octal writes: Pretty impressive video review of Logic/ Logic16 (shows the insides as well) In this episode Shahriar takes a look inside the “Logic”, “Logic16″ and USBee SX which were reviewed in the previous episode. The PCBs get a closeup inspection along with some insight into the design of these products. Via the forum.
Author Archives: Ian
From Illustrator to Eagle: Vector graphics in circuits
todbot posted tutorial on vector graphics in circuits from Illustrator to Eagle: Eagle is a great cross-platform, free-for-non-commercial-use tool for many of us designing own own circuit boards. But it has a pretty glaring omission: the ability to import vector artwork to use as board outlines, logos, etc. You can import bitmaps via the finicky […]
Another programmable dummy load
iTead has another dummy load on the way: Today we finished the OverLoad hardware finally design and now the first OverLoad dummy load is processing, and soon will back in stock. By using the larger radiator and cooling fan, the OverLoad can work with 3A-12V without any pressure, in our aging test, it bear the […]
CPLD breakout free PCB build and some suggestions
Tanukifu built a free CPLD breakout board. I had a few suggestions if there is a future version in planning – maybe useful, maybe not – I thought about posting them on the site but I haven’t followed the discussions long enough to have a good feel for how to say things there and I […]
Flat cable to header converter adapters
MickM built flat cable to header converter adapters : I was using some character LCD displays and realised that the cables were impossible to plug into the displays that I actually had. My PCB was single row of 16, the LCD was 2×7, no backlight. So I made an adapter for it. Via the forum.
Bus Pirate back in stock
Bus Pirate v3 is back in stock at Seeed Studio. No confirmation yet if this is the new v3.5. Get your own handy Bus Pirate for $30, including world-wide shipping. Also available from our friendly distributors.
CPLD development boards back in stock
CPLD development boards are back in stock at Seeed Studio. Plunify has demos for these boards. Our overview later this week. Get the CoolRunner-II development board for $15 and XC9572XL dev-board for $15.
USB 3.0 peripheral controller EZ-USB FX3
viswesr writes: Cypress has a new USB 3.0 peripheral controller EZ-USB FX3 – CYUSB3014 with ARM926EJS core. It has an architecture which enables data transfers of 320 MBps from GPIF II (a 32bit Port) to USB 3.0 interface.This value includes protocol overheads. This is a promising device for Open Logic analyzers, DSOs and any data […]
Programmable dummy load
Itead has a programmable dummy load kit. It’s open source, reuse it for that programmable power supply and load you’ve been putting off. Thanks arhi. Via the forum.
Free Xilinx FPGA seminar
bearmos tipped us to a Free Xilinx FPGA seminar. These seminars often feel like a time-share sales pitch, but if you can stand it, or you’re a starving student, there’s usually lots of free hardware and food. We always take a netbook so we can start hacking right away if they hand out the goods […]
Sourcing parts for a new design
Charliex documented his part sourcing process for a USB isolator project.
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 we’re giving away two […]
Maker Faire 2011
Maker Faire group shot. Courtesy of Eric at Seeed Studio.
Free PCB, rough but in-tact
How did your free PCB arrive? Richard writes: Attached is the back of the envelope … the PCB seems fine. Now I have to get the parts that I can get … We tape free PCBs in envelopes and mail them. Some fare better than others.
1:1 female jumper wires, secret weapon
1:1 female jumpers are handy for connecting pin headers between two devices. We use them with the Bus Pirate, Logic Sniffer, and Bus Blaster JTAG programmer. These were out of stock for a while, but Seeed has them in stock again at $5 for a wad of 50.
Low-noise rail-to-rail op-amps extend battery life
rsdio writes: These are potentially overkill for most DIY, but if you really need small size, low noise, and/or rail-to-rail performance, then they might be just the ticket. Probably a great choice for a DSO front end. With low power, particularly USB 5 V, rail-to-rail capabilities can be really important. Low-Noise, CMOS-Input, Rail-to-Rail Op Amps […]
Class D amplifier assembled
NBitWonder built a class-D amplifier Class-D amplifier is a highly efficient amplifier that operates its output devices as switches instead of as variable resistors. We posted a highly experimental version of this project last November, and it met with a surprising amount of positive feedback from the DIY community. Therefore, we developed it as a […]
App note: Automotive power circuit handles interruptions and 72volt spikes
rsdio writes: More good ideas to steal and repurpose This circuit maintains power to the load regardless of momentary shorts or opens in the supply voltage, and includes a low-current overvoltage-protection IC (MAX6495) that protects the load against transient voltages up to 72V.
App note: Simple high-voltage supply
rsdio tipped us to an app note on power-supply circuits: more food for the OpenBench Power Supply project – note the floating output This circuit includes magnetic isolation that allows you to configure a positive, negative, or floating output. The floating output is enabled by a separate winding that generates a feedback voltage proportional to, […]
Free PCB coupon via Facebook comments
Every Friday we give away some extra PCBs via Facebook. The first few people who comment on this at Facebook get a free PCB. More PCBs via Twitter on Tuesday and the blog every Sunday. This week we’re giving away two PCB codes. Pick your own PCB from the free PCB drawer. Don’t forget there’s […]