📃 Soldering SMDs with Hot-Air Tips
Modern electronic PCB assemblies make use of Surface Mount Devices (SMD). SMDs with very small and closely spaced leads are difficult to solder using a soldering iron. A hot-air soldering technique makes the job much easier and quicker, and produces robust solder joints that eliminate solder bridges on the leads.
Tips on soldering with hot air:
▫️ The temperature should be adjusted to assure the solder melts without damaging the component or the circuit board.
▫️ The solder pads on the circuit board should have a sufficient amount of solder already melted and solidified before the component is placed.
▫️ Once the component is placed squarely on the solder pads, the hot-air soldering station wand is placed directly above the part.
▫️ Quality solder joints are a combination of proper technique as well as proper equipment and materials.
▫️ The technique is a learned process which is optimized through experience.
#articles #electronics
Modern electronic PCB assemblies make use of Surface Mount Devices (SMD). SMDs with very small and closely spaced leads are difficult to solder using a soldering iron. A hot-air soldering technique makes the job much easier and quicker, and produces robust solder joints that eliminate solder bridges on the leads.
Tips on soldering with hot air:
▫️ The temperature should be adjusted to assure the solder melts without damaging the component or the circuit board.
▫️ The solder pads on the circuit board should have a sufficient amount of solder already melted and solidified before the component is placed.
▫️ Once the component is placed squarely on the solder pads, the hot-air soldering station wand is placed directly above the part.
▫️ Quality solder joints are a combination of proper technique as well as proper equipment and materials.
▫️ The technique is a learned process which is optimized through experience.
#articles #electronics
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🎬 Unknown ESP32 saving modes
We all know that we send our ESP32s to deep sleep to save energy. But do you know the other possibilities to save energy like light sleep and clock reduction? And what about modem sleep or hibernation?
https://youtu.be/JFDiqPHw3Vc
#video #esp32
We all know that we send our ESP32s to deep sleep to save energy. But do you know the other possibilities to save energy like light sleep and clock reduction? And what about modem sleep or hibernation?
https://youtu.be/JFDiqPHw3Vc
#video #esp32
YouTube
#410 Unknown ESP32 saving: Light Sleep, Clock Reduction, Modem Sleep, Hibernation, and a few tricks
We all know we send our ESP32s to deep sleep to save energy. But do you know other energy-saving possibilities like light sleep and clock reduction? And what about modem sleep or hibernation?
Links:
ESP32 Adapter board: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A1zQa8…
Links:
ESP32 Adapter board: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A1zQa8…
💻 Top 10 C++ Advantages over C in Embedded Systems
The article is comparing the most important aspects of these two programming languages with code examples.
▫️ Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) - In C++, the compiler will manage the data object for you.
▫️ Stronger Types - Where C will give you a warning (or just be silent), C++ will produce and error and force you to inspect the issue.
▫️ Template Programming - C++ is more concise, the exact same code can be used for a variety of types. The compiler then handles generating the function for different types.
▫️ RAII - “Resource Allocation is Initialization” means that every class has a constructor that allocates resources and a destructor that cleans them up.
▫️ Polymorphism - In C++, it means code can take multiple forms based on the context.
▫️ References - In C, you can pass by value or pass a pointer (by value). C++ has references which are basically more strict pointers.
#articles #programming
The article is comparing the most important aspects of these two programming languages with code examples.
▫️ Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) - In C++, the compiler will manage the data object for you.
▫️ Stronger Types - Where C will give you a warning (or just be silent), C++ will produce and error and force you to inspect the issue.
▫️ Template Programming - C++ is more concise, the exact same code can be used for a variety of types. The compiler then handles generating the function for different types.
▫️ RAII - “Resource Allocation is Initialization” means that every class has a constructor that allocates resources and a destructor that cleans them up.
▫️ Polymorphism - In C++, it means code can take multiple forms based on the context.
▫️ References - In C, you can pass by value or pass a pointer (by value). C++ has references which are basically more strict pointers.
#articles #programming
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📟 MutantW V1 – An open-source ESP32 smartwatch designed with Autodesk Fusion 360 and EAGLE
The smartwatch is equipped with a 1.7-inch IPS LCD display (non-touch), two hardware buttons, a NeoPixel RGB LED, a vibration motor, as being powered by an ESP32 SoC offers both 2.4GHz WiFi 4 Bluetooth LE connectivity.
MutantW V1 specifications:
▫️ WIreless module – A.i. Thinker ESP32-S WiFi and Bluetooth module with ESP32 dual-core processor @ 240MHz with 520KB SRAM, 4MB SPI flash
▫️ Display – 1.69-inch SPI IPS LCD display (ST7789 driver) with 280 x 240 resolution, scratch-resistant front glass.
▫️ Misc – 2x programmable buttons, NeoPixel RGB LED, vibration motor
▫️ Battery – 3.7V/200mAh LiPo battery likely good for one or two days; charged with 4-pin charging cable
More information...
#projects #esp32
The smartwatch is equipped with a 1.7-inch IPS LCD display (non-touch), two hardware buttons, a NeoPixel RGB LED, a vibration motor, as being powered by an ESP32 SoC offers both 2.4GHz WiFi 4 Bluetooth LE connectivity.
MutantW V1 specifications:
▫️ WIreless module – A.i. Thinker ESP32-S WiFi and Bluetooth module with ESP32 dual-core processor @ 240MHz with 520KB SRAM, 4MB SPI flash
▫️ Display – 1.69-inch SPI IPS LCD display (ST7789 driver) with 280 x 240 resolution, scratch-resistant front glass.
▫️ Misc – 2x programmable buttons, NeoPixel RGB LED, vibration motor
▫️ Battery – 3.7V/200mAh LiPo battery likely good for one or two days; charged with 4-pin charging cable
More information...
#projects #esp32
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📃 What are system integration issues with FPGAs?
The complexity of FPGAs is both a strength and a weakness. It’s a strength because of the many system performance benefits and capabilities they bring for designers to leverage. It’s a weakness because of the complexities of successfully integrating high pin-count FPGAs into high-speed systems.
As a result of FPGAs’ complex and extensive functional capabilities, debugging a new design can encompass 50% or more of the overall design time.
There are many challenges to deal with when integrating FPGAs into systems – including pin assignments that don’t work in the board layout, signal integrity problems on the board, power and grounding issues, parasitic package inductances, and more.
#articles #fpga
The complexity of FPGAs is both a strength and a weakness. It’s a strength because of the many system performance benefits and capabilities they bring for designers to leverage. It’s a weakness because of the complexities of successfully integrating high pin-count FPGAs into high-speed systems.
As a result of FPGAs’ complex and extensive functional capabilities, debugging a new design can encompass 50% or more of the overall design time.
There are many challenges to deal with when integrating FPGAs into systems – including pin assignments that don’t work in the board layout, signal integrity problems on the board, power and grounding issues, parasitic package inductances, and more.
#articles #fpga
👍5
🤖 Open Dynamic Robot Initiative
An Open Torque-Controlled Modular Robot Architecture for Legged Locomotion Research
This project originated in an effort to build a low cost and low complexity actuator module using brushless motors that can be used to build different types of torque controlled robots with mostly 3D printed and off-the-shelves components. This module, and extensions, can be used to build legged robots or manipulators.
All the hardware (drawings) and software has been open sourced under the BSD 3-clause license so the robots can easily be reproduced by other research laboratories.
More information:
Official website
Research article
Hardware Repository
Software Documentation
#projects #robots
An Open Torque-Controlled Modular Robot Architecture for Legged Locomotion Research
This project originated in an effort to build a low cost and low complexity actuator module using brushless motors that can be used to build different types of torque controlled robots with mostly 3D printed and off-the-shelves components. This module, and extensions, can be used to build legged robots or manipulators.
All the hardware (drawings) and software has been open sourced under the BSD 3-clause license so the robots can easily be reproduced by other research laboratories.
More information:
Official website
Research article
Hardware Repository
Software Documentation
#projects #robots
👍12
📃 7 ways to become a Full Stack Embedded Software Engineer
A short article with advices from the Senior Embedded Software Engineer and the inventor of CloudX
A Full Stack embedded Software Engineer (System Architect) is someone who has full knowledge of hardware, software, firmware, PCB designs etc.
A good embedded software engineer can develop hardware and all the source code that runs in the system, from board support package (BSP) to the user interface.
In Hardware, it means having great knowledge electronics interfaces like SPI, I2C, GPIO, UART, CAN etc. Good working knowledge of communication protocols like Bluetooth, MQTT, WIFI, etc.
In software, it means being able to understand and master the programming language used in communicating with the hardware, Embedded Software can be written either with low level or high level programming languages.
More information...
#articles #work
A short article with advices from the Senior Embedded Software Engineer and the inventor of CloudX
A Full Stack embedded Software Engineer (System Architect) is someone who has full knowledge of hardware, software, firmware, PCB designs etc.
A good embedded software engineer can develop hardware and all the source code that runs in the system, from board support package (BSP) to the user interface.
In Hardware, it means having great knowledge electronics interfaces like SPI, I2C, GPIO, UART, CAN etc. Good working knowledge of communication protocols like Bluetooth, MQTT, WIFI, etc.
In software, it means being able to understand and master the programming language used in communicating with the hardware, Embedded Software can be written either with low level or high level programming languages.
More information...
#articles #work
👍7
💻 5 Tips for Choosing an Embedded Programming Language
The language will depend on the type of software, the needs of their company, and the technical debt for maintaining the code.
▫️ Avoid Dead or Dying Languages: The once commonly used languages fade away and are replaced by something new.
▫️ Select Object-Oriented Languages: Selecting a programming language that supports object-oriented programming concepts is critical to building scalable and reusable software systems.
▫️ Use Standardized Languages Only: For instance, C++ has a well-defined standard, and the standard is updated every three years. As a result, developers are provided with new techniques and features to improve their software, making the language live.
▫️ Balance the Languages Run-time Weight: Teams should carefully consider the overhead associated with the language they choose.
▫️ Use the Language that is Right for You: Teams need to decide what features and language best fit your needs.
#articles #programming
The language will depend on the type of software, the needs of their company, and the technical debt for maintaining the code.
▫️ Avoid Dead or Dying Languages: The once commonly used languages fade away and are replaced by something new.
▫️ Select Object-Oriented Languages: Selecting a programming language that supports object-oriented programming concepts is critical to building scalable and reusable software systems.
▫️ Use Standardized Languages Only: For instance, C++ has a well-defined standard, and the standard is updated every three years. As a result, developers are provided with new techniques and features to improve their software, making the language live.
▫️ Balance the Languages Run-time Weight: Teams should carefully consider the overhead associated with the language they choose.
▫️ Use the Language that is Right for You: Teams need to decide what features and language best fit your needs.
#articles #programming
👍6👎2
📰 Smartwatch developed at UCLA measures key stress hormone
Device opens new possibilities for personal health monitoring
The human body responds to stress, from the everyday to the extreme, by producing a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol levels traditionally have been evaluated through blood samples by professional labs.
Now, a UCLA research team has developed a device that could be a major step forward: a smartwatch that assesses cortisol levels found in sweat — accurately, noninvasively and in real time.
In the new smartwatch, a strip of specialized thin adhesive film collects tiny volumes of sweat, measurable in millionths of a liter. An attached sensor detects cortisol using engineered strands of DNA, called aptamers, which are designed so that a cortisol molecule will fit into each aptamer like a key fits a lock. When cortisol attaches, the aptamer changes shape in a way that alters electric fields at the surface of a transistor.
#news
Device opens new possibilities for personal health monitoring
The human body responds to stress, from the everyday to the extreme, by producing a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol levels traditionally have been evaluated through blood samples by professional labs.
Now, a UCLA research team has developed a device that could be a major step forward: a smartwatch that assesses cortisol levels found in sweat — accurately, noninvasively and in real time.
In the new smartwatch, a strip of specialized thin adhesive film collects tiny volumes of sweat, measurable in millionths of a liter. An attached sensor detects cortisol using engineered strands of DNA, called aptamers, which are designed so that a cortisol molecule will fit into each aptamer like a key fits a lock. When cortisol attaches, the aptamer changes shape in a way that alters electric fields at the surface of a transistor.
#news
👍15
📰 Challenger RP2040 LoRa board
Raspberry Pi Pico's RP2040 Gains Long-Range Radio
Invector Labs is now offering a variant of the WiFi-based Challenger RP2040 board with a LoRa radio. The Challenger RP2040 LoRa board features the Hope RF RFM95W LoRa radio transceiver module instead of the ESP8285 Wi-Fi chip found in the original board.
Specifications:
▫️ MCU – Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core Cortex-M0+
▫️ Storage – 8MB flash
▫️ Wireless module – Hope RF RFM95W connected via SPI channel and some GPIOs
▫️ I/Os via Adafruit Feather compatible headers
▫️ Power Supply - 5V via USB Type-C port
▫️ Misc – Neopixel RGB LED, BOOT and RESET buttons, u.FL Wi-Fi antenna connector
We’re being told the Challenger RP2040 LoRa is programmable with Arduino, CircuitPython, and Micropython, but at the time of writing, no documentation is available yet.
#news #boards
Raspberry Pi Pico's RP2040 Gains Long-Range Radio
Invector Labs is now offering a variant of the WiFi-based Challenger RP2040 board with a LoRa radio. The Challenger RP2040 LoRa board features the Hope RF RFM95W LoRa radio transceiver module instead of the ESP8285 Wi-Fi chip found in the original board.
Specifications:
▫️ MCU – Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core Cortex-M0+
▫️ Storage – 8MB flash
▫️ Wireless module – Hope RF RFM95W connected via SPI channel and some GPIOs
▫️ I/Os via Adafruit Feather compatible headers
▫️ Power Supply - 5V via USB Type-C port
▫️ Misc – Neopixel RGB LED, BOOT and RESET buttons, u.FL Wi-Fi antenna connector
We’re being told the Challenger RP2040 LoRa is programmable with Arduino, CircuitPython, and Micropython, but at the time of writing, no documentation is available yet.
#news #boards
👍5
🎚 RP2040 Stamp Review: Condensed Pico Platform
Distilling the Raspberry Pi Pico experience into a one inch square board
This $12, one-inch square board resembles a postage stamp but emblazoned on the center is the familiar RP2040 SoC, along with 8MB of flash storage and a full complement of GPIO pins forming a perimeter of castellations around the board.
Speaking of GPIO pins, RP2040 Stamp has a few extras built in. On the underside of the board, we spotted breakouts for USB (D+ and D-), Battery and serial debug (SWCLK, SWDIO) which enables the board to work with the carrier board, but more importantly it enables it to work with your custom board.
This isn’t for everyone, but if you need the power of the RP2040 in a small and convenient form factor, then RP2040 Stamp is for you. Ease of use, great form factor and a full GPIO make this a great way to make your own boards.
Benefits of the board:
▫️ Small form factor
▫️ GPIO selection is excellent
▫️ PCB Design footprints
▫️ Ease of use
#boards #raspberry
Distilling the Raspberry Pi Pico experience into a one inch square board
This $12, one-inch square board resembles a postage stamp but emblazoned on the center is the familiar RP2040 SoC, along with 8MB of flash storage and a full complement of GPIO pins forming a perimeter of castellations around the board.
Speaking of GPIO pins, RP2040 Stamp has a few extras built in. On the underside of the board, we spotted breakouts for USB (D+ and D-), Battery and serial debug (SWCLK, SWDIO) which enables the board to work with the carrier board, but more importantly it enables it to work with your custom board.
This isn’t for everyone, but if you need the power of the RP2040 in a small and convenient form factor, then RP2040 Stamp is for you. Ease of use, great form factor and a full GPIO make this a great way to make your own boards.
Benefits of the board:
▫️ Small form factor
▫️ GPIO selection is excellent
▫️ PCB Design footprints
▫️ Ease of use
#boards #raspberry
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