Need a DIY Solder Stencil - Use a Soda Can!

Even though solder stencils are available from low cost sources, I did find a useful article outlining how to go through and make your own solder stencil.  It uses a soda can and uses Eagle as the EDA layout tool to explain the in depth tutorial.   Check out the link - link.

New Atmel Software Framework Released

I spent some time this week playing with the new SAM4S, SAM4L, and SAM D20 new ARM microcontrollers from Atmel.  The new software tool in Atmel Studio made it easy to create simple projects.  The framework is the Atmel Software Framework and it allows you to add perhiperal features in a straight-forward manner.  Check out more at the link - link.

Maxim Turns 30!

I missed the day as I was on vacation but I found a good link with a video talking about the history of Maxim Integrated - [link]

Understanding Slew Rate of Op-Amps

Bruce Trump writes:

Slewing behavior of op amps is often misunderstood. It’s a meaty topic so let’s sort it out.
The input circuitry of an op amp circuit generally has a very small voltage between the inputs—ideally zero, right? But a sudden change in the input signal temporarily drives the feedback loop out of balance creating a differential error voltage between the op amp inputs. This causes the output to race off to correct the error. The larger the error, the faster it goes… that is until the differential input voltage is large enough to drive the op amp into slewing.

Slew Rate – the op amp speed limit - [Link]

Whistled - An old idea now reinvented

For those of you looking for a fun project to look at, check out the Whistled - a whistle controlled processing platform.  This is a great project complete with schematics.  I appreciate the level of detail that the engineer goes into on controlling basic items around the house through whistling.  Check out the video on this link - link.

Top 25 Global Electronics Distributors

Hello, I wanted to share EDN's posting on the top 25 electronics distributors.  While most engineers focus on the details of the design at-hand, it is always good to take a step back and think about how you are going to source your components.  I thought this link was a good look at the distributors - link.

New Paper on BeagleBone Black

In case you have not seen this, TI showcased a whitepaper on the features and benefits of their low-cost BeagleBone Black development kit.  Check out the link - link.