Did you know that TTL chips do not output 5 volts? 74LS, 74HC, and 74HCT all have different input and output thresholds. Switching between logic families can be difficult if you are not careful. In this video, learn how different 7400-series logic families compare with input threshold, output voltage, frequency, rise time, and propagation delay.
Check out this TI Application Guide for a great resource on logic families.
Everything with a microcontroller has serial buses in it. Busses like UART, I2C, and SPI are very popular choices. When you have a problem with a sensor that uses one or the bus itself, you can use an oscilloscope or logic analyzer to “decode” the traffic. These decoders convert the 1s and 0s into readable HEX or ASCII characters.
I am not sure how I thought of the “multiple” James idea for the thumbnail. The concept had something to do with “serial,” but I am not sure what.
Anyway, my favorite James is the far left one. He has no idea where the camera is at.
Oh and this picture was done without a green screen. I took multiple shots of me standing in different spots and then composited them together.
The 555 is a very popular chip, and for good reason. It is such a versatile timer. Learn about 555 measurements like how to measure the voltage divider inside the chip and what is going on with the signals in an astable multivibrator (clock) circuit. The key to a 555 circuit is connecting the threshold and trigger pins together. But, until you see the schematic and waveforms it may not be obvious why.
As batteries age, their ESR goes up. Eventually, they will no longer be serviceable. A battery measurement tool like the Hioki BT3554 lets field service technicians monitor the help of batteries over time. In this video, see how it can be used to measure a live UPS battery.
This episode was sponsored by Hioki.
Obviously, you need solder to build most circuits. However, before and after soldering a circuit, there is a bunch of other stuff. In this Workbench Wednesdays episode, James looks at the solder, flux, wick, and cleaning supplies needed when working with electronics. Make sure your lab is stocked with these must-have consumables.
