This Design Idea mates a precision current source IC with precision difference amp chips to create a programmable current source or sink. The resistor-programmable current source/sink in Figure 1 illustrates the basic topology, taking advantage of tightly matched on-chip resistor ratios instead of relying on absolute tolerances. The IIN current source gives rise to a […]
Precision programmable current source uses two ICs Read More »
Experimenting with an HF oscillator, I needed to control the varactor diode voltage in precise increments over a 2V-10V range. A buffered potentiometer was the obvious choice, and connecting two pots in series to give coarse/fine control (or using a multiturn pot) would offer improved control over the varactor voltage. However, this approach still didn’t
Control accurate incremental voltage steps with a rotary encoder Read More »
The device is designed for contactless measuring and monitoring temperature of objects. It is built on Melexis MLX90614 sensor and can measure temperatures in the range from -70°C to +380°C with 0.5°C accuracy and 0.01°C resolution. The period of measurements can be set in the menu from 1 sec to 1 min in 10 sec
Contactless Infrared Thermometer (Pyrometer) using MLX90614 and MSP430 Read More »
The time keeping is provided by DS3231 RTC chip with an integrated high accuracy (± 5ppm) MEMS crystal. This makes PCB design very simple, as one does not need to take care on special traces design around the crystal. The chip is powered via the VBAT pin with VCC pin being grounded. This way its
LCD clock with 4″ display Read More »
With a theoretical energy density that is being compared to gasoline, Li-air batteries are expected to have 10× the energy density of a Li-ion battery. With the ability to be recharged more than 2,000×, this battery is 90% more efficient. The future goal? To use lithium-air batteries for electric vehicles. Some challenges still need to
One step closer to the ‘ultimate battery’ Read More »
Seiko Epson Corporation has developed a small, highly stable atomic oscillator, the AO6860LAN, for telecommunications networks and industrial applications. The development of the new oscillator will be presented on November 4, 2015, in Edinburgh, UK, at the upcoming ITSF 2015 (the International Telecom Sync Forum). Volume production is scheduled to begin in 2016. The
Epson develops compact atomic oscillator Read More »
1. Design The solution described in this article proposes as the physical environment the use of a simple twisted pair cable; in addition to its lower price (compared to the shielded coaxial cable) it also features a much smaller weight, which sometimes can be a critical design criteria, especially for instance, in automotive environments, where
Increasing cable length in precision video applications Read More »
This is an inexpensive component tester called the FISH 8840 which you can find from many online eBay retailers for around $30. The interface is very simple, attach a device to be tested and press the test button. It turns off after about 20 seconds, pressing the off button puts it into sleep mode immediately.
Component Tester FISH 8840 Review Read More »
It’s been a while since I posted a new article, a delay at least partly due to me herniating a disc in my neck which left me completely unable to look downwards for any length of time and as you’ll know all too well you can’t work on circuit boards without peering down at them.
A development board for the STM32F042 Read More »
Though embedded modules can be used be used with Wi-Fi, the aim of recent protocols is providing wireless networks with more focused support for control loops. For tight control loops, devices supporting the IEEE802.15.4 ZigBee standard can be used in supporting the recent protocols. Below is a Microchip’s MRF24WB Wi-Fi module. For sharing a common
Control Loop Challenges of Wireless Systems Read More »
