Optocouplers, also known as opto-isolators, are components that transfer electrical signals between two isolated circuits by using infrared light. As an isolator, an optocoupler can prevent high voltages from affecting the side of the circuit receiving the signal. Transferring signals over a light barrier by using an infrared light-emitting diode and a light-sensitive product, such […]
Guidelines for reading an optocoupler datasheet Read More »
A long awaited refresh, to my previous “Anti Thump” headphone output delay circuit, designed back in 2011. The Idea behind the circuit is to introduce a small delay, during initial power up, to electrically isolate and protect equipment connected directly to an amplifier. Often, during power up, amplifiers can produce an audible thump, through speakers
Audio: Headphone “Anti Thump” Delayed Output Rev 1.1 Read More »
Introduction We have created an autonomous, servo-controlled fire extinguisher that is capable of aiming photo sensors and a water nozzle along two axes to detect and extinguish candle fires a short distance (about 1 ft.) away using a small burst of water. Our inspiration originally came from thinking about an automated toy sentry turret that
A Smart, Servo-Controlled Fire Extinguisher Read More »
An implantable, microchip-based device may soon replace the injections and pills now needed to treat chronic diseases: Earlier this month, MIT spinout Microchips Biotech partnered with a pharmaceutical giant to commercialize its wirelessly controlled, implantable, microchip-based devices that store and release drugs inside the body over many years. Invented by Microchips Biotech co-founders Michael Cima, the
Major step for implantable drug-delivery device Read More »
MOVI stands for My Own Voice Interface! It is the first standalone speech recognizer and voice synthesizer for Arduino with full English sentence capability: Up to 200 customizable English sentences. Speaker independent Standalone, cloudless and private Very easy to program MOVI provides an alternative to buttons, remote controls, or cell phones by letting you use
MOVI, a standalone speech recognizer shield for Arduino Read More »
CHANDLER, Ariz., Aug. 6, 2014 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced the new PIC32 Bluetooth® Starter Kit. The full-featured kit boasts a PIC32 microcontroller (MCU), HCI-based Bluetooth radio, Cree high-output multi-color LED, 3 standard single-color LEDs, an analog 3-axis accelerometer, analog temperature sensor
Microchip Introduces New PIC32 Bluetooth® Starter Kit Read More »
What to look for I bought Avnet’s $49 Spartan 3A development board but it was discontinued not long afterward – right about the time when I decided I needed a few dozen more. I’ve since done some extensive research (thanks, Google!) to find a comparable thrifty thrill. When choosing a development board, consider what you
Cheap FPGA Development Boards Read More »
It’s been a long time since I posted an update on my battery charger project (in fact it has been a long time since I have posted anything!). I have been Very Busy with projects for my work and when I am not working for work, I am working on battery chargers. When I am
The Best NiMh Charger (for now) Read More »
Overview Have you heard about small Linux-based development boards like the Raspberry Pi or Beaglebone Black, but been confused about which one is best for you? This guide will compare the specifications, performance, power usage, and development experience of four popular Linux-based development boards to help you choose which is right for you! The boards
Embedded Linux Board Comparison Read More »
Several of our recent projects have used a 16 bit PIC24 microcontroller from Microchip. The PIC24FJ128GC006 contains two 16-bit ADC channels which makes it useful for measuring voltages more accurately than the 10 or 12 bit ADCs you normally find on microcontrollers. We used this microcontroller for the temperature controller on our recent Soldering Robot
Designing a PIC24 Development Board Read More »
