VoltJots

Issue 10

WELCOME

Welcome to the latest edition of the VoltJots newsletter, providing you hand-curated links to the very best articles, tutorials, and sites to help you get your regular electronics fix.

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Ready to dive into the latest issue?

This week, to whet your appetite, you can explore easier coding for Raspberry Pi Pico projects with a new Visual Studio Code extension, Allegro's advanced current sensors with enhanced magnetic sensitivity, and a GUI development tool that speeds up touch screen designs on 32-bit Microchip processors. Plus, there’s a voice recognition project combining Android and Arduino, and a compact ESP32-S3 USB dongle that makes smart applications even more interactive.

Hope you enjoy this? Happy reading.

The Raspberry Pi Pico now supports a Visual Studio Code extension, providing features like IntelliSense and streamlined code uploading. Users can connect the Pico directly to their computer and take advantage of debugging capabilities, making coding and testing projects more efficient.

Allegro has launched new current sensors that boast enhanced magnetic sensitivity, making them ideal for applications such as electric vehicles and industrial automation. These sensors promise improved performance and reliability, catering to the increasing demand for accurate current measurements in modern technology.

Researchers have created groundbreaking wearable eye sensors that help monitor and manage health conditions. These innovative devices enable real-time tracking of eye movements and provide valuable data for enhancing patient care.

A team of researchers at Yale University have developed complex electronics that can stretch substantially beyond their original shape. This innovative technology could significantly enhance wearable electronics and soft robotics by providing new levels of flexibility and performance.

The latest edition of Elektor Lab Notes covers highlights from the Espressif Developer Conference, updates on a LoRaWAN project, and insights on various test tools.

A new graphical user interface development tool for touch screen displays with 32-bit Microchip processors simplifies the design process by providing a range of features that enhance usability and speed up development.

Here's a fun project demonstrating how to implement voice speech recognition on an Android device connected to an Arduino. It uses the Android SpeechRecognizer class to convert spoken words into text, which the Arduino can then interpret for various control tasks.

This project combines an Adafruit Si7021 temperature and humidity sensor with a Raspberry Pi and a Pimoroni display to showcase environmental data. It details the wiring connections, Python code for data retrieval, and instructions for visualizing the readings on the display.

Household gadgets like smart speakers, streaming devices, and security cameras can often be replaced or enhanced by using a Raspberry Pi, which provides similar functionalities at a lower cost. This versatile mini-computer allows for various DIY projects and can be customized to perform multiple tasks, making it a flexible alternative to traditional gadgets.

An AI-based smart parking system uses computer vision and machine learning to identify available parking spaces, helping drivers find spots more efficiently. The system features a mobile app for real-time updates and integrates with sensors to monitor parking space occupancy.

Sunchaser is a solar tracker, programmed in MicroPython, that optimizes solar energy capture by adjusting the panel's position based on the sun's movement.

The compact ESP32-S3 USB dongle features a built-in display that enhances interactivity for smart applications. It combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it versatile for various IoT projects.

The Raspberry Pi RP2350 development board boasts features like a built-in Ethernet RJ45 port, making it suitable for various networking applications. It uses a Wiznet W5500 or W5100S Ethernet controller, ensuring reliable connectivity for projects that require internet access.

The Radxa X4 features a powerful Rockchip RK3399 processor, which includes a dual-core Cortex-A72 and a quad-core Cortex-A53, providing significant performance for various applications. It also comes with up to 4GB of RAM and supports multiple storage options including eMMC, microSD, and a PCIe slot for additional flexibility.

Seon Rozenblum, aka Unexpected Maker, introduces the OMG-S3, touted as the smallest Espressif ESP32-S3 development board available. This is a compact board, utilizing a dual-core processor, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and various I/O options.

Infineon launched a new CO2 sensor that accurately monitors indoor air quality by measuring carbon dioxide levels in real-time. The sensor features a compact design and offers low power consumption, making it well-suited for various applications like smart homes and HVAC systems.

Designing a chip on a tight budget can be tricky, but there are resources available that make the process smoother. Recommendations for helpful books and guides kick off a series aimed at sharing strategies and insights for creating cost-effective chip designs.

A Raspberry Pi Pico powers a new nerve stimulation device that shows potential in reducing Tourette syndrome tics. The developer, who has tics himself, highlights its affordable design and the possibility of tailoring treatment to individual patients, offering hope for better management of the condition.

Not all oscilloscopes are the same; key differences lie in their analog-to-digital converters (ADC) and noise performance. Higher-quality ADCs and a low noise floor lead to more accurate signal measurements and better overall performance.

Researchers developed an ultrathin inorganic device that can detect wireless biomarkers for various health conditions. This innovative technology enables continuous monitoring of important health indicators without the need for bulky equipment.

September 2024

European Microwave Week (EuMW)

Location: Paris, France

Time: September 22-27, 2024

Description: A premier event for microwave, RF, wireless, and radar technologies, featuring conferences and an exhibition.

ECOC (European Conference on Optical Communication)

Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Time: September 23-25, 2024

Description: ECOC is a major conference and exhibition for the optical communication industry, featuring the latest in fiber optics and photonics.

European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC)

Location: Vienna, Austria

Time: September 23-27, 2024

Description: A leading event for the global solar PV sector, covering the latest research and developments in photovoltaic technology.

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