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Learn it all

Malachai — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 16:13:13 GMT

Hello, it's nice to meet like minded people. I've forgotten more than I knew in the past due to a brain injury. Time to rebuild.

I have slight awareness in a lot of concepts. I have extensive history in mechanical sciences as a cnc programmer and heavy machinist of 25 years. I learned a lot about problem solving and solutions building but would love to engage with individuals who have the patience to help me learn about applied power systems, robotics, anduino, and more. I greatly look forward to learning/relearning basic concept and theory; untoward advanced robotics, automation, and building.

I would like to build autonomous drone applications for ground,water, and air. I am the out of the box problem solver guy that had issues putting brain to paper to project. In that regard, I would like to participate in problem solving groups, and learn what I can while engaging.

Unorthodox? Perhaps.... but we all work differently don't we?

Got a Giveaway from element14 for current sensing quiz

manojroy123 — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:29:52 GMT

Giveaway received from element14 as a winner for current sensing quiz

I was looking for such scope where I can connect it to a computer for testing my electronics circuit and make a content about that circuit. This scope gives me those possibility.

Above is a Usb cable for connecting the scope to the computer.

Scope probe for testing your circuit.

the above scope is a 25 Mhz scope. It is good for testing of DC to DC convertor, and audio electronics. I will probably be using this scope for making a lot of Audio related circuit and would be sharing on it on element14.

Experimenting with Op Amps: active full-wave rectifier

Jan Cumps — Fri, 12 May 2023 21:00:29 GMT

The Art Of Electronics features a set of practical op-amp circuits. They have several full-wave rectifiers. I'm trying the simplest one. You don't need fancy devices. A pair of 741s will do.

The circuit:

image source: my copy of the book. fair use.

Looking at the node where the arrow points to:

for positive values, the first op-amp is an inverting buffer.
for negative values, the op-amp output has a 0.6V dc bias, the right side of the feedback resistor will be at 0 V (ground).
hint: the 0.6 V output is generated by the op-amp to drive the inverting input to the same value as the + input (ground), effectively clamping the output to 1 diode drop above ground.

Looking at the second op-amp:

it is an op-amp with a summing node. Two signals at the inverting input are summed and inverted. The amplification factor is defined by the input resistor and the feedback resistor.
for the input signal, the amplification = -1 * R/R = -1 (the input resistance equals the feedback resistance, resulting in the -1 amplification factor, doubling and inverting the signal)
for the signal coming from op-amp 1, the amplification = -1 * R / (R/2) = -2 (the input resistance is half the feedback resistance, resulting in the -2 amplification factor)
it is an inverting amplifier for the input. Both positive and negative signals are amplified by -1.
for the signal coming from the first op-amp, it acts as a -2 amplifier.
for positive inputs, this results in Vin * -1 + Vin * -1 * -2 = -Vin + 2Vin = Vin -> result: Vin, positive Vin comes out as positive Vin (see comment)
for negative inputs, this results in Vin * -1 (making Vin positive) + Vin * 0 * -1 -> result -Vin: negative Vin comes out as positive Vin

Here is the result: The blue line is the output. Underneath it, you see the input. The output overlaps the input for the positive part. It inverses the negative part. No diode drop.

Would You Like To Play Around with a Live Fiber Optics Detector?

rscasny — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 22:26:58 GMT

We have 3 of Fluke's Fiber Optics Detectors in our office. Would you like one to play around with?

For more information

Here's some info about the detector:

Quickly verify fiber activity, polarity, and connectivity with the FiberLert™ Live Fiber Detector. This pocket-sized tool tests single-mode, multimode, UPC and APC patch cords and ports with a non-contact / non contaminating detector.

The LightBeat™ feature flashes the LED, indicating a powered-on condition andgood battery, a timer shuts FiberLert™ off after five minutes of inactivity to extend battery life (2xAAA, included).

Detects optical power in single-mode and multimode fiber wavelengths (near infrared range 850 nm to 1625 nm)
No setup or interpretation needed – light and sound indicate presence of an optical signal
“Non contact” detector reduces the risk of contamination and damageSuitable for ports and patch cords, SM, MM, UPC and APC connections
LightBeat™ flashes to indicate operation and battery status; powers off after five minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life (2xAAA, included)

How do get in the running to receive this detector?

Take our short 10-question quiz. Click here.

Possible Essentials Topics

dougw — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:39:48 GMT

The Essentials program has had so many topics it may be tough to come up with new topics.

If new topics are needed here are some suggestions - I can't recall seeing the following essentials topics although some may have been on e14 Presents:

cameras or light/vision sensors
microphones
speakers
displacement sensors
switches

POLL Do You Have Any Plans to Develop with Bluetooth LE Audio?

rscasny — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 18:19:44 GMT

Bluetooth LE Audio is the next evolution of Bluetooth’s audio capabilities. It has some new features such as Broadcast Audio, which we discussed in a recent Essentials.

What plans, if any do you have at your day job or in your spare time to use BLE Audio to develop a new product, build a new audio project, explore it's capabilities, etc.

[Please visit the site to access the poll]

Alphabetical List of Engineering Essentials Learning Modules (Updated January 14 2024)

rscasny — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 16:40:44 GMT

This page provides an alphabetical listing of element14 Essentials learning modules by topic. It was updated on Jan 14, 2024.

AI at the Edge t

Analog Electronics – Precision Measurement

Artificial Intelligence

Audio Op Amps

Automotive Connectors t

Automotive Sensors

Basics of Connectors t

Bluetooth LE Features and Applications

Cellular IOT

Circuit Breakers

Control Panel Design

Current Sensing and Measurement

DC/DC Converters

DC Power: High Power Conversion & Wide Bandgap Technology

Debugging – Prog. Devices

Designing an FPGA-based PCB

Designing an IO-Link Sensor - Industrial Sensing

End Launch Connectors t

Energy Harvesting Electronics

Energy Storage Electronics

Flat Flexible Cables (Premo-Flex) and Interconnects t

Force Sensors t

FPGAs – Getting Started

GaNFETs

Hard and Soft Processors in Programmable Logic

High Performance Interconnects for FPGA Applications t

High Speed Connectors t

HVACR Sensors t

Hydrogen Power

IC Sensors t

Industrial Connectors t

Industrial IOT

Industrial MCUs - Applications

Industrial Power Supplies

Industrial Sensors

Inference for Machine Learning

IO Link Sensors t

IOT Remote Monitoring

Motor Drive Control for Makers

Motor Drive and Efficiency

NFC Protocol

Optocouplers

Optical Spectrometers

PCB-mounted Fuses

PLC and Ladder Logic Programming

Power and Connectivity in Industrial Automation

Power Essentials for Makers

RF and End Launch Applications

RF Spectrum Analyzer

Sealed Connectors t

Secure Authentication with the Internet of Things

Secure MCUs – IOT Edge

Sensors – IOT Wearables

Single Board Computers

Smart Power Distribution

Source Measure Units

Specialty Op Amps for High Voltage and Precision Applications

Static Control: Electrostatic Discharge and Prevention

Surge Protection

Time of Flight Sensors t

Traceability

Variable Frequency Drives

Voltage References

Wi-Fi Protocol

Wind Power / Wind Turbine Technology

Wireless MCUs

Zigbee Protocol

Refreshing New Topics for the Essentials Program

rscasny — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 21:15:05 GMT

In the coming year, we want to offer topics that element14 members want to know more about. In the past, we have focused on hardware components or technologies such as IOT that many members have an interest in. IOT is an interesting topic and I feel is still an emerging technology with a lot of room for learning.

But I think want to shake the tree a bit and offer refreshing topics that a lot of people are excited about.

For starters, I was thinking at the end of this year to offer a Fundamentals on C, C++, Embedded C, or Java, etc. (Only one of them!) That's what comes to my mind. We aren't committed to those topics yet. We want to be flexible in the topics presented.

On the other side of the coin, I'm not really looking for topics that are very niche, such as Control Theory, How To Hack Your PC (that's e14 Presents Territory), Fast Fourier Transforms (may not have a lot of interest with our makers?), etc.

Now you may debate my opinion that they are niche, and that's fine. I could be persuaded otherwise, but I'm looking to offer topics that have broad appeal on element14, that is, would appeal to a lot of different people.

I do feel that software-oriented learning is very important. But that's not the only thing. I am fascinated about the quick evolution of 3D printing, too.

So, that's what's on my mind.

What do you think?

What would you like to learn about in the coming year?

Randall

--element14 Team

Femto tech Microcontroller or microprocessor

SalmanLanjekar — Tue, 10 May 2022 15:51:39 GMT

Does we have developed below nano like femto or on pico scale yet?

I'd like to learn the basics of either VHDL or Verilog Programming

kkazem — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 21:56:00 GMT

It seems that FPGAs are a hot topic these days and becoming more important all the time. A few years ago, I never thought I would use an FPGA, but that's changed now. I had a brief intro to VDHL at UC, Irvine in Electrical Engineering school, but us students we're really on our own with just a book. I'd like to see a tutorial or short course with the basics of programming in VDHL or Verilog or both. I realize there are differences, such as that one of them is strongly typed and the other is not. But I think it would be useful to learn the basics of both.

Why does every one need to reinvent the wheel??

phoenixcomm — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 02:24:54 GMT

First I have a civil engineering degree with a double minor

EE
CS (Computer Science)

This makes me dangerous. Take for example:Episode 523: Make your Own Auto-Sensing Solder Fume Extractor, Katie sadly started to build a bigger box:

A sensor
An Arduino
Time to code this thing.

Katie did not look at form or function or what do I don't need ( anything from the list).

My approach is very minimalistic.

AC Solid State Relay, the output of the relay (load) goes to the fume extractor) (so ok If you have a DC fan toss in a transformer and some diodes.
FINS!

The Black wire is further away from the switch. The white or Neutral goes to the neutral side and you're done.

So now when you turn on my Metcal solder system the fume extracted is on as well.

If you don't understand this let me know And I will whip up a print!!!!

~~Cris

Learning Center tutorial progress tracking

merrittgene — Thu, 14 May 2020 13:13:46 GMT

Is there any way to track my progress thru Learning Center tutorials, similar to how Khan Academy works, or any type of badges/achievements?

GIT course

dougw — Fri, 01 May 2020 17:22:55 GMT

It might be useful to present an introduction and basic user guide to GIT repository …..

Know Your Manufacturers

dougw — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 14:48:50 GMT

If you are looking for more Essentials topics, how about a topic on manufacturers and what they make. It is important to know who makes what as well as what the performance is.

Some Essentials modules are biased towards a particular manufacturer, which is okay, but this could be a more general or agnostic set of information.

Of course it is a giant topic, which allows room for lots of modules.

Help need a way to waterproof a board

craigst — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 22:39:12 GMT

I have no idea where to ask and I cant find a way to waterproof a board , I have seen videos only of sum liquid you can brush on and make it water proof but don't know where

the board wont be under water but water can rain on it so would like to coat it to stop it failing after I clean it

thanks for any guidance

In the discuss menu what happened to TI LaunchPads??

phoenixcomm — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 15:43:56 GMT

In the Discuss Menu from the main bar, there are Items for

design such as:
- Altium
- Eagle
SBC centric such as:
- Arduino
- BeagleBoard
- Raspberry Pi
- Single Board Computers (really all of the above)
As well as other topics

But there is one glaring omission in item 2 or the SBCs. You forgot to put in the TI LaunchPad Series.

End of rant

Advice needed! Need to re-wire an air pump with special features...

ellbobeee — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 15:20:45 GMT

Hi there,

I have a technical 'problem' which a Farnell employee thought might be worth posing to the community on here.

I am an artist and I am looking to make a 'breathing' sculpture.

I have started by buying a battery operated air pump (designed for mattresses etc.) which has a power supply input bit so that the batteries (7.5V DC 300mA) can be re-charged when the pump is not in use.

What I had hoped to be able to do was re-wire the pump to include a) a dial which allows me to lessen the speed of the fan (or can this be done by using lower voltage batteries?) and b) to solder in a sort of intermittent timer so that the fan comes on and off every 5 seconds or so, giving the impression of breathing.

If anyone can help with this I would be very grateful! I don't have much of a budget... :-)

PARALLEL CURRENT

salesm21 — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 20:21:15 GMT

Recently been thinking about the ways current flows through a parallel circuit and it confuses me. So all connections on a parallel circuit are at equal potentials with the source. So no two components are getting anymore or less energy than the others. However based on the resistive nature of that branch will determine the current that is pushed through that part. So id like to simplify this by taking two circuits with equivalent parts. Both circuits have a DC source of 10V and each has 5 resistors equaling 5 ohms each. In series each resistor would draw away not current but the energy that is propelling electrons down the conductor. The circuit has .4A of current. In a parallel circuit all five have 10volts dropped on them and therefore each has its own current (In this case they would all be identical but each is drawing a separate current.) My question is where does all the extra current come from? Is it front the extra paths or was it always in the source?

Current question

salesm21 — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 05:15:10 GMT

Attatched I have a photo of a small circuit I set up (I know its simple but I am just starting out) and realized something weird. When I put my test leads over my resistor I got very low resistance on my resistor which I thought would take the majority of the drop since the led offers little resistance. Also odd was when I turned my MM onto amps the DC power supplies current reading went up. Why is that?

Ohms law

salesm21 — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 01:05:46 GMT

To anyone who can help,

I have been recently wondering about something rather simple. Why is it in ohms law does R=V/I & I=V/R? This means that voltage is proportional to both resistance and current? I know the more voltage you have the more energy is given to each coloumb of charge but why is it that when 1 volt of energy is in 1 C of charge is there 1 ohm?

What 'Essentials' Electronics Topic would you like to Learn More About?

jwatson — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 10:30:36 GMT

Enjoy DIY Learning Modules designed for engineers:

Short, self-paced learning anywhere, anytime
Technologies, Applications & Trivia

See Current Essentials Offerings

What Do You Want to Learn Next? Share Your Suggestion by Replying below!

Does anyone know the value of Er of FR4?

COMPACT — Fri, 27 May 2016 01:33:36 GMT

Does anyone know the value of Er of FR4?