As detailed in this report, IBM has announced their first graphene integrated circuit. Graphene’s structure of one-atom-thick planar sheets of sp2-bonded carbon atoms that are densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice make it one of the thinnest semiconductor materials. Further development using graphene should open the door to greater practicality of flexible electronics. While […]
Category Archives: parts
Zilog Zmotion sensor
Zilog has introduced the Zmotion intrusion detection solution. The Zmotion Z8FS021A consists of a PIR and a high-performance microcontroller with integrated motion-detection algorithms. According to the product specification, the device includes a high-performance eZ8 MCU core, 2 KB in-circuit programmable Flash available for application code, single-pin debug with unlimited breakpoints, internal precision oscillator running at […]
Radio Shack seeking input from DIY enthusiasts
As part of their participation in the recent Maker Faire, Radio Shack is seeking your input on what type of DIY components and products you would like to see in their stores. Leave a comment at this RS webpage with the top three DIY-focused parts, pieces, or products that you would like to be able […]
Touchstone Semi Coolest Op Amp design competition
Touchtone Semiconductor is a startup company whose products include an op amp known as the TS1001, which they say is the only such component to operate on 0.8 V and 0.6uA. They’ve announced a Coolest Op Amp design competition for developers who incorporate the TS1001 into their designs. See the Touchstone Semi’s website for a […]
Stepper motor tutorial
Here’s a good tutorial from ExtremeElectronics.co.in explaining the types of stepper motors, their uses, and how to interface them with an AVR microcontroller. It includes the xstepper code library for use with the AVR Atmega16, and demonstrates how to interface the MCU and the motor using a ULN2003A high-voltage high-current Darlington transistor array. This tutorial […]
TI digital temperature sensor
TI has introduced the TMP103 Digital Temperature Sensor with I2C/SMBUS Expanded Interface. The device features Multiple Device Access (MDA), Global Read/Write Operations,I2C™-/SMBus™-Compatible Interface, 8-bit resolution with accuracy: ±1°C Typ (–10°C to +100°C). The supply range is 1.4V to 3.6V, and the chip comes in a 4-Ball WCSP (DSBGA) package. According to the press release the […]
SchmartBoard announces SMT to DIP adapters
SchmartBoard announces their line of SMT to DIP adapters. These SOIC to DIP and QFP/QFN to DIP adapter boards are designed to assist breadboarders in using newer components not found in traditional DIP packaging.
Trimpot tutorial
Trimpots are adjustable resistors. They function much the same as regular potentiometers, except they are compact in size and have 0.1″ leads for easy installation on a PCB or breadboard. Learn about all the different kinds in Robot Room’s updated trimpot tutorial. Thanks Frank! Via the contact form.
Your favorite online hardware stores
voidptr writes: I recently lost few bucks on a bad online tools store and maybe you folks can give me good or bad experiences. What online hardware stores do you use? We’ve been discussing several in the forum, including: sureelectronics.net iteadstudio.com futurlec.com seeedstudio.com Via the forum.
Energy harvesting wireless sensors use TCP/IP
EnOcean has introduced a line of energy harvesting wireless sensor modules. Designed to function without the need for an external power source, these modules, ranging from a simple push button to transceiver gateways and programmable system components, are designed to operate in the 315 MHz and 868 MHz unlicensed bands. Unlike sensors using proprietary RF […]
Mystery dual-increment potentiometer
arhi has a mystery dual-increment potentiometer: there are 2 pots inside … example, you turn the pot fully to the left. let’s say it is 10K, then you rotate it to the right, and it goes “easy” rotating to the right almost a full circle (few degrees shy from a full circle) and that goes […]
MAX11209/MAX11211 18-Bit, ultra-low power, delta-sigma ADCs
rsdio presents: MAX11209/MAX11211, ultra-low-power, high-resolution, serial-output ADCs Pin-compatible versions of the 24-/20-/16-bit family Low 150µA supply current is ideal for portable sensors Includes four GPIOs that can be used for external mux control When used with the specified data rates, the internal digital filter provides more than 100dB rejection of 50Hz or 60Hz line noise
A guide for using IMU devices
Starlino has a great article on using gyroscopes and accelerometers. I’ll try try to cover few basic but important topics in this article: – what does an accelerometer measure – what does a gyroscope (aka gyro) measure – how to convert analog-to-digital (ADC) readings that you get from these sensor to physical units (those would […]
Teflon insulated wire trivia
AkosL writes in with a prototyping tip: Try teflon insulated wires. (Or other heat/wear resistant insulation materials). Why? The insulation is very resistant compared to “common” insulator materials. Both mechanically, and heat resistant (the one right in front of me is rated to temperatures between -60°C to +200°C). You could solder just few millimeters from […]
OpenServo project
The OpenServo Project is an open community project with the goal of creating a low-cost servo for robotics. Check out their step by step instructions, which include using the familiar Atmega168 in the servo controller board. Via Hack a Day.
“8 Bits” Still going strong!
With the proliferation of enhanced mobile devices in our everyday lives, it is amazing that a staggering %60 of embedded devices still use 8 bit architectures. Using MCUs based on 30 year old technology does not sound like the bleeding edge consumers would expect. Micro controllers and microprocessors like the 8051 and Z80 don’t lend […]
MAXQ61C 16-Bit microcontroller
rsdio tipped us to an app note on the MAXQ61C 16-Bit Microcontroller with Infrared Module. Increase the Life of Battery-Powered Equipment with 200nA Stop-Mode Current and Widest Operating Voltage. 200nA stop-mode current greatly extends battery life. Programmable IR timer simplifies programming. Thanks rsdio!
Black Hole of Los Alamos surplus
MichaelZ tipped us to Black Hole Surplus, a thrift shop selling hardware waste. The Black Hole of Los Alamos, a recycler of “nuclear waste,” has the world’s most diverse stock of used scientific equipment, electronics, lab supplies, nuclear by-products, surplus items and materials. We have over 17,000 square feet of pre-owned test equipment and laboratory […]
Digikey: now there’s an app for that
Now there are Android and Iphone apps for Digikey! More than just a marketing tool, this app is useful for checking on what package types a component is manufactured in and includes an instant link to datasheets.
Sure Electronics 0805 resistor and capacitor kit
We design around a standard list of parts, but sometimes a nasty analog circuit or bias pin requires a specific resistor or capacitor. The local electronics shop doesn’t sell 0805 or 0603, so that means a Mouser or Digikey order just to get an odd-value part. After the last time this happened, we wised up […]