Developing an Open Hardware Device Programmer

This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series Open Universal Device Programmer

Introduction As an electronics enthusiast with over 50 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the dramatic evolution of computing systems. From the early days of 4 and 8-bit machines with minimal RAM to today’s powerful 64-bit computers with terabytes of storage, the progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. The same transformative

The Definitive Guide to RS-232 Communication: History, Standards, and Relevance in the Modern World

The Definitive Guide to RS-232 Communication: History, Standards, and Relevance in the Modern World
Serial COnnector Sub-D9

Introduction RS-232, often referred to as a legacy serial communication standard, has been the backbone of communication in electronics and computer systems for decades. Developed in the early 1960s, RS-232 became the standard for robust, reliable data transfer between computers, modems, and peripherals. While USB, TTL serial, and wireless protocols have supplanted RS-232 in consumer

Understanding Inductors: Types, Ratings, Applications, and Selection

This entry is part 6 of 6 in the series Introduction to Electronics

Inductors are essential components in electronics, used for storing energy in magnetic fields and managing current flow. This article explores the various types of inductors, their values, ratings, and applications in power supplies, RF circuits, and high-voltage systems. Learn how to select the right inductor for your project and understand key calculations like Q factor, voltage, and energy storage.

Resistor Basics: A Comprehensive Tutorial with Experiments

Resistor Basics: A Comprehensive Tutorial with Experiments
This entry is part 3 of 6 in the series Introduction to Electronics

Resistors are essential components in electronics, used to control current and voltage in a circuit. This tutorial explores the basics of resistors, including how to read resistor color codes, apply Ohm’s Law, and measure resistance with a multimeter. By completing a few simple experiments, you’ll gain practical knowledge about how resistors behave in series and parallel circuits, and how they limit current in real-world applications like LED circuits.

Understanding Resistors: Types, Power Ratings, High Voltage Applications, and Series & Parallel Circuits

Understanding Resistors: Types, Power Ratings, High Voltage Applications, and Series & Parallel Circuits
This entry is part 2 of 6 in the series Introduction to Electronics

Resistors are fundamental components in electronics, playing a crucial role in controlling current, dividing voltage, and safeguarding sensitive components. Though often simple in appearance, selecting the right resistor becomes complex when considering factors such as material, mounting, power dissipation, and performance in different circuit configurations. For high-voltage applications, additional considerations such as the resistor’s voltage

Introduction to Electronics for Hobbyists

Introduction to Electronics for Hobbyists
This entry is part 1 of 6 in the series Introduction to Electronics

Electronics is an exciting and rewarding hobby that allows you to build your own circuits and devices. This introduction explains the basics of electricity, including voltage, current, and resistance, and how they work together in electronic circuits. You’ll also learn about Ohm’s Law, which helps you calculate the relationship between these key concepts. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will give you a solid foundation to explore the world of electronics.

Understanding Unicode: A Deep Dive into Universal Text Encoding

Understanding Unicode: A Deep Dive into Universal Text Encoding

Unicode is a universal encoding standard designed to support every language and symbol in use today. This article provides an in-depth look into how Unicode works in application development, exploring the challenges of string comparison, normalization, and the multiple ways that the same visual character can be represented. Learn how to handle Unicode strings in Python, JavaScript, and C, and discover how normalization can resolve issues when comparing visually identical characters.

Introduction to Code Pages: Legacy Character Encoding Systems

Introduction to Code Pages: Legacy Character Encoding Systems

Code pages were once the backbone of character encoding in computers, providing a way to map binary values to text in different languages. However, they had significant limitations, particularly when dealing with multiple languages at once. This article explores the history of code pages, how they were used, and why they have been largely replaced by the modern Unicode standard, which offers a universal character set for all languages.

An Introduction to C for Arduino Users

Explore the essentials of C programming tailored for Arduino users. This comprehensive guide covers variables, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, and pointers, with practical code examples to help you harness the full potential of the Arduino platform.

Implementing Command Parsers on Arduino Over Serial

Introduction Command parsers are essential in embedded systems for receiving and interpreting commands from a host device, such as a computer or another microcontroller. In this article, we will explore how to implement command parsers on an Arduino over a serial connection, focusing on memory management, text buffer creation and use, string formatting, and handling