The 555 is one of the most popular integrated circuits ever created, with over a billion of them produced every year. In many cases, the 555 is a simpler and better choice than using a microcontroller.
Today we will learn how the 555 works, and then we will build five simple projects using a 555 timer.
LiPo batteries are incredible powerhouses, they have a higher power-to-weight ratio than any other type of battery.
But with all that power comes a number of safety concerns, and not following them could lead to a deadly LiPo fire.
Today we will learn how LiPo batteries work, how to charge, discharge, balance, store and dispose of them. And, just in case, we’ll see how to extinguish a LiPo fire.
Come and meet the XIAO, a tiny 32-bit Arduino-compatible microcontroller that goes for only 5 dollars!
This amazing little device outperforms the Arduino AVR boards and offers features like an analog output and 10 PWM pins.
We will explore the XIAO using the Arduino IDE and see how easy it is to use.
We have seen how to control DC devices with an Arduino, now it’s time to learn how to control AC equipment.
In this article I will show you a SAFE method of experimenting with AC on your workbench.
We will also build a light-activated relay and a marquis-style light chaser using solid state switches.
Basic Logic chips have been around for a very long time, yet they are still used in new designs. An understanding of how basic logic chips work will move your design skills up a notch.
Today we will look at the most elementary of logic chips, the basic gates. We’ll also learn about logic families, and we’ll see how to create a logic chip emulator using an Arduino.
We’ll finish up by designing a simple intruder alarm using an Arduino and a basic logic gate.
In this rather shifty article I’ll show you how to use some fundamental electronic building blocks – shift registers.
These handy devices can let you add oodles of input and output ports to your Arduino or other microcontrollers, and they’re very easy to use..
Follow along and learn how to make 74HC165 and 74HC595 shift registers work for you.
The TB6612FNG is a MOSFET-based dual H-Bridge motor controller that can be used in place of the popular L298N.
This controller is smaller and much more efficient. Best of all, you can use it in L298N designs without changing your code!
Let’s see how to make use of this H-Bridge with an Arduino
Today I’m going to compare the performance of a tiny Laser-based time-of-flight sensor, the TOF10120, with the classic HC-SR04 ultrasonic range finder.
After we hook the sensors up to an Arduino I’ll put them to the test on my “unique” testbed. The results might surprise you.
Learn how to use Bipolar Junction Transistors and MOSFETs to interface high-current DC loads with an Arduino.
We will cover both BJTs and MOSFETs in this guide to interfacing your Arduino with the outside world.
Today we will construct a simple bench power supply that has both fixed and variable output voltages. It’s a great project for beginners and useful enough for an expert!
Our design will make use of popular buck converter modules and an unused power “brick” from an old laptop computer, which you should have no problem obtaining.