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,…
How to use a boost converter with a Li-ion battery and BL8530 IC
A major advantage of a switching regulator is that it can boost a lower voltage into a higher one. This type of regulator is also known as a boost or step-up converter. A boost converter is used to step up an input voltage to a higher level as required by a load. This capability 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 to design a LoRa-based asset-tracking system for supply chain management
In this project, we’ll design a GPS-based location-tracking system using LoRa technology, offering versatile asset-tracking capabilities. LoRa-based asset tracking This system employs a GPS module, establishing a virtual circle roughly 20 meters from the initial location. The location data is transmitted to the Arduino Nano through UART communication. For location updates, the system follows a…
How to design a power supply for Raspberry Pi
In this do-it-yourself circuit, we’ll design a Raspberry Pi (RPi) power supply. First, we’ll create a list to follow as a blueprint for the circuit, ensuring we design it correctly. Let’s start with a list of our goals for the circuit. Goals 1. A steady power supply: Ensure RPi receives a consistent and stable…
How to combine a gateway and server when using LoRa
In this tutorial about LoRa technology, we’ll cover two methods for combining a gateway and server by sending data to a PHP script for storage in a database and redirecting data to an MQTT server. ChirpStack is a powerful LoRaWAN network server that offers versatile integration options for managing and visualizing data. Let’s delve into…
Part 1: Types of open-source LoRa gateways and servers
ChirpStack is an open-source LoRaWAN Network Server that provides a solution for managing and maintaining LoRaWAN networks. LoRaWAN is a low-power, wide-area networking protocol. This article offers a step-by-step guide to ChirpStack installation, allowing a stable Internet-of-Things (IoT) network foundation. To learn how to connect and set up the initial hardware, please refer to this article:…
How to design an emergency rechargeable bulb circuit
In this article, we’ll explain how an inverter or emergency bulb operates. An inverter bulb is an emergency LED bulb. However, the term is confusing because there’s no conversion process (from dc to ac or vice versa) in the circuits where these bulbs are applied. The technology lets the bulbs automatically light during a power…
How to design a security system that sounds like a guard dog
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 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 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…