Tutorials

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…

With the replacement of vacuum tubes by transistors, it became possible to switch between logic states with a minute amount of power consumption and in a relatively smaller space. This article will focus on logic switching. Not much has changed with electrical switching technologies, although there have been some innovations around various techniques to switch…

In the previous articles, we discussed types of batteries and different battery packs. Many embedded circuits and devices rely on batteries for a power supply and many of these devices use primary batteries that may need to be replaced. Other embedded devices are rechargeable and use secondary batteries to remain powered. It is not difficult…

In the previous tutorial, we discussed different types of batteries. Apart from reusability and battery chemistry, how a battery is packaged is an important factor, as it should be accommodable in a device without compromising safety norms. The geometry and size of a battery also plays a vital role in its application to a circuit.…

In the previous article, we discussed different types of power supplies. For prototyping and testing circuits, the linear regulated power supply is the most economical and feasible do-it-yourself solution. The power output from a linear regulated supply can also be adjusted with the help of a variable resistor. Electronics hobbyists and beginners who do not…

In the previous articles, we discussed passive electronic components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers. The passive components are particularly useful in designing various analog circuits. The real fun of modern electronics begins with semiconductors and digital electronics. Electronics is all about signals (in the form of voltage or current) and processing signals by components…

In the previous article, we discussed the classification of transformers by core material, geometry, and voltage levels. The transformers can also be classified by their application and use. Let’s explore the two broad categories of use cases first  – transformers used in the electrical domain and transformers used in the electronics domain. The transformers used…

In the previous article, we learned about the basic concepts of a transformer. A transformer is simply a pair of inductors magnetically coupled to enable electromagnetic induction between them. With the help of transformers, AC voltages can be stepped up or down at low costs without any hassle. Stepping up or down DC voltages requires…

In the previous articles, we learned about resistors, capacitors, and inductors. When discussing inductors, we had talked about mutual inductance, which is the result of magnetic coupling between two inductors. If two inductors are used in a circuit to function as ‘inductors,’ this mutual inductance or any magnetic coupling between the two inductors is generally…

We have already learned about working with, types of, and applications of inductors. In the previous article, we have previously discussed selecting an inductor for a given circuit or application. When choosing the right inductor, it is important to know about reading inductor packages. There are many types of inductors that come in a variety…

In the previous tutorials, we discussed the basic concept of an inductor, properties of an inductor, and different types of inductors. Now it’s time to know how to select an inductor for a given circuit. Fortunately, different types of inductors are designed to suit specific applications. So, for any given application, either there is exclusively…