Articles

Join The Tool Rebellion with Wera Hand Tools Nov 10, 2025

Using high-quality hand tools makes tasks such as test equipment disassembly or equipment repair much more productive. Wera, based in Wuppertal, is popular among both electrical engineers and handymen. This article introduces a few interesting produc...Read More

Taoglas SPKW.46.8.01 - A Speaker with an Integrated WiFi Antenna Nov 10, 2025

Speakers and antennas have many things in common: Both of them tend to be located at the outside of the enclosure. Furthermore, their function requires easy access to the ambience. With the SPKW.46.8.01, Taoglas now announces a speaker which doubles ...Read More

Keysight E36441A - A High-Performance, Affordable Four-Channel Power Supply Nov 10, 2025

Four-channel benchtop power supplies offer engineers greater flexibility when powering difficult-to-simulate devices under test. With the E36441A, Keysight launches a benchtop unit with a large display and uncompromising output power and output quali...Read More

Bulgin Standard Vitalis Buccaneer - An Eco-Friendly Connector with Uncompromising Performance Nov 10, 2025

In ecology, the adage 'every little helps' is truly correct. Companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact can do so by opting for the Bulgin Standard Vitalis Buccaneer. It is a connector family that consists of up to 86% bio-based plastics....Read More

Nexperia NEVB-LOGIC01 et al - A High-Quality SMD Adapter for Logic Gates Nov 10, 2025

Breadboards are ideally suited for early-stage circuit evaluations. Attaching surface-mount components directly to them is an interesting task. Soldering a candidate IC to a SMD adapter simplifies the situation. Nexperia provides a wide array of adap...Read More

Recom REC10K-RW - A DC-DC Converter with a 4:1 Input Range Nov 10, 2025

Purchasing off-the-shelf power conversion modules is beneficial in many ways: Not only can the PCB layout be simplified, but certification houses tend to pass the designs quickly. With the REC10K-RW, Recom adds versatility to its already well-establi...Read More

Microchip MCP9604 - A Four-Input High-Accuracy Thermocouple to Temperature Converter Nov 10, 2025

Thermocouples are an affordable, yet precise way to measure remote temperatures. The MCP9604 is a four-channel thermocouple conditioning integrated circuit that provides measurements via the industry-standard I2C bus. Converting thermocouple analog ...Read More

Microcontroller Basics for PIC Oct 30, 2025

Microcontroller Basics for PIC treats readers to a thorough, yet pleasant-to-read introduction to the world of PIC16 microcontrollers. The venerable XXX is first programmed in Assembly, and then in C – this way, a thorough understanding of the ...Read More

STMicroelectronics SPC58 - An Automotive MCU with a 20-year Longevity Commitment Oct 10, 2025

ST's SPC58 family comprises a variety of automotive microcontrollers, available in single-core, dual-core, and triple-core varieties. In addition to various certifications, a long-term production commitment ensures the product's viability. Success i...Read More

Buerklin by.B - Prototype PCBs in High Quality Oct 9, 2025

Prefabricated prototyping printed circuit boards can significantly accelerate system bring-up when combined with a skilled laboratory technician. Many designs can be brought into a working state without having to wait for a custom PCB. Buerklin now p...Read More

Hirose KP13 - A Series of Extremely Slim SIM Card Slots Oct 9, 2025

Nano SIM cards are a staple in various machine-to-machine communication-related tasks. With the KP13 series, Hirose reduces the space required by connectors on printed circuit boards and in assembled systems. Inserting Nano SIM cards via the push-pu...Read More

Raspberry Pi SC1655 - A Raspberry Pi Bumper to Prevent Short Circuits Oct 9, 2025

Process computers manage to claim more and more space in challenging environments. The exposed pins at the bottom of the Raspberry Pi can invite short circuits when near metal surfaces - a situation which the Raspberry Pi bumper plans to work around....Read More

Traco Power TSR 3N - A Drop-in Replacement for Three-terminal Linear Regulators Oct 9, 2025

Three-terminal regulators, such as the LM78xx family, are a classic choice due to their ease of deployment and the availability of a wide variety of output voltages. With the TSR 3N, Traco Power strives to launch a compatible component that offers hi...Read More

ROHM ML63Q2500 Solist - An Innovative Approach to The AI Microcontroller Topic Sep 25, 2025

With the Solist-AI microcontroller family, ROHM Semiconductor introduces a series of microcontrollers that combine an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with a custom AI accelerator module. They enable the execution of predictive maintenance tasks with minimal powe...Read More

Amphenol T3400 - A Coolant Leak Detector Sep 25, 2025

Detecting refrigerant leaks early is beneficial for two reasons: not only is refrigerant highly harmful to the environment, but leaks can lead to significant costs and cause thermal runaways or other undesirable situations. With the T3400, Amphenol p...Read More

ams OSRAM TCS3448 - A Flexible Colour Sensor for Ambient Light Assessment Sep 25, 2025

Determining the spectral composition of ambient light is helpful in a variety of applications; for example, camera sensors can be calibrated effectively if the colors present in the ambient light are known. With the TCS3448, ams OSRAM launched a sens...Read More

TE Connectivity Mini CT Low-Profile Inverted Through-Board Headers - A Connector Which Can Connect Through The Other Side Sep 25, 2025

Board-to-wire connectors usually accept connections on the side of the PCB where the shell is located. With the Mini CT Low-Profile Inverted, TE Connectivity offers a new class of connectors that significantly increases the mechanical designer's flex...Read More

MPS MCS1826 - A Low Loss Hall Effect Current Sensor Sep 25, 2025

Current sensor resistance is undesirable, as it leads to self-heating and energy loss. With the MCS1826, Monolithic Power Systems provide a minuscule sensing resistance of but 0.6mΩ and a maximum current of ±50 Amperes. Constructing cur...Read More

Digilent Analog Discovery Pro ADP2230 - A Powerful Piece of Highly Mobile Test Equipment Sep 18, 2025

Field engineers benefit from small yet powerful test equipment. With the ADP2230, Digilent adds a high-quality metal case and a laboratory power supply to what was already an amazing line of portable tools. USB 3.0 enabled significantly higher data ...Read More

Precision Indoor Positioning with the Arduino Stella and UWB Sep 18, 2025

Ultra-wideband, UWB for short, is a new form of wireless communication that utilizes an extensive frequency range. In the case of Arduino UWB, the technology is deployed due to its ability to perform indoor positioning with an accuracy of 5 to 10 cm....Read More

Kingston SDCE - A Highly Reliable MicroSD Card for Process Computers Sep 18, 2025

Frequent writing cycles cause flash memory cells to wear out. Single board and process computer applications tend to cause significant writing loads during their operation -- if high reliability and longevity are needed, the SDCE family shines bright...Read More

TRACO POWER THN 15UIR - A DC/DC Converter for the Railway Industry Sep 18, 2025

Designing electronics for trains presents an array of additional challenges, both in terms of reliability and the features required by the regulator. With the THN 15UIR family, TRACO POWER ships a set of converters designed explicitly for this fascin...Read More

AD22057 - A High-Quality Amplifier for Signal Conditioning Sep 17, 2025

Sensors achieve their noble work through the magic of physics - logic yields that the voltages produced are often quite small. Successful signal acquisition chains usually require the deployment of an amplifier. With the AD22057, Analog Devices provi...Read More

Thermocouples for Accurate Temperature Sensing Jun 9, 2025

{literal} Overview: This article explains thermocouples, their working principle, types, applications, and factors for accurate temperature measurement, highlighting the Seebeck effect and sensor selection. Thermocouples are extensively utilized i...Read More

Role of LCR Meters in Manufacturing Quality Control Jun 3, 2025

Overview: This article explains the importance of LCR meters in electronics testing, quality control, and industry applications, highlighting features, working principles, and their role in ensuring device reliability. Electrical circuits are fundam...Read More

Signal Generators: Working Principles, Types, and Applications Jun 3, 2025

Overview: This article explains signal generators\' working principles, types, key features, and applications across industries, highlighting their role in testing and developing electronic and communication systems. A signal generator is an essenti...Read More

Current Probe Technologies and Their Electrical Measurement Uses May 27, 2025

Overview: The article explains current probe types, features, and applications for electrical diagnostics. It highlights Tektronix's advanced solutions for safe and accurate measurements. Measuring electrical current is an essential part of electron...Read More

Toshiba TMPM4K – A Microcontroller for Highly Secure Environments May 19, 2025

Parity or computation errors can lead to interesting situations in motor control or similar high-accuracy tasks. With the TMPM4K family, Toshiba combines an ARM Cortex-M4 core with various security-related and analog-interfacing peripherals. Thanks ...Read More

Kyocera AVX 9115-000 Capacitor Holder - No THT Soldering For THT Electrolytic Capacitors May 19, 2025

Radial electrolytic capacitors have a wide variety of benefits. In practice, their deployment leads to an additional through-hole technology soldering step. If a design has no other through-hole components, the 9115-000 SMT holder family provides a g...Read More

Silicon Labs CP2102C – A USB To Serial Bridge With A 3 Mbps Transfer Speed May 19, 2025

Connecting digital electronics to USB usually requires a USB-to-serial bridge. With the CP2102C, Silicon Labs updates the venerable CP21xx family with a faster option. USB-to-serial integrated circuits are a classic: when connected to the computer, ...Read More

LM3645 – LED Driver With An Integrated Boost Converter May 19, 2025

White LEDs are used as camera flash even on the most affordable mobile devices. Powering them from a standard lithium-ion battery usually requires a dedicated boost regulator. With the LM3645, Texas Instruments provides a new chip that integrates bot...Read More

Brainboxes PE-515 – Industrial Ethernet’s Finest Switch May 19, 2025

Ethernet has taken the world of industrial networking by storm. If a device needs an internal unmanaged ethernet switch capable of connecting up to five devices, the Pure Embedded PE-515 is the go-to solution. Electrical engineers who are thinking a...Read More

PG164110 AKA MPLAB PICKit Basic – A Relaunch Of A Classic May 19, 2025

Microchip's PICKit family of programming devices established a cult following across the industry. With the PICKit Basic, Microchip introduces a price-reduced version to give developers the best features of the family. The ICD5 and PicKit 5 impresse...Read More

Microchip PIC64GX1000 - A 64bit RISC/V SoC For Linux May 19, 2025

Deploying RISC/V-based microcontrollers and MPUs yields a variety of benefits. With the PIC64GX1000, Microchip provides a 64-bit-quad core SoC based on RISC/V technology, which targets the embedded market. Using classic SoCs for embedded systems is ...Read More

Industrial Computing Made Simple With The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 May 19, 2025

Traditional Raspberry Pi Compute Modules came in the DDR2 SO-DIMM form factor: while this meant that vibration-robust sockets were easily available, the amount of pins limited interfacing possibilities. With the CM5, a new connector layout enables th...Read More

Prototype Compute Module systems with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Dev Kit May 19, 2025

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module is a comfortable way to integrate Raspberry Pi process computers into industrial electronics. This kit simplifies getting started, thereby leading to significantly faster solution deployment. Mounting classic process ...Read More

STEVAL-ROBKIT1 – A Starter Kit for Wheeled Vehicles May 19, 2025

The development of autonomous robots is greatly accelerated if software and hardware development occur in parallel. With the STEVAL-ROBKIT1, STMicroelectronics provides a starter kit intended for developers working on tracked vehicles. After the sma...Read More

Oscilloscopes: Essential Tools for Electrical Signal Analysis May 8, 2025

Overview: This article explores the important role of oscilloscopes in electronics for effective signal analysis and troubleshooting in complex systems, highlighting the Tektronix MSO54B's advanced features. The oscilloscope evolved from Braun\'s ca...Read More

What are the key differences between benchtop and handheld RF analyzers for field measurements? May 8, 2025

Overview: This article explores how modern handheld RF analyzers compare with benchtop units. It highlights performance trade-offs, environmental considerations, and workflow adaptations for effective field measurements with a focus on Keysight's N99...Read More

Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Devices: Principles, Technologies, and Applications May 8, 2025

Overview: This article covers temperature measurement methods, focusing on infrared thermometers and thermal imaging cameras, highlighting their key components, principles, applications, and devices from Fluke. Temperature measurement is essential f...Read More

Multimeters: Functions, Types, and Applications Apr 30, 2025

Overview: This article covers multimeters, highlighting their functions, types, and key components. It also features the Fluke 87V MAX, a durable, high-precision tool designed for demanding industrial environments. If an electrical or electronic app...Read More

Traco Power TXO 45 – An Easy-To-Deploy AC/DC Converter Apr 23, 2025

If an AC/DC power supply is required, purchasing a ready-made module is almost always the most commercially prudent way. With the TXO 45, Traco Power provides a ready-to-go module with attractive additional capabilities. AC/DC power supplies are amo...Read More

Traco TXO 300 Series – An AC/DC Power Supply For Large Consumers Apr 23, 2025

Artificial intelligence and advanced edge-based analytics have led to a permanent increase in the compute demands placed on edge devices. With the TXO 300 series, Traco Power provides a line of AC/DC power supplies intended for systems drawing up to ...Read More

Arduino AKX00075 - An SDK for HMI Applications Apr 22, 2025

The Arduino Due provided Arduino users with a wide array of GPIOs. The Arduino Giga offered a more advanced microcontroller, while its display shield addressed HMI needs. Now, all of these products are combined into an affordable getting-started kit....Read More

STMicroelectronics MLPF-WL-0xD3 - Matched Antenna Filters for The STM32WLx Microcontroller Family Apr 22, 2025

Antenna matching requires a vector network analyzer and can become an interesting task. With the MLPF-WL-0xD3 family, STMicroelectronics provides developers with a turnkey solution to the problem. Matching circuitry is a P or T filter, usually consi...Read More

Nexperia NEX40400 - A High Efficiency, Low Quiescent Current Buck Regulator Apr 22, 2025

Switch-mode power converters are the most efficient way to improve a system's power efficiency. Unfortunately, their quiescent current can be an interesting challenge. With the NEX40400, Nexperia is able to reduce the quiescent current to approximate...Read More

STMicroelectronics STM32C051 / STM32C092 - New Low-Cost 32-bit Microcontrollers Apr 22, 2025

The 8-bit replacement market is one of the hottest parts of the MCU space. The STMicroelectronics STM32C0 family entrenched itself well - with the STM32C051 and STM32C092, the product portfolio is expanded with more memory and/or a CAN transceiver fo...Read More

TE 2118908-1 - An Omnidirectional Triple-band Wi-Fi Antenna Apr 22, 2025

Antenna matching is an interesting challenge. As more bands need to be handled simultaneously, the challenge amplifies. With their surface-mount antenna family, TE conductivity provides circuit designers with an easy-to-deploy alternative. Modern Wi...Read More

Texas Instruments TPD4S480 - A Protective Circuit for USB-C Connections Apr 22, 2025

The USB-C connector has overtaken the world: few products use alternative interfaces. Sadly, the spread of the USB-C plug has also led to the arrival of devices that are not taking the specifications 100% seriously. With the TPD4S480, Texas Instrumen...Read More

Würth IC LED FEATHERWING - A Multi-Color LED Display Apr 10, 2025

Few solutions are as attractive in terms of optical appeal as a display made up of an array of individual LEDs. Würth provides such a system with the IC LED FEATHERWING development board, which is part of the well-liked AdaFruit Feather family o...Read More

ADL5961 - A Vector Network Analyzer on a Single Chip Apr 9, 2025

Vector network analyzers are often considered the kings of the electronic laboratory. With the ADL5961, Analog Devices introduces a one-stop-shop solution that provides the network analyzer analog front-end on a single chip. Vector network analyzers...Read More

UART: Key Features and Applications in Embedded Systems Apr 1, 2025

Overview: This article explores UART, an essential asynchronous communication protocol, detailing its features, advantages, limitations, and challenges in embedded systems and various industries. Digital data may be sent between devices using parall...Read More

Understanding Printed Circuit Boards Apr 1, 2025

Overview: The article explores printed circuit boards and their structure, types, materials, and applications, highlighting their important role in modern electronics. Early electronic components were connected manually using point-to-point wiring, ...Read More

An Overview of Digital-to-Analog Converter Mar 27, 2025

Overview: The article explains digital-to-analog converters, detailing their function, types, applications, and importance in bridging digital data with analog signals for various electronic devices. The natural world is filled with analog signals, ...Read More

PocketBeagle 2 – A Control Optimized BeagleBoard Single Board Computer Mar 25, 2025

Even though combinatorial SoCs with real-time cores provide great latency response, adding a dedicated microcontroller yields the absolutely best results. With the 102110780, commonly known as PocketBeagle 2, the Michigan-based BeagleBoard foundation...Read More

FRDM-MCXW71 - An Evaluation Board for NXP's Bluetooth Wireless SoC Mar 25, 2025

The MCX family combines the various microcontroller projects of the former Philips Semiconductor division. The MCX W series is optimized for applications where wireless protocols such as Matter™, Thread®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, and Zigb...Read More

LFSPXO020088Bulk / 831018545 – Reliable 60MHz Oscillators Mar 25, 2025

Würth and their IQD Frequency Products division provide a range of highly robust hermetically-sealed oscillators, making getting reliable oscillator performance easy. Both Würth and IQD have long extended their range outside classic quartz...Read More

MAX86178EVKIT - A Ready-to-go Evaluation Kit for Vital Sign Monitors Mar 25, 2025

Vital-sign monitoring is a task that puts high demands on front ends, signal conditioning, and more. With the MAX86178 evaluation kit, Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated provides a turnkey solution that can also be used in small-series applications. ...Read More

NRF54L15-DK – A Development Kit for the nRF54 Family Mar 25, 2025

Nordic's nRF52xxx Bluetooth microcontrollers are a well-liked family. With the nRF54, Nordic presented a new chip version with significantly higher performance features. The NRF54L15-DK development kit makes getting started with these new chips reall...Read More

PCA9548A – An I2C Switch to Combat I2C Address Collisions Mar 25, 2025

The I2C bus can handle up to 128 devices. Physical constraints such as the limited number of address pins available limit the number of present I2C devices. With the PCA9548A, TI and NXP provide a comfortable solution to work around this problem. Th...Read More

Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W – Wireless RP2350, The Raspberry Pi Way Mar 25, 2025

With the RP2350, Raspberry Pi Trading improved its microcontroller family in all regards. The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W is an official evaluation board containing both the new microcontroller and a wireless module. Thanks to the large community around th...Read More

Texas Instruments REF1112 - A Shunt Voltage Regulator with Very Low Power Consumption Mar 25, 2025

When it comes to providing accurate reference voltages and similar low-current-demand voltage sources, a parallel reference - also known as a shunt reference - is the most effective. With the REF1112, TI adds a shunt reference to its nano voltage fam...Read More

RM520NGLAA-M20-SGASA – A M.2 PCIe 5G Wireless Module Mar 25, 2025

Designing PCBs for wireless modules can be interesting. If a process computer or single-board computer needs to be equipped with a wireless module, using a PCIe card yields advantages. With the RM520, Quectel provides a card based on cutting-edge mod...Read More

Bel Power SQ24S – A Versatile Set of DC/DC Converters Mar 25, 2025

If DC/DC converters are required, the buy-or-build question is legendary. With the SQ24S family, Bel Power provides a compelling argument for Team Buy. Based on the eighth-brick format but with a pinout compatible with the quarter-brick family, the ...Read More

Role of Application-Specific Integrated Circuits in Embedded Systems Mar 18, 2025

Overview: The article discusses ASICs in embedded systems, focusing on their advantages, types, and design processes and how they enhance performance for specialized applications in various electronics. Moore's Law, which states that the number of t...Read More

Integrating Actuators and Sensors in Enhancing Embedded Systems Mar 18, 2025

Overview: This article explores the roles of sensors and actuators in embedded systems, detailing their functions, common types, and applications across various industries for effective environmental interaction. The transition from centralized to c...Read More

Exploring RISC-V in Embedded Systems Mar 17, 2025

Overview: This article discusses RISC-V, an open-source instruction set that helps create customizable and efficient processors for embedded systems, promoting teamwork and technological innovation. The main functions of a processor are to fetch, de...Read More

Embedded Single Board Computers: Applications and Innovations Mar 3, 2025

Overview: The article explores embedded single-board computer structure, key features, types, and advantages over traditional systems, highlighting models like Raspberry Pi 5, enhancing efficiency and reliability. Data analysis has evolved from gene...Read More

Introduction to USB Technology Feb 13, 2025

Overview: The article introduces USB technology, its evolution, and its significance in modern electronics. It explores the nRF52840 Dongle, its USB connectivity, key features, and applications in wireless communication projects. USB or universal se...Read More

Revolutionizing Data Transfer: Advantages of Remote Direct Memory Access Feb 13, 2025

Overview: This article explores remote direct memory access, detailing its benefits, protocols, and impact on data transfer efficiency in high-performance computing environments that bypass traditional protocols. In traditional networking, data is s...Read More

MCX N94 - a high-performance artificial intelligence microcontroller Jan 31, 2025

NXP's MCX family, as introduced at EmbeddedWorld 2024, marks the way forward for the firm. With the MCX family, developers gain access to high-performance microcontrollers that excel at accelerating all kinds of artificial intelligence tasks. Two sc...Read More

Raspberry Pi RP2350 - powering the next-generation Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Jan 31, 2025

With the introduction of the RP2040, the Raspberry Pi Foundation set its sights on the microcontroller market. The second revision of the chip takes the well-liked features of the first version and expands them to simplify the life of designers. In ...Read More

Analog Devices LTM4712 – a buck-boost micromodule Jan 31, 2025

Designing buck/boost regulators puts a high demand on PCB layout. With the LTM4712, Analog Devices provides a one-stop-shop solution for power management. The part's input voltage range of 5 V to 35 V makes it ideally suited to situations where ...Read More

STMicroelectronics STEVAL-DRONE02 - a drone starter kit Jan 31, 2025

With the appearance of the STEVAL-FCU001V2 evaluation board, STMicroelectronics entered the drone market. The STEVAL-DRONE02 provides the companion hardware kit intended to make taking flight for the first time more manageable. While fascinating, dr...Read More

PicoScope 3000E - improvements to an excellent USB oscilloscope Jan 31, 2025

USB-based oscilloscopes simplify PC-driven analysis tasks, as the transfer step can be omitted before processing information. With the 3000E series, PicoTech improves usability, leading to an even better performance. The made-in-UK PicoScope series ...Read More

Renesas R7FA8E1AFDCFB - an affordable ARM Cortex M85 microcontroller Jan 31, 2025

The ARM Cortex-M85 core provides a wide range of accelerators, which makes the design ideally suited for machine learning. With the R7FA8E1AFDCFB, Renesas offers a low-priced microcontroller based on this core. The R7FA8E1AFDCFB is available in an L...Read More

Renesas R7FA8E2AFDCBD#UC0 – an affordable Cortex-M85 MCU with a high-performance video output Jan 31, 2025

With the Renesas RA8E family, the Japanese microcontroller powerhouse introduced the world to a simple yet powerful design. They provide ARM’s cutting-edge Cortex-M85 core on affordable silicon, enabling hardware-accelerated artificial intellig...Read More

Sciosense ENS21x - a humidity sensor with high-accuracy Jan 31, 2025

Just as in many other areas of electronics, sensor manufacturers permanently improve product quality. Regarding high-accuracy humidity sensors, the Sciosense ENS215 boasts a market-leading accuracy of plus/minus 0.8%. From a circuit designer’s...Read More

ESP32-P4 – a non-Wi-Fi ESP32 microcontroller Jan 24, 2025

Espressif’s ESP32 platform established itself as the go-to chip for applications where a general-purpose microcontroller is to be combined with a wireless radio. With the ESP32-P4, Espressif provides a new chip which forgoes the wireless transm...Read More

Passive Infrared Sensors: Applications, Advantages, and Challenges Jan 22, 2025

Overview: This article explores passive infrared sensors, highlighting their significance and IoT applications. It covers operating principles, key components, various types, advantages, and challenges in motion detection. Smart environments represe...Read More

Importance of Li-Ion Batteries in Energy Systems Jan 22, 2025

Overview: This article reviews the role of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems in modern power grids. It covers battery fundamentals, modeling, and management systems, highlighting their economic benefits. Renewable energy supplies are essent...Read More

Field Effect Transistors: Principles, Types, and Applications Jan 21, 2025

Overview: This article provides an overview of field effect transistors, explaining the structure, principle of operation, advantages, types, and applications. It also compares FETs with bipolar junction transistors. The continuous reduction in tran...Read More

Inertial Measurement Units for Enhanced Motion Tracking Dec 6, 2024

Overview: The article discusses the significance of inertial measurement units in human motion analysis, highlighting their role in tracking movement. It explains the key components and addresses challenges in various applications. An important tool...Read More

Exploring Dynamic NFC/RFID Tag ICs in Modern Technology Dec 6, 2024

Overview: The article overviews the role of NFC and RFID technologies as integral components in modern wireless communication systems and explores their evolution and features, highlighting their impact on various applications. From the 1950s onward...Read More

Optocouplers in Electrical Isolation and Signal Transmission Dec 6, 2024

Overview: This article explores optocouplers, which are important for electrically isolating circuits and enabling signal transmission. It details their working principles, types, advantages, and common applications, highlighting their significance. ...Read More

Understanding Registers: Key Components in Digital Electronics Dec 6, 2024

Overview: This article discusses the essential role of registers in digital circuitry, explaining their types, operations, applications, and challenges. It covers various register types, including shift registers, and highlights their significance. ...Read More

Sustainable Development in Power Electronics Dec 6, 2024

Overview: This article explores the significance of sustainable development throughout the lifecycle of electronic product manufacturing, highlighting the impact of regulations and standards promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibilit...Read More

Understanding Ceramic Capacitors: Types, Applications, and Challenges Dec 6, 2024

Overview: This article overviews ceramic capacitors, highlighting their types, including multilayer and ceramic disc capacitors. It explores its construction, key features, and applications and addresses their challenges. Ceramic capacitors are one ...Read More

AI-Driven Innovations in Electronics Manufacturing Dec 6, 2024

Overview: This article explores the integration of AI in electronics manufacturing. It discusses various machine-learning techniques and their applications, focusing on enhancing quality control and predictive maintenance. The Industrial Revolution ...Read More

Standards and Development Processes of Automotive Manufacturing Dec 6, 2024

Overview: The article explores the vital role of the automotive manufacturing industry in economic growth, detailing essential requirements like system design, component specifications, and validation processes. One of the largest businesses in the ...Read More

Transducers: Key Technology Driving the Future of Sensing Dec 6, 2024

Overview: This article explores the advancements in transducer technology, covering energy conversion types, applications in various industries, and ongoing research to improve their efficiency and performance in modern systems. Having got ourselves...Read More

Role of Heat Sinks in Effective Thermal Management Dec 6, 2024

Overview: This article explores the role of heat sinks in the thermal management of electronic devices to enhance device longevity, detailing their operating principles, types (active and passive), and factors influencing their efficiency.  Hea...Read More

FPGA Technology in Enhancing Performance in Modern Electronics Dec 6, 2024

Overview: This article explores field-programmable gate array technology to improve performance in modern electronics, highlighting their structure, advantages, challenges, and applications in power electronics and embedded systems.  For high-p...Read More

M12 connectors are a reliable and versatile connector solution Oct 2, 2024

Homegrown products often suffer from mechanical problems: test equipment owner mailing lists claim that mechanical items cause most issues on old equipment. Using an industry-standard connector system adds versatility and increases reliability. When...Read More

TE Connectivity SLC4 - safety light curtains backed up by a wide array of certifications Oct 2, 2024

Keeping human operators safe is of paramount importance when working on man-machine-integrated workflows. Safety light curtains detect intruding hands and switch off machinery before an injury to health results. In the case of the SLC4, TE Connectiv...Read More

Arduino PLC starter kit - a quick way to learn more about PLC programming Oct 1, 2024

Classic embedded systems engineers tend to overlook the vast market for PLC development.  PLCs are widely used and provide high-margin jobs, especially in industrial automation. With the PLC starter kit, Arduino provides an educational kit to te...Read More

Arduino ALVIK robot - not only for education Sep 24, 2024

Developing modern uncrewed systems is simplified by splitting the development process. Using an off-the-shelf evaluation system permits the software development team to work independently of the hardware. The Arduino Alvik is an affordable and versat...Read More

MAX20810 / MAX20830 - step-down switching regulators Sep 23, 2024

Regulators with integrated drive transistors simplify the design of switch-mode converters, permitting designers to create power electronic systems with minimal energy loss. In the MAX20810 / MAX20830 family, Analog Devices pushes the margin of maxim...Read More

Analog Devices ADAU1860 – high-performance analog front end Sep 23, 2024

Integrated audio front ends significantly accelerate design processes in audio-based systems. With the ADAU1860 family, Analog Devices introduces a high-performance version of this chip genre. One unique selling point is the availability of a high-pe...Read More

Analog Devices ADuM1252 – a highly versatile I2C isolator Sep 23, 2024

Philips Semiconductor developed the I2C bus to connect integrated circuits domiciled on a single printed circuit board. The evolution of the standard has since ensured that the bus is used in off-PCB applications. In this case, galvanic insulation ca...Read More

Würth Elektronik enters the smart LED market with innovative form factors Sep 12, 2024

Rumours about Würth Elektronik planning a play in the intelligent LED market have percolated the industry for almost a year. Driving large numbers of light-emitting diodes is an interesting task though. Books like The Art of Electronics provide ...Read More

GigaDevice GD32VW553 - RISC-V, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and sanction safety Sep 12, 2024

GigaDevice is a well-established mainland Chinese flash manufacturer that built up a successful microcontroller business. While ARM controllers with a wireless module have been available for a long time, the RISC/V offering has been focused on comput...Read More

Texas Instruments MSPM0C1104 – an ultra-small 32-bit MCU based on a Cortex M0+ core Sep 12, 2024

32-bit microcontrollers simplify software design: their computing performance enables the use of advanced languages such as C++. With the MSPM0C1104, Texas Instruments provides a new 32-bit ARM-based MCU in a tiny package sized 2x2 mm. From a comput...Read More

Microchip Technology RNWF02 Early Access Development Kit Sep 12, 2024

Integrating wireless modules into application software tends to be an interesting project. Microchip's RNWF02 provides an attractive solution using the AT command set for data exchange between the Wi-Fi module and the host microcontroller, leading to...Read More

Microchip PIC16F13145 Adds FPGA-like Cells to Herald the Next Generation Sep 6, 2024

Microchip reguarly refresh their eight-bit portfolio by introducing new core-independent peripherals that provide advanced functionality. With the CLB, or Configurable Logic Block, Microchip continues their FPGA/Microcontroller fusion experiments, wh...Read More

STM32F103C8T6 Microcontroller and MAX5113 DAC for Laser Control Systems Sep 5, 2024

Overview: The article discusses the specifications of the STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller and explores the advantages and applications of the MAX5113 digital-to-analog converter for constant current management in demanding electrical applications. STM...Read More

Impact of Wearable Technology and Sensors in Shaping Athletic Performance Aug 12, 2024

Overview: The article reviews the role of wearable devices and sensors in monitoring athletes' health and performance. It discusses how these non-intrusive devices revolutionize the sports industry by offering real-time data on vital health paramet...Read More

Role of Phase Lock Loops in Power Systems Aug 1, 2024

Overview: The article explores the importance of phase lock loops in synchronizing and managing frequency variations. It highlights the fundamental components, their working principles, and the different modes of operation. Phase lock loops (PLL) ar...Read More

Schottky Diode: Construction, Working Principles and Applications Aug 1, 2024

Overview: The article explores the significance of Schottky diodes in fast-switching electronic applications, highlighting their unique characteristics, working principles, and advantages over traditional PN junction diodes. Almost all electronic ma...Read More

Exploring PTC Thermistors: Types, Structures, and Applications Aug 1, 2024

Overview: The article reviews PTC thermistors in detail, highlighting their structures, working principles, challenges, and applications. It focuses on the significance of PTC thermistors as current-limiting components in electrical circuits. The te...Read More

An Overview of Switching Regulators Jul 16, 2024

Overview: The article reviews the efficiency, types, and advantages of switching regulators. It also discusses the working principles of buck converters, highlighting the TSR1-2450 series as a high-efficiency step-down regulator with precise output v...Read More

Bipolar Junction Transistors: Construction, Working, and Applications Jul 15, 2024

Overview: The article reviews bipolar junction transistors and their significance in electronic circuits, highlighting their role as switches and amplifiers. It covers the construction and working principles and their types, such as NPN and PNP trans...Read More

An Introduction to Transient Voltage Suppression Diodes Jul 15, 2024

Overview: This article reviews the critical role of transient voltage suppression diodes in mitigating electrostatic discharge and transient overvoltage risks in electronic systems, enhancing electronic component safety. The physical phenomenon know...Read More

Enhancing Circuit Protection with Varistors Jul 15, 2024

Overview: This article reviews varistors for safeguarding electronic circuits against voltage spikes. It explores the construction, working principles, key parameters, and their crucial role in protecting electrical systems from transient overvoltage...Read More

Enhancing Home Security: Mechanisms of Ionization Smoke Detectors Jul 10, 2024

Overview: The article discusses the intricate workings of ionization smoke detectors in the context of home security and fire prevention. It highlights sensors and the technology behind these crucial safety devices. A key safety equipment in residen...Read More

Microchip PIC16F13145 Adds FPGA-like Cells to Herald the Next Generation of Eight-bit Microcontrollers Jul 4, 2024

Microchip reguarly refresh their eight-bit portfolio by introducing new core-independent peripherals that provide advanced functionality. With the CLB, or Configurable Logic Block, Microchip continues their FPGA/Microcontroller fusion experiments, wh...Read More

Arduino Nano 33 BLE Rev2 – a new Arduino board with higher manufacturing efficiency Jul 4, 2024

Arduino’s Nano 33 BLE quickly became evergreen due to the compact form factor and the high performance of its Nordic Semiconductor CPU. With the Arduino Nano 33 BLE Rev2, Arduino performs a mid-lifecycle refresh to fit the BOM to the current ma...Read More

Allegro Microsystems ACS37030 - High-accuracy Current Sensor with a Wide Range of Measurement Jul 4, 2024

The ACS37030 product family by Allegro Microsystems targets applications with high demands on the frequency range; the semiconductor promises a bandwidth ranging from DC to a total of 5 MHz. Inside the housing, two signal paths can be found. Firstly...Read More

Powering Through Sanctions: How to ensures stability in difficult Supply Chain Jun 13, 2024

Interview with Sebastian Fischer, Co-CEO of the Traco Power Group In recent weeks, the USA has intensified its stance against Russia. Numerous organizations, individuals, and companies, including Mornsun, a well-known provider of power supply soluti...Read More

Power Converters

Power Supplies

Supply Chain

Impact of Internet of Things and Wireless Sensor Networks on Smart Agriculture May 23, 2024

Smart agriculture and advanced sensor-based systems can optimize agricultural processes, improve decision-making, and increase efficiency in water management and crop cultivation.  The number of people on the planet is growing at an accelerated...Read More

Enhancing Home Security with IoT-Driven Smart Automation Systems - Part 1 May 10, 2024

The article integrates IoT technology with smart home automation systems to enhance home security. It explores the benefits of real-time remote-access systems and the impact of cellular and Wi-Fi networks. The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a v...Read More

Enhancing Home Security with IoT-Driven Smart Automation Systems - Part 2 May 10, 2024

The article deals with innovative IoT-driven smart automation systems, focusing on intruder detection systems based on sensors. It also highlights the significance of voice command integration for user-friendly control. This article is a continuatio...Read More

Role of NodeMCU as a Wearable Technology in Healthcare May 10, 2024

The article highlights the integration of wearable technology in patient care and how these devices are reshaping healthcare delivery and enhancing the monitoring of vital signs. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on the planet, remote vital...Read More

Embedded System for Contactless Temperature Measurement in Healthcare Management May 10, 2024

The article explores wearable devices for monitoring body temperature, emphasizing innovative solutions like iThermowall and overviews a few other topologies crucial for early illness detection. The pandemic has shown how important it is to quickly ...Read More

ARM Architecture for Contactless Body Temperature Monitoring May 10, 2024

The article explores the advantages of wearable technology for accurate temperature measurements, highlighting their benefits over traditional methods and discussing the advancements offered by infrared thermometers. At the right time, a patient's t...Read More

Understanding the Peltier Effect, TEC Controller, and an Overview of MAX1978 May 10, 2024

The article defines the Peltier effect and the working principles of the TEC controller. It also discusses the features and applications of the MAX1978 TEC controller and its major role in managing temperature for semiconductor lasers. A thermoelect...Read More

An Overview of Analog-to-Digital Converter May 10, 2024

The article discusses the significance of Analog-to-Digital Converters in modern electronic communication technologies. It elaborates on working principles and key factors affecting its performance and highlights different types of converters.  ...Read More

The Advantages of Interleaved Buck-Boost Converters May 7, 2024

Interleaved buck-boost converters and cascaded non-inverting buck-boost converters in power electronics can reduce voltage and current stress, improve efficiency, and increase power density. Learn more about it in this article. DC-DC power electroni...Read More

Power Converters and Talkative Power Conversion in Distributed Generation Jan 29, 2024

The article explains how talkative power conversion works and its benefits in enabling efficient use of renewable energy sources. It also provides an overview of different types of power converters and their applications in distributed generation. D...Read More

Power Line Communication

Renewable Energy Sources

Talkative Power Conversion

Power Converters

Distributed Power Generating Systems

DC-DC Resonant Converters: Advantages, Challenges, and Proposed Solutions Jan 8, 2024

This article describes DC-DC resonant converters and their vital role in the green energy movement. It explores the applications of these converters, ranging from smart grids to electric vehicles and outlines the advantageous features such as high po...Read More

Resonant DC-DC Converters

LLC Resonant Converters

Multilevel Resonant DC-DC Converters

High Voltage Applications

AC-AC Converter - Building Block in Solid State Transformer Jan 8, 2024

This article discusses the role of isolated AC-AC converters from the perspective of solid-state transformer technology. It explores various topologies, shedding light on the advancements in high-frequency link AC-AC converters for efficient power di...Read More

Transformers

AC-AC Converters

State-of-Charge Estimation in Lithium-Ion Batteries Dec 8, 2023

Overview: The article explains the advancements and challenges in the growth of electric vehicles and the difficulties in modeling batteries. It also highlights the state of charge estimation of batteries and their potential to revolutionize the tran...Read More

Kaluma - Run JavaScript on the RP2040 Oct 23, 2023

Once intended as an animation tool for web browsers, JavaScript has had a fantastic career. Thanks to the browser wars, runtime performance improved consistently. As of now, JavaScript can be run on microcontrollers. Kaluma embodies this concept for ...Read More

Review of Integrated On-Board Battery Chargers Oct 20, 2023

Overview: This article reviews electric vehicle battery charger technology, including the advantages and disadvantages of integrated on-board battery chargers. It also discusses the concept of fractional slots with concentrated windings. According t...Read More

X7R vs. X7S DC-bias & TCC Considerations Oct 19, 2023

The most common MLCCs (multi-layer ceramic capacitors) in the industrial and automotive markets come with a TCC (temperature co-efficient of capacitance) known widely as X7R, where the ‘X’ stands for -55°C, the ‘7’ for +12...Read More

Samsung

MLCCs

Capacitors

Passive Components

The Secrets to Building Resilient Supply Chains for Electronic Components Oct 18, 2023

A unique combination of global economic factors is continuing to impact supply chains across varying sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how businesses operate for good, and the UK’s exit from the EU has made the sourcing and supply of c...Read More

Ensuring Electrical Safety and System Reliability in Converters Oct 17, 2023

This article discusses the concept of insulation coordination in electrical systems and its significance in ensuring electrical safety and system reliability. It explains the factors affecting insulation and emphasizes the growing demand for it. The...Read More

Alps Alpine - Mechanical Pushbuttons with Memory Oct 11, 2023

While various circuits that enable an on-off latch function are known, a simple electromechanical solution can be the best approach. Alps provides a variety of high-quality push buttons - in this tutorial, we will look at the SPEF210101 and SPEF22010...Read More

The Essential Guide to AC-DC Power Adapters Oct 10, 2023

AC-DC power adapters are ubiquitous in our modern lives. We use them to power our laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. But what exactly is an AC/DC power adapter and how does it work? In this blog post, we'll take a closer ...Read More

PicKit 5 / ICD5 – Making Sense of the New Features Oct 10, 2023

Microchip's MPLAB IDE and various value-added hardware devices constitute one of the finest ecosystems in the microcontroller space. Microchip recently did a lifecycle upgrade, adding valuable features such as Bluetooth support and SMU functionality ...Read More

RADXA / OKDO Rock 5B - a high-performance single-board computer Oct 10, 2023

Advances in user-interface demands, easily seen in slot machines, show apparent demand for higher video performance. The OKDO Rock 5B can support up to three displays, making for a comfortable base for arcade projects. Furthermore, its high computing...Read More

Bringing Online the GigaDevice GD25 with an Arduino Oct 10, 2023

GigaDevice is well known for its high-performance and sanction-proof microcontrollers. The company also provides various types of flash memory as standalone and SoC-integratable variants. In the following steps, we will use GigaDevice's evergreen GD2...Read More

Optimizing Magnetic Component Design for High-Frequency Converters Oct 6, 2023

Overview: This article discusses the challenges of designing magnetic components for high-frequency converters and the advantages of using planar magnetic components. Increasing the switching frequency decreases the size of the converter and the co...Read More

Determining the Lifetime of Gallium Nitride Devices Sep 20, 2023

This article provides information on the challenges in determining the lifetime of gallium nitride devices and the methods used to extract lifetime data. These methods include gate lifetime, switching circuit-based lifetime, and mission profile lifet...Read More

Photovoltaic Cells: Solar Energy Conversion using Semiconductors Aug 31, 2023

Energy harvesting is the most environmentally friendly way to ensure electronic devices remain powered. Various hints and guidelines help achieve maximum efficiency when using solar cells or photovoltaic cells. This article starts by looking at the E...Read More

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs): Working Principles and Applications Aug 31, 2023

Few parts are as ubiquitous as light-emitting diodes: the lack of classic light bulbs means they get pressed into usage as indicators, even in basic electronics tutorials. This article looks at them in more detail and focuses on less common applicati...Read More

MEMS accelerometers for convenience and positioning Aug 30, 2023

The dawn of the first-generation iPhone marked a pivotal moment in technology – it showcased the remarkable power of accelerometers. These sensors, abbreviated as MEMS (Micro Electronic Mechanical Systems) accelerometers, have since infiltrated...Read More

Comparing Ceramic Capacitors vs. Electrolytic Capacitors Aug 30, 2023

In an era defined by Moore's law and escalating working frequencies, the intricacies of electronics design become ever more critical. The adoption of cutting-edge switching regulators amplifies the importance of meticulous capacitor selection. This a...Read More

Understanding Current Imbalance in Power MOSFETs Aug 25, 2023

The article discusses the impact of current imbalance on paralleled power semiconductor devices. It also describes the types of current imbalance that can occur, such as static and dynamic imbalance, and provides strategies for managing and mitigatin...Read More

Reviewing Gallium Nitride as a Power Semiconductor Aug 2, 2023

The article provides a review of Gallium Nitride power devices, which are considered as potential game-changers in the power electronics industry. It discusses the advantages and challenges of Gallium Nitride power devices. In power electronic sys...Read More

Murata DMS-20LCD-2-5-C –3.5 Digit Panel Voltmeter Jul 31, 2023

When you need to make a process with a voltage range of -20V to 20V user-observable, the addition of a panel meter can prove to be an affordable and efficient solution. Enter Murata, renowned for its MLCC capacitors and wireless modules, with an enti...Read More

EC25AFA-MINIPCIE – Comfortable-to-use PCIe 4G Module Jul 31, 2023

Designing wireless modules demands a deep understanding of RF engineering, particularly as frequencies rise. However, with the EC25AFA-MINIPCIE, Quectel introduces a PCIe-based module that simplifies computer interfacing, while u.FL connectors make a...Read More

ESD8704MUTAG – ESD Protection Diode for USB 3.0 Jul 31, 2023

ESD protection is not only crucial for regulatory compliance but also for ensuring reliable system performance. The ESD8704MUTAG by ONSemi is a specialized ESD protection diode designed to safeguard vulnerable signals, preventing malfunctions and ens...Read More

Abracon ACAG0301-15752450-T – GPS and WiFi-Combi antenna Jul 28, 2023

In the realm of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the integration of WiFi and GPS functionalities has become increasingly prevalent. Abracon steps up to the plate with its ACAG0301-15752450-T chip antenna, a compact marvel that supports both protocol...Read More

410-415 Analog Discovery 3 – Your portable USB test equipment Jul 28, 2023

When you're on the go, having an affordable yet powerful mobile test equipment becomes a game-changer. The 410-415 Analog Discovery 3, often promoted as a USB oscilloscope, surprises with its multifunctionality and impressive capabilities. Let us exp...Read More

11026945-00 – Analog Accelerometer by TE Connectivity Jul 28, 2023

The advent of piezoelectric-based accelerometers revolutionized applications that previously couldn't accommodate classic mechanical units due to size or weight constraints. Among the notable pioneers in this realm is TE Connectivity's 11026945-00, a...Read More

ABX00063 - Arduino Giga R1 Wifi Board Jul 28, 2023

Bucking the trend of miniaturization, Arduino introduces the Giga R1 WiFi, a behemoth of a board based on the Due form factor. With an impressive 76 GPIO pins and substantial compute power, this board packs a punch, offering immense possibilities for...Read More

B57364S0100M051 – NTC Based Inrush Current Limiter Jul 28, 2023

In the realm of power electronics, managing transient phenomena, particularly during power-on states, is of paramount importance. Meet the B57364S0100M051, an NTC-based current limiter designed to tame inrush currents and deliver a seamless and order...Read More

Vishay CNY70 – Reflective Optical Sensor Jul 28, 2023

Optoelectronics has become a go-to solution for distance sensing, where a combination of a light-emitting diode (LED) and a transistor can work wonders. The Vishay CNY70 takes center stage by seamlessly integrating both semiconductors into a single h...Read More

SG90 – Compact yet Powerful Gas Discharge Tubes Jul 11, 2023

Gas discharge tubes are crucial for safeguarding circuitry against harmful pulses. Littelfuse's SG90 offers an exceptionally compact solution without compromising on power handling capability. With its small form factor, this surface mount gas discha...Read More

MIC5821YN – A High-Current, Cascadable Output Shift Register Jul 11, 2023

In process computer design, the availability of IO lines is often insufficient for the task at hand. While GPIO extenders can be helpful, they have limitations in terms of space usage and output current capacity. However, the MIC5821YN from MICREL of...Read More

NCA9539PW and NCA9555PW – Feature-rich I2C GPIO Extenders with 16 Output Pins Jul 11, 2023

Running out of GPIO pins on a microcontroller design can be a challenging situation, often requiring significant changes to the embedded software. However, I2C GPIO extenders offer a practical solution. Nexperia has recently introduced two new chips,...Read More

TTL-232RG-VREG3V3-WE – Versatile FTDI USB to Serial Converter with 3.3V Level Support Jul 11, 2023

The FTDI FT232 USB to Serial converter is highly regarded for its broad driver support across various operating systems. The TTL-232RG series, featuring the TTL-232RG-VREG3V3-WE cable, offers a convenient solution to connect USB ports to serial devic...Read More

Introducing 929505-3: AMP Junior Power Timer Connector Housings Jul 11, 2023

TE Connectivity's Timer connector system is highly regarded for its performance and versatility. Among its offerings, the 929505-3 stands out as a two-row housing capable of accommodating up to eight wires, along with their respective connector shoes...Read More

4N25S: A Versatile and Affordable Optocoupler for Galvanic Isolation Jul 5, 2023

Galvanic isolation is crucial in various applications to ensure separation between two signals. The 4N25S optocoupler offers an inexpensive solution to this challenge, with a fast rise time of 2 microseconds. In this article, we explore the features ...Read More

RL822-3R3K-RC: A Classic Barrel Inductor Jul 5, 2023

The RL822-3R3K-RC inductor is a well-known and widely used barrel inductor that was originally introduced by J.W. Miller and continues to be produced seamlessly after its acquisition by Bourns. This classic inductor is specifically designed to serve ...Read More

PIC16F88-I: A Classic PIC16 Microcontroller with a 10-bit ADC Jul 5, 2023

Microchip's PIC16F84A microcontroller has left a significant impact on engineers as an accessible and powerful eight-bit microcontroller, serving as an entry point into microcontroller programming. The PIC16F88-I, similar in core architecture, offers...Read More

LM285D-1-2 – An Affordable Low-Power Voltage Reference Jul 5, 2023

Generating reference voltages can be costly, but the LM285D-1-2 offers an affordable solution with its 1-2% initial tolerance. This low-power voltage reference provides a stable output voltage of 1.2 volts, making it ideal for low-power designs. The...Read More

PR03000203303JAC00 – A Reliable Flameproof 330K Through-Hole Resistor Jul 5, 2023

High-power metal film resistors play a crucial role in various applications, serving as ballasts or protective components against voltage spikes. Vishay's PR03000203303JAC00 is an exceptional resistor in this category, offering impressive performance...Read More

FRDM-K64F – An Affordable Kinetis Development Board with Excellent Zephyr Support Jul 5, 2023

The Embedded Open Source Summit showcased the rising popularity of Zephyr as a top-class real-time operating system, even finding use in ChromeBook's PMIC. The FRDM-K64F development board provides an affordable entry point for exploring Zephyr or CMS...Read More

ESP32-H2 – an ESP32 with a Non-WiFi Radio Jun 6, 2023

The ESP32-H2 marks a significant expansion in Espressif's range of wireless microcontrollers, venturing beyond WiFi capabilities. This versatile module supports both Bluetooth 5 and IEEE 802.15.4 protocols, making it suitable for applications involvi...Read More

LED1202QTR – a flexible driver for up to twelve 20mA LEDs Jun 6, 2023

LED drivers typically require external power transistors. However, STMicroelectronics offers a cost-effective and programmable alternative with the LED1202QTR. This versatile driver can handle up to twelve 20mA LEDs, providing a flexible solution for...Read More

Taiyo Yuden JMK212AB7106KGHT Versus KYOCERA AVX F380J106MMAAH2 - the Battle of the Capacitors Jun 6, 2023

When it comes to selecting a 10 Microfarad capacitor, it's essential to consider factors beyond price alone. Capacitor chemistries play a significant role in determining their behaviour. In this article, we compare two capacitor types: the MLCC capac...Read More

L78L05ACD13TR – affordable auxillary regulators with 100mA current capability Jun 6, 2023

As switch mode regulators gain popularity, classic linear regulators continue to hold their ground in certain applications, particularly when strict EMC regulations or low power requirements are involved. One such linear regulator is the STMicroelect...Read More

Using the Raspberry Pi camera in combination with Azure intelligence Jun 6, 2023

Running AI payloads locally can be costly and maintaining models can be challenging. Leveraging Microsoft Azure cognitive services offers an affordable and efficient approach to accessing high-quality machine learning algorithms. In this series of la...Read More

TSR 1-2450 – Efficient Drop-in Replacement for LM78xx Linear Regulators May 25, 2023

Linear regulators, such as the LM7805, offer affordable voltage regulation. However, their linear operation principle results in high losses and substantial heat dissipation. To address these limitations, Traco Power introduces the TSR1-2450 series a...Read More

BC847 NPN transistor – a surface-mount edition of the BC547 May 24, 2023

The BC547 is considered a jellybean part: an NPN transistor able to drive up to 100 mA of collector current, it is commonly used in analog and digital circuits. The BC847 is similar but provided in a pick-and-place-friendly surface mount package ...Read More

NRF52-DK: Empowering Low-Power Design for Bluetooth LE Devices May 24, 2023

The NRF52-DK development board offered by Nordic Semiconductor presents a powerful solution for designing Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) devices with a focus on energy efficiency. In this article, we delve into the key features plus advantages of the NRF5...Read More

BULGIN PX0731/P Buccaneer – Waterproof Connectors May 24, 2023

Waterproof connectors offer a significant advantage in system design by simplifying mechanical assembly, especially when connections need to be kept operational whilst underwater. BULGIN's Buccaneer series not only achieves this but also provides a h...Read More

STM32F103RCT6 vs GD32F103C8T6 – Low End ARM Microcontrollers at the Centre of the Micro-controller Shortage May 24, 2023

The STMicroelectronics STM32F103 is a widely used 32-bit microcontroller based on the ARM Cortex M3-Core architecture. However, shortages of the STM32F103RCT6 model during the semiconductor crisis have prompted the search for viable alternatives. In ...Read More

0460-202-16141 – A flexible mating pin for the TE connector range May 23, 2023

Introduction  Deutsch’s DT series is a popular automotive connector produced by the TE connectivity brand. TE Connectivity acquired Deutsch but continues to manufacture the series in an unchanged fashion. With the 0460-202-16141, a mating...Read More

ATmega32 – eight-bit AVR microcontroller with wide popularity May 23, 2023

In the realm of microcontrollers, eight-bit MCUs remain a viable choice despite the increasing affordability of 32-bit counterparts. Their architecture, specifically tailored for "learning or instructional ISA" purposes, makes them highly suitable fo...Read More

ADALM-PLUTO – Learn SDR basics without expensive test equipment. May 23, 2023

Learning software-defined radio usually requires a lab with expensive test equipment. The ADALM-PLUTO by Analog Devices provides a compact and affordable kit for self-paced or instructor-led learning in software-defined radio classes  Analog De...Read More

Microprocessors vs Microcontrollers: Which One is Right for Your Next Electronics Project? May 22, 2023

Summary  The need for increasingly sophisticated and effective electronic gadgets has grown as technology progresses. For any electronic device to function, it requires a processing unit, which is responsible for executing instructions and cont...Read More

Top 5 Circuit Breakers Jul 15, 2022

This article will focus on the very best circuit breakers that are available right now. Each of these circuit breakers can be found using oemsecrets.com with the help of our wide range of distributors that supply these products. The article will high...Read More

The 1N4148WS Small Signal Diode by Multicomp Dec 6, 2021

The 1N4148WS is a small signal diode that comes to OEM Secrets courtesy of the development team at Multicomp. Amongst our wide variety of semiconductor products, this particular diode stands out, and it delivers in a way that competing products are u...Read More

The ATXMEGA32A4U-MH by Microchip Technology Dec 6, 2021

In this article, we focus on five core benefits of the ATXMEGA32A4U-MH to explain why it's one of the market leaders for such products. A first-class microchip product uses minimal power for maximum efficiency. That's what the PRODUCT does by offeri...Read More

The AVTSE-RPI-IIOTG by Avnet Engineering Services Dec 6, 2021

The AVTSE-RPI-IIOTG is an IoT (Internet of Things) solution kit that sits within our range of embedded development kits, and it comes to us from Avnet Engineering Services. It sets the tone for what IoT kits of this nature can offer and the opportuni...Read More

5 of the Best Single Board Computers of 2022 Sep 30, 2021

Single Board Computers are available through oemsecrets.com from leading suppliers and manufacturers like Adafruit, Beagleboard, Intel, Raspberry Pi, Seeed Studio & more.   In this blog we will be shining the light on a few SBCs and highlig...Read More

The DS1822+ IC Temperature Sensor by Maxim Integrated Sep 9, 2021

On this blog, we are going to describe the main benefits from both a performance and technical standpoint of the DS1822+ IC temperature sensor. This is a part that is manufactured by Maxim Integrated. And you can buy this item today through oemsecret...Read More

The ILD217T Optocoupler by Vishay Intertechnology Sep 9, 2021

In this article, we are going to shine the spotlight on the ILD217T optocoupler product. This is a part that comes courtesy of the well-renowned Vishay Intertechnology. And the distributors of this product on oemsecrets include such organisations as ...Read More

The LM317MBSTT3G Voltage Regulator by onsemi Sep 9, 2021

By reading this article, you can learn all of the crucial information that you should know prior to making a purchase for the LM317MBSTT3G voltage regulator. Note that this item comes courtesy of the recognisable technology manufacturer onsemi. And t...Read More

The MBRS360T3G Diode by onsemi Sep 9, 2021

In this article, we will describe everything you should know about the MBRS360T3G diode. This particular electronic part has been manufactured by ON Semiconductor now rebranded as onsemi. And it is available for purchase right now courtesy of oemsecr...Read More

The MC74HC595ADR2G Shift Register by onsemi Sep 9, 2021

In this article, we are going to provide a full explanation of what makes the MC74HC595ADR2G shift register one of the very best products of its kind. It is an electronic part listed here at oemsecrets with ON Semiconductor as the manufacturer. Activ...Read More

The TPSD107K010R0065 Tantalum Capacitor Sep 9, 2021

Today we are going to explain everything that you should know when it comes to the TPSD107K010R0065 tantalum capacitor. This electronic part is manufactured by AVX Corporation, with its current distributors on our website including the likes of Mouse...Read More

The ZXLD1362ET5TA LED Driver by Diodes Incorporated Sep 9, 2021

In this article, we are going to put a spotlight on the ZXLD1362ET5TA LED Driver. This is a product that was brought to life by Diodes Incorporated. And the item is on sale today via our website from various authorised distributors at various price p...Read More

The BPW21R Photo Diode by Vishay Intertechnology Sep 7, 2021

In our blog, we often spotlight the top electrical items that we stock which allows for all of our favourite machines and devices to perform as necessary. And so in this particular article, we are going to break down the BPW21R photo diode product. T...Read More

The BTA26-800BWRG Thyristor by STMicroelectronics Sep 7, 2021

Today, we are going to go into great depth about the BTA26-800BWRG thyristor item. This is a product that is manufactured by STMicroelectronics, and it’s in stock right now on the oemsecrets website. Amongst our authorised distributors for this...Read More

The CM315D32768DZFT Oscillator by Citizen Finedevice Sep 7, 2021

In this article, you will learn everything that you need to know when it comes to the CM315D32768DZFT oscillator product. This is an item that is exclusively manufactured by Citizen Finedevice. And the distributors of this part that we work with incl...Read More

The CY14B104LA-ZS45XI Semi-Conductor by Cypress Semiconductor Sep 7, 2021

We are going to provide a full breakdown of the CY14B104LA-ZS45XI semi-conductor product. This electronic part is manufactured by Cypress Semiconductor, and it’s available today through oemsecrets, with the authorised distributors such as Mouse...Read More

The AQY221R2S Relay from Panasonic Sep 1, 2021

This article will highlight all the primary benefits and the main technical specifications pertaining to the AQY221R2S relay. This is a product that is manufactured by the globally recognised Panasonic, which adds a real sense of legacy and credibili...Read More

The LM324DTBR2G Operational Amplifier by On Semiconductor Aug 12, 2021

By reading this article, you will learn about the LM324DTBR2G operational amplifier. At present, you can purchase this item from OEM Secrets, with On Semiconductor as manufacturer and Newark Electronics as a distributor. We will now discuss the prima...Read More

The MMBT2222ALT1G Bipolar Transistor by On Semiconductor Aug 12, 2021

This article covers everything that you should know as it pertains to the MMBT2222ALT1G bipolar transistor. And it’s available now from OEM Secrets, with On Semiconductor as manufacturer and Future Electronics as distributor. So, please read on...Read More

The STM32F405RGT6 Microcontroller by STMicroelectronics Aug 12, 2021

Today we are shining the spotlight on the STM32F405RGT6 microcontroller. This is available right now from OEM Secrets, with STMicroelectronics as its manufacturer and Farnell as the distributor. So, allow us to discuss why this is a microcontroller t...Read More

The LIS2DH12TR Accelerometer by STMicroelectronics Aug 12, 2021

In this article, we are going to discuss the LIS2DH12TR accelerometer electronic component. This product is manufactured by STMicroelectronics, and it is available to buy right now on oemsecrets from a variety of authorised distributors. These includ...Read More

The FT232RL-REEL USB Interface Bridge by FTDI Chip Jul 28, 2021

In this article, we will talk about the FT232RL-REEL USB interface bridge product. This item is manufactured by FTDI Chip, and it’s available for purchase right now on oemsecrets from such authorised distributors as Farnell, Mouser Electronics,...Read More

The IRLML6402TRPBF Transistor by Infineon Technologies Jul 28, 2021

By reading this article, you will find all about the IRLML6402TRPBF transistor product. This item comes courtesy of the manufacturer Infineon Technologies, and you can compare pricing and save today by buying through oemsecrets.com, from authorised d...Read More

The MCP1700T-3302E/TT Low Quiescent Current (LDO) by Microchip Technology Jul 27, 2021

In this article, we are going to be discussing the MCP1700T-3302E/TT Low Quiescent Current LDO. This part is manufactured by Microchip Technology and is available to buy from oemsecrets. Note that the product is available in various price ranges due ...Read More

The ATMEGA328P-AU Microcontroller from Microchip Technology Jul 19, 2021

In this article, we are going to discuss the ATMEGA328P-AU microcontroller. This electronic part is manufactured by Microchip Technology and is available to buy on oemsecrets.com from authorised Microchip distributors including Farnell & Schukat ...Read More

EV200HAANA KILOVAC Contactor by TE Connectivity Jul 9, 2021

EV200HAANA is a small and lightweight high voltage relay contactor manufactured by TE Connectivity, a company that provides solutions for aircraft, smart homes, digital factories, and electric vehicles with connectivity and sensing products. The EV20...Read More

EK-U1-ZCU111-G RFSoC Evaluation Kit by Xilinx Jul 8, 2021

When looking for a powerful device that combines PL or programmable logic and high-functioning, feature-rich processing system, designers should consider the EK-U1-ZCU111-G arm evaluation kit manufactured by primary PL supplier Xilinx.  Xilinx&...Read More

102110423 development board by Seeed Studio Jul 6, 2021

The Seeed Studio BeagleBone Black Industrial, known as manufacturer # 102110423, is a development board that is intended for SBCs or Single Board Computers. It is specifically useful to developers, hobbyists, and any individual or organization lookin...Read More

EK-K7-KC705-G FPGA by Xilinx Jul 6, 2021

The EK-K7-KC705-G or Kintex-7 FPGA KC705 by Xilinx is an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) evaluation board. Described as a high-performance and versatile base platform, it offers several advantages and benefits to engineers and designers. The mos...Read More

LL4148 Diode by Vishay Intertechnology Apr 15, 2021

Manufactured by Vishay Intertechnology, the LL4148 is a small/signal fast switching diode that has silicon epitaxial planar coating. It also has a unidirectional single configuration. Applications that use LL4148 diodes include LED state detection (s...Read More

MMBT2222ALT1G Transistor by ON Semiconductor Apr 15, 2021

Manufactured by ON Semiconductor, the MMBT2222ALT1G is an NPN bipolar transistor that allows circuits to manage high levels of voltage. It is specifically intended for switching, as well as for linear lower power surface mount applications. MMBT2222A...Read More

TLC555IP - Timers Oscillator by Texas Instruments Apr 14, 2021

The 555 Timer Oscillator is considered a standard in the industry as it has existed since the early days of integrated circuits. More popularly known as 555 Timer, it is a precision timing device that has two major functions: relaxation oscillator an...Read More

LMR36506-Q1 - Buck Converter by Texas Instruments Apr 8, 2021

The LMR36506-Q1 from Texas Instruments is an easy-to-use synchronous buck converter. It’s a DC/DC converter that steps or brings down voltage from the supply or input to the load or input. It may be the smallest step-down DC-to-DC converter, bu...Read More

NRF52840-DK - Wireless Dev Kit by Nordic Semiconductor Apr 8, 2021

Nordic Semiconductor’s NRF52840-DK can be used for several applications: The NRF52840-DK is ideal for creating complex applications. There are several online instructions and tutorials available for first-time users. If you want a detailed des...Read More

ULTIMAKER S5 - 3D Printer by Ultimaker Apr 8, 2021

The Ultimaker S5 is an industrial desktop 3D printer. It is an FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printer created by Dutch company Ultimaker, a pioneer and respected authority in the field of 3D printing. The S5 comes after the Ultimaker 3, which cam...Read More

Product Overview of the FLUKE-1587-FC Multimeter Apr 6, 2021

Electricians can significantly benefit from the Fluke 1587 FC. Manufactured by Fluke, this high-range, high-quality insulation multimeter efficiently identifies problems and provides wireless functionalities for troubleshooting common issues. Its ver...Read More

Inside the Raspberry Pi 4 Single-Board-Computer Apr 3, 2021

Created by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the Raspberry Pi 4 is a single-board computer.  It is part of the Raspberry Pi series of SBCs, which was initiated primarily to help promote basic computer science education in developing countries and sev...Read More

MIC5235YM5-TR - Volt regulator by Microchip Apr 1, 2021

Manufactured by Microchip Technology, the MIC5235YM5-TR is a linear voltage regulator. It is a low dropout regulator with 310mV at 150mA, and wide input voltage range – from 2.3V to 24V. This highly accurate voltage regulator combines low groun...Read More

ATMEGA128-16AU - Microcontroller by Microchip Mar 29, 2021

The ATMEGA128-16AU is a high-performance 8-bit AVR Atmel microcontroller. It is a low-power device manufactured by Microchip Technology Incorporated. It is based on RISC. Using a single clock cycle to enforce instructions, the ATMEGA128 is essential ...Read More

SHT85 Humidity Sensor by Sensirion Mar 23, 2021

The SHT85 humidity sensor is a pin-type device, so it’s easier to change. It can also convert data from analog to digital and is considered the higher-end version of SHT75 (EOL) and SHT71, which most consider as the standard.  Although pe...Read More

E2K-C25ME1 High-Grade Sensors Mar 21, 2021

E2K-C25ME1 is a proximity sensor from Omron. It is used to detect metallic- and non-metallic objects. E2K-C25ME1 is a capacitive, unshielded component that operates at low voltage and offers customization. Proximity sensors are industrial components...Read More

HC-SR501 PIR Motion Sensor Mar 19, 2021

The HC-SR501 sensor is a highly versatile component often used in automated lighting, security systems, and other devices that are sensitive to motion. Depending on how this is set up, HC-SR501 can operate in wide distances or various ranges, as well...Read More

Applications of Humidity Sensors in Various Industries Mar 17, 2021

Many industries owe their success not only to people but also to pieces of equipment that help run their businesses seamlessly, conveniently, and even cheaply. One of these is humidity sensors. One can only truly appreciate the role humidity sensors...Read More

Ultrasonic Distance Sensor (HC-SR04) Mar 15, 2021

HC-SR04 is a low-cost but highly accurate proximity sensor that can be used as a stand-alone unit or as an integration to Arduino. Users can add this to their tech projects, while its concept is now being applied to next-generation systems, such as s...Read More

MicroCrystal RV-8803 – A Really Accurate RTC Mar 12, 2021

RTC chips traditionally were the domain of Maxim and NXP. Switzerland-based MicroCrystal recently made quite a buzz with its RV-8803, which offers simple integration, an I2C interface and extreme accuracy. Let us start out by looking at a system ove...Read More

Analog Devices’ LTM2887 – If a Digital Bus Needs Galvanic Isolation Mar 12, 2021

In theory, digital buses are intended to connect things to one another. Sadly, one sometimes wants but a logical connection – in many cases, galvanic isolation helps out. Should you ever feel like isolating very fast buses, definitely give the ...Read More

AVAGO APDS-9008 or APDS-9005-020 - Keeping an Eye on Ambient Light Mar 12, 2021

Recent times saw quite a bit of interest for part numbers such as the APDS-9008 or APDS-9005-020 – they are a very interesting type of ambient light sensor. One of the oldest questions in regards to light sensors involves their spectral sensit...Read More

STMicroelectronics’ LIS2DH12 – Low Power Motion Sensing Mar 12, 2021

Apple’s iPhone introduced gyroscopic sensors to a wider range – before that, accelerometers were not commonly found in consumer hardware. STM sells excellent parts which, however, get little media attention – time to take a look at ...Read More

Panasonic AMG8833 – FLIR for cheap Mar 12, 2021

FLIR made infrared thermal sensors cool – sadly, their parts are all but cheap (and suffer from export control problems). Panasonic’s Grid-EYE family is a low-resolution alternative that comes at a significantly lower cost. From a techni...Read More

DipTronics DTS-62R-V – Small Switch, Very Big (and Very Cheap) Mar 12, 2021

When yours truly was but a lowly cadet, various US manufacturers produced (pricey but quite reliable) switches. Chinese vendors recently started to catch up – seeing the DTS-62R-V top our customer interest list shows that the run stage of the c...Read More

Wuerth 970170151 – Hex Spacing Made Easy Mar 12, 2021

Anyone who ever tore down a HP 8753C’s power supply during repairs has, for sure, marveled at the hex nuts HP used to keep the unit together. Thanks to German engineering powerhouse Wuerth, doing something similar does no longer require you to ...Read More

Microchip’s AC164164 – Google Cloud IoT with Microchip Mar 12, 2021

While Microchip definitely is known for its PIC microcontrollers, the company also produces various sensors and even a WiFi module. These components are now advertised as a cloud-ready package for the Internet of things. From a technical point of vi...Read More

Maxim’s MAX22513EVKIT – ioLink Made Easy Mar 12, 2021

Field busses come dime a dozen – sadly, their relatively complex protocols hamper their deployment in small sensors and actors. The ProfiBus user consortium’s ioLink system is a simpler interface which recently made waves. As with most o...Read More

ON Semiconductor's CAT4101 – End of Life, Discontinued Mar 12, 2021

Around 2010, ON Semiconductor introduced the world to the CAT4101 family of LED drivers. Sadly, the sands of time leave no one untouched – which is why we must channel Steve Jobs while mourning the death of our beloved friend, CAT4101TV-T75. A...Read More

ST Microelectronics’ M41T6x Family – Keeping an Eye on Time Mar 12, 2021

Providing annoying users with an accurate timekeeping function is easy as long as the real-time operating system is running – things get interesting when the RTOS goes to sleep. A dedicated RTC such as ST Microelectronics' MT41T62 provides a ni...Read More

Microchip's 25AA256 – When Internal Flash is Not Enough Mar 12, 2021

Microchip’s 25AA256 and 25LC256 SPI eeproms provide a convinient "offline" storage facility for microcontrollers with SPI interfaces - up to 256 kbits can be stowed away safely. Seeing Microchip introduce SPI flash memory might look funny at f...Read More

LittelFuse's 0456020.ER - A Family of High Performance Fuses Mar 12, 2021

Placing through-hole parts is among the most expensive parts of the PCB assembly operation. Eliminating them should be a task in the life of every hardware designer. LittelFuse provide the 456 family of high performance fuses which come in a handy su...Read More

Infineon's IPP60R060P7XKSA1 – What Benefits Does CoolMOS Offer? Mar 12, 2021

While MOSFETs show up often in OEMsecrets search trends due to various constraints when designing switching regulators, Infineon's IPP60R060P7XKSA1 gave us a start - Mouser still lists the part is brand-new, the CoolMOS 7 technology was introduced bu...Read More

Texas Instruments' TPA3125D2N - Audio Amplifier Design Mar 12, 2021

Audio amplifier design is an interesting and annoying task - while some made a fortune writing books on the topic, in many cases, any amplifier is good enough. Normally, parts such as the PAM8302 get used. In practice, one often needs more power - in...Read More

Vishay’s CRCW-HP e3 Family & the CRCW120647R0FKEAHP Mar 12, 2021

Spikes are the bane of any and every automotive design. In many cases, they kill resistors by temporary terminal overload. Vishay’s CRCW-HP e3 family, one of which is the CRCW120647R0FKEAHP, provides designers with the tool to combat the proble...Read More

Myrra 44266 - PCB-Mountable Transformers Mar 12, 2021

Even though recent failures of vintage HP test equipment have Joe Boeschert a bad name, history has all but vindicated his decision to become a pioneer of switching regulators. Their success has pushed classic transformers into the background –...Read More

STMicroelectronics' VND5004B - Drive Ground-Connected Loads Without a Sweat Mar 12, 2021

Be it a fan, a turbine or any other kind of inductive or resistive load – keeping an eye on safety becomes difficult if large amounts of current flow. STM’s VND5004B and VND5004BSP30 high-side drivers are a nice way to work around the pro...Read More

Texas Instruments' LM4041 – When a Zener Just Doesn’t Cut it Mar 12, 2021

Finding a good voltage reference is as difficult as asking a cigar afficionado for the perfect smoke – the answer depends on the mood and the character of the individual queried. TI’s LM4041 series provides a “common sense” so...Read More

Vishay's NTCS0805E3222JMT Case Resistor Mar 12, 2021

NTCs and other thermosensors traditionally come in through-hole packages. Vishays NTCS0805E3222JMT is an excellent SMD part which can be placed right next to the heat source or ground plane whose temperature value you wish to monitor. Just as in the...Read More

Takachi's TWN4-2-6W Mar 12, 2021

A frequently repeated bit of advice by the oemsecrets.com crew involves looking off the beaten path. When looking for a ready-made case for your electronic trinket du jour, taking a look at the offerings of Takachi is an interesting alternative to cl...Read More

Vishay’s TNPW Family - TNPW120614K3BEEA SMD Resistor Mar 12, 2021

SMD resistors are seen as a component which “just exists”. Designers are usually not willing to give the part more attention – unless one fails or becomes inaccurate due to overheating or environmental problems. Vishay’s TNPW...Read More

Trinamics TMC429 – Control Many Stepper Motors in One Go Mar 12, 2021

While controlling stepper motors – in theory - is easy, the devil hides in the details. Trinamic’s TMC428 was a total classic, which now got a more modern successor model. Trinamic has long seen its various ICs as a one-stop shop for all...Read More

Monitor Magnetic Fields with Honeywell’s SS411A Mar 12, 2021

Switches tend to wear out as time goes by – the Hall effect provides a nice alternative to detect “presence”. Honeywell’s sensor division provides an interesting set of devices in the SS400 and SS500 families. The neatest fea...Read More

NXP's PCF85063TP1Z - Providing Electronic Equipment with an Accurate Sense of Time Mar 12, 2021

Providing electronic equipment with an accurate sense of time has always been an interesting challenge - more than one company dedicates its existence to this job. NXP, being the successor of Philip Semiconductor, continues the Dutch real-time counte...Read More

STMicroelectronics' P0102BL - Ultra-Low Current Thyristors Make Switching Easy Mar 12, 2021

Thyristors are usually associated with high-power designs. In some cases, however, a thyristor also is well suited to an application where low power consumption is needed – ST’s P0102BL is the tool of choice. Its most outstanding attribu...Read More

On Semiconductor's LM324DR2G Mar 12, 2021

When the LM324 opamp showed up in our oemsecrets search trends, more than one engineer in our team was shocked - the 324 is one of the most beloved general-purpose operational amplifiers on the market. A more detailed analysis of the issue, however,...Read More

Texas Instruments' ISO7420, ISO7420M and ISO7421 – Three Against Galvanic Connection Mar 12, 2021

Optocouplers should be well-known to most engineers. Texas Instruments ISO7420, ISO7420M and ISO7421 are a nice alternative for digital signals. They are optimized for digital signals with a speed of up to 1Mbps. Understanding the parts function is ...Read More

Detect Reflective Surfaces with a GP2S700HCP from Sharp Corporation Mar 12, 2021

Finding out whether things are nearby is a classic engineering problem – OEMSecrets already introduced you to a wide range of possibilities. Now, Sharp sends a classic optoreflective system into the fray. From a technical point of view, the pa...Read More

Cypress' FM25V20A – RAM’s speed, Flash’s robustness Mar 12, 2021

After Maxim bought Dallas Semiconductor, their once-ubiquituous battery-backed SRAM chips became more and more expensive. Cypress – mainly known for its PSoC microcontrollers – offers an alternative in its FRAM technology. Parts like the...Read More

What is Low Pass Filter Mar 12, 2021

When working with electrical parts and electronic signals, it is important to consider both time and frequency domains. The time-domain reflects the voltage value of the signal at a specific time. While frequency domain represents information about t...Read More

BMP180 Barometric Pressure Sensor Mar 12, 2021

BMP180 is a next-generation sensor that performs a wide variety of functions, including working as an altimeter. It provides high-precision reading and runs with its proprietary firmware or software for a more convenient digital use. Another term fo...Read More

Applications of Humidity Sensors in Various Industries Mar 12, 2021

Many industries owe their success not only to people but also to pieces of equipment that help run their businesses seamlessly, conveniently, and even cheaply. One of these is humidity sensors. One can only truly appreciate the role humidity sensors...Read More

TE Connectivity ATUM-12/4-0-STK – Heat-Shrink Tubing for Sticky Situations Mar 12, 2021

TE Connectivity ATUM-12/4-0-STK – heat-shrink tubing for “sticky” situations. TE Connectivity ATUM-12/4-0-STK – heat-shrink tubing for “sticky” situationsHeat shrink tubing usually has very limited contraction rate...Read More

ESP8266 Arduino Wi-Fi Module Mar 12, 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) is sure to fire up in the coming years. According to Statista, the global market for IoT could hit a whopping $1.6 trillion by 2025 for end-user solutions. Those who like to capitalize on its growth or dabble on wireless ...Read More

ESP32 Microcontroller interfaced with Arduino IDE Mar 12, 2021

The ESP32 is a microcontroller designed by Espressif Systems. It is the successor of ESP8266 (Check it out here) — and an excellent one at that. It now features components missing from its predecessor like Bluetooth 4.0 support. It can also run...Read More

LoRa SX1278 Module Mar 12, 2021

The LoRa SX1278 module is a high-sensitivity component with long-range spectrum communication capabilities. Its heart is the LoRa tech that uses patented modulation. The LoRa SX1278 is a chip designed by Semtech, which is capable of broad-spectrum c...Read More

On Semiconductor's - ESD8472MUT5G – ESD protection without the price Mar 12, 2021

Keeping ESD out is best accomplished by protection diodes – sadly, many of not most of them have high capacities which cause problems with fast signals. The ESD8472, also known as SZESD8472MUT5G, works around that problem. It is based on the c...Read More

Vishay’s ES1B-E3/61T – A Rectifier Diode for High Frequency Applications Mar 12, 2021

Exploding Rectifier Diodes ranks high among the questions found in forms related to restoring test equipment. Vishay’s diode family, made up of the ES1A, ES1B, ES1C and ES1D, provide a nice workaround for the problem. To understand, let us rec...Read More

5-146281-2 – Pin Headers for Arduinos and Breadboards Mar 12, 2021

Small companies usually lack the dedicated engineering facilities required for prototyping parts with extremely fine pitch – getting BGA soldered at home is tremendously difficult and almost impossible. A nice way to get small companies interes...Read More

TT Electronics ULW3-100RJA1 – A Resistor Which Doubles as a Fuse Mar 12, 2021

In many cases, a resistor is found in series with a fuse. If an assembly is intended to be factory-maintained only, fusible resistors let you eliminate one of the components. Fusible resistors usually come in device families. We will focus our atten...Read More

LM2653MTC-ADJ from Texas Instruments Mar 12, 2021

Texas Instruments offers engineers a set of switching regulator evergreens which combine high efficiency with simple PCB layouts. The highly efficient LM2653, first introduced in 1999, usually stands in the shadow of his SimpleSwitch-branded brothers...Read More

M24xxx Series – Cheap Memory for Microcontrollers Mar 12, 2021

No matter how large your microcontroller’s memory might be – in practice, you will always need just a little bit more. In that case, STMicroelectronics’s SPI EEPROM provides a nice alternative to more established players. Obviously...Read More

BlueNRG-1 bluetooth without hassle Mar 12, 2021

Designing and impendance matching RF-related circuitry is an art of its own. STMicroelectronics’s SPBTLE-1S combines a Bluetooth 4.2 radio module with a Cortex-M0 processor intended to handle RF communications. A look at the block diagram conf...Read More

Texas Instruments’ OPA333 & OPA2333 Mar 12, 2021

No matter how advanced your digital circuitry is: sometimes, you need an OpAmp. Technology improvements allow for low-power rail to rail OpAmps such as the OPA333. Running operational amplifiers from a single supply is a sure-fire way to cause probl...Read More

Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52840-dk Mar 12, 2021

Nordic semiconductor is the king of the wireless hill. Their chips support a variety of protocols used in the internet of things. The recently announced nRF52840 Dongle uses the nRF52840 chip on a USB stick-like PCB. The $10 planar can plug into a P...Read More

Laird DA1206C121R-10 Ferrite bead networks Mar 12, 2021

Ferrite beads come in groups – if your circuit needs one, it usually doesn‘t take long until a regulator makes you add another. Laird now provides a resistor array-like solution for the ferrite bead problem. For those of you new to the c...Read More

NXP PCF2127 – Lord of the Time Mar 12, 2021

Adding real time clock information to microcontroller driven systems is problematic. As time goes by, small errors in computing routines add up. Given that users hate entering system times, a real-time element is valuable. NXP – once Philips S...Read More

NXP’s MMA8451QR1 Mar 12, 2021

Process computer designs usually start out with an accelerometer. As reliability problems creep in, making the switch to a more “professional” solution is beneficial. Accelerometers are based on the MEMS principle: instead of being a pur...Read More

Texas Instruments’ PGA20 x series Mar 12, 2021

Test equipment and sensors both profit from amplifiers which change their gain on the fly. One of Texas Instruments evergreens recently saw quite a bit of additional attention. From a technical point of view, the part is extremely simple. As shown i...Read More

Using NXP’s NXQ1TXH5 Qi Charging Circuit Mar 12, 2021

Adding wireless charging to furniture and other consumer goods is a nice way to add some oomph to an otherwise boring product. NXP’s NXQ1TXH5 provides an interesting, albeit difficult-to-prototype way around the problem. Creating a Qi-compatib...Read More

BAV99 and BAS16 – Smart Diodes Mar 12, 2021

Two-terminal diodes are among the best-known components in electrical engineering: electronics 101 cannot be passed without them – BAV99 and BAS16. Combining multiple diodes reduces part count and assembly cost. Candidate number one is the BAS...Read More

AD9833 from Analog Devices Mar 12, 2021

While arbitrary waveform generators are among the most helpful tools in the laboratory, they tend to spend most of their time outputting sines, triangles, and rectangles intended to stimulate sensors or actors. Analog Devices AD9833 is a compact IC d...Read More

Analog Devices’ AD215 Mar 12, 2021

Galvanic insulation is God‘s gift to man – whether optocoupler or light waveguide line, being able to transfer things without creating a physical connection is extremely valuable. Sadly, most optocouplers are not particularly smart &ndash...Read More

Diodes Incorporated’s APX803S-31SA-7 helping you with Voltage Trips Mar 12, 2021

Vdd brownouts are among the most common antipodes of micro-controller design – they are especially annoying, as their presence is not easy to detect. Diodes Incorporated provides a new family of easy-to-use supply voltage monitor ICs. From a p...Read More

Panasonic’s popular EXB-28V470JX Mar 12, 2021

Be it pull-up resistors, pull-down resistors or just any other thing – many, if not most PCB designs come with a group of similar resistors. The knee-jerk reaction involves hitting the add a resistor button until the PCB is populated. Resistor ...Read More

Littelfuse’s RUEF300 Fuse Mar 12, 2021

Surface-mount fuses do a good job at protecting components from burning up – sadly, exchanging them is not a simple task manageable by end users. LittelFuse‘s RUEF series provide an attractive alternative, which is not widely known. Part...Read More

Wurth’s 150353 LED Family Mar 12, 2021

One of the issues making underground real estate unpopular with engineers is the lack of the ability to grow plants. Artificial lighting has low efficiency – recently, Würth introduced a set of LEDs targeted to the needs of plants. High s...Read More

Infineon IRLML5203PBF and Cree C3M0065090J Mar 12, 2021

In the age of the IC, transistors usually are not considered particularily interesting. However, some MOSFETs stand in the center of attention – let us be your guide to some cool components. Crees C3M0065090J is not particularily impressive fr...Read More

USB3145-30-1-A and DT13-08PA – Through-Hole Connectors Mar 12, 2021

SMD inductors are a common culprit for TMI failures – if a HP 34401A croaks, checking input coils is a great idea. Nevertheless, engineers keep using SMD parts in this area. An interesting question is how developers think about SMD connectors. ...Read More

MicroSemi AS73211 Precision Colour Sensor Mar 12, 2021

Austrian MicroSemi recently divested itself of its transceiver portfolio, leaving standards such as AS-I stranded. Sensors were selected as the new main field of business, leading to the introduction of a few extremely interesting products such as th...Read More

Analog Devices’ LT4412B and LTC4412 Mar 12, 2021

Jack Ganssle, publisher of the legendary EmbeddedMuse newsletter, once stated that the embedded space is ideal as things permanently improve. When looking at diodes, the reverse is true – silicon-based diodes have had a drop of 0.7V for ages. A...Read More

Weidmüller 1469530000 and TMR 1212 Mar 12, 2021

Power supply design has always been a bit of a topic – long-term followers of the OEMsecrets article series know that repairing TMI usually starts out with power supply trouble. Due to that, buying an off-the-shelf module can be attractive. Her...Read More

TPS7B68 – Watchdog Meets LDO Mar 12, 2021

Power supply problems and software lockups are amongst the most common issues plaguing embedded systems. Watchdog timers alleviate the latter – they are now embedded in almost all microcontrollers. Some standards, however, demand the use of ded...Read More

STM8S903K3T6C 8Bit Microcontroller from STMicroelectronics Mar 12, 2021

If an 8bit microcontroller is needed, Microchip normally comes up first. STMicroelectronics, a company more commonly associated with 32-bit processors, also offers quite a bit of eight bit technology. The STM8S903K3T6C, which we are going to introdu...Read More

PSSI2021SAY – Current Source IC by Nexperia Mar 12, 2021

Current sources can be considered the outcast of the voltage source. They are a part which can be tremendously useful, but is not particularly well understood. A constant current source is a device driving a set current out of its pin. Physics dicta...Read More

Analog Devices’ AD534 Series Mar 12, 2021

Digital to analog converters usually come with one or two channels. Sadly, analog output needs tend to flock – in that case, Analog Device’s eight-converter AD534x family is an excellent contender. As with most DACs, the functional block...Read More

A Spike’s Mortal Enemy Mar 12, 2021

Disturbances of the power supply are common – in the automotive space just as much as in classic AC grids. Additional demands imposed by various forms of alternate energy will only make the issue worse, thereby ensuring that surge protection wi...Read More

ASEM-Series by ABRACON Mar 12, 2021

Generating a stable clock is far from easy: while current microcontrollers usually have some kind of embedded clock source, accuracy requires external components. Integrated oscillators provide a very interesting alternative, one of which we will loo...Read More

RS485 Driver Mar 12, 2021

RS485 sounds like just another serial protocol which no one really uses anymore. Sadly, this cannot be further from the truth – read on to find out about its benefits and about an IC which makes implementing it really easy. Differential signal...Read More

SMBJ5342B-TP – SMBJ Diode Mar 12, 2021

When adjusting voltage levels for process computers, accuracy is not always important: in many cases, good isolation from the incoming high voltage spikes is of more significance. A primitive design for an attenuator usually follows the lines shown ...Read More

LCB710 – An engineer's dream Mar 12, 2021

Controlling a large current with a small one without a physical connection, traditionally leads to a knee-jerk reaction of relays. Optocouplers traditionally were limited to low currents. For quite a bit of time, solid-state relays have been on the ...Read More

IRPS5401MTRPBF – SMD Coils – Yes, No or Maybe? Mar 12, 2021

Old hands are not necessarily warm towards the idea of surface-mount in general; surface-mount inductors are considered the devil’s handiwork. On the other hand, integration and assembly cost pressures motivate even the most conservative design...Read More

0430450200 – Quo Vadis, Connector Industry? Mar 12, 2021

Whilst boring to most electrical engineers, connectors manage to gain significant interest in our search queries. At the last Hannover Fair, connector manufacturers showed off an interesting developmental path. Let us start out with the obvious; if ...Read More

NRF51 – To Spend or Not to Spend Mar 12, 2021

Some years ago, development kits were expensive by definition. As the “maker revolution” redistributed electronics development into smaller and smaller companies, prices fell. Whilst Boeing or UAC might not flinch at a 600€ PCB, some...Read More

Using Murata’s PKMCS0909E4000-R1 to Create Sounds Mar 12, 2021

Adding sound to a product can be useful in many cases; in addition to checking boxes on product demand lists, a bone-shattering beep is a sure-fire way to alert users to problems in systems. Murata’s extensive experience in the production of a...Read More

Microchip’s MCP1640 - Super-Effective Battery Power Mar 12, 2021

Designers working on line-powered systems are in luck; whilst wasting power is always bad, a few mA of waste don’t really matter. When working on battery powered systems, every bit of energy helps – an efficient switching regulator can be...Read More

Allegro’s ACS723 Sensor Provides a Low Resistance of Just 0.65 Milliohms Mar 12, 2021

Measuring currents is one of the oldest tasks of metrology. The knee jerk reaction involves adding a resistor to the current path and then analysing the voltage drop. Hall effect sensors provide a variety of benefits ranging from simplicity to galvan...Read More

Texas Instruments’ BQ40Z50 Alternative Mar 12, 2021

Many moons ago, creating a battery for a mobile device was simple. You grabbed a few nickel cadmium cells, trickle charged them and you were sorted. Today, advanced battery chemistry and their explosive behaviour make matters more difficult. Fortunat...Read More

GRT188R60J226ME13D & VJ0805G226MXYTW1BC – The Benefits of MLCC Capacitors Part II Mar 12, 2021

As discussed last week, MLCC capacitors will provide a variety of benefits to designers willing to use them. However, recent developments have shown stock levels to become critical. The trade press and analysts are assuming that the situation will re...Read More

RNU1A100MDS1 – The Benefits of MLCC Capacitors Part I Mar 12, 2021

Recently, relatively low-priced MLCC capacitors have taken the lead in terms of search interest – let us tell you what this means for your daily work as a designer. Electrolytic capacitors are not the most desirable of products; they are heavy...Read More

STMicroelectronics’ VL53L1CXV0FY/1 ST Distance Mar 12, 2021

Creating “color” images is not new. Microsoft’s Kinect sensor introduced developers to getting spatial information: a trick which STM now make manageable via their laser-based distance sensor monoliths which are ideally suited to dr...Read More

TLV7011 Series Comparator from Texas Instruments Mar 12, 2021

Digital is not everything: in real life, one sometimes needs a comparator. Texas Instruments recently-introduced TLV70x1 series provide a cheap and space-conscious solution for this problem. The traditional knee-jerk reaction to a problem requiring ...Read More

Analog Devices' HMC1121 – amplify 5.5 to 8.5GhZ signals effortlessly Mar 9, 2021

Building simple Opamp-based amplifiers is not a big issue – as frequencies get higher, things start to become hairy. Analog Devices offers a dedicated amplifier for signals living in the 5.5 to 8.5GhZ bands. Let us start off with the RF mumbo-...Read More

S25FL128SAGBHI200 – Cypress Flash Chips Mar 5, 2021

MLCC capacitor troubles are real: since Murata decided to exit the market, prices go up. A similar trend can also be seen in flash memory. Memory prices have long shown themselves to be subject to the “pigs cycle”. This is shown by lookin...Read More

Understanding the T Flip-Flop Jan 11, 2021

Digital circuits are the basic building blocks for most computing devices. Digital circuits are divided into two main types: Combinational Logic Circuits, and Sequential Logic Circuits. In combinational logic circuits, logic gates form the basi...Read More