hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Searching for a new Soldering Station.  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Troy_AU
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 20, 2018, 09:43:10 pm
content: Hi allIm new here.Due to a Grate Dane vs Hakko 888 incident im in nead of a new soldering station ( duct tape and hope wont cut it )Im my search for a new soldering station I found Dave's youtube video on the Weller that released the magic smoke.This has put me in a state of what do i buy now. Ive been looking at the STM32 t12 china options but from what i read they are hit and miss. Im after something priced like the 888 but an upgrade ( When the wife agrees to replacement gear always upgrade because you dont get that luxury often lol ).Any help would be appreciated.CheersTroy.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2018, 09:57:12 pm
content: An FX-888D seems like a logical choice. It really is the best value in its price range.

author: Troy_AU
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 20, 2018, 11:35:30 pm
content: Cheers for that is was where I was leading but I was hoping that there is something better that I couldn't find.

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2018, 01:00:45 am
content: Upgrade from the 888 is thehttps://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx951.html

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 21, 2018, 01:32:03 am
content: Quote from: eugenenine on December 21, 2018, 01:00:45 am+1

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2018, 09:21:09 am
content: The Pace ADS200 (which came out this year) has surpassed the Hakko FX-951 for the same money. Otherwise the Hakko FX-888D is the best value budget non Chinese station. If you want something better than a FX-888D don't pull the trigger blindly before checking the Pace ADS200 out.
Searching for Fluke 87 III data sheet - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: bme99
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 04:31:21 pm
content: Hi,I have a Fluke 87 III multimeter for which I need to find a data/specification sheet that outlines all of measurement and resolution bounds. I need this evidence for future verification of data that I am using this multimeter for. I have briefly searched through Fluke's databases, but I am getting confused about their product lines and want to make sure that I select the correct data sheet before actually beginning my experiments. Can someone help me find this?Here are the links I have seen, but am unsure of:1) Shows Model 87 on page 1-7, but I am unsure if Model 87 is the same as 87-IIIhttp://assets.fluke.com/manuals/83_85_87smeng0500.pdfAgain, I know nothing about the changes between all of the series, so I want to make sure the sheet shows specifications for Model 87-III and not some other product in the same series. Thanks for the help!

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 04:42:32 pm
content: http://media.fluke.com/documents/8xiii___umeng0500.pdfTerribly hard to find.
Searching for manuals for vinyl turntables - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Maxinova
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 01, 2024, 05:59:06 pm
content: HelloI am looking for American or English databases to identify needles for models of vinyl turntables.I have customers in France where I offer spare parts for turntables on my website below :https://www.boutique-pieces-detachees.fr/platine-tournedisque.htmlAnd several models are equipped with needles or cartridges which do not correspond to the French manuals which is not easy for identification.So I'm looking for a set of manuals in English for all brands in pdf or other formats

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2024, 09:01:04 pm
content: Is this like what your looking for?http://www.gyyv.net/turntable/pfacat.pdfAnd this?https://www.canadianastatic.com/uploads/2/3/8/7/23874355/astatic_cartridges_catalog_and_cross_reference.pdf

author: Jeff eelcr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2024, 01:23:28 am
content: In the United States turntables were sold with and without cartridges some were sold without tonearms.Record players, changers mostly came with a factory cartridge, but many were replaced thru the years with subs.I have always found the first job is to ID what is there now if you are looking for a replacement.Check spelling, Phanstiel made a lot of replacement needles/cartridges, their catalog would be helpful for US and us.Jeff
Searching for parts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: roux
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 02, 2018, 05:48:05 pm
content: Hello,I got a problem with a keyboard, I take it aparts and find a broken conponent under the key who wont work.I desoldered it without problem with a hot air gun. Everything was fine but I absolutly dont know what it is. I absolutly dont know if it will repare the keyboard, but i am amused to try.It's the D48 conponentIt's written L43ON on a 3 contact conponent.I hope you can help me, at least if you can tell me something similar I can re-wire it.Thanks

author: gamalot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2018, 05:58:15 pm
content: BAT54Chttps://www.diodes.com/assets/Datasheets/ds11005.pdfhttps://www.vishay.com/docs/85508/bat54.pdf

author: roux
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 02, 2018, 06:47:27 pm
content: THANK YOUI will try and tell you if is it working !

author: roux
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2019, 08:41:56 pm
content: ThanksI finally had time to do it.And it worksA huge thanks !!!!
Searching for Rigol DS1062CA Firmeware >V3.8 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: vampir
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 26, 2025, 06:20:04 pm
content: Hello every one,I am looking for a newer firmeware for my Rigol Scope DS1062CA, since with the current Firmeware I am not able to communicate via USB or RS232 with the scope. It would be pretty nifty to be able to do some live data procession on a PC for debugging.Does anyone have a nerwer Firmeware?Tanks in advance.vampir

author: iMo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2025, 09:19:58 pm
content: ..try to contact Batronix - they still have the scope with supporting documents and sw on their pages. I was searching for a newer fw and hacks as well, with none luck (I have not contacted Batronix, however).https://www.batronix.com/shop/oscilloscopes/Rigol-DS1062CA.html

author: vampir
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 06:35:35 pm
content: Thanks for the hint, but unfortunately, they don't have a firmeware for the scope anymore.Best regardsvampir
Searching Software to calculate capacitor Networks to reach a desired capacity - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Joeee
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 16, 2022, 04:59:02 pm
content: Hello Forum,I am searching for a Software which would advise me to connect capacitors of e6 or e12 in serial or parallel or a combination of these to reach a desired capacitance. I couldn t finde s.th. like this in th Web. So i am searching for advise.TIA

author: fourfathom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2022, 05:04:13 pm
content: It's called mathematics. But if you want a calculator, just use one of the resistance calculators and when it gives you a series connection, make that a parallel one (and vice-versa).Here's the first one that popped up:https://www.qsl.net/in3otd/parallr.html

author: Joeee
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 16, 2022, 05:40:59 pm
content: Thats a really good start, but there is one catch. This calc doesn't work with E6 and it only uses one kind of arrangment ... series or parallel. I could image there is perhaps a calculator that will do a series of parallel, serial in an optimal fashion.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2022, 07:16:35 pm
content: There are a lot of links to resources in this thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/resistor-combination-calculator/In particular, this online tool looks more like what you are looking for -- does up to 6 resistors:http://kirr.homeunix.org/electronics/resistor-network-finder/Also check the "About" link on that page for links to more resources.

author: fourfathom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2022, 07:33:57 pm
content: Quote from: Joeee on September 16, 2022, 05:40:59 pmSorry, I didn't notice the E6 issue. But just how much accuracy are you looking for, practically? The actual physical capacitors you have to work with have a given tolerance, so hoping to get a 1% value (for example) with a series/parallel combination of 5% capacitors seems problematic.

author: Joeee
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 18, 2022, 08:50:41 am
content: I am not affiliated to them but I just found my Android app Electrodoc in the Pro version has a calculator to fit E6 vaules to a parallel or serial configuration.Thanks to led tester - in his linked threads there is even software where you can enter the values you have on hand. (for Resistors)
Seasons greetings to all - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: sainbablo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2016, 05:55:29 pm
content: A very merry X-Mass and a happy new year to all

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 22, 2016, 08:43:32 pm
content: Merry Christmas to you and you family and Happy New Year.

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2016, 08:52:51 am
content: Merry Christmas to all, peace and goodwill.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2016, 11:06:56 am
content: Merry Christmas to all here and your families. Enjoy and stay safe!

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2016, 06:18:01 pm
content: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

author: basinstreetdesign
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2016, 03:48:42 am
content: And a Merry X-mas and Happy New Year to everybody.

author: Back2Volts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2016, 04:48:59 am
content: Feliz Navidad, Prospero Año y Felicidad

author: orolo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2016, 07:43:53 am
content: Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr.

author: Adam60
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2016, 02:26:09 pm
content: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone here on the forum and your families. May you enjoy a wonderful meal, good family and friends and a healthy and happy New Year.CHEERS!
Second bench PSU - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: iceisfun
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2013, 08:26:22 am
content: I have a Mastech HY3005F-3 which has been great so far.Now I'm the Mastech to power my robots stepper rail and logic stuff so I'll be getting a second PSU.The question is to get a second identical PSU or get something else like a Rigol for twice the price?I do really like the looks of the Rigol PSU screen and functionality but the Mastech has never done anything wrong and been a pretty solid piece of gear.I can afford either or even the higher end $1k Rigol if I want, but it would be nice to have enough to buy a AWG also

author: SpectrHz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2013, 01:10:55 pm
content: My opinion is biased since I'm strapped for cash, but I would say it depends. From a reliability standpoint I would assume that the rigol is higher quality and would last longer. In terms of accuracy/usability, I would also assume rigol. In terms of price, do you think it's worth twice the price?

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2013, 11:57:08 pm
content: To be honest, with power supplies, you get a much better deal if you buy late model stuff. For example, see the thread about the HP 6114A and 6115A, for $100-200 you get a power supply with some of the best precision and stability you can buy period. In a modern supply to beat or match these specs you would be paying in the 5k+ range. You can hook them up in series, parallel, series parellel, etc. So you could use two 6115A as a single 200V supply or a tracking +/- 100V supply or parallel 100V supply (to double the available amperage), etc. That being said, what is right for you entirely depends on what features you need/want. If you want flashy, these are not it. They are beautiful highly accurate pieces of work but they are NOT flashy. Do you want multiple channels? What voltages and amperages do you need? Do you need GPIB, USB, RS232 connectivity? What are needs and what are wants? Clearly price is not the main issue.

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2013, 12:12:36 am
content: It's rare that I want to get a second copy of something I already have. I usually like to get some new capability with each new piece of gear.QuoteI think I missed something there. Are you saying that you need to use a supply for the logic stuff, and another supply to do the stepper rail? Do you need the full adjustability of bench power supplies on both?I might be tempted to buy or build a simple cheap fixed supply for the logic stuff and use the bench supply for the stepper rail, saving the money for other gadgets like that AWG you're thinking of. But I'm not sure if that would work for you.

author: iceisfun
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2013, 12:47:23 am
content: Building is a option for sure!I would love to build a fixed psu for my robot but I kind of want to focus on one project at a time instead of getting side tracked.
Second spark - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Thinker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 11:54:10 am
content: I have a project in mind I have been thinking about. Here is what I need to do. I have a very high voltage spark coming through a wire. It's just a spark. A millisecond. I want to generate a second spark that will fire a millisecond after the first spark. I know just enough about electronics to get me in trouble, so if I say something stupid, please bear with me. Thanks.I thought maybe when the first spark comes through, a capacitor could also be charged, at the same instant. Then the capacitor discharged through a completely different wire, after a millisecond or so. I still need the primary (first) spark delivered through the original wire. Does this sound remotely possible? Thank You. Thinker

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 12:07:17 pm
content: Quoteyep,most petrol engines are doing exactly what you describe

author: Thinker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 03:19:14 pm
content: That's exactly what I am trying to do, sort of. Now how do I do it?

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 03:29:24 pm
content: points,coil, distributor and maybe a capacitor is one way

author: CaptDon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 03:29:45 pm
content: Yes, but they aren't doing it in any way shape or form of how the O.P. wanted to do it. The old systems kept re-triggering the centralized ignition coil at it's resonant frequency for another 4 or 5 cycles. Typically the spark plug got at least 2 arcs per opening of the points from the simple L/C resonance of the condensor and ignition coil before the energy stored in the resonant circuit was depleted. The MSD multiple spark discharge expanded on that idea by re-triggering the coil at that resonance to keep the energy flowing to the spark plug. Remember, the iron core ignition coil is actually kind of 'slow' electrically speaking. Some of the newer systems have ferrite cores, are very fast and can be driven with a 100khz wave of several cycles directly. The CDI systems Simply dumped a capacitor charged to about 300 volts through an SCR right into a 12 volt ignition coil (Mark Ten System) and got one heck of a bang out of the coil. So high was the coil output voltage that if you pulled the coil HT lead completely out of the coil while running the coil would kill itself from internal arc-over and carbon path. Evinrude/Johnson/OMC and even Mercury used a similar system on their 2-cycle outboards.
Secondhand Oscilloscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: mechelec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2011, 11:25:20 am
content: I found this ad in the local clasifieds.QuoteHas anyone heard of this brand, is it worth buying?I don't have any specific need for an oscilloscope at the moment but for that price I would buy it just to get the hang of it.

author: tekfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2011, 11:37:23 am
content: If the price Is low I'd get it.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2011, 12:25:02 pm
content: I've not seen or heard of that brand before, but no doubt the more experienced guys will be along soon with their thoughts. I think as an analogue scope though I'd buy it myself to accompany my Instek 1062A as an analogue scope is always worth having. If it's cheap enough it would be worth having even if it's was just to help with getting used to using a scope. If it's also fully functional and accurate, well you'll have just got yourself a really good scope.
Secure communication over ESP8266 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: sairfan1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2017, 05:01:45 pm
content: Hi, I want to know can we do secure communication by ESP8266? (by secure communication i mean that information sent by ESP8266 can't be hacked or at least hard to hack).Please also advise guide lines to take care, how can we secure communication through ESP8266.Thanks.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2017, 09:21:07 pm
content: Have you tried Googling for "esp8266 encryption" or "esp8266 ssl"?These are some of the results which look promising to me:https://simplepush.io/blog/2017/01/29/esp8266-encrypted-notifications/https://hackaday.io/project/19675-esp8266-encrypted-push-notifications-to-androidhttps://thinger.io/securing-the-internet-of-things-adding-ssltls-support-for-the-esp8266/https://io.adafruit.com/blog/security/2016/07/05/adafruit-io-security-esp8266/Disclaimer: I have not tried any of these and can't answer any further questions.

author: sairfan1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2017, 12:50:14 am
content: Thanks, at least it gave me direction to work.
Security in Lwmesh Fame payload - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: vishal
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2017, 10:36:11 am
content: Hi , In lwmesh stack document we have read that by enabling #define NWK_ENABLE_SECURITY we get the payload to be encrypted.But after enabling this nothing has happened.using a sniffer we got the packet captured as it is.kindly clarify
Sedra and Smith, and good? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: drlobster
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 07, 2010, 11:37:31 pm
content: I am learning some electronics, working with Horowitz and Hill as my book. Some of the explanations baffle me though and I am looking for another book.Does anyone have any opinions on Sedra and Smith, or another book which would help me. My background is in mathematical physics, so math content is no issue for me.Thanks

author: badSCR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2010, 12:38:25 am
content: If you would like, I could post a list of the books that I used during the time I was getting my AS_Degree. It's about 6 books.

author: rossmoffett
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2010, 05:45:37 am
content: I know this might seem funny, but try Wikipedia if you haven't already. It's really comprehensive, and even senior level Electronic Engineers (edit - students) use it heavily.It doesn't always work out this way.. but because it's meant to be general, the articles usually have a simplified, down to earth, easiest possible route to understand. Every time something seems unclear to me at one place, Wikipedia seems to fix it up for me.Sometimes it even has a general article and a technical article for the same thing. Operational amplifier, for example, has a history and development article. It links at the bottom to another article, called "Op-amp applications" which gives all of the equations and configurations for different op-amp tasks.

author: septer012
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2010, 08:07:53 am
content: I learned from Sedra and Smith with no problems.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 13, 2010, 12:56:49 pm
content: S&S is a very valuable book, though I personally didnt use it much when I did my EE courses.I later referred it at the time of job interviews - extermely handy!It has this summary at the end of chapter with insightful equations which will refresh all your concepts!
See through pcb - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: psxpetey1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2015, 12:29:54 am
content: Ok so heres the deal. Ive aquired a developer android phone which has a few extra hardware features that the specific brand retail phones do not. So I was wondering if there is a way top see through the pcb without using an xray. The solder mask pretty much masks everything traces are all hidden. What methods do you useÉ Would A REALLY strong light work? Thanks in advance!

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2015, 12:42:06 am
content: Pretty sure it's not the solder mask that's masking anything, but copper. I'd assume pretty much any "smart" phone is made with HDI and therefore 99% of all traces are internal, power planes on the outside, blind plugged vias everywhere. There's no other way to build these things at that size.You'd need nuclear explosion level visible light to get through that. But why not try? The board's probably really thin, I have a 650W GE lamp here and a PCB... might give it a try.

author: psxpetey1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2015, 04:28:00 am
content: awe man:(

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2015, 07:11:27 am
content: Well, you could do...Ultrasound density analysisX-ray or gamma transmission, backscatterNeutron transmission, scattering (note: elements will react, leaving residual radioactivity)Other nuclear methods (beta?) probably not recommended due to the presence of sensitive electronics. As-is, x-rays won't be too friendly towards Flash memory contents.Tim

author: Cherry
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 06:55:05 am
content: Maybe you can try again.

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 08:06:12 am
content: QuoteNope - even really thin sheets of copper make for a very effective visible light blockage. Add to that the random diffusion/scattering done by the FR4 (or similar) laminate, the very fine traces (assuming 6 mil or less), the number of layers (assuming 6 or more, two or more of which are solid copper planes) and you are 100% done with visible light for a non destructive analysis.In your situation I believe X ray is the way to go - ask your local dentist or vet.Also look at:http://hackaday.com/2015/03/05/deconstructing-pcbs/

author: Cherry
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 11:45:44 am
content: I also want to know details about PCB.
Seeedstudio gerber format - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: DroneBuster
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 04:35:00 pm
content: Hi,This is my first time ordering from Seeedstudio. I'm using altium designer.Which gerber units(mm or inches) and which format (4:3, etc) should choose. They haven't specified it anywhere...Thanks for help

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 05:46:35 pm
content: Try thishttp://support.seeedstudio.com/knowledgebase/articles/443762-exporting-manufacturing-files-from-altium-designer

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 09:34:47 pm
content: Any PCB shop worth the name should be able to handle any flavour of Gerber format274D to the new X2 standard.Metric or imperial get read in by CAM software with equal ease.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2015, 10:46:47 am
content: 4:4 is fine. Metric or imperial doesnt matter.As long as you use rs274-x you are good.
seeing voltages and times EVERYWHERE - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: lordvader88
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 05:34:36 pm
content: like tree top heights, different colors, distances, volume, cats, video games, modulatedvoltage levels can represent so many thingsI am seeing oscope traces everywhere, but unlike the matrix i must use my imagination to see it...I must make a machine foir that
Seek advice for multichannel LED driver with PWM dimming of channels - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: badrequest400
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2023, 07:07:20 pm
content: I would like to control a large (not yet determined specifically) number of LEDs both on/off and dimming. I was thinking I could use a dot matrix LED driver like the IS31FL3743A (11x18 LEDs) which permits dimming of individual LEDs as well as the entire display with 24 kHz PWM. The issue is that some LEDs (arrays) will use too much current (e.g. 300 mA) or require too high voltage (e.g. 12 V) for this chip so I was thinking I could maybe use MOSFETs but I want to ask, would 24 kHz likely lead to overheating SOT23 MOSFETs due to the constant switching?I was also wondering about the current needed to turn the MOSFETs on and off if I wanted to not use a separate MOSFET driver. The IS31FL3743A is only good for 30 mA but I've seen multi-channel LED drivers that can do 80 mA and maybe 120 mA. I need to find one with sensible characteristics.Incidentally, does 24 kHz not seem excessive? Why would the chip designer produce a chip that does such high frequency?Edit: I just saw that the LP5864 LED matrix driver can be set to either PWM 62.5 or 125 kHz! Why such high frequencies?Edit: I found that the IS31FL3741A is a sort of alternative to the IS31FL3741, made by a different companyand it's PWM frequency is configurable to 29kHz/3.6kHz/1.8kHz/900Hz. Maybe 900 Hz would be okay?Alternatively, the STM LED7708 goes up to 36 V and 85 mA. Maybe with a higher voltage, I can avoid a higher current.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2023, 07:33:21 pm
content: The dot matrix driver is driving only one line at a time, so it will have a duty cycle of around 1/11.4 (because there's some dead time between switching rows), see page 12 of datasheet.You have around 35 mA per channel, but because each row is lit only 1/11.4 of the time, the average current is much lower, datasheet says around 3mA. That 3mA may not be enough current to quickly turn on a mosfet or transistor, a mosfet driver may accept such signal.May want to have a look at a linear driver like AL179* (1792 = 2 500mA channels, 1793 = 3 500mA channels, 1794 = 2 x 500mA, 1 x 375mA , 1x125 mA).Here's the AL1793 :https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/diodes-incorporated/AL1793AFE-13/5358136Datasheet here:https://www.diodes.com/assets/Datasheets/AL1791_1792_1793_1794.pdfEach channel has it's own PWM signal (or analogue voltage also works to control current) but all 3 channels must be set to the same maximum current. Chip can also be powered with 12v or whatever voltage (needs more than 6.5v) to work.Up to around 100-150mA per channel, you may be able to find 8-16 channel led drivers, but more rare with individual pwm on each channel, though you could turn on and off channels fast to fake it to some degree.
Seeking Advice on Transitioning from PCB Design to the Semiconductor Industry - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: 785854
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 06:54:37 am
content: Hello everyone,I hope this post finds you well. I am reaching out to seek some guidance and advice regarding a potential career transition into the semiconductor industry.I have a background in PCB design, with specific experience in high-speed and power PCB design. Additionally, I possess a solid understanding of fundamental hardware concepts. While I enjoy working on PCB design, I’ve developed a strong interest in the semiconductor field and am eager to explore opportunities to contribute to this industry.However, I’m unsure about the best path to make this transition. Would anyone here be able to offer advice or share their experiences? Specifically, I’d appreciate insights on the following:What skills or knowledge should I focus on acquiring to become a competitive candidate for roles in the semiconductor industry?Are there specific entry-level positions or roles that would be well-suited for someone with my background?How can I leverage my PCB design experience to break into this field?Any recommended courses, certifications, or resources that could help me bridge the gap between my current expertise and the requirements of the semiconductor industry?I’m open to any suggestions, resources, or personal experiences you might be willing to share. Thank you in advance for your time and help!Best regards,Carl

author: stevesaka
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 11:23:49 am
content: Your background in high-speed and power PCB design is actually a strong foundation for semiconductor work, since signal integrity, power delivery, and real-world system issues are often where chips sink or swim. If you want to make the jump, start picking up the basics of semiconductor devices and design flow, and sell yourself as the person who knows how to make silicon work in the real world, not just in simulations.

author: 11mrjones
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 05:00:38 pm
content: I am not sure where you are located but one important think to consider is where you want to live as industry locations are very much limited. Say you are interested in process development, then you are looking at foundry locations. Are you comfortable moving to a location that is not near a major city possibly? If you go that route mobility options will be severely limited. You can go to a design house which farms out manufacturing, but again it's not like being an accountant where you can work in any reasonable sized city.The chances that you will have to pickup and move are relatively high, ie, plant/facilities closures/downsizing, career advancement, etc. Are you comfortable with that uncertainty?Just something to think about that might not have come to mind other than the more obvious questions.
Seeking for a LPDDR Interposer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: 00pointer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2019, 04:22:35 pm
content: Hi Guys,I was wondering if beside FuturePlus and Keysight, Any other company provide RAM interposer for LPDDR1?I am really seeking for cheaper options as FuturePlus and Keysight ones are at least 1500USD.Maybe there is some chinese company out there?any idea?
Seeking general test point advice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: cmumford
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2021, 01:10:46 am
content: I'm trying to add test points to the PCB's that I'm having made to aid troubleshooting. Ignoring DC power I'm only doing digital signals. So I2C/SPI, and possibly SPI. I'm looking atSmall PCB Test Pointswhich require a 0.4" through hole. I'm wondering what negative impact this will have on my signal integrity. Is there a better solution for attaching scopes/logic analyzers?

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2021, 02:04:10 am
content: First off I'm pretty sure you don't mean 0.4" - that's 10.16mm, over 3/8"! My guess is that you've lost a zero somewhere - 40mils/1mm sounds a lot more sensible.As far as signal integrity is concerned, it's what you hang on the test point that is more likely to be an issue than the test point itself. Just sitting there the test point won't do anything much, as long as you're not talking about screamingly fast signals. On the other hand, hang a metre or two of coax off it the wrong way and you can do horrible things to signal integrity.Just don't put huge stubs between the origin of the signal and your test point - keep connections as short as possible while still placing test points where you can physically get to them.If you don't already know about them, investigate the humble Z0probe as a way of taking off signals that you want to feed to a scope, you'll often get a much clearer picture of the analogue state of a digital signal from a Z0probe than you will from a standard scope probe and most digital signals will shrug off the (properly terminated) 500load.The luxury version of doing Z0probing, which I sometimes do on prototype boards, is to put a 450resistor on the board between the signal of interest and a small 50coax connector (I use MCX) which I can then just haul off with a standard 50coax cable (MCX->BNC in my case) straight to the scope with 50termination at the scope end for a very high bandwidth, fully coaxial 10:1 probe built in to the board.If you're looking at taking signals off for logic analysis, then again proper termination is the trick. If you're using a quality logic analyser then this will usually have been taken care of for you. If you're using one of the more ad-hoc logic analysers out there, then sometimes it's a good idea to back terminate (i.e. a resistor in line at the source) the signal with a 100-200resistor.In all cases put grounds near your test points and use them. The inductance of a long ground pickup (e.g. the typical scope probe croc clip ground) can make a total hash of your signal and present a very misleading picture on the scope. Use the little ground spring that came with your scope probes and for logic analysers use the ground leads that come with the pods, the good ones have a ground lead for every signal lead.

author: cmumford
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2021, 11:48:16 pm
content: Thanks a lot for your great response Cerebus. Much appreciated.
sega Megadrive - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: sony mavica
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 12:28:44 am
content: how would i go about overclocking one or modding one to play japan games

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 12:59:56 am
content: You'd probably be better off asking on a gaming site or googling it. Though many of us are in the right age group to have played Sega games, we'd have to google it just to tell you how to do it I'm sure.
Segmented LC display for alarm clock - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: CookieEater
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2023, 09:24:44 pm
content: Hello,For a gift idea and for myself I wanted to create a customized old-school, battery powered alarm clock with some ridiculous features.Sourcing the parts I'm having some issues finding a run of the mill lcd as it is used in every cheap alarm clock. I tried checking aliexpress and I find all sorts of layouts (the usual x digit kind, displays for weather stations, electrical measurements) except for what I am looking for.Alibaba manufacturers require quantaties way outside of my demand.There is the option of buying a clock and stripping the lcd, but it comes at the disadvantages that it will likely be a zebra stripped lcd (it would make designing the case more difficult and I don't have experiences with them), pinout reverse engineering, and maybe getting multiple revisions (and not being able to reorder/get a specific lcd again).Requirements:24 hour timeAlarm iconBackground lighting (either by default or upgradeable)Bonus:SecondsTemperatureCalendarBatteryVolume indicatorMaybe one of you knows a source for these.Thank you in advance!

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2023, 09:38:28 pm
content: Get a 128(132)x64 or larger GLCD. Then you can do whatever you want.
Segmented LCD Driver HT1622/HT1621 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Sultanpepper123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2019, 08:19:27 pm
content: I've been leaning working on using and interfacing a microcontroller with an HT1622 + a custom segmented LCD. IMO the datasheet of the IC is very small and left me confused ; is the interface SPI ? UART ? GPIO and PWM (manually) ? . I've searched alot and found several tutorials and github libraries and they seem to not use the SPI feature.So far (DATA) is MOSI , CS is "CS" , WR is SCLK and RD is MISO ?.Any helpful advice/thoughts would make a world of difference. Thanks in advance.Note : I've included some of my findings, hopefully someone might add in the missing pieces.1. Datasheethttp://file.yizimg.com/332467/2009070510405297.pdf2. Arduino Uno example codehttps://github.com/kuwatay/Arduino/blob/master/Segment_LCD_HT1621/Segment_LCD_HT1621.ino3. Arduino tutorial for a chinese HT1621+LCD modulehttp://arduinolearning.com/code/ht1621-6-digit-7-segment-display-example.php4. Another Tutorial on modulehttps://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Wire-the-6-Digit-7-Segment-24-Inch-Ht1621-L/

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2019, 08:30:42 pm
content: It's a kind of synchronous serial but rely on RD and WR signals, also you need to handle when is data and when is comand,This data sheet is very clearhttps://www.holtek.com/documents/10179/116711/HT1622v270.pdf

author: Sultanpepper123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2019, 06:13:59 am
content: Quote from: ebclr on October 08, 2019, 08:30:42 pmSo its not SPI ? bitbanged IO implementation ?

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2019, 11:18:11 am
content: Quote from: Sultanpepper123 on October 09, 2019, 06:13:59 amLooks like you'll have to bit bang it. It's somewhat SPI-like but has separate clocks for reading and writing with a common data line. Pretty stinky tbh.
Seismic Audio Powered monitor repair - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Squezzy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 14, 2025, 12:54:06 pm
content: Hey Y'all,Newbie here. I recently purchased a Seismic Audio powered Floor monitor. I tested it using line level signals from two different mixers, just to confirm it wasn't an issue with the mixer. The output is low and distorted. I believe the issue is the preamp board. The speakers and power amp are good. I can get decent output by not engaging the power to the preamp board. According to Seismic, the board isn't a preamp but just a tone control board. I think the guy I spoke with is incorrect. There's a high and low voltage input that comes from a toroidal transformer. There are also two JRC 4558 op amps in the tone control circuit. Are these normally powered from the input signal? All of the pots seem to be working properly, according to my meter but they don't do anything to effect the output tone. The board input voltage is about 3 volts. If I go directly from the signal input to the power amp section, I get decent output from the monitor which is telling me the speakers and power amp sections are good. It has to be something in the tone control circuit. I couldn't find a schematic for it online nor does Seismic have any available. They also don't sell the boards separately. This monitor is really well built and is definitely worth repairing but I am learning that Seismic doesn't have the best customer support and my knowledge is very limited. Thanks in advance! Jesse

author: ahsrabrifat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2025, 11:28:35 am
content: Check for burn marks, cold solder joints, or bulging/leaky capacitors on the tone board.

author: CaptDon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2025, 07:13:26 pm
content: The 4558 devices generally have bipolar power such as + and - 10VDC. If they are set up with a single power supply it would usually be at least +12VDC and that is an indication of a cheap design. Seismic is kind of a 'You get what you pay for' brand. Overstated facts and under rated parts are the possible norm. Like many other folks, you may end up reverse engineering the board by creating a hand drawn schematic and then doing your troubleshooting. No schematics is the typical way to prevent chinese theft of intellectual property which is a joke since it was probably made in china. Also, a quick note, the 4558 can get blown up if static found its way to the input usually via the XLR in and not the TRS 1/4" in.
Select the best clock speed for a battery powered application - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: davethecipo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 05:48:35 pm
content: Hi,I'd like to use anATtiny1634for a battery powered RTC. Thisapplication notefrom atmel explains the idea: an external 32768 Hz crystal drives a timer, which overflows causing an interrupt which wakes the CPU up. The CPU does its things and gets back to sleep.In my case, I'd like to power the circuit from a CR2032, whose voltage varies from around 1.8 to 3.1 V. A graph at page 230 of the attiny datasheet shows the interval of safe frequencies vs Vcc. Therefore I should choose any frequency below 2 MHz.Since I have size restraints, I won't add an external crystal and I'll just use the factory settings (internal 8 MHz oscillator scaled down to 1 MHz). First stupid question: is the graph valid for both external crystals and the internal one? Will I be fine running the internal oscillator @1.8 V?Secondly, just for the sake of understanding, let's suppose I use an external 2 MHz crystal. Would this choice lower the power consumption? The CPU would do its job faster therefore going back to power-saving sleep mode sooner, am I right?EDIT: I realized that the attiny1634 doesn't allow a separate oscillator for the counter, therefore I should use something like a ATmega48PB/88PB/168PB. Page 306 of thedatasheetshows the upper limit for 1.8V operation to be 4MHz, apart from this my questions still hold.

author: xtoffer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 06:37:51 pm
content: Hello, afaik the graph should be valid for both with or without crystal. What would be most power saving depends on how much it's sleeping, what state it's in (idle, power down.. etc.) vs how long and how much power is consumed by it (and other things) during it's 'active' time.On the page before the graph there's a little table with some values or current consumption for different voltages/clock frequencies.Had a quick look at the fuses, it seems the tiny1634 has an option for using an internal "ultra low power" oscillator as well.

author: davethecipo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 07:20:59 pm
content: Thanks for the quick reply! I'll evaluate if the ultra low power oscillator is precise enough ??

author: xtoffer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 09:14:24 pm
content: Right, again, depends on the requirements of course. The internal oscillators can usually be software calibrated to some extent if required. But for best accuracy and stability you'll want a crystal of course.
Selecting A chip - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: hsn93
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2017, 11:10:43 am
content: hello , i ve studied electronics iam very biggener with no experience ..i ve searched the web before posting i couldnt find an answer..is there a tool or web that i can select a product (lets say System on chip microprocessor .. ) that fits for an application ?i know digi-key has good filteration for example but i cant see (application search) for example mobile development application would show any component fits on the mobiles ..or if i want to explore components that are related to smart watches .. i would see somthing like intel curie and other products ? ..im just asking because i have projects that i want to select the right components for them .. some are industerial with standards ..so is there a website the design engineers refer to ?

author: danadak
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2017, 12:56:08 pm
content: The vendor selector and family guides typically have an applicationbased breakout for various parts. So go to each vendor site ofinterest, TI, Cypress, ST, uChip, and search for product brochureand/or selector guide.Regards, Dana.

author: nicalitz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2017, 01:37:52 pm
content: There is no all-powerful 'aggregation tool' that I know of. It might seem overwhelming at first, but you'll quickly get an idea of which manufacturers and product ranges bet fit the requirements of your industry.It also helps to familiarize yourself with the websites of manufacturers (TI, ST, Linear, etc) to better understand how they organize and present information and resources. Once you become more familiar with the manufacturers and strengths and weaknesses of their offerings, it will become much easier to find what you are looking for when designing a new products. Personally, I've found that the tools provided by distributors like Digikey and Mouser are great when you have clear quantifiable specifications in mind, but not so great when you're trying to formulate an understanding of they product ranges (e.g., what drove a manufacturer to design a series of components in a certain way, what their chip offers that competitors don't). It does take time, but you do learn a lot along the way.When it comes to microcontrollers, specifically ARM architechture (which is the most widely used), it also helps to go directly to the ARM website. They have a lot of resources available of the different architectures. Strengths and weaknesses of each, intended applications, etc. More of a top level approach, but having a solid understanding of the architecture makes it much easier to find what you are looking for.One piece of advice I would also give, particularly when it comes to complex components (microcontrollers, image sensors, FPGAs, etc), is to favor those that are well documented and have been exhaustively discussed on forums. This could significantly shorten your development time, which often outweighs the functional and performance advantages of one chip over another.
Selecting a Multicell Battery Stack Monitor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: tyguy2
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 23, 2022, 07:48:27 pm
content: Hi all,I'm making a circuit that requires monitoring the individual cell voltages of a 15 cell battery, so I'm trying to select a monitor IC from Digikey or Mouser. I've found this one:https://www.digikey.at/en/products/detail/texas-instruments/BQ7694003DBT/4842191After reading the datasheet though, it seems that the chip has a lot more functionality that I want/need. I have an external charger for charging the battery, I just need the ability to monitor cell voltages. Features such as the current sense and controlling charge/discharge FETs aren't really necessary for my application. Can I just do what I've done in the attached schems, or am I missing something?I was also considering just buying a 16 channel ADC and reading the cell voltages using a voltage divider, but I feel that's a pretty hacky solution that wastes charge through leakage current.Any ideas?

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2022, 07:53:57 pm
content: Looks like you've found quite a nice IC, with over 100V total input voltage.Now don't tell anyone, because they only have 12000 in stock. Those can be gone in 3 minutes.The shunt measurement wires expect to see a low resistance, so shorting those wires together may be a better option.I only leafed though the datasheet briefly, but it does say that you can add the power charge / discharge FET's, which implies they are optional.The IC seems reasonably priced for using it just for the ADC and input circuitry.Figure 8.1 on page 19 has an example circuit with 4 resistors and 2 low current FET's for if you want to be able to disconnect homebrew voltage dividers.It's built in such a way that a bit of leakage though the FET's is not going to put any high voltage on your ADC, and this is one of the main concerns for such a switching circuit.