of IAs is the cost. […]
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 […]