Circuit Cellar Ink 139
February 2002

Table of Contents

6


Rob Walker

Task Manager

Care to Try Some PSoC?

8


John Gorsky

New Product News

  • Prometheus PC/104 SBC with Ethernet from Diamond Systems Corp.
  • QF 5.5 capacitive proximity sensor from Turck Inc.
  • PCD-4541 4-axis motion control chip from Nippon Pulse Motor Co., Ltd.
  • 30V power MOSFETs for 2.5-V gate drives from Vishay Siliconix

11


David Tweed

HTML Test Your EQ

12


Colin O'Flynn

It's a SNAP

A Flexible Communications Protocol

Finding the right communications protocol is an important step in the design of a network project. There are plenty of options to choose from, but Colin took a look at the Scalable Node Address Protocol (SNAP) and found out that it met all of the needs for his project.

Download: oflynn139.zip

20


Robert Lacoste

A Tracking Lab Power Supply

Stable and reliable, that's how we like our power supplies. The question is, how do you build one that meets the criteria? Going back to his engineering roots, Robert revisits building completely with analog devices. His creation is more than reliable, it's bulletproof.

28


Robert Bowen

Developing with Open-Source TCP/IP

Getting PCs and SBCs to reach their full communication potential is important. Robert says that more information about the essential components is always the best route to success, and he provides the info you'll need to get your Ethernet interface to speak TCP/IP.

Download: bowen139.zip

34


John West
Mark Stachew

Using a Median Filter

Understanding when to use median filters can save you time and money in the long run. As John and Mark describe, the applications of median filters range from automotive misfire detection to image processing software, but getting the numbers right is critical.

Download: west stachew139.zip

42


Stuart Ball

Inside a Digital Joystick

All work and no play is boring. Stuart's latest project brings us back to why many of us started down the engineering path: it's fun! In the process, he uncovered plenty of useful information about designing with switches, magnets, sensors, and other such joystick innards.

Download: ball139.zip

50


Stefan Hollos
Richard Hollos

A Guide to Varactors

Variable reactors turn up in most of today's radio and RF circuits, but they do more than just replace mechanical variable capacitors. Stefan and Richard explain some of the characteristics of varactors and how they handle capacitance, bias voltage, and distortion.

Download: hollos139.zip

56


Ed Nisley

Above the Ground Plane

UHF Voice Radio

Continuing to look at the Radiometrix radio transceiver module, Ed considers some of the ins and outs of working with the BiM2 setup. Tune in and you'll get plenty of useful information not only about this project, but about radio design considerations, as well.

Download: nisley139.zip

62


Fred Eady

Applied PCs

"The" Embedded Project, Part 2: Into the Hardware and Software

With parts in hand, Fred gets started on his mission to design a better way to program PIC flash memory in the field. Software and hardware setbacks stopped completion of "the" embedded project, so Fred takes us through some of the solutions he found.

Download: eady139.zip

70


Jeff Bachiochi

HTML From the Bench

What Good is IrD, Eh? Part 2: Wireless Communication

Jeff has kicked off a series of articles investigating the lower level of IrDA protocols. This month, he explains what each protocol layer offers in the way of services and opportunities.

78


Tom Cantrell

HTML Silicon Update

eZ Embedded Web

It's time for another look at the eZ80 offering. This month, Tom looks at how Zilog has enhanced the venerable Z80. With a Webserver Development Kit in hand, getting things up and running didn't take long.

94

Advertiser's Index / March Preview

96


Steve Ciarcia

HTML, HTML Priority Interrupt

United We Stand

Circuit Cellar Online


Fred Eady

PDF HTML Are Your Cygnals Crossed?

Taking a Look at Cygnal's C8051F000

In the Florida room, Fred finds himself in his usual predicament. He has new stuff he's not quite sure what to do with, but he's dying to find out. And, it doesn't take him long to delve in and figure out the ins and outs of the C8051F000 and take us through the details. His prognosis: positive.

Circuit Cellar Online


Aubrey Kagan

PDF HTML Do You Excel in Electronics?

Part 2: The Benefits of Using Excel

Last month, Aubrey took us through the basics of using Excel in the design process. In this second part of his series, we'll see how we can benefit from using the program for working out worst-case scenarios, checking formulas, and getting a complete analysis of the circuit. And that's just the beginning.

Circuit Cellar Online


James Antonakos

PDF HTML An Introduction to VHDL

Designing Hardware with Software

This month, James looks at designing a digital circuit using software, namely VHDL. You'll see the benefit of using a simulated model in designing. And, with his detailed look into the program, you'll have no problem applying what you've learned.

Circuit Cellar Online


George Martin

PDF HTML Lessons from the Trenches

Upgrading using Data Packets

Do you ever find yourself between a rock and a hard place? How about between two hard and fast system requirements? This month, George finds himself with a system that needs to operate as fast as possible, and with as smooth an upgrade to the hardware and software as possible. Sounds sticky, but as always, he makes his way out of it with only a few adjustments along the way.

Circuit Cellar Online


Tom Cantrell

PDF HTML Silicon Update Online

Dazed and Confused

With the start of a new year, we all invariable resolve to try new things, at the same time trying to remove some of the old clutter from our lives. This month, Tom discusses one of his favorite topics, networking. He takes us through the good and bad of it, showing us that less cables (i.e., going wireless) doesn't necessarily mean less clutter.

Circuit Cellar Online


David Tweed

HTML What's Your Engineering Quotient?

Test Your EQ presents some basic engineering problems for you to test your engineering quotient.

Circuit Cellar Online


Jenn Belmonte

Resource Links

Each month Circuit Cellar's Resource Links provide helpful links and information on a variety of featured topics.

Circuit Cellar Online


John Gorsky

New Product News

New Product submissions may be sent to John Gorsky, 4 Park St., Vernon, CT 06066.
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