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 | WelcomeWelcome to the very first edition of the VoltJots newsletter, providing hand-curated links to the very best articles, tutorials, and sites to help you get your regular electronics fix. If you like this newsletter, don’t forget to tell your friends and family. |
In the news
Take a look into how Microchip is merging FPGA capabilities with their PIC microcontrollers, aiming to boost performance and flexibility. This combo lets developers tackle more complex projects with the adaptable power of FPGAs built right into the familiar PIC platform. It’s an exciting development for anyone working in embedded systems, opening up new possibilities and making advanced features more accessible.
A Raspberry Pi camera was supposed to have been a short-term passenger on ESA's YPSat, which was designed to record the first flight of the Ariane 6 rocket and then burn up in the atmosphere. But, due to some technical hiccups with the rocket's upper stage, YPSat and its Raspberry Pi camera are still orbiting Earth, even though they were only meant to last three hours.
Texas Instruments (TI) introduces an innovative magnetic packaging technology designed to revolutionize power modules. This breakthrough enables significantly smaller and more efficient power modules by integrating advanced magnetic components into the packaging itself. The new technology promises to enhance performance, reduce heat dissipation, and improve overall reliability in various applications, from consumer electronics to automotive systems.
Avnet has just launched a new brand called Tria™ to streamline their embedded compute design and manufacturing services. This new brand brings together all of Avnet’s capabilities under one roof, making it easier for OEMs to get their products from design to mass production quickly and efficiently.
Take a look at how AI technologies are being used to automate and enhance various aspects of PCB design, including layout optimization, error detection, and design rule checking. By incorporating AI, designers can achieve faster, more accurate results, reduce manual effort, and improve overall design efficiency.
Projects and tutorials
XDA Developers outlines five simple projects you can build using an ESP32 microcontroller. These projects are great for beginners and include:
Wi-Fi Scanner: Displays details of nearby wireless networks, such as SSID, signal strength, and encryption level.
Web Server: Hosts a basic web server on the ESP32 to control devices like LEDs through a webpage.
Weather Station: Measures environmental parameters like temperature, pressure, and humidity using sensors.
Smart Soil Monitor: Monitors soil moisture levels to help with plant care.
Surveillance Camera: Uses object recognition to create a basic security camera system
Tommy Liao has created an Arduino-compatible adapter that allows low-cost micrometers to communicate via serial. This innovative build enables precise measurements to be read and processed by microcontrollers, opening up new possibilities for DIY and professional projects. It's a cost-effective solution for integrating micrometers into digital systems without the need for expensive equipment.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) details how to enhance industrial operations through predictive maintenance using Amazon Monitron, AWS IoT TwinMaker, and Amazon Bedrock. This blog focuses on using 3D spatial visualization to monitor and analyze equipment health, predict potential failures, and optimize maintenance schedules. By integrating these technologies, businesses can gain real-time insights into their operations, improve decision-making, and reduce downtime, ultimately leading to more efficient and cost-effective industrial processes.
Adafruit showcases two innovative tricorder projects built using JavaScript and CircuitPython. These DIY devices, inspired by the iconic Star Trek tricorders, demonstrate how these programming languages can be utilized to create functional, portable tools for various applications.
Here's a step-by-step guide on creating a Heartbeat Display, a DIY project that visualizes heart rate data using LEDs. The tutorial details the components needed, including an Arduino microcontroller, heart rate sensor, and LEDs. It explains the assembly process, coding instructions, and how to calibrate the sensor to accurately display heartbeats. This project is aimed at hobbyists and beginners looking to learn more about electronics and programming through a hands-on, interactive project.
Products
Arduino's Intelligent Sensing products combine advanced sensors and powerful microcontroller platforms for a wide range of applications. This article showcases various Arduino boards and shields designed to simplify the integration of environmental, motion, and other types of sensors into projects.
In-depth
SensiML is open-sourcing its AutoML tool, Analytics Studio, which is designed for developing AI/ML applications at the edge. This initiative is expected to accelerate advancements in edge AI and TinyML by leveraging the collective expertise of the global developer community.
EDN explores how to capture and hold peak values in electronic measurements using a PIC microcontroller. This article provides a detailed approach for implementing peak-holding circuits with PICs, including circuit design and programming tips. By using this technique, engineers can ensure accurate and stable readings of transient signals, which is crucial for precise data acquisition and analysis in various electronic applications.
Oldies, but goodies
Here's an introductory guide to getting started with the ESP8266 WiFi transceiver. It covers the basic features of the ESP8266, including its low cost, versatility, and ease of use for IoT projects. The tutorial walks through setting up the hardware, installing necessary software, and writing simple code to connect the ESP8266 to a WiFi network. It also reviews the module's capabilities and potential applications, making it a valuable resource for beginners interested in exploring wireless connectivity and IoT development.
The ESP32 is a powerful microcontroller with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. This guide details the features of the ESP32, including its dual-core processor, versatility, and suitability for various IoT projects. It provides step-by-step instructions for setting up the hardware, installing the necessary development environment, and writing and uploading your first program. The tutorial also highlights the potential applications of the ESP32, making it an essential resource for beginners and hobbyists interested in IoT and embedded systems.
If you're looking to get started with the Raspberry Pi Pico W, a microcontroller with built-in WiFi capabilities, here's a great guide from Random Nerd Tutorials. The guide offers step-by-step instructions on setting up the hardware, installing the necessary software, and writing and running your first program. It also explores potential applications of the Pico W, making it an ideal starting point for beginners and hobbyists interested in IoT and microcontroller projects.
A beginner-friendly guide on getting started with MicroPython on the ESP32 and ESP8266 microcontrollers. It explains the advantages of using MicroPython, a lightweight version of Python, for programming these devices. The tutorial provides detailed instructions on setting up the development environment, flashing MicroPython firmware onto the microcontrollers, and writing and running basic Python scripts.
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