Tech Articles

The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a well-established communication protocol widely recognized for its use in automotive and industrial applications. Developed by Bosch in the 1980s, CAN was specifically designed to support real-time control systems, making it an essential technology in automation. Although newer protocols have emerged, it remains a legacy standard that’s integral to…

The global wearable technology market was valued at US $70 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $231 billion by 2032. “Hearables,” such as earbuds and headphones, constitute 61.3% of this market. Smartwatches witnessed a growth of 8% last year. With chip and sensor technology advances, smaller devices like smart rings are emerging as…

Digital circuit design is a critical part of electronics. In fact, most electronic components are digital electronic circuits. Even simple integrated circuits (ICs) contain thousands or hundreds of thousands of transistors. Microprocessors and microcontroller ICs typically have millions or billions of transistors. Most ICs are produced in fabs, but digital circuit designs can be made…

Since its launch in 1999, MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) has been a valuable standards-based messaging protocol for automation applications. Its lightweight, efficient “publish-subscribe” model makes it ideal for communication between and across various devices, systems, and services. MQTT has transformed applications in supply chain management, quality control, predictive maintenance, M2M communication, and industrial energy…

The Internet of Things (IoT), a collective network of connected devices that communicate via the Internet, transforms how we live, work, and interact with objects in our environment. By integrating real-time connectivity and cloud computing into everyday devices, IoT enables real-time data collection and analysis, facilitating better decision-making and personalized experiences. For example, it can…

ChatGTP, a language-based chatbot developed by OpenAI, has gained a lot of use and attention since its release in 2022. Since then, it and other chatbots — programs designed to mimic human language and conversation — have become increasingly common, used for providing content creation, marketing, programming, research, entertainment, customer service, and much more. Embedded…

Neuralink recently demonstrated the successful use of its N1 chip — a brain-computer interface (BCI) — in the first human participant. This 64-probe device has 1,024 electrodes and can provide data on how the human brain works. The electrodes connect directly with an individual’s neurons, providing detailed insight into how brainwave signals operate. However, this…

Electronics makers often build mobile apps to control electronic devices. These are typically WiFi or Bluetooth-connected devices controlled by a smartphone. Several software frameworks and tools support the development of native or cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android. Some popular frameworks include React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, Swiftic, Ionic, Apache Cordova, Jquery Mobile, and Native…

Are you building something that requires a GSM/GPRS modem or looking for a GSM modem for your next IoT project? GSM modems are widely used in several connected devices and applications. GSM is an acronym for Global Systems for Mobile, and GPRS refers to a General Packet Radio Service. A GSM module is a device…

The Internet of things (IoT), which includes the billions of devices now connected to the internet, has developed substantially over the past few years. IoT has become integral to several technologies and businesses. In fact, the number of active IoT devices has increased from 11.28 billion to 13.14 billion between 2021 and 2022. And the…

Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer limited to high-end servers or cloud platforms. Thanks to new developments in integrated circuits (IC) and software technology, it’s possible to implement ML algorithms and deep learning neural networks on tiny controllers and microcomputers. And these embedded devices installed at edges must no longer rely…

ESP-NOW is a connection-less wireless communication protocol by Espressif, a company that developed the popular Wi-Fi development boards ESP8266 and ESP32. This low-power 2.4 GHz wireless communication protocol allows two paired ESP boards to communicate without a router or Wi-Fi. ESP-NOW communicates in small packets of data within a few hundred meters. This connection remains…

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices that communicate to perform specific tasks or applications. These devices are extensive and include vehicles, appliances, sensors, software, or web services. Effective communication is crucial in any IoT application, allowing these devices to work seamlessly. In an IoT network, device-to-device communication is distinct.…

Many communication technologies are currently available, making choosing one for an Internet-of-Things project potentially daunting. For example, several LP-WAN options exist, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, LoRa, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and cellular technologies like NB-IoT, LTE-M, and 5G. Every connectivity solution has pros and cons, and there isn’t one ideal for all projects. Wi-Fi might seem like the…

In A guide to bipolar junction transistors, the definition and types of transistors and their applications are covered. In What to look for in a BJT transistor datasheet, transistor specifications are discussed, including what’s required before using or choosing a transistor in a circuit. In this article, we’ll explain what transistor configurations are and why…

Many of today’s Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices require a web front-end. These could be real-time dashboards for monitoring sensor readings or web-based user interfaces to control devices or machines. IoT devices differ from the web in that they rely on low-bandwidth, low-speed data communication protocols to communicate data with one another over the Internet. Since tiny microcontrollers…

LoRaWAN is a popular low-power wireless communication technology that provides a range of up to 15 km. LoRa signals can penetrate buildings and obstacles, providing reliable device-to-device communication over a broad coverage area. Thousands of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices can be integrated within this range for seamless peer-to-peer communication. These radio devices are power-efficient and easily…

Amplifiers are one of the most common circuits frequently used in electronics. There are several types of amplifiers, including: Audio amplifiers: amplify the audio signals like music and speech signals Radio frequency amplifiers: boost weak radio frequency signals of radios and televisions Power amplifiers: amplify the overall power of a weak signal Operational amplifiers: used…

Several important metrics and considerations are important when evaluating battery performance: Cell, module, and pack level: It is important to consider whether the data refers to an individual cell or a complete battery pack when comparing energy and power densities. Cells will always have the highest energy and power for a given size or weight.…

In a previous article, we discussed the different types of load cells. A load cell is a transducer that converts a mechanical force into a measurable electrical signal. Different load cells are designed to convert different mechanical forces into electrical voltage.  Load cells are typically classified by shape and form, with a unique configuration. Common types include canister load cells,…