What is a Diode? A Diode is the simplest two-terminal unilateral semiconductor device. It allows current to flow only in one direction and blocks the current that flows in the opposite direction. The two terminals of the diode are called as anode and cathode. The symbol of diode is as shown in the figure below. …
AT Commands, GSM AT command set
AT commands are used to control MODEMs. AT is the abbreviation for Attention. These commands come from Hayes commands that were used by the Hayes smart modems. The Hayes commands started with AT to indicate the attention from the MODEM. The dial up and wireless MODEMs (devices that involve machine to machine communication) need AT…
Capacitor : Types of Capacitors
What is a Capacitor? A capacitor is a passive two terminal component which stores electric charge. This component consists of two conductors which are separated by a dielectric medium. The potential difference when applied across the conductors polarizes the dipole ions to store the charge in the dielectric medium. The circuit symbol of a capacitor…
PIC Microcontroller : All You Need To Know
The microcontrollers played revolutionary role in embedded industry after the invention of Intel 8051. The steady and progressive research in this field gave the industry more efficient, high-performance and low-power consumption microcontrollers. The AVR, PIC and ARM are the prime examples. The PIC microcontroller was developed by General Instruments in 1975. PIC was developed when Microelectronics Division of General Instruments was testing its 16-bit CPU CP1600. Although the CP1600 was a good CPU but it had low I/O performance. The PIC controller was used to offload the I/O the tasks from CPU to improve the overall performance of the system.
Stepper Motor : Basics, Types and Working
A stepper motor or a step motor is a brushless, synchronous motor which divides a full rotation into a number of steps. Unlike a brushless DC motor which rotates continuously when a fixed DC voltage is applied to it, a step motor rotates in discrete step angles.The stepper motor can be controlled with or without feedback. Stepper motors work on the principle of electromagnetism. There is a soft iron or magnetic rotor shaft surrounded by the electromagnetic stators. The rotor and stator have poles which may be teethed or not depending upon the type of stepper. When the stators are energized the rotor moves to align itself along with the stator or moves to have a minimum gap with the stator.
DTMF (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency)
In telecommunication, a caller needs to dial the number of the callee. The earlier versions of telephones used to have rotary type dials which are now obsolete. Almost all the landline and mobile phone handsets now use pushbutton keypads. Fig. 1: Image of old and new landline telephones What is DTMF? DTMF is a signalling system…
Servo Motor : Basics and Working
Servo refers to an error sensing feedback control which is used to correct the performance of a system. Servo or RC Servo motors are DC motors equipped with a servo mechanism for precise control of angular position. They are used in robotic arms and legs, sensor scanners and in RC toys like RC helicopter, airplanes and cars.The servo motor can be moved to a desired angular position by sending PWM (pulse width modulated) signals on the control wire. The typical specifications of servo motors are torque, speed, weight, dimensions, motor type and bearing type.
GPS : Working , Applications and History
Long before Global Positioning System (GPS) arrived, researchers worked hard to arrive at a feasible solution to aid travellers from getting lost. Earlier, travellers used to rely on elaborate maps to track and monitor the route to their destination. But today, GPS technology has ensured hassle – free trips and increased safety for vehicle owners.GPS works all across the world and in all weather conditions, thus helping users track locations, objects, and even individuals! GPS technology can be used by any person if they have a GPS receiver. The GPS satellites rotate twice a day around the earth in a specific orbit. These satellites transmit signal information to earth.
GSM/GPRS Module : All You Need To Know
GSM/GPRS module is used to establish communication between a computer and a GSM-GPRS system. Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) is an architecture used for mobile communication in most of the countries. Global Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is an extension of GSM that enables higher data transmission rate. GSM/GPRS module consists of a GSM/GPRS modem assembled together with power supply circuit and communication interfaces (like RS-232, USB, etc) for computer.GSM/GPRS MODEM is a class of wireless MODEM devices which requires a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card just like mobile phones to activate communication with the network and an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number for their identification.