Build this single-sided Xilinx CPLD board at home and experiment with CPLDs and hardware description language (HDL). The source files for the project are in open source KiCad format so you can modify the circuit diagram and PCB if needed. Follow the VHDL CPLD course and learn to program a CPLD using VHDL code. CPLD […]
Xilinx CPLD Board Electronic Project Read More »
Since major running events typically attract hundreds and thousands of runners, organizers have to depend on something other than pen, paper and a stopwatch to clock everyone’s time. The 1990s saw the rise of personal timing devices, usually affixed to each runner’s shoelaces, and the technology continues to evolve, increasing the speed and reliability of
How ChronoTrack B-Tags Work Read More »
I have recently had an excellent and informative 40-minute interview with Maxim Integrated CEO and President, Tunç Doluca via Webex regarding their 30th anniversary with questions about their history and also their future vision. In the video below, Doluca speaks about one of Maxim’s innovative and integrated achievements, the development of the MAX232, a single
The history of Maxim Integrated Read More »
This is where the exciting technology of contact lens displays saves the day. Imagine a pair of lenses wirelessly connected to a wearable computer — lenses capable of overlaying your perceived surroundings with information, warnings or even illusions. A glowing arrow would appear to float in front of your eyes, telling you which Peachtree street
How Contact Lens Displays Work Read More »
(Phys.org) —A team of researchers at Michigan State University has built a tiny robot (called the TailBot) that is capable of moving itself around on wheels, jumping and also manipulating its body while in mid-air (using its using actuated tail) to assist in a safe and controlled landing. The researchers note that others have built robots with similar abilities but to date, it is their belief that this is the first instance where all three abilities have been implemented in one robot.
Tiny robot able to reorient itself during jumps using actuated tail (w/ Video) Read More »
A versatile kit that can be configured to drive either constant voltage LED arrays or constant current LEDs. Use the kit to dim under-cabinet LED lighting using flexible LED strips or build your own LED desk lamp using High Brightness LEDs. The majority of the circuit is identical for both types of LEDs. Two inexpensive
Universal CC/CV LED Dimmer Read More »
A diode is the simplest possible semiconductor device, and is therefore an excellent beginning point if you want to understand how semiconductors work. In this article, you’ll learn what a semiconductor is, how doping works and how a diode can be created using semiconductors. But first, let’s take a close look at silicon. Silicon is
How Semiconductors Work Read More »
New USB chip from FTDI supports the Android open accessory mode, what enables a straightforward connectivity of USB devices and saves a battery of an Android device. To connect a device to a smartphone (tablet,…) or other Android OS device via a USB is at the time possible in 2 ways – by means of
FT311 – USB communication with Android devices without drivers Read More »
The first rudimentary methods of telling time involved simple observations of the natural world, perhaps by wedging sticks in the ground and monitoring the movements of the shadows. This particular experiment would have evoked the most fundamental part of a sundial, the gnomon (pronounced nom-on), which is the component that casts the shadow. It’s easy
How did ancient civilizations use sundials to tell time? Read More »
The control circuit in Figure 1a allows you to manually adjust the power delivered to a load. By changing the setting of potentiometer R3, you change the phase angle at which the thyristor (Q3) fires (Figure 1b), thereby altering the load current’s duty cycle. The adjustment range is about 0 to 180°. Q3’s off time
555 timer triggers phase-control circuit Read More »
