Measure small LCs with a scope
Here is a simple way to measure an unknown inductance by forming a resonance LC circuit and measure it using an oscilloscope. Glen Chenier writes: One of our technicians recently asked for help determining the value of an SMT inductor. It was unmarked, and was many turns of very fine...
Continue ReadingMeasure Stress Levels Using a Smartphone
Researchers have developed a smartphone device that measures the cortisol concentration in saliva in order to define your stress levels. The new test is done in under 10 minutes and there is no need to send a salvina sample on a lab. The cost for each measurement is less than 5$...
Continue ReadingA biometric sensor for wearables – LG Innotek
LG Innotek has released an ultra-thin optical biometric sensor module designed to be used in wearables and smartphones to measure health parameters such as heartbeat, stress indicators and blood oxygen saturation level. The new sensor is more accurate than it's predecessors...
Continue ReadingSolarBoost – Make Your Own USB Solar Mobile Charger
SolarBoost is an open source smart interface that allows you to build your own powerful and portable solar charger for your phone and other mobile devices. It has two USB ports and can provide 5V @ 2A at each of them and is controlled by a 8-bit 32MHz Microchip PIC microcontroller. It...
Continue ReadingRyet IKEA LED Bulb teardown
Here is a quick tear down of an IKEA 400 lm "Ryet" bulb. Cheapest bulb with full safety listing that I have ever seen. Selling for less than $2.00! Ryet IKEA LED Bulb teardown -...
Continue ReadingUP/DOWN counter with memory using PIC16F88
Here is an up-down counter based on PIC16F88 and 7-segment display. The counter is using SMD components and features a RS-232 interface. This is a simple digital counter with a serial rs-232 and a 7 segment display, i started this project to count items on some shelfs, but it can be...
Continue ReadingChoose the right step-up/down voltage regulator for portable applications
Reno Rossetti & Inyong Kim discuss about the power needs on portable devices and help us choose the right regulator. A popular power source for portable devices is a single lithium-ion cell with 4.2V at full charge and 2.8V at end of discharge. However, some functions within...
Continue ReadingLTC7813 – Low IQ, 60V Synchronous Boost+Buck Controller
Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC7813, a dual output (boost + buck), low quiescent current synchronous DC/DC controller. When cascaded, its independent step-up (boost) and step-down (buck) controllers regulate the output voltage from an input voltage that can be above,...
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