This is easy to build and very useful project for hobbyists and students to learn and create op-amp-based projects. The board accommodates a single op-amp in DIP-8 package. The project provides the user with multiple choices and extensive flexibility for different applications circuits and configurations. It provides the user with many combinations for various circuit types including active filters, differential amplifiers, and external frequency compensation circuits etc. A few examples of applications circuits are given below. LM358 op-amp is the right choice to use or any DIP-8 op-amp with the same pin configuration as LM358 can be used. It supports dual supply or single supply, Jumper J1 is provided to use this board with a single supply, D1 power LED.
Note: Refer to example circuit to test the board, it is bistable multivibrator.
Credits: All example schematics are from Analog Devices application notes.
Features
Single or Dual Supply User-defined (Jumper)
4 Pin Male Header Connector for inputs
3 Pin Male Header for Supply input (Single or Dual)
Jumper J1 Close for single Supply, Open for Dual Supply
LED D1 Power LED
Any DIP-8 Op-Amp Can be used Pin configuration – LM358
The logic OR gate gives an output of logic “HIGH” when any of its inputs goes to the “HIGH” logic level.
The logic OR gate can have multiple inputs and only one output. The logic OR gate gives an output of logic “LOW” only when all of its inputs are at logic “LOW” level and the output changes to logic “HIGH” at the instant state when any input changes from level “LOW” to “HIGH”.
Similar to logic AND gate, the logic OR gate has a Boolean logic or expression. The Boolean expression of logic OR gate is that of a Logical Addition and is expressed by the plus (+) sign between the inputs (operands). The logical OR expression with inputs A & B is given by:
A + B = Q
As in digital logic circuits, there are only two states i.e. “0” or “1”. The addition (+) of anything with “1” will always be a “1” which simply expresses a logic OR gate.
The logic OR gate gives a true output when both of the inputs are true and can be termed as “Inclusive OR gate”. The “Exclusive OR Gate” gives a false output when all of its inputs are at logic high. The “Exclusive OR Gate” will be discussed later in the article.
Resistor – Transistor OR Gate
The logic OR gate can be constructed using the Resistor – Transistor Logic (RTL) circuit. The logic OR gate construction requires two Resistor – Transistor Logic (RTL) connected in a parallel configuration as shown in the below figure.
Figure 1: The Resistor-Transistor Logic OR Gate
The inputs are connected to the base of transistors and output is taken from a common emitter/ across the resistor. The transistors are biased such that they operate in saturated “ON” & “OFF” states. A logic “HIGH” or +5V at any of the inputs will shift the relevant transistor from saturated “OFF” to “ON” state and an output “HIGH” will appear across the resistor (R).
Logic OR Gate Symbol & Truth Tables
The representation of an OR logic by a symbol is shown in the following figure. Its symbol denotes the addition/ OR logic operation.
Figure 2: Logic OR Gate Symbol
The truth table of a two-input OR logic gate is shown below:
Similarly, the truth table of a three-input OR logic gate is as follow:
The Boolean expression can be extended to include multiple inputs to obtain OR logic operation. However, commercially available OR logic circuits have up to four inputs but the number of inputs can be further extended by cascading the OR logic circuits. In the following figure, three two-input logic OR gates and one three-input logic OR gate are cascaded to construct a six-inputs (2 x 3 = 6) OR logic circuit.
Figure 3: 6-input OR logic constructed by cascading multiple OR gates
The Boolean expression for this cascaded circuit can be written as:
Q = (A + B) + (C + D) + (E + F)
Odd Number of Inputs
The logic OR circuit having an odd number of inputs can be constructed by connecting the unused input to logic “LOW”. This will ensure that another input(s) of the logic OR gate is truly reflected at the output. It is explained in the following diagram where unused input is pulled down using a pull-down resistor.
Figure 4: The OR logic having an odd number of inputs
Commercially Available OR Gates
The logic OR gates are available in both TTL and CMOS logic families. The most commonly used OR logic packages are:
CMOS based OR Gate IC Package
CD4071 Quad 2-input
CD4075 Triple 3-input
CD4072 Dual 4-inputs
TTL based OR Gate IC Package
74LS32 Quad 2-input
Example of OR Logic
In the following figure, an OR gate is used to drive a 12V relay to switch on the lamp using NI Multisim. The OR gate (74LS32) energizes the relay when any of its inputs is connected to VCC. The relay thus turns on the lamp through an external circuit of 12V. When all of the inputs are connected to ground OR logic goes “OFF”, turning the relay and lamp to “OFF” state.
Conclusion
The output of the logic OR is “LOW” when all of the inputs are in logic “LOW” states.
Any of the inputs in the logic “HIGH” state will drive OR logic to the “HIGH” state.
The logic OR gates can be constructed using Resistor-Transistor Logic (RTL) but are seldom used because of the propagation delay and power consumption.
The Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL) and Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) are commonly used for digital circuits construction.
The logic OR gates commercially available have up to four logic OR gate inputs. However, inputs can be extended by using cascaded OR logic gates.
The logic OR circuit having an odd number of inputs can be constructed by using a pull-down resistor on the unused pin.
An external circuit can be controlled by an OR logic with the use of a magnetic relay.
This precision thermocouple sensor module performs cold-junction compensation and digitizes the signal from any type of thermocouple. The output data is formatted in degrees Celsius. The converter resolves temperatures to 0.0078125°C, allows readings as high as +1800°C and as low as -210°C (depending on thermocouple type), and exhibits thermocouple voltage measurement accuracy of ±0.15%. The thermocouple inputs are protected against overvoltage conditions up to ±45V. A lookup table (LUT) stores linearity correction data for several types of thermocouples (K, J, N, R, S, T, E, and B). Line frequency filtering of 50Hz and 60Hz is included, as well as thermocouple fault detection. An SPI-compatible interface allows the selection of thermocouple type and setup of the conversion and fault detection processes. The operating supply of the project is 5V and it consumes a very low current. The module communicates over the SPI interface.
Precision Thermocouple Amplifier (Thermocouple to Digital Converter with Linearization – SPI Interface) – [Link]
The project described here is a low-cost solution to transmit a video or digital signal up to 300 Meters over a twisted pair cable. The project has been designed using the AD8131 chip which is a differential driver for the transmission of high-speed signals over low-cost twisted pair or coaxes cables. The project can be used for either analog or digital video signals or for other high-speed data transmissions. It is capable of driving either Cat3 or Cat5 twisted pair or coax with minimal line attenuation. The AD8131 has on-chip resistors that provide for a gain of 2 without any external parts. Several on-chip resistors are trimmed to ensure that the gain is accurate, the common-mode rejection is good, and the output is well balanced. This makes the AD8131 very suitable as a single-ended-to-differential twisted-pair line driver. The board works with +/-5V DC (Dual 5V) supply, RCA connector J1 to feed single-ended Video or digital signal, connector CN2 is used to connect the twisted pair cable (CAT5), D1 Power LED, Resistor R7 and R8 terminate the line at transmitting side.
Energy Efficient Off-line Switcher IC with Best-in-Class Light Load Efficiency and Lossless AC Zero-Cross Detection
Power Integrations LinkSwitch-TNZ Off-line Switcher ICs are designed to provide lossless zero-cross signal generation and support buck, buck-boost, and flyback topologies. These ICs offer more design flexibility than discrete implementations which reduces component count by 40% or higher. The LinkSwitch-TNZ ICs feature soft-start, auto restart, output Over Voltage Protection (OVP), line input Over Voltage Protection (OVL), and hysteretic Over-Temperature Protection (OTP). These ICs incorporate a 725V power MOSFET, an oscillator, a high-voltage switched current source, frequency jittering, hysteretic thermal shutdown, and input/output overvoltage protection circuitry. The LinkSwitch-TNZ ICs consume <100µA current in standby that results in power supply designs to meet no-load and standby regulations worldwide. These ICs are used in applications such as home and building automation, dimmers, switches and sensors with/without neutral wire, appliances, and IoT/industrial controls.
Features
Lossless zero-cross signal generation
Supports buck, buck-boost, and flyback topologies
Enables ±3% regulation across line and load
66kHz operation with accurate current limit
Frequency jittering reduces EMI filter complexity
Soft-start limits system component stress at start-up
Auto-restart for short-circuit and open-loop faults
Output Over Voltage Protection (OVP)
Line input Over Voltage Protection (OVL)
Hysteretic Over Temperature Protection (OTP)
On/off control provides constant efficiency over a wide load range
Block Diagram
Application Diagram
Specifications
Aux power supply:
Power:
575mA buck
12W flyback
<20mW no-load power
<150 µA leakage minimizes flicker in lighting applications
Dialog SemiconductorDA16600 Wi-Fi® + BLUETOOTH® Low Energy (BLE) Modules provide a convenient way to add both low-power Wi-Fi and low-power BLE functionality to applications. The DA16600 Modules are based on the VirtualZero™ DA16200 Wi-Fi SoC (System on a Chip) and the SmartBond TINY™ DA14531 BLE SoC. Together they deliver long battery life and low power consumption in a convenient form factor. As a single integrated system, functions such as Wi-Fi/BLE coexistence and provisioning Wi-Fi through the BLE connection come standard.
The Dialog Semiconductor DA16600 Modules are complete with all required components and are regulatory certified by the FCC, IC, CE, and other regulatory bodies. These compact 14.2mm x 24.6mm x 3.0mm Modules are offered with an onboard chip antenna (DA16600MOD-AAC4WA32) or with a connector for an external antenna (DA16600MOD-AAE4WA32).
Features
Low-power Wi-Fi
VirtualZero DA16200 SoC
802.11n 1×1 low power 2.4GHz
Up to 72Mbps, MCS0-7
Low-power BLE
SmartBond TINY DA14531 SoC
Ultra low power
BT5.1 compliant BLE
Enables year-plus battery life
Breakthrough VirtualZero low power technology
Virtually no power consumption in a sleep state
Ultra low power sensor wake-up
Runs on small batteries and coin cells
Wi-Fi/BLE coexistence
Built-in, customizable, coexistence algorithms
Superior range
Wi-Fi: Industry-leading output power and Rx sensitivity for maximum range
BLE: 4x range of BT 4.0
Simple setup and provisioning
Provision Wi-Fi connection simply with BLE
Automatically find and configure new devices with a smartphone app
Full offload
SoC runs a full OS and TCP/IP stack on the module
Complete software stack
Comprehensive networking software stack
Leading security
Secure boot
Secure debug
Secure asset storage
Hardware accelerated
TLS
Digital certificates
Elliptic curve
OTA firmware update
Enables field-deployed device firmware updates
Antenna options
Onboard chip antenna
External antenna connector (u.FL)
Multiple I/Os
UART, SPI, ADC, I2C, PWM, I2S, GPIOs, JTAG, and SWD
The SNA5000A VNAs bring a wide range of RF analysis capabilities for characterizing real-world passive devices, filters, and active devices with transmission and reflection measurements such as gain, insertion loss/ phase, electrical length/delay and group delay.
Saelig Company, Inc. has introduced the Siglent SNA5000A series of 2- and 4-port Vector Network Analyzers, which offer a frequency analysis range of 9kHz up to 8.5GHz with a resolution of 1Hz, a dynamic range of 125dB, and a level resolution of 0.05dB. The Siglent SNA5000A series consists of four models (2- or 4-port, 4.5GHz or 8.5GHz maximum frequency) that support measurements such as scattering, differential, and time-domain parameters, Q-factor, and filter bandwidth and insertion loss.
Vector Network Analyzers combine a signal stimulus source output and receiver inputs to measure changes to the stimulus caused by a device being tested. SNA5000A VNAs feature measurements that include impedance conversion, movement of measurement plane, limit testing, ripple test, fixture simulation, and adapter removal/insertion adjustments. Bias-tees are also supported.
The SNA5000A VNA analyzers provide five types of frequency sweep: Linear-Frequency, Log-Frequency, Power-Sweep, CW-Time, and Segment-Sweep. Operation is simplified with the VNA’s large 12.1” touch-screen display, which operates in addition to traditional front-panel controls. An HDMI output is also provided so that an even larger display or projector may be used. Many useful display modes may be selected, such as: multi-window, multi-format, display hold, memory comparison, and impedance conversion. Calibration choices include: Response calibration, Enhanced Response calibration, Full-one port calibration, Full-two port calibration, Full-three port calibration, Full-four port calibration, and TRL calibration.
LAN and USB interfaces are provided (USB-GPIB optional) to allow remote control via SCPI/Labview/IVI/VXI-11/Socket/Telnet/WebServer, etc.
Portwell, a world-leading innovator in the embedded computing market has introduced the PCOM-B645VGL, a new Type 6 compact COM Express module powered by robust Intel Atom x6000E Series (formerly Elkhart Lake platform) processor to meet the demands of critical real-time computing in applications spanning the retail, transport, industrial automation, and medical sectors.
The manufacturer takes advantage of Computer-On-Module (COM) technology to develop a device that not only operates well with thermal design power (TDP) of less than 12W suitable for fan-less applications, but it also supports a wide industrial temperature range. Thus, with ultra-low power consumption and wide-temperature support, the module offers very energy-saving and highly effective performance.
“The PCOM-B645VGL is for enabling applications using Type 6 COM Express products to rapidly upgrade their systems without changing existing carrier boards or entire computer system and minimize the changes in the software. This innovative solution provides a boost to the performance of customers’ existing systems and prolongs service life for another 10+ years, maximizing their return on investment.”
The compact and rugged PCOM-B645VGL features the 10nm Intel Atom processor with a TDP range of 4.5 to 12W. Along with a maximum of 3GHz burst frequency. With enhanced quad-core processing power and strong computing capability, it delivers up to two times enhancement in graphics from the previous generation.
In addition to the performance boost, the module has two DDR4 memory slots with a 32GB capacity and integrated in-band error-correcting code (IBECC) functionality that enables standard affordable memory to be utilized instead of more costly ECC memory. Moreover, it integrates Intel Gen 11 UHD Graphics with three independent displays that can be driven with up to 4K resolution via DisplayPort/HDMI, VGA, and one eDP or LVDS output.
Key Features Of PCOM-B645VGL
Intel Elkhart Lake Atom x6000E, Pentium N and J Series Processor that supports up to 4x 10nm Elkhart Lake cores.
Intel 11th generation UHD Graphics engine with triple 4K display.
The memory includes up to 32GB DDR4 3200MT/s SDRAM through two slots and BIOS configurable IBECC RAM.
It provides turbo mode up to 3.0GHz to improve cost-performance effectiveness.
This extends 6 x PCIe 3.0 x 1 Gen 3, 2 x USB 3.1, 8 x USB 2.0, and 2 x SATA III devices.
It supports real-time performance via TSN and TCC.
9V to 18V wide-range DC input supply.
Wide-range operating temperature from -40°C to 85°C
The PCOM-B645VGL COM Express module also offers real-time computing. It also features control capability via a 2.5 GbE port with the support of Intel Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Time Coordinated Computing (TCC). In this architecture, it provides a wide variety of optional I/O options, like Gen 3 PCI-Express with a mature eco-system. Perhaps, this is the first time PCIe Gen 3 is accessible in low-power processors. Hence, it will support applications that require high expandability and throughput, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NVMe modules.
Portwell has enabled its PCOM-B645VGL technology to conserve energy resources, reduce carbon impact, and maintain energy budgets. Overall, this latest module is suitable for mission-critical applications in severe environments. This includes industrial automation, factory automation, process control, embedded system for IIoT, edge computing, manufacturing, intelligent gateway, and transportation.
Sipeed has been busy releasing several new boards, with some still into the production and testing phase. The manufacturer has now released an R329 camera board for the Chinese community only for free trials because the software environment is not fully ready for mass production. The R329 development board is quite different when it comes to the other boards released by Sipeed due to its newly integrated Allwinner R329 chip, an intelligent voice processor equipped with “ARM China Zhouyi AIPU“.
Just like other AIoT development boards by Sipeed, even the R329 development board is designed for voice and video image processing with users who can directly run CV, NLP and other AI models. The module onboard is the MAIX-II A module that along with the SoC is the support for Wi-Fi and BLE. As shown in the demo images, the board comes with a 1.5-inch LCD interface and also an analog dual Mic and 3W speakers.
Features:
CPU: Allwinner R329 SoC features a dual-core Cortex-A53 processor clocked at 1.5 GHz
Memory: 256MB DDR3 RAM
Storage: MicroSD card
AI Accelerator: ARM China Zhouyi AIPU accelerator for up to 256 MOPS
Power Supply: 5V
Camera: OV9732 sensor with 720p USB-C camera module
Display: 1.5-inch LCD display with 240×240 resolution
With 256MB DDR3 RAM, the board provides high-capacity and high-bandwidth memory support for voice recognition deep learning algorithms. It is designed with a reserved SPI flash and a MicroSD card socket for storing the programs. This is not the first implementation on the R329 chip as we have already seen R329 Intelligent Voice Development Board.
First spotted by CNX-Software, the software supports the official Allwinner Tina Linux SDK based on OpenWrt 14.07. CNX-Software also confirms that there is no video encoder on board.
The information on the board is currently only available in Chinese, but we can expect the board to be in mass production soon. There has been no comment on the pricing of the board, however, a delay can be expected due to the porting of mainline Linux by this month.
We recently saw that Ai-Thinker released modules that are based on the ESP32 MCU and support Wi-Fi and BLE 5.0 wireless connectivity. Ai-Thinker has been at the forefront in designing modules on the famous ESP microcontrollers by manufacturing the first series of modules on the ESP8266. Recently, CNX-Software spotted few development boards, integrating the Ai-Thinker modules on ESP32-C3.
One of the NodeMCU boards, the NodeMCU ESP32-C3S kit is built around the ESP32-C3S module featuring a RISC-V 32-bit single-core processor that is clocked up to the frequency of 160MHz with 400 KB SRAM, 384 KB ROM, and 8KB RTC SRAM. The onboard ESP32-C3S module also supports IEEE 802.11b/g/n along with BLE 5.0 wireless connectivity.
Features of ESP32-C3S:
CPU: RISC-V 32-bit single-core processor @ 160MHz
Memory: 400 KB SRAM and 8KB RTC SRAM
Storage: 384 KB ROM, 4MByte flash
Wireless Connectivity: IEEE 802.11b/g/n and BLE 5.0
Interface: UART/GPIO/ADC/PWM/I2C/I2S
Power supply: 3.3V
More details on the Ai-Thinker module that is fitted on the NodeMCU ESP32-C3S Kit are available in the official datasheet provided by Ai-Thinker. You can buy the board on Aliexpress priced at $8.30.
There are several other boards with one other that caught our eye are the NodeMCU ESP-C3-01M kit that is powered by the 32-bit RISC-V single-core processor that speeds up to 160MHz. The module ESP32-C3-01M also does not support classic Bluetooth connectivity but comes with a BLE 5.0 that can speed up to 2Mbps.
Features of ESP32-C3-01M:
CPU: 32-bit RISC-V single-core processor @ 160MHz
Memory: 400 KB SRAM and 8KB RTC SRAM
Storage: 384 KB ROM, 4MByte flash
Wireless Connectivity: IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 1T1R mode data rate up to 150Mbps and BLE 5.0 speeds 125Kbps, 500Kbp, 1Mbps, 2Mbps
Interface: UART/PWM/GPIO/ADC/I2C/I2S
Power supply: 5V
More details on the Ai-Thinker module ESP32-C3-01M are available in the official datasheet.
You can also shop for the NodeMCU ESP32-C3-01M Kit at $8.30 on Aliexpress.
There are other Ai-Thinker modules, NodeMCU ESP-C3-12F kit and ESP-C3-13 kit available in the store.