VoltJots

Issue 12

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’s newsletter is packed with great reads, and here’s just a selection of what’s in store. The latest Arduino IDE 2.3.3 update brings collaborative coding and command-line features to the table, while the Raspberry Pi AI Camera opens up affordable AI experimentation for makers. For those into music and robotics, check out the rugged Arduino Uno Synth Controller and the ultra-compact Microbot CodeCell. And if you’re diving into I2C design, there’s a helpful guide on managing capacitance and resistance for better signal integrity. There’s plenty more to explore!

Enjoy! Till next week,

VoltJots

The Arduino IDE 2.3.3 release introduces Shared Spaces support for collaborative development, integration with Arduino CLI 1.x for command-line operations, and the ability to cancel verify and upload actions. It also improves custom board options, along with general bug fixes and performance enhancements for a smoother experience.

Researchers developed a new material that effectively suppresses thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, enhancing safety and performance. This innovation aims to reduce the risk of overheating and improve the longevity of battery systems.

EDA's Big Three: Cadence, Synopsys, and Mentor Graphics, compete in the AI-driven electronic design automation market. They focus on using artificial intelligence to enhance chip design processes and improve efficiency in semiconductor production.

The Raspberry Pi AI Camera offers an affordable way to integrate artificial intelligence into various projects, featuring a 12-megapixel camera and built-in machine learning capabilities. Users can easily set up the system for tasks like object recognition and image classification, enhancing DIY projects and experimentation with AI.

Can you run the classic video game Quake on an Arduino Nano Matter-based handheld with 256KB of RAM - read on to find out.

AMD introduces new EPYC embedded processors designed for compute-intensive, low-energy devices, focusing on enhancing performance while maintaining energy efficiency. These processors target applications in cloud computing, telecommunications, and edge computing, offering advanced capabilities and scalability.

This project focuses on integrating small language models (SLMs) into Raspberry Pi 5, transforming it into a local AI hub for real-time data processing. By using Ollama, an open-source framework for running models like Microsoft Phi and Meta Llama on edge devices, you can create responsive, privacy-preserving applications even in low-connectivity environments.

This project guides you through setting up and optimizing these models for real-world use with Python.

Not a new tutorial, but still a goody. The Nordic nRF52840 chip supports advanced Bluetooth 5 functionalities and offers improved range and data rates. It allows users to develop applications easily using the Arduino IDE, making it accessible for various projects.

This guide shows how to create a fast audio spectrum analyzer using an Arduino and an LED strip. It provides step-by-step instructions, including necessary components and assembly tips to visualize sound frequencies in real time.

Load cell + microcontroller = precision weight measurement for superior espresso. The Clue Coffee Scale provides an innovative way to measure coffee grounds and brew ratios using a digital scale and an accompanying app. Users can connect their phones via Bluetooth to track measurements, adjust parameters, and save brewing recipes.

The ruggedized Arduino Uno Synth Controller combines a robust design with the capabilities of the Arduino platform to create a versatile musical instrument. It includes features like six potentiometers for sound manipulation and offers MIDI support for integration with other devices.

The smart grain portioner uses sensors and audio feedback to measure and dispense the right amount of grains for visually impaired individuals.

This project combines AI-assisted coding with IoT technology to create a secure coding environment. It uses sensors and software to monitor the environment, ensuring that coding activities remain safe and efficient.

Microbot's CodeCell features an ESP32-C3, a radio that supports WiFi and Bluetooth, a light sensor, and a nine-axis IMU, all within an 18 x 18 mm PCB. This compact design holds significant potential for powering creative tiny robots.

The Things Indoor Gateway Pro combines an ESP32 microcontroller and a Semtech SX1302 chip to offer a managed LoRaWAN solution for indoor use. It features easy setup, multiple connectivity options, and supports a range of applications in smart buildings and IoT.

The ATOMS3R Camera Kit features a compact design with an M12 lens and uses the OV3660 sensor for capturing high-quality images. It connects easily to ATOMS modules for quick integration in projects, making it suitable for various applications like robotics and DIY electronics.

Würth Elektronik has launched the Ophelia III radio module, designed for wireless applications. It supports multiple frequency bands and features integrated protocols for IoT connectivity.

The evaluation kit showcases the benefits of LoRaWAN technology for smart home applications, enabling long-range wireless communication with low power consumption.

Arduino launched a new power management library designed to help developers lower power consumption in IoT and wearable devices. The library provides tools and strategies to optimize battery life and enhance energy efficiency in projects. Jump in and learn how to optimise power consumption without sacrificing performance or functionality.

I2C design involves understanding the effects of capacitance and resistance on signal integrity and communication speed. Here's how to calculate the maximum capacitance load and account for pull-up resistors to ensure reliable data transmission within the specifications.

The ESP32-S3 DevkitC features a variety of pins, including GPIO, power supply, and communication interfaces, making it versatile for various projects. This guide provides a detailed pinout diagram that identifies each pin's function, along with helpful information on using the development board effectively.

October 2024

International Conference on Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI-SoC)

Location: Tanger, Morocco

Time: October 6-9, 2024

Description: Focuses on VLSI design and system-on-chip (SoC) technology, featuring the latest research and developments.

The Battery Show

Location: Detroit, USA

Time: October 7-10, 2024

Description: Focuses on advanced battery technology for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and renewable energy sectors.

PCB West

Location: Santa Clara, USA

Time: October 8-11, 2024

Description: A leading conference and exhibition for the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, covering design, fabrication, and assembly.

Hong Kong Electronics Fair

Location: Hong Kong, China

Time: October 13-16, 2024

Description: One of the largest electronics fairs in Asia, it showcases a wide array of electronic products and services.

TAITRONICS

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Time: October 23-25, 2024

Description: An international electronics trade show featuring a wide range of electronic components, devices, and applications.

Korea Electronics Show (KES)

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Time: October 22-25, 2024

Description: Showcases a wide range of electronic products and technologies, from consumer electronics to industrial applications.

IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE)

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Time: October 20-24, 2024

Description: Focuses on energy conversion technologies, including power electronics and motor drives.

IEEE International Conference on Solid-State and Integrated Circuit Technology (ICSICT)

Location: Zhuhai, China

Time: October 22-25, 2024

Description: Focuses on solid-state and integrated circuit technology, including fabrication, design, and applications.

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