App note from Maxim Integrated about simple fixes that can solve most issues when designing with ASICs. Link here (PDF) Noise is a common problem in mixed-signal ASICs, degrading performance and jeopardizing the completion of products. This application note gives hints and tips for adding external circuits that make many of these ASICs operational for […]
Author Archives: DP
App note: Multiplex boosted class-D without additional external circuitry
An analog switch MAX14689 from MAXIM Integrated let signals that are higher than rail voltage pass. Link here (PDF) Boosted class-D amplifiers drive speakers with voltages greater than the supply voltage. These amplifiers are becoming more common because they allow higher performance audio from a single lithium ion battery. Most boosted class-D amplifiers, however, do […]
Bus Pirate v3.8 free PCB build
@incyi tweeted picture of his free Bus Pirate v3.8 PCB build. 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 […]
Remote jamming “detector” on the cheap
Andrew blogged about his cheap car remote jammer ‘detector‘: There are a number of ‘detectors’ available but the prices range from about R500 to over a few thousand! Generally these simply determine if there is a signal being transmitted for an extended period of time, and if there is it will sound an audio or […]
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 […]
An Arduino Knight Rider Rainbow dice that uses WS2812B RGB LEDs
An Arduino Knight Rider Rainbow dice built using a clock by Davide Gironi: This project implements a Knight Rider / Rainbow effect Random Selector. It uses an Arduino UNO and a WS2812B RGB led strip. A friend of mine needs a random selector for train scale model. I’ve developed this using the Arduino framework, because […]
Simple 3 phase Arduino energy meter
Simple 3 Phase Arduino energy meter from The DIY Life: Again, with this meter I was going for simplicity. Sure, for perfectly accurate measurements you need to measure both the supply current and voltage but for this application and in the interests of keeping the energy meter simple and safe – only requiring a non-contact […]
FONA808 USB interface
Jesus Echavarria published a new build: For several months I’m working with FONA808 modules from Adafruit to make a portable, web-based locating system. This modules are based on the SIM808 module from SIMCOM manufacturer, and integrates both GSM and GPS transceivers in one 24x24mm package. The Adafruit board includes this module and also some electronics […]
Enhancing Arduino ADC resolution with dithering & oversampling
From the comments on our previous post Improving ADC resolution by oversampling and averaging application note, Edward Mallon writes: I managed to get oversampling working well on cheap Arduino promini clones. Turns out all you have to do is toggle a digital pin connected to ground with the right size resistor to generate enough noise […]
#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 […]
Open source data logger
An Arduino Nano-based open source data logger by Liudr. I have been designing data logger for a number of years. This is my answer to lots of data logging needs. An Arduino Nano-based open source data logger More details at Liudr’s blog.
UniSolder 5.2
zed65 posted picture of his UniSolder 5.2 build designed by Sparkybg: Ok, first of all thanks sparky for a great project! I’ve now finished the project and it finally works. Thought I would share some of my experience when building this. Via the project log forum.
USB Infrared Toy free PCB build
orbitroniks built a free USB IR Toy PCB. With the USB IR Toy you can use a remote control with your computer, view infrared signals on a logic analyzer, capture and replay remote control buttons. If you build a free PCB we’ll send you another one! Blog about it, post a picture on Flicker, whatever […]
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: HT45F3420 LED flashlight application
Holtek’s HT45F3420 MCU provide LED flashlight application all in with minimal external components. Link here (PDF) In traditional LED flashlight application circuits, the battery is used to directly drive the LED which will cause uneven brightness levels and the possibility of damaged LEDs due to changing battery conditions. Using the HT45F3420 for LED flash application, […]
App note: BH45F0031 Earphone jack communication
Holtek’s App note about their audio to digital signal converter chip BH45F0031 that together with an phone app, communication via audio phone jack is possible. Link here (PDF) The BH45F0031 is a Flash type 8-bit high performance RISC architecture microcontroller, which is designed for smart phone headset interface applications that can directly transmit data and […]
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 […]
Ultrasonic Transducers – measurements and horn design
Lindsay Wilson writes: Over the past few years, I keep getting inquiries from people asking about how to measure the resonant frequency of these transducers, how to design horns, tune the length etc. I decided it was time to do a video about the entire process – hopefully I’ve covered everything relevant. If you check […]
Teardown and analysis of microwave (26.5GHz) electro-mechanical step attenuators
Teardown and analysis of microwave (26.5GHz) electro-mechanical step attenuators from The Signal Path: In this short episode Shahriar takes a close look at a pair of Hewlett Packard microwave electro-mechanical step attenuators operating up to 26.5GHz. Mechanical attenuators offer excellent repeatability, low insertion loss and nearly limitless linearity. The teardown reveals that the construction of […]
DIY laser scanning microscope
Venkes shared detailed instructions of how to make a DIY Laser Scanning Microscope (LSM): The reason I was thinking of a DVD pick-up is that it houses a laser and a lens capable of projecting a spot of visible laser light small enough to “see” a bit on a DVD. And those bits are very […]