VoltJots

Issue 11

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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This week’s lineup is packed with fresh ideas and practical projects. First up, NXP's i.MX RT700 microcontroller promises a jaw-dropping 200x improvement in edge AI performance, opening doors for advanced applications. On the DIY front, we've got a guide to using a Neo-6M GPS module with an ESP32 in MicroPython, and an IoT air quality monitoring system powered by the ESP8266. We also take a nostalgic trip back in time with Arduino's new Plug and Make kits, recreating classic games like Flappy Bird and Pong. Plus, the ESP32-C6 debuts with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a built-in TFT display, and Pimoroni’s Pico Plus 2 W brings a mysterious new Wi-Fi chip to the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.

Enjoy! Till next week,

VoltJots

NXP introduces the i.MX RT700 microcontroller, which boasts performance enhancements that offer up to 200 times the edge AI capabilities compared to previous models. This microcontroller features a dual-core architecture, integrated hardware accelerators, and advanced security features to support a wide range of applications.

Researchers developed diamond-based sensors that accurately measure temperatures at the nanoscale using the unique properties of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. These sensors exhibit high sensitivity and allow for precise temperature readings in tiny and complex environments.

IoT technology drives innovation in the life sciences manufacturing sector by enhancing precision, monitoring, and data collection. This integration helps companies improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes in their production lines.

Maker Faire Rome 2024 will highlight the Enthusiastic Electronics Crew, showcasing their innovative projects and collaborative spirit. The event aims to inspire makers with hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and the latest technological advancements in the maker community, emphasizing creativity and community engagement.

Learn how to use a Neo-6M GPS module with an ESP32 device by setting up the hardware connections and coding with MicroPython. This tutorial walks through the process of installing necessary libraries, writing the code to read GPS data, and displaying the coordinates.

You can build a resistor color code calculator and ohmmeter using Arduino components. The project provides detailed instructions on wiring the circuit and coding the Arduino to read resistor values and display color codes.

This project uses an ESP8266 module to create an IoT-based air quality index monitoring system that tracks air pollution levels. It connects to various sensors to measure pollutants and uploads this data to a web server for real-time monitoring and analysis.

Arduino has introduced two new "Plug and Make Kit" projects: Flappy LED, which recreates the Flappy Bird game using an LED matrix, and LED Pong, a two-player version of the classic Pong game, both built with modular components from the kit.

This project uses an Arduino to create a sound-activated servo motor control. It includes a microphone module to detect sound and drive a servo based on the input level, with a detailed schematic and code provided for implementation. It features adjustable sensitivity and can be used in sound-reactive robotic projects or installations.

Waveshare offers a 4-inch Spectra 6 color e-paper display designed for use with Raspberry Pi 5. The display features a resolution of 800x480 pixels and supports various interfaces, including SPI, making it suitable for low-power, high-visibility applications.

The ESP32-C6 development board features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, along with a USB-C interface. It includes a built-in 1.47-inch TFT LCD display for easy visualization and interaction.

The Cytron Motion 2350 Pro offers a powerful motor controller designed for Raspberry Pi Pico projects, enabling users to control DC motors easily. It features a compact size, various connectivity options, and built-in protection against overheating and overcurrent, making it a robust choice for robotics and automation enthusiasts.

The Adafruit Feather RP2350 board features an HSTX port that supports video output and various display interfaces. It offers a compact design ideal for projects requiring video capabilities.

The Lana TNY CH32V203 mini microcontroller board features low power consumption and a compact design, making it ideal for embedded applications. It offers multiple GPIO pins, supports various communication interfaces, and includes a USB-C connection for easy programming and power supply.

This application note explains how PCB grounding plays a crucial role in managing electrostatic discharge (ESD) behavior. It details the impact of different grounding techniques on ESD performance and presents testing methods to evaluate grounding effectiveness.

You can use the tio command-line utility to connect to serial devices on Linux. The guide provides clear instructions on installing tio, configuring serial port settings, and using various command options to interact with your devices.

Five key tech trends that enhance IoT include smarter devices that use AI, faster connectivity supported by 5G, simplified deployment processes, safer security measures, and enhanced privacy frameworks. These trends aim to improve efficiency, user experience, and overall reliability in IoT environments.

This is a bit of a long read, which outlines how emerging technology trends such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and automation drive innovation across various industries by enhancing efficiency and decision-making.

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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