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Showing posts from April, 2024

You'll never guess who said this

I was lying on my couch, watching an interview by Adafruit, when I suddenly jumped in my chair. "I had never taken a course in electronics," he said. Who? Paul Horowitz. One of the authors of what many people call the electronics bible, The Art of Electronics. ​ THE Paul Horowitz had never taken a course on electronics?? ... and then he went on to write one of the most popular books on electronics! Wow. He explained that he learned by doing. By building things. Then other people wanted to learn what he was doing, so he created a course. After a few years, that course turned into a book. The first edition was published in 1980. In 2015, the third edition came out. ​ It's a book that focuses on solving problems on the circuit level, like: how to build an oscillator how to design the different building blocks of an amplifier how to design circuits with low noise But it's not a book I'd recommend as your first step into el...

Build a simple DDS signal generator. Plus, get started with Zephyr RTOS

If you can't see this message properly, view it in your browser. April 26, 2024 | #588    A Simple DDS Signal Generator: Direct Digital Synthesis in Its Purest Form Want to build a signal generator? Follow these tips about constructing a high-performance DDS signal generator using an AD9851. The topics of module modification, theory of operation, and software are all covered.   more...     Uni-T UT512D Insulation Resistance Tester (Review) The Uni-T UT512D insulation resistance tester (a.k.a. IR tester or Megohmmeter) is a specialized instrument for measuring the insulation resistance of electrical equipment and systems like cables, motors and generators, transformers, lightning arresters, etc.   more...   ...

Valued Subscriber, Discover Gen Z's exploration of alternative search methods

Gen Z's exploration of alternative search methods   View web version 25 April 2024 — Issue 17 | Vol 9     Source Products   |   Webinar Library   |   Standards Gen Z's exploration of alternative search methods This digital evolution has precipitated a pivot in consumer behavior, with an increasing number of individuals turning to online platforms not just for socializing but for research and purchasing decisions as well. Read more  → Hammond Manufacturing Company Inc. Re-imagining PCB design: The advantages of a box-first approach When designing a new electronic device, it's natural to start with the PC board and then find a suitable...

How can I learn to repair electronics?

One of the things that I love about being able to build electronics is that I can also REPAIR electronics =) I often get the question: "How can I learn to repair electronics?" My response is: Learn to build electronics. ​ The reason I say this is because repairing electronics consists of two phases: Diagnose the problem Fix the problem And when you build electronics, you do these two all the time! In about 9 out of 10 projects I build, it doesn't work the first time. So I have to "repair" it. First I have to figure out why it doesn't work... (diagnose the problem) ...then I have to make it work (fix the problem) ​ When you learn to build electronics, you'll learn how to identify components. And you learn how these components work. And you learn about voltage, current, and resistance. All of which are handy skills when repairing electronics. Last but not least, you'll learn to research. When building electronics...

Question from a reader: Getting enough current for my car horns

I recently got the following question: "I wanted to ask your help. I have two horns on my car, they draw about 10A. I want them to honk with a little delay. How would I set up a circuit so that I can supply enough current for them? Thank you" ​ The question was asked in an article about using a 555 timer to create a delay. But a 555 timer can only provide about 0.1A… So when you want to control something that needs more current, you have two main options: Add a transistor, or add a relay. A transistor is a good and simple solution. But when we're talking about currents as high as 10A, you need to take care. You must choose a transistor that can handle as much as 10A. And you must make sure that all connections, connectors, and wires are thick enough for that amount of current. An easier way: A relay module. Choose one that is sized for the voltage and current you need, and the connectors and everything should be properly sized for you. ​ You ...