The tutorials assume a foundational understanding of programming and electronics. If you’re new to programming, it’s advisable to grasp the basics of C or C++. Additionally, a basic knowledge of electronics and constructing simple circuits is recommended. Most of this information was gathered from the PIC MCU Compiler reference manual, supplemented by input from other […]
Projects
The Digital Logic Smart Breadboard Experience
1. Introduction 1.1 Problem and Solution In the realm of engineering prototyping, the breadboard stands as the primary choice for initial hardware testing. However, as the size of the prototyped system expands, such as in the case of a 4-bit calculator akin to the implementation in ECE385 for Lab 3, the process of debugging becomes […]
Exploring Leon’s Mini Random Number Generator (mRNG)
Sales Pitch Feeling overwhelmed by choices? Who isn’t? Decision-making can be a maze. White, rye, or wheat? Pinstripes or polka dots? Feast or fast? But fret not—assistance is at hand! Enter the world’s inaugural, handheld, portable decision-maker, fueled by genuinely random numbers. While my competitors offer decision-makers for 1, 5, 10, or 25 cents, can […]
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide for [Development Board Name]
Getting Ready Let’s initiate by conducting a basic test to ensure the accurate manufacturing of your PCB – checking for any potential short circuits between the power and ground rails. Employ the bench digital multimeter to assess the resistance between Vcc and GND. Follow the “Measure Resistance” protocol provided in the inLab, and probe the […]
Maximizing Wi-Fi Capabilities with the Explorer 16 Development Board
As society progresses, the necessity for wireless communication is evolving from a mere luxury to an essential requirement. Wi-Fi, extending beyond conventional internet communication, finds myriad applications. This guide delineates the functionalities inherent in the Microchip Explorer 16 Development Board for Wi-Fi operations. It also details the configuration steps required to establish Wi-Fi communication on […]
Designing Your Ideal Alarm Clock: An Introduction to PIC18
Within this laboratory session, you’ll employ the C language to create an alarm clock, delving into the implementation of “C” programs on the PIC18 microcontroller. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into utilizing interrupts, executing digital-to-analog conversion, and incorporating music playback capabilities on the PIC18. This project operates on a team basis, allowing a maximum of two […]
Revolutionizing Wearable Tech: Advancements in Self-Powered Microchips
The potential for preventive healthcare could be driven by harnessing energy from body heat and movement. At the University of Virginia, researchers are crafting a low-power microchip capable of supporting real-time health monitoring directly on the body. This chip, fueled by sources such as body heat, motion, and sunlight, promises an exceptionally compact and durable […]
Transform Your Home into a Smart Haven with DIY Wireless Automation
Introduction Smart home technology has grown tremendously in popularity over the last decade. A recent survey found that 46% of consumers view smart home features as an important consideration for their current or future residence. However, many commercial smart home systems are quite expensive to implement and require ongoing third-party monitoring fees. We sought to […]
Audio Spectrum Analyzer
We developed an audio spectrum analyzer as our final project for ECE 4760. This analyzer presented a histogram-style representation of audio signals. We successfully achieved real-time display of the audio signal’s frequency spectrum using a monochromatic histogram layout, where bins extended from left to right, representing low to high frequency ranges. Our system was built […]
Exploring the PIC16F88 Microcontroller for Remote-Controlled Robotics
I. Design Summary The objective of this mechatronics system design project is to develop a straightforward control and interface platform for robotics using a Microchip PIC processor. The aim is to create a versatile platform capable of accommodating various sensors, displays, and outputs, and it should be mobile while being controlled through 2.4GHz remote signals. […]