Electronics-Lab.com Blog

Compact RFID modules ID12 and ID20 can be marked by right as simple to use and reliable RFID components working with 125 kHz frequency.

Both types contain an internal antenna, thus eliminating the need of its design, production and tuning of a resonant circuit. Further, modules ID12 and ID20 contain all necessary circuitry, that´s why to produce a working RFID device, it is only necessary to connect these modules to a control unit – most often to a microcontroller. It can be said, that ID12 and ID20 represent a ready-to-use solution for a very affordable price.

If you take a look at the ID12/ID20 application circuit, you´ll find it extremely simple and also the same for both types. The main difference for both types is the range – ID12 has a 12+cm range and ID20 has 16+ cm. Corresponding to their range, has ID12 smaller dimensions and a lower power consumption than ID20.

In case, that you prefer an external antenna, you can use the ID2, module delivered with a wire-wound antenna, which only needs to be suitably placed and connected to the module. For some applications also the version of ID12 with an USB interface can be convenient – ID2-ID12USB, which can be connected directly to a PC. In case, you prefer Mifare RFID (13,56 MHz), you can use the ID20MFIA module.

Detailed information will provide you the ID2-ID20, ID12USB and ID20MFIA datasheets.

RFID all inclusive – implement RFID quickly and simply - [Link]

The Arduino team is now shipping their latest creation – the Leonardo. It is the first Arduino to use Atmelʼs ATmegaXU4 series chip with built-in USB. This change is big and it has big benefits. In addition to the built-in USB, it offers more digital and analog pins. This comprehensive guide gives you the details you need to know to start using it – pinout differences, hardware capabilities, new software libraries and more.

Arduino Leonardo versus Uno – What’s New - [Link]

Maxims proprietary one wire devices have been popular with hobbyist for a long time. The small and incredibly accurate (for hobbist) DS18B20 and DS18S20 series of temperature sensors from this family of devices have been used on many platforms.

I too have used this temperature sensor, DS18B20 in particular in some of my hobby projects. But on all occasions the code routines that I used to interface the sensors, had been the hard-work of somebody else. However that did not matter as it solved my immediate purpose then. Comprehensive and easy to use routines are available for AVR, PICs and the Arduino Community so why rack your brains!

Interfacing Maxim OneWire (1-Wire) devices DS18B20 on TI Launchpad MSP-EXP430G2 - [Link]

The LT8610 and LT8611 are 2.5A, 42V input capable synchronous step-down switching regulators. Synchronous rectification delivers efficiency as high as 96% while Burst Mode operation keeps quiescent current under 2.5µA in no-load standby conditions. A 3.4V to 42V input voltage range makes the parts ideal for automotive and industrial applications. Internal 3.5A switches can deliver up to 2.5A of continuous output current to voltages as low as 0.97V. The LT8611 includes all of the features of the LT8610, plus a built-in current sense amplifier with monitor and control pins, enabling accurate input or output current regulation and limiting.

LT8610 – 42V, 2.5A Synchronous Step-Down Regulator - [Link]

This is a dual-output switch mode power supply reference design based on the MAX17116. The part and reference circuit can provide both negative and positive supplies to AMOLED displays. [via]

The MAX17116 includes two current-mode 1.4MHz switch mode power-supply (SMPS) regulators for active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. The positive supply is provided by a step-up regulator with a synchronous rectifier. The negative supply is provided by an inverting regulator with a synchronous rectifier.

Dual-output DC/DC power supply for AMOLED - [Link]

logiccircuit.org writes: [via]

LogicCircuit is free, open source educational software for designing and simulating digital logic circuits. It has an intuitive graphical user interface allowing you to create unrestricted circuit hierarchy with multi-bit buses, debug circuits behavior with oscilloscope, and navigate running circuits hierarchy.

LogicCircuit - [Link]

It can be a challenge to interface 5volt stuff with modern 3.3volt microcontrollers like an ARM or MSP430. This app note covers several circuits for voltage translation on input, output, and bidirectional pins. [via]

The interfacing of the 3-V MSP430x1xx and MSP430x4xx  microcontroller families to circuits with a supply of 5 V or  higher is shown. Input, output and I/O interfaces are given and explained. Worst-case design equations are provided, where  necessary. Some simple power supplies generating both voltages are shown, too.

Interfacing a 3volt microcontroller to 5volt peripherals - [Link]

Maxim shows how to build a 112 watt DC-DC boost driver for long strings of LEDs. The driver is current controlled,with adjustable output from 0 to 1.5Amps. [via]

This reference design is for a high-voltage boost current source for very long strings of LEDs. Applications that use long LED strings include, but are not limited to, streetlights and parking garage lights. Long LED strings can be a very cost-effective way to drive LEDs. Also, since the LEDs will have exactly the same current, brightness variations are nicely controlled. This design has a 24V input, up to a 75V LED output, and drives 1.5A through the LED string (or strings, if paralleled). The measured input power is 115.49W and the output power is 111.6W for an efficiency of about 96.6%.

112W Boost driver for long strings of LEDs - [Link]

Marquardt 1820

Toggle switches Marquardt 1820 series represent switches with a long-term proven switching mechanism and a high reliability.

Toggle switches have their stable place already for many decades thanks to their properties, especially an easy control even at tight assembly of more pieces next to each other. Moreover, the actuation characteristics of 1820 series is very fluent – smooth and very pleasant from the user point of view. With a mechanical endurance of 50 000 cycles they provide a really reliable solution.

of these switches is very simple – by means of an M12 metal nut. Directly from our stock we offer you types 1821.6101 (0-1 SPST), 1823.1101 (1-1 SPDT) and 1824.1101 (1-1 DPDT). In the Marquardt 1820 datasheet can be found detailed specification, as well as a list of available accessories.

Elegant classics – Marquardt 1820 - [Link]

dangerousprototypes.com writes:

Flux is a wonderful goo that makes soldering faster and easier. In previous videos we compared different types of commercial flux (Flux off 1, Flux off 2), but did you know it’s possible to make a simple and effective flux at home? We’ll get you started, and don’t miss the giveaway at the end of the video. [via]

How to make a simple soldering flux - [Link]