Nikhil Agnihotri

IoT is the next development in modern life evolving through the present era of smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Connected cars, smart earphones, AI translators, personal assistance systems powered by augmented reality, vehicle tracking, AI-backed video surveillance, and many other embedded applications will become a part of our existence. These billions of “things” need internet connectivity…

In the previous tutorial, we learned how to generate analog output in the form of software PWM when using Raspberry Pi (RPi). We also showed how software PWM can be used to fade an LED.  The PWM output can also be used for other applications, such as for speed control of a DC motor or…

In the previous tutorial, we learned how to use digital input with Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi (RPi), as an embedded computer, is capable of digital input, digital output, pulse width modulation (PWM), and the implementation of several serial communication protocols (such as UART/USART, I2C, and SPI).  In this tutorial, we’ll cover analog output by using PWM with…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed how to use a digital output on Raspberry Pi. We designed a GUI-controlled LED driver, demonstrating how single-board computer features — like high-level language (HLL) such as Python — can control embedded applications.  Microcontroller-based embedded applications are typically programmed in low-level languages, such as in Assembly Language or embedded…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed TTK menus, layout management in Tk GUI toolkit, and mouse and keyboard events in Tkinter/TTK. We also discussed multi-threading in Python and created our own class of threading package so that we can implement our Raspberry Pi codes exactly as if they are running on a microcontroller. We also…

Several consumer devices now involve temperature monitoring. For example, most of the air conditioners on the market feature climate control, where the AC continuously monitors the ambient temperature of a room and accordingly regulates the air conditioning. Even some digital clocks now have temperature monitors embedded in them. Many other consumer appliances also offer temperature…

In the previous tutorial, we learned how to display custom characters on a character LCD. Character LCD is the most commonly used display device in embedded systems and circuits.  Although character LCDs are from sophisticated, they provide a simple interface that’s easy to use and learn. They also convey useful information about operating conditions, warnings,…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed scrolling long text strings on a character LCD using Arduino. However, it’s also possible to display custom characters on the LCD. These custom characters are user-defined and are stored in Character Generator RAM (CGRAM) of the LCD module.  The different LCD modules have different Display Data RAM (DDRAM) and CGRAM, which…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed:  The functional blocks of a character LCD How character LCD works and is interfaced with a controller  How to display text on a character LCD In this tutorial, we will learn about scrolling long string of text on a character LCD, which can be tricky. A character LCD module has…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed multiplexing seven-segment displays (SSDs). Continuing with the display devices, in this tutorial, we will cover how to interface character LCD when using Arduino. Character LCDs are the most common display devices used in embedded systems. These low-cost LCDs are widely used in industrial and consumer applications. Display devices in embedded systems…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed interfacing RGB LEDs with Arduino. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to interface seven-segment display (SSD) when using Arduino.  When interfacing with any kind of display device, Arduino and other controllers use digital output or serial communication. Driving SSDs by Arduino is as simple as driving an LED on it. The seven-segment…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed analog input when using Arduino. So far, we have covered four out of the five ways that controllers can interface and interact with other electronic components and devices. This includes digital output, digital input, analog output, and analog input.  In this tutorial, we discuss how to interface RGB LEDs using Arduino.…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed Tkinter and TTK widgets. With the help of these widgets, we will be creating user interfaces to control embedded electronics. We have already created a blank GUI window for our ‘Raspberry Pi Embedded Electronics Control App’. In this tutorial, we will discuss ttk menus and will create one for…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed analog output in the form of PWM signals when using Arduino. We generated a PWM wave from Arduino by employing the analogWrite() function that approximates to a rectified sine wave. It, then, uses that analog output to fade an LED.  A controller can interface and interact with external electronic components…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed the window widget in Tkinter and designed a blank GUI main window. The main window (which is not a child to any other window in the GUI application) and child windows serve as a container for other widgets. There is no point of blank windows. There must be other…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed the digital input process for using Arduino. We also explained push buttons (momentary type buttons) and how to use them for data or command input via a digital input.  Any controller can interface and interact with other electronic devices in five ways: digital output, digital input, analog output, analog input,…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed digital output from Arduino to drive an LED. A controller can interface and interact with other devices in five ways: digital output, digital input, analog output, analog input, and serial communication.  In this tutorial, we will use digital input from Arduino to read the state of a tactile switch…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed the basics about Arduino sketches, with a a quick Arduino language reference. Now, it’s time to get our hands dirty. Interfacing LED and driving digital output from a source is the “Hello World” of embedded systems.  As discussed in the previous tutorial, a microcontroller interfaces and interacts with other…

The previous tutorial included a discussion about the tools and components necessary to get started with Arduino. However, before starting with Arduino UNO (or any other Arduino board) — and experimenting with hardware projects on various sensors, actuators, and modules — it’s important to get through the basics of Arduino sketches and the embedded C…

Arduino are single-board microcontrollers that are easily programmable through a USB connection. They are used with electronics to design embedded system prototypes, the Internet-of-Things (IoT), and electronic gadgets.  Much like other microcontrollers, Arduino provides software-backed computing and embedded control to basic electronics applications. That means getting started with Arduino is no different than with other…