Here’s a tutorial from Maxim describing the basics of USB on the go (OTG). OTG gives, devices that support it, the capability to act as hosts to other devices. But OTG concept doesn’t end just there, it also allows for … Read more
Analog Devices describes the SEPIC-Ćuk Converter. This type of DC/DC converter is used to create two outputs with the same voltage, but different polarities. This is particularly useful for powering the two rails of op-amp based circuits. A better solution … Read more
Squank provided some links for developers who’d like to use the Fast Fourier Transform in low-power MCUs. FFT is an algorithm used in DSPs to quickly convert time-based functions to spectrum-based function, and vice versa. Via the forum.
Today we finalized the partkit list. W e contacted all the suppliers and received wholesale quotes from them. We also verified some Bus Pirate bug fixes. We searched for, and wrote about 4 app notes for the weekend. They come … Read more
Atmel describes how to control an AVR chip from an Android device. This document introduces the Android Open Accessory Protocol for Atmel® microcontrollers. The library and examples are included in the Atmel AVR® Software Framework (ASF) to provide the customer … Read more
A guide to Microchip’s USB Host stack. USB Host hardware lets a small chip like a PIC use USB hardware like flash drives, printers, or in this case any type of custom hardware. This document is an in-depth programmer’s guide … Read more
Here is an app note from Microchip describing how to drive analog inputs of Successive Approximation Register analog to digital converters. Driving any A/D Converter (ADC) can be challenging if all issues and trade-offs are not well understood from the … Read more
Here is an app note from Texas Instruments on how to power various systems required for portable media players. These devices require several different voltages, multiple power sources, as well as integrated battery charging. The article describes each individual section … Read more
How to drive capacitive loads with op amps. Operational amplifiers that drive large capacitive loads can have problems like oscillation and peaking. This article describes how to anticipate and limit theses problems: Other problems include: reduced bandwidth, lower output slew … Read more
How to chose a voltage reference and digital to analog converter chips to get the precision and stability you need: This application note focuses on Maxim’s 3-terminal voltage references and precision DACs. To design a system, one must first understand … Read more
Here is a voltage reference circuit collection from Linear Technology. This is a 32 page article with a ton of reference designs and specifications for each. How to select passive components for best performance is also covered.
Using constant current to drive LEDs is a good practice, but turning them on instantly can be dangerous for both the LED and the LED driver. Harmful spikes are generated when large currents are instantaneously turned on. This app note … Read more
A collection of tips and tricks from Microchip for using the comparator module on PIC12F and PIC16F microcontrollers. These peripherals usually have high propagation delays, but many applications don’t require high response times from the microcontroller. This app note outlines … Read more
Maxim describes the features of their RS-485 line of transceivers. It’s important to chose transceivers for RS-485 communication that fall within the specifications of your network. The RS-485 standard is used in many applications, such as professional stage lighting. There … Read more
Ftdi’s FT2232H chip is a very useful device, it has two USB channels supporting the High speed USB standard. When the highest bandwidth is needed, the FT245 synchronous FIFO mode provides the best performance delivering up to 40MB/s transfer rates. … Read more
Capacitive sensing is used in tons of stuff like buttons, sliders, touch panels and proximity sensors. We like it because you only need to design the various buttons/sliders directly on the PCB and it works even under a face plate. … Read more
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