It’s been said that one of the best home security systems is owning a dog. In this do-it-yourself (DIY) circuit, we’ll design a unique system that lets you take advantage of a guard dog for security without ever needing to walk or feed it. This DIY system “barks” like a dog whenever motion is detected…
What are the programming essentials for LoRa nodes?
LoRa (long-range) technology ensures reliable long-range communication between a node and gateway, making it well-suited for a range of Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. The purpose of building a LoRa node is to reduce costs while ensuring long-term, low-power use for devices. LoRa’s low power is affected by several features, covered below. Features Smart programming. The written…
How to build a LoRa gateway using Raspberry Pi
As its name suggests, long-range wide-area network or LoRaWAN technology is widely used for long-range, low-power communication in Internet-of-things (IoT) applications. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of connecting an SX130x 868M LoRaWAN Gateway Module to a Raspberry Pi 4 using hardware attached on top (HAT). This setup creates a LoRaWAN gateway,…
How to choose an inductor when designing a dc-dc converter
Inductors are simple components in electronic devices that perform tasks like cleaning up electrical signals, helping with timing, and managing power. They store energy in magnetic fields when electricity flows through them and releases them back into the circuit. Inductors resist sudden changes in the flow of electricity, pushing back “spikes” by creating an electrical…
How to design an ac-dc buck converter
An ac-dc converter is commonly used in many devices. Also called a rectifier, it converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Most electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and electronic circuits, operate on DC power. However, there are different ways to convert AC into DC power (as discussed in the previous AC-to-DC conversion article). For…
What is ac-dc conversion and its various topologies?
This tutorial explains the process of ac to dc conversion and why it is needed. The electricity that is delivered to our home is mainly AC (Alternative Current). Different countries have different standards for domestic AC lines ranging from 100 V to 220 V. Even so, most home appliances are DC (Direct Current)-operated, although devices…
How to use a thermo-electric cooler for thermal management
In Part 1 of this series, we reviewed the ideal selection parameters of a heat sink and cooling fan. In this article, we’ll discuss a thermo-electric cooler (TEC). The TEC can be used in heating or cooling systems in an application where temperature stabilization or cooling below ambient temperature is required. In this tutorial, we’ll…
How to select a heat sink and fan for thermal management
A major challenge in electronic circuit design is selecting suitable components that perform well under all operating conditions. This is particularly essential in regards to the safe operating limits of current, voltage, power, and temperature. Here, we’ll focus on temperature. Every electronic component generates heat while transferring power. Bear in mind there are no perfect…
Difference between LOS and NLOS in Wireless LoRa Technology
In today’s world of communication, Long Range (LoRa) technology has taken a significant role, providing strong, long-distance connections. LoRa’s way of sending signals and its impressive reach make it an ideal option for many direct and indirect network paths. This article explores how LoRa works in two situations: when devices can see each other (line-of-sight…
How to create a constant current source using LM338
Voltage and current sources are two fundamental types of electrical sources used in electronic circuits. A voltage source, such as a battery, is commonly used in many devices. It’s a two-terminal device that maintains a constant voltage across its terminals, regardless of the current flowing through the source. A current source is typically less discussed…
Component selection for low power embedded systems
Selecting components is one of the most essential and critical processes when designing any electronic system. Poor component selection can lead to many problems within the design, PCB layout, power budget, etc. In this article, we will discuss how to select a component for a low-power-optimized design. Resistor The power dissipated by a resistor is…
How to design a constant current source using a linear buck converter
In many applications, there’s a need for a constant voltage source. However, there are more constant current source applications than constant voltage sources. Most power supplies are voltage sources, including batteries and bench power. A constant current source can be used anywhere a fixed current is required. A resistor can also be used, but the…
How LoRa can impact smart cities with parking sensors
In this article, we’ll configure a parking sensor using LoRa (long-range) devices. LoRa is a wireless communication technique derived from Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) technology. For this project, Arduino Nano is connected to an ultrasonic sensor, detecting parking occupancy based on distance measurements. When a vehicle enters or leaves a parking space, the ultrasonic sensor…
Understanding LoRa architecture: nodes, gateways, and servers
To understand all about nodes, gateways, and servers, first, we must understand what a LoRaWAN or LoRa network is. LoRaWAN (long-range wide area network) LoRaWAN is a low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) protocol designed to enable long-range communication between LoRa-based devices and the internet. LoRaWAN builds on the underlying LoRa technology, adding network and application layer…
Revolutionizing RF: LoRa applications and advantages
In the world of wireless communication, LoRa (long-range) technology has been gaining popularity due to its long-range capabilities, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness. There can be serval applications deployed because of the features like low cost and long range where only one temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of a city; with the…
What is Chirpstack?
ChirpStack is an open-source LoRaWAN Network Server that enables communication between LoRaWAN devices and applications. It has a complete set of components, including a Network Server, Gateway Bridge, and Application Server, that can be used to set up and manage a LoRaWAN network. LoRaWAN is a network layer protocol maintained by the LoRa Alliance to…
How communication works between two LoRa end-node devices
Communication between two LoRa end-node devices can happen seamlessly. Both end-node devices include the LoRa E5 Mini Board, which switches quickly between sending and receiving messages — making two-way communication possible. In this setup, communication begins with one device sending a message and waiting for confirmation. Upon receipt, the receiving device sends a reply confirming…
How to integrate modules and smart meters with LoRa node-to-gateway communication
LoRa (long-range) technology ensures reliable long-range communication between a node and gateway, providing long-term, low-power use for devices This article provides an explanation of LoRa node-to-gateway communication while introducing a node equipped with two buttons to control the flags. These buttons enable users to turn on or off specific actions associated with each button and…
How LoRa enables long-range communication
LoRa (Long Range) is a type of wireless communication technology designed to send information over long distances with low power consumption. It uses a special technique called chirp spread spectrum (CSS) modulation, which operates by continuously changing the frequency of a transmitted signal over time. This varying frequency generates a waveform (resembling the sound of…
Li-Ion to 12 V DC converter
In this era of battery-operated devices, a DC-DC converter is needed to meet the divergent power requirements of the electronic circuitry. A battery is a type of DC Supply whose output voltage varies with its use. This means it cannot maintain a constant voltage at the output due to its discharging characteristics. For this reason,…