Circuit Cellar Ink 223
February 2009

Table of Contents

4


CJ Abate

HTML Task Manager

PV Technology, Microstrips, and More

8


John Gorsky

HTML New Product News

14


Tom Kibalo

Wireless Module Control

An MCU-Based Irrigation Control System

Tom describes a PIC-based prototype design for a wireless water control system for EarthBoxes, which are gardening boxes with water reservoirs and fertilizer strips for cultivating plants and vegetables. The scalable design can accommodate various multiple-box configurations.

Download: Kibalo-223.zip

Above the Ground Plane

24


Ed Nisley

Solar Measurements

Techniques for Evaluating Panels

Is designing a photovoltaic system in your future? Ed describes how to model and measure the characteristics of a small panel. In doing so, he covers photovoltaic fundamentals, circuit modeling, and instrumentation.

Download: Nisley-223.zip

30


Larry Standage

ProcessorModification

Put Soft-Core Processors to Work

Want to change your processor? No problem. Larry explains how to use the flexibility of soft-core processors to make the processor you want.

Download: Standage-223.zip

43


Steve Hendrix

Power Switching in the Real World

Part 2: Practical Switching Arrangements

Steve continues his explanation of solid-state power switching by describing how to use a logic design to control real-world power. You can use his practical switching arrangements in your upcoming designs.

Silicon Update

50


Tom Cantrell

Here Come the Wadgets

As the catalog of wireless hardware options grows, so does the range of potential applications. This month, Tom introduces you to three new wireless gadgets, or "wadgets." There's something for everyone, from a mini-me Java machine to a wireless wire and everything in between.

From the Bench

57


Jeff Bachiochi

Access SD Memory Cards

Use the FAT File Format to Move Data

Jeff concludes his introduction to SD technology with information about using the FAT file format to move data. He also describes how to create directories and file entries, and delete, save, and append data using ring buffers.

Download: Bachiochi-223.zip

The Darker Side

64


Robert Lacoste

Microstrip Techniques

What are microstrips and how are they used in PCB designs? Robert sheds some light on the topic of microstrips and describes microstripping techniques that you can use at your workbench.

Download: Lacoste-223.zip

72

Crossword Puzzle

79

Advertiser's Index / March Preview

80


Steve Ciarcia

HTML Priority Interrupt

Are We Dumb Enough Yet?

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