Tutorials

In the previous two tutorials, we learned about VHDL basics and programs. Next, we’ll simulate and verify the VHDL programs.  To edit, compile, execute (simulate), or verify a VHDL program, there are requirements including software tools, such as: ISE from XILINX ModelSim from Mentor Graphics Riviera from Aldec Quartus-II from Altera etc.  All of these…

In the previous tutorial on the basics of VHSlC Hardware Description Language or VHDL, we discussed the VHDL design flow and program structure. Now, it’s time to learn about the VHDL programs. However, please note, the prerequisite for VHDL programming are the fundamentals of digital electronics and digital circuit design. To fully understand these programs,…

As an often overlooked or underappreciated aspect of a final design, dc power connectors, also known as barrel connectors, provide a key connection point for powering many applications. Although a relatively simple component in the design process, it is still important to have a basic understanding of a dc power connector’s specifications and nomenclature. Specifications…

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…

What is VHDL? VHDL is a short form of VHSlC Hardware Description Language where VHSIC stands for Very High Speed Integrated Circuits It’s a hardware description language – means it describes the behavior of a digital circuit, and also it can be used to derive or implement a digital circuit/system hardware It can be used…

IC 555 timer is a well-known component in the electronic circles but what is not known to most of the people is the internal circuitry of the IC and the function of various pins present there in the IC. Let me tell you a fact about why 555 timer is called so, the timer got its name from the three 5 kilo-ohm resistor in series employed in the internal circuit of the IC. IC 555 timer is a one of the most widely used IC in electronics and is used in various electronic circuits for its robust and stable properties. It works as square-wave form generator with duty cycle varying from 50% to 100%, Oscillator and can also provide time delay in circuits. The 555 timer got its name from the three 5k ohm resistor connected in a voltage-divider pattern. 

In embedded systems, a simple function rarely exists alone. A simple pushbutton and LEDs controller is useful but if that controller cannot report when a user has pressed a button or share the status its LED indicate, the controllers are not worth their value. Many embedded systems include peripheral devices connected to the microprocessor in…

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…

LED scrolling message boards are widely used in: Notice board displays Public advertising boards Passenger information display boards in BUS/TRAIN/TRAM/MATRO, etc.  Name or signboards of shops Most of these scrolling message boards are made up of a single RED-color LED. However, currently, there are multi-color LED boards and RGB LED boards are also available. In…

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 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 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,…

An LED chaser or sequencer is a popular LED driving circuit. It’s used in running-light rope displays to flash different lighting patterns. In a chaser or sequencer circuit, a controller commands the sequence and timing of the flashing LEDs to illuminate different kinds of lighting patterns.  This LED chaser is built on Arduino UNO. Arduino is…

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…

Embedded electronics are in a countless number of devices and appliances, with microcontrollers at the heart of the operation. A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit that controls a specific operation in an embedded system. There was a time when only BASIC stamp microcontrollers, with a simple interpreter, were available for designing, prototyping, and testing…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed the object-oriented features of Python. These features are of great importance in organizing our code and structuring our applications. Now, let us talk about designing graphic interfaces in Python. Embedded applications developed on microcontrollers usually have LEDs, character LCDs, or small graphic LCDs as display devices. These displays cannot…