Useful Websites for Electronic Engineers

1. The Learning Pit Here you will find a number of tutorials on PLC and Software Simulators, Tutorials in Electric Circuits, Electricity Basics and other tools.

 2. Naval Electrical Engineering Training Series This website contains tutorials on AC and Transformers, matter, energy, electricity, circuit protection, wiring, electrical conductors, schematic reading, solid state devices, electronic emission tubes and power, fiber optics etc.

 3. Play-Hookey This is a very good resource for tutorials on digital electronics, DC electronics, Op Amps, Computer Basics, Semiconductors and other topics. 

 4. Properties of Electricity This one deals with somewhat basic tutorials and covers topics like Ohm's Law, Circuits and Phase, Induction and Inductance, Conductivity, Bridger, Impedance etc. 

5. Radio-Electronics Here you will find some basic tutorials on electronics components. There are also tutorials on Electronics Communications. 

6. Scots Guide to Electronics This is a collection of tutorials on Analog and Audio Electronics, Signals, Radio, Datasheets, Components and other topics. 

7. Techlearner Here you will find tutorials about basic aspects of electronics like AC and DC circuits, electronics tutorials, communications, datasheets and circuits. 

8. Virtual Oscilloscope This is not exactly a tutorial. Rather, here you will find a simulation of an Oscilloscope, which shows various features of the device and gives you sinusodial waveforms. 

 9. Williamson Labs This is a tutorial on oscilloscopes, links, elementary electricity, components, Op Amps, Optics, Intuitive Electronics, RF, TV, Filters, Cell Phones, Computers, Antennas and other topics. 

10. Beginning Embedded Tutorials Here you will find 11 tutorials that will take you through embedded electronics and the various aspects of it that you need to understand. 

 11. Electronics Tutorials Here you will find a huge list of topics related to electroncis and information on those topics that will come in handy to you. 

 12. Micheals ElectronicsDigital Electronics Tutorials If you were looking for more tutorials in electronics, then this link may suit you fancy. 

13. Electromagnetic Waves and Antennas This is a book that gives you an introduction to electromagnetic waves and antennas. 

14. Electromagnetism for Electronic Engineers This is another book that deals with Electromagnetism. It contains examples and solutions that will be useful for learning.

Powerful Circuit Analysis Apps For Electronics

Smartphones today have become an amalgamation of many tools. Gone are the days when you would use a phone simply for making calls. Today, you can use your smartphone to click pictures, edit them and set up cloud servers even. That's not the end of it, if you're an electronics engineer, you can download a variety of apps that help you analyse circuits using your phone. Pretty great, isn't it? Here, take a look!

1. Short Circuit Analysis

This app can be used for short circuit analysis using the point-to-point method for systems that are up to the 600 V service range.

2. EveryCircuit

EveryCircuit is not just an eye candy. Under the hood it packs custom-built simulation engine optimised for interactive mobile use, serious numerical methods, and realistic device models. In short, Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws, nonlinear semiconductor device equations, and all the good stuff is there. There are free and paid version to this.

3. Matrix Operations

This application can be used for performing simple operations with matrices, like,

- Transposition
- Calculate determinant
- Sum and diff of matrices
- Multiplication of matrices
- Multiplication of a matrix by number
- Calculate rank
- Find inverse
- Solve systems of linear equations (with Gauss algorithm) A*X=B.

4. CalcPro

This is an application has been designed for engineers but can be used by anyone. Once you open the app you'll see a simple calculator with a swipe keyboard but there's much more behind it. This is an engineering calculator, with equation solvers, interpolations, matrices, wolfram alpha, converter, complex numbers, custom functions, variables, with more to be added in the future.

5. Automotive Electronics 2

Automotive Electronic Diagnostics (Course-2) is the second of a two book series that deals with this subject. This course 2 covers in great detail how to interpret automotive wiring diagrams and most important of all, how to follow the current path. Subject matter such as current path, data path on automotive networked computers, motor ripple counter, and various other automotive circuits. This book is a natural follow up to part-1 or course-1, which deals with principles of electronics and various automotive components. Both these books are compliments and companions to a DVD-Video series by the same tittle. These two books should also prepare anyone interested in the automotive repair and diagnostic field for the present and future state of automotive technology.

6. The Electric Game

The Electric Game is a fun way to learn or teach basic electronics and electricity. Activities relate green energy to electronic principles. This is not another electronics calculator. Players must apply electrical principles to progress in the quests. Topics on Ohm’s law, electrical power, series circuits, parallel circuits, Kirchhoff’s voltage law, Kirchhoff’s current law are included.

7. All Charts Pro

The pro version of All Charts (also available in a Free version) comes with the following added features,

- Wire ampacities with derating and temperature correction
- Grounding Table
- Conduit spacing and knockout diameters
- Point to point short circuit analysis
- It has additional functionality for conduit fill, voltage drop and motors than what the free version offers.
- It also enable the user to screen capture the result page and share it via email, SMS etc.

8. Analog Electronics

With a list of 33 features, this is a very good circuit analysys application to keep on your smartphone.

- PI and T attenuator
- Power and voltage converter
- Parallel LCR impedance/resonance
- Series LCR impedance/resonance
- Inductor impedance
- Capacitance impedance
- Ohm's Law
- Radio equation calculator (1-way path loss)
- Air Core Inductor Inductance Calculator
- Capacitor impedance
- Noise floor
- Amplifier cascade (NF, Gain, P1db, OIP2, OIP3)
- Low Pass filter
- High Pass filter
- Helical antenna
- Band Pass filter
- Band Stop filter
- Peak to RMS (peak, RMS, average, CF)
- Mixer harmonics
- Resistor Color Code calculator.
- PCB Trace Width and Clearance Calculator
- Series and Parallel component (R, L and C) calculations.
- Reverse Series and Parallel resistor calculations.
- Inductor Color Code Calculator.
- Capacitor Charge Calculator.
- Led Resistor Calculator.
- Voltage Divider Calculator.
- Opamp Calculator
- Wavelength calculator
- LCR Parallel - Series Conversion Calculator
- Inductor Charge Calculator.
- Heat Sink temperature calculator
- Thermal via calculator

9. Automotive Relay Circuit Guide

This book is a comprehensive work on automotive relays and their circuit analysis. It is also a companion to a video DVD series of the same title. It analyses how automotive relays are connected with their peripheral components. Each section starts with the specifics of the components used in that circuit and then there’s a deep analysis of how current flows on the circuit. The idea is to first explain and give the reader the particulars of each circuit, then go deeper and analyse why the circuit behaves the way it does, how to diagnose it and how to connect it in case the whole wiring is missing, obsolete or simply was never present to begin with. 

Author: Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

Free eBooks On Microcontrollers

You can learn a lot about microcontrollers with these free ebooks. 

Here's an assorted list of 8 free ebooks that will not only guide you through the basics but will also help you learn programming. Meant for both beginners and pros. Happy reading!

1. Introduction to Microcontrollers
by Guenther Gridling, Bettina Weiss - Vienna University of Technology, 2007
As the introduction of the book says, "This text introduces undergraduate students to the field of microcontrollers -- what they are, how they work, how they interface with their I/O components, what considerations the programmer has to observe in hardware-based and embedded programming."

2. PaulOS: An 8051 Real-Time Operating System
by Paul P. Debono - Bookboon , 2013
As the introduction of the book says, "This book is intended for undergraduate Engineering and/or IT students studying micro-controllers and embedded systems. It covers mainly the 8051 family of micro-controllers starting with the basic architecture and then moves on to assembly language."

3. What's a Microcontroller?
by Andy Lindsay - Parallax Inc. , 2003
As the introduction of the book says, "This book is a first-step BASIC Stamp 2 tutorial, introducing the essentials electronics and programming side by side. You will write PBASIC programs and build both simple and advanced breadboard circuits with LEDs, pushbuttons, light sensor, etc."

4. PIC Microcontrollers: Programming in Basic
by Milan Verle - mikroElektronika , 2010
As the introduction of the book says, "This book will help you learn more about programming PIC microcontrollers in BASIC with practical, common-sense instructions, real projects, clear illustrations and detailed schematics. All you need to know about designing and building PIC devices."

5. Architecture and Programming of 8051 Microcontrollers
by Milan Verle - mikroElektronika, 2010
As the introduction of the book says, "The book contains details of 8051 microcontroller architecture and practical examples, useful program routines, instructions on handling the programmer for Atmel 51 series, and the guide on using the development systems for Atmel microcontrollers."

6. PIC Microcontrollers - Programming in C
by Milan Verle - mikroElektronika , 2009
As the introduction of the book says, "What are microcontrollers? Electronics built in one single chip capable of controlling a small submarine, a crane or an elevator. It's up to you to decide what you want them to do and dump a program containing appropriate instructions into the chip."

7. PIC microcontrollers, for beginners too
by Nebojsa Matic - mikroElektronika , 2003
As the introduction of the book says, "The purpose of this book is not to make a microcontroller expert out of you, but to make you equal to those who had someone to go to for their answers. It contains many examples, assembler instruction set, appendix on MPLAB program package, etc."

8. PIC Microcontrollers
by Milan Verle - mikroElektronika , 2008
As the introduction of the book says, "It's high time to learn what the microcontrollers are and how they operate. Numerous illustrations and practical examples along with detailed description of the PIC16F887 will make you enjoy your work with the PIC microcontrollers." 

Author: Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

Add-Ons For Raspberry Pi That You Should Know About

You didn't buy a Raspberry Pi to simply show it. You would want to make the best use of it, won't you? 

Since its launch, the open source board Raspberry Pi has proved to be a godsend. There have been tons of uses found for the device. Moreover, there have been thousands of add-ons created for it. Some of these, though amazing and very useful, are lesser known. Here are 10 such lesser known ones.

1. Jason Barnett's MotorPiTX board

This is an integrated servo or motor board and integrated power supply for Raspberry Pi. You can use it for various projects, like building your own robots/.

2. Cosma Pabouctsidis Smart IO Expansion Card

Here you will find a smart I/O card that can be stacked on top of a single board Raspberry Pi computer.

3. Pi Supply's Fish Dish

This is an add-on board for your Raspberry Pi that lets you add three LEDs, a switch and a buzzer to it.

4. Pi Supply's Pi Crust (Mounted on Pi)

Want to make your Raspberry Pi easier to connect with other electronics? This is the board to go for.

5. GeekRoo's Fairywren Mini-ITX Motherboard

If this list were set in the order of preference then this add-on would be at the top of the list. It allows you to turn your Raspberry Pi into somewhat of a CPU hub, making it a full-fledged computer.

6. Grasping Hand's SweetBox, Heatsinks & ScorPi

Sweetbox is the smallest case for your Raspberry Pi, while Scorpi is a camera board holder.

7. MausBerry Circuits' Power Supply Ignition Switch

Did you know about this one? This is a car power supply for Raspberry Pi. It is capable of sensing the ignition and then shutting down the Pi safely.

8. Ciseco's Pi Light Bright White LED Display

This one has a series of white LEDs, which can work as a variety of things. These include being a marquee that scrolls for weather information, Twitter feed etc. In addition, it is also capable of displaying static information, like time etc.

9. OpenElectronics' Pi-Pan Tilt Kit

This one provides tilt and Pan movements for your Raspberry Pi-based camera. You can use this add-on to pan the camera from left to right, which means at an angle as big as 180 degres.

10. Alex Eames's HDMIPi HD Screen Prototypes

This is an effort at creating an HDMI screen that is not of sub-standard quality and neither are they expensive. It creates a small HDMI screen using the Raspberry Pi.

Author: Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

Raspberry Pi Projects That Will Blow Your Mind

Raspberry Pi can be used to do some pretty amazing things. Here are some of the best that have been done.

Raspberry Pi, the tiny open source computer, is a neat little device. It has been used by many users to build innovative microcomputers that can come in handy for a variety of purposes. Here are some of the best models that we saw.

1. Build a Nice-Looking Cardboard Raspberry Pi Case

Being a completely stripped down device, you need to build a case for your Raspberry Pi board. You can either build the case or buy one.

2. Build a Raspberry Pi-Powered Computer

You can make an entire computer that is powered by Raspberry Pi. This includes simple and easy to make machines to full all-in-one desktops.

3. Set Up a Personal Web Server

If you’re good with programming then you can use a Raspberry Pi to build you own web server. It won’t be able to deal with major traffic, but you can use it for various other purposes, like hosting a small file sharing network for free.

4. Raspberry Pi Home Automation

Raspberry Pi boards have been used for home automation in multiple innovations by users all around the world.

5. Make a Solar-Powered Raspberry Pi

You can also utilise solar power for running your Rapberry Pi. It makes for a very good DIY option.

6. Camera Pi – DSLR Camera with Embedded Computer

How about installing a computer in a DSLR Camera? Raspberry Pi gives you the power to do it.

7. Use a Raspberry Pi to Automate Time-Lapse Photos

This is an instructable that teaches you how to build a time-lapse dolly using the Raspberry Pi.

8. Hack a Kindle Into a Minimal Computer with a Raspberry Pi

Did you know you could use the Kindle as a monitor for your Raspberry Pi unit? All you need is a keyboard, some USB cables, the Kindle and the Pi.

9. Build an Automatic DeviantArt Picture Frame

You can build a photo frame that is powered by the Raspberry Pi. This allows you to download and put up a slideshow of pictures from Deviant Art.

10. Build a Raspberry Pi-Powered MAME Arcade Table

In this project, the Pi has been used in order to build a slimline version of the arcade cocktail cabinet. You can also use the cabinet to browser the internet, write emails etc.

11. Build a Virtual Analogue Synthesizer Using Raspberry Pi

This comes from one of the members of the Raspberry Pi Foundation forums. The member, Omenie, was working on a synthesizer using the Rapberry Pi microcomputer.

12. Raspberry PI in a Game Boy Case

Want handheld PC for yourself? All you need to do is put in a Raspberry Pi computer within the old school Nintendo Game Boy.

Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

Free Resources To Learn About MOSFETs

Want to learn about MOSFETs? Here are some tutorials. Don't like tutorials? We have included videos too! Not enough? Here are other resources! 

Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistors are commonly used for amplifying or switching electronic signals. They have a wide usage in the field and learning about these is crucial for any electronic engineer. So, with that in mind, here are 14 resources that will get you up and running!


Tutorials

1. How To Use MOSFET – Beginner’s Tutorial

This tutorial covers some of the basic questions that peope raise about MOSFET circuits. It discusses how these circuits work and what they are.

2. Power MOSFET Tutorial

This tutorial explains the main features of N-channel power MOSFETs. In addition, it provides information on device selection and application.

3. Electronics Tutorials on Metal Oxide FETs

This one contains an introduction to MOSFETs and using MOSFETs as a switch.

4. Transistor Tutorials

Here you will learn about how MOSFETs are made, how they work and how to use them in practical circuits.

5. What is MOSFET

This tutorial starts with a general introduction to MOSFETs and moves deeper into the topic. It can be quite useful for beginners.

6. Using the MOSFET as a Switch

This is an experiment that shows you step by step how to use a MOSFET as a switch.

Free Reference Materials

1. Power MOSFET Basics

Excerpt: This application note discusses the breakdown voltage, on-resistance, transconductance, threshold voltage, diode forward voltage, power dissipation, dynamic characteristics, gate charge and dV/dt capability of the power MOSFET.

2. Introduction to Power MOSFETs and their Applications

Introduction: The Power MOSFETs that are available today perform the same function as Bipolar transistors except the former are voltage controlled in contrast to the current controlled Bipolar devices. Today MOSFETs owe their ever-increasing popularity to their high input impedance and to the fact that being a majority carrier device, they do not suffer from minority carrier storage time effects, thermal runaway, or second breakdown.

3. MOS Field Effect Transistors

This is chapter four of a book on Microelectronic Circuits. The chapter deals with MOSFETs and their functioning.

Tutorial Videos

1. MOSFETs as Switch - General Circuits

2. EECE 251 - Tutorial on MOSFETs Part One

3. EECE 251 - Tutorial on MOSFETs Part Two

4. MOSFET NMOS C-S Find the Q-Point DC Circuit Analysis

5. Lec 9 | MIT 6.002 Circuits and Electronics, Spring 2007 

Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

Free eBooks On Electronics Circuit Design And Programming

Every advanced electronic device requires one very advanced electronic circuit, and as we move forward with time, ofcourse we are expecting many many more smart and advanced electronics coming our way. And all this is directly proportional to more job opportunities. Prepare yourself for the best circuit designing and programming jobs with these free ebooks. From micro-controllers to assembly to VLSI, these books have almost everything you wanted to learn.

1. What's a Microcontroller?

Andy Lindsay

The book answers the question "What's a Microcontroller?" by showing students how they can design their own customized, intelligent inventions using the BASIC Stamp.

2. Computer Arithmetic of Geometrical Figures

Solomon Khmelnik

The book is designed for using the computer arithmetic of geometrical figures in research and development in the field of specialized processors. It covers both the affine transformations and the figures coding theory.

3. PaulOS: An 8051 Real-Time Operating System

Paul P. Debono

This book covers mainly the 8051 family of micro-controllers starting with the basic architecture and then moves on to assembly language and Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) where three main types of self-developed RTOSs are discussed.

Part-2

4. VLSI Design ©2012

Esteban Tlelo-Cuautle and Sheldon X.-D. Tan

This book provides some recent advances in design nanometer VLSI chips, ranging from design tools, new post-silicon devices, GPU-based parallel computing, emerging 3D integration, and antenna design.

5. Designing Analog Chips

Hans Camenzind

A comprehensive introduction to CMOS and bipolar analog IC design. The book presumes no prior knowledge of linear design, making it comprehensible to engineers with a non-analog background.

6. Application-Specific Integrated Circuits

Michael J. Smith

This comprehensive book on application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) describes the latest methods in VLSI-systems design.

7. Automating Manufacturing Systems with PLCs

Hugh Jack

An in depth examination of manufacturing control systems using structured design methods. Topics include ladder logic and other IEC 61131 standards, wiring, communication, analog IO, structured programming, and communications.

8. Digital Design with RTL Design, VHDL, and Verilog

Frank Vahid

Offering a modern, updated approach to digital design, this much-needed book reviews basic design fundamentals before diving into specific details of design optimization.

9. Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI)

Zhongfeng Wang

This book is intended to cover a wide range of VLSI design topics by providing a historical perspective as well as design methodologies of VLSI systems.

10. Guide to the Assembly Language of ATMEL-AVR-Microprocessors

This book features a step-by-step approach in covering Assembly language programming of Atmel AVR microcontrollers.

11. PIC Microcontrollers - Programming in C

Milan Verle

This book has provided a step-by-step guide to programming these microcontrollers (MCUs) with the C programming language.

12. PIC Microcontrollers - Programming in BASIC

Milan Verle

This book will help you learn more about programming PIC microcontrollers in BASIC with practical, common-sense instructions, real projects, etc.

13. Programming dsPIC Microcontroller in PASCAL

Zoran Milivojevic

The book provides numerous practical examples with necessary connection schematics explaining the operation of temperature sensors, A/D and D/A converters, LCD and LED displays, relays, communication modules etc.

14. Computer Aids For VLSI Design

Steven M. Rubin

This textbook broadly examines the software required to design electronic circuitry, including integrated circuits.

15. Algorithms and Data Structures in VLSI Design

This book presents broad and in-depth coverage of the entire field of modern VLSI Design with ordered binary decision diagrams (OBDDs).

16. Understanding Electronics Components

Filipovic D. Miomir

This book is meant for those people who want to create electronic devices with their own hands. All components are illustrated and the circuit-symbol is explained in detail.

17. Introduction to PLC controllers

Nebojsa Matic

This basic guide will take you from the very basic concepts, to put PLC code together, all the way up to briefly explore the steps to a successful project! No previous PLC coding experience is needed to begin exploring this fascinating technological world!

18. Arduino Programming Notebook

Brian W. Evans

This book is a beginner's reference to the programming syntax of the Arduino microcontroller.

19. Architecture and Programming of 8051 Microcontroller

Learn in a quick and easy way to program 8051 microcontroller using many practical examples we have provided for you.

20. PIC Microcontrollers ©2008

Milan Verle

Numerous illustrations and practical examples along with detailed description of the PIC16F887 will make you enjoy your work with the PIC microcontrollers.

21. Flexible Circuit Technology, Third Edition

Joseph Fjelstad

This book was written to provide a bridge of understanding by offering a clearly defined set of steps which take the reader from basic concepts of flexible circuits to a more detailed review of the various technology and materials.

22. Op Amp Applications Handbook

Walt Jung

This book is a complete and up-to-date op amp reference for electronics engineers from the most famous op amp guru, supported by Analog Devices marketing efforts.

23. The Data Conversion Handbook

Walt Kester

The Data Conversion Handbook is written for design engineers who routinely use data converters and related circuitry.

24. Designing Computers and Digital Systems

C. Gordon Bell

This is a classic book from the days that computers were designed using pdp 16 registers. It is authored by some very famous figures of computer history - Gordon Bell, John Grason, and Allen Newell. 

Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

Free Ebooks And 6 Tutorials On The PIC Microcontroller

The Peripheral Interface Controller has been used widely since it was first developed in the 1970s. It can be used for various purposes in CPUs and other electronic devices. Here are 14 resources that will teach you about these tiny yet useful devices.

1. Programming PIC Microcontrollers PDF 117

This book is about programming PIC microcontrollers in C using the PIC-C compiler. It covers PIC architecture, PIC, specific limitations and extensions to C, Programming PIC hardware such as ports, ADC, timers, etc and using software libraries.

2. PIC Microcontrollers Programming in C

Book Description: What are microcontrollers, anyway? Electronics built into one single chip capable of controlling a small submarine, a crane, an elevator… It’s up to you to decide what you want them to do and dump a program with the appropriate instructions into the chip. You're probably wondering what you need for it? Just a PC, a program for compiling and a simple device to transfer your code from the PC to the chip itself. Is it complicated? Absolutely not!

3. The PIC Course

This is a book for beginners to learn programming in the PIC12C508A and PIC16F84 microcontrollers. It comes with the best

4. Programming PIC Microcontrollers

Book Description: From cell phones and television remote controls to automobile engines and spacecraft, microcontrollers are everywhere. Programming these prolific devices is a much more involved and integrated task than it is for general-purpose microprocessors; microcontroller programmers must be fluent in application development, systems programming, and I/O operation as well as memory management and system timing.

Using the popular and pervasive mid-range 8-bit Microchip PIC® as an archetype, Microcontroller Programming offers a self-contained presentation of the multidisciplinary tools needed to design and implement modern embedded systems and microcontrollers. The authors begin with basic electronics, number systems, and data concepts followed by digital logic, arithmetic, conversions, circuits, and circuit components to build a firm background in the computer science and electronics fundamentals involved in programming microcontrollers.

For the remainder of the book, they focus on PIC architecture and programming tools and work systematically through programming various functions, modules, and devices. Helpful appendices supply the full mid-range PIC instruction set as well as additional programming solutions, a guide to resistor color codes, and a concise method for building custom circuit boards.

Providing just the right mix of theory and practical guidance, Microcontroller Programming: The Microchip PIC® is the ideal tool for any amateur or professional designing and implementing stand-alone systems for a wide variety of applications.

5. Microprocessors: From Assembly To C with the PIC18FXX2

This is a book written by Robert B. Reese from the Mississipi State University. You can also find material to supplement the above mentioned book, like lecture notes, tests, quizzes etc. that can be really useful in learning about PIC microcontroller.

6. PIC in Practice

Book Description: The book can be used at a variety of levels. While the carefully graded practicals make it ideal for colleges and schools, many university students and professionals are also newcomers to PIC, so this book will provide a painless introduction for more advanced readers. In addition, electronics hobbyists will find this book to be an exciting introduction to the world of microcontrollers.

*A practical guide for all newcomers to the PIC microcontroller
*Discover microelectronics by building PIC circuits
*Based on Manchester Metropolitan University's highly successful short courses on the PIC

Tutorial

1. PIC Microcontroller

This contains tutorials on the Pic Microcontroller, with topics such as PIC Microcontroller, Development Contd, Architecture, PIC18 Architecture and Features & Peripherals.

2. Fast Track to PIC Programming

According to the website, this tutorial will teach you how to,

- Write code to define outputs.
- Write code to read inputs and use those inputs to affect outputs.
- Write code to react to a clock cycle.
- “Burn” code into the device.

3. PIC16F877A Beginner Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to code simple input and output for your robot with the help of the PIC 16F877A microcontroller.

4. PIC Tutorials

This tutorial from Googlium Electronics could be your complete guide to PIC Microcontrollers. It contains an introduction to the subject, followed by various other aspects of this device.

5. PIC Tutorial - 16F877A

This is a set of articles that can work as effective tutorials for the PIC learner.

6. WinPicProg PIC Tutorial

This is a group of 17 tutorials to understand the PIC microcontroller.

Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

Video Tutorials On How To Build A Computer

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could make your own gaming PC for less than $200? Well, it’s not entirely impossible. Read on.. 

Building your own computer used to be a task reserved for geeks and engineers. But, in recent years, it has become much easier. It can save you a considerable amount of money than buying your own device. All you need is the right set of components and some training about the process that is involved. Let’s get right down to it.

1. Build Easy PC

2. The New Boston

3. How To Build A Computer

4. How To Build A Gaming Computer

5. Newegg TV:Choosing Your Components

6. Newegg TV: The Build

7. Installing Windows & Finishing Touches

8. Easy PC Builder

9. Guide to building a budget AMD PC

10. Super Cheap Gaming Computer
Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

9 Arduino Projects You Cannot Ignore

Arduino CEO, Massimo Banzi has made some really cool videos of what all you can do with this little piece of hardware.

Arduino can be much more fun than just being an electronic prototyping platform. The fact that it is open source allows you to do various crazy, wacky, yet creative things. For those living in caves, Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. Well, Arduino CEO Massimo Banzi has made some really cool videos of what all you can do with this little piece of hardware. Here we present nine interesting Arduino projects that will make your tryst with this platform even more fun. Check them out.

Spaceship Interface

Within the demonstration, Banzi creates a circuit that shows how easy it is to connect LEDs and buttons to the Arduino board. Banzi even shows us how the Arduino software can interact with the various other components. Specifically, he sets the conditions and variables within the Arduino code that can manipulate the LEDs when certain criteria are met.



The Love-O-Meter

Massimo Banzi shows us how to create the inexplicably named "Love-O-Meter". Quite simply, the system acts as a thermometer, and it is capable of measuring how hot (or not) you are. Banzi also uses several clever pieces of kit, including a temperature sensor that emits a voltage proportionate to every degree of centigrade it detects. Banzi then runs through the code needed to implement this rather curious behaviour.



Light Theremin

This time, Banzi is showing us how to make a light Theremin using the Arduino starter kit. In his simple circuit, Banzi uses a buzzer and a light sensor that will be used to judge the distance of your hand from Arduino. Banzi then hacks the hardware to show users how to change the pitch of the sound in relation to the amount light that the sensor detects. So if you are feeling musical, make sure to check out the latest Arduino video from RS Components. It is a great lesson that will surely help you to get the most from your starter kit!



Keyboard

In this tutorial video, Massimo Banzi explores the possibility of making musical sounds with the Arduino Starter Kit. To do this, Banzi has created simple circuit on the Arduino board, which is then completed with four buttons and a mini piezo speaker. But to make the device resemble a mini keyboard, Banzi has programmed each button to play a different note. Banzi then uses the Arduino software define different frequencies for each note within the code. But don’t worry if this sounds rather complicated, as he goes through the code line-by-line to show us exactly how to make a mini-keyboard. So to start making music, make sure that you watch the latest video.



Twitter-controlled Mood Lamp

This time, Banzi will be using a Wi-Fi shield module to connect his Arduino unit to the Internet. This obviously opens up a whole range of new possibilities, which Banzi explores in the video. For the purposes of this demonstration, Banzi creates a simple lamp circuit that will change colour according to the messages posted on Twitter. So if someone, for instance, Tweets a message that begins with #ArduinoRGB followed by a colour represented by a six digit decimal number (like the way colours are displayed in HTML), the lamp will then change colour accordingly. So to see how this clever device works, make sure that you tune in to the final video.



Motorized Pinwheel

It's time for another instructional video from Massimo Banzi, and this time he's showing us how to make a motorized pinwheel with Arduino. To do this, Banzi will be controlling a DC motor using the Arduino board so that he can spin the wheel at different speeds. However, creating a motorized pinwheel has its own set of unique challenges. For instance, a DC motor works at a higher voltage than the Arduino. This means that it requires more current that an Arduino pin can provide. This is, of course, a difficult problem to overcome, as too much current will burn and destroy the Arduino pin. So how will Banzi overcome this obstacle? Well watch the video to find out...



Crystal Ball (Magic 8-Ball)

Many of us fondly remember having a crystal ball (Magic 8-Ball) in our younger days, but now Massimo Banzi is showing us how to construct one from the materials in the Arduino starter kit. The electronic version of the Magic 8-Ball is completed with a LCD screen and tilt sensor, which will provide the user with a randomly generated answer after the circuit is shaken. If you would like to know how this is done, Banzi also looks at the code to show us how everything works.



Touchy-Feely Lamp

Back with a brand-new Arduino starter kit project, Massimo Banzi walks us through the process of making a touch sensor lamp. Banzi also introduces us to the concept of external libraries for the Arduino. This is an extremely useful tool that should help streamline the development process for beginners and experts alike. Put simply, an external library can be downloaded and installed into the Arduino development environment. They are essentially a database of pre-written code that can be used in your device to programme certain behaviours. In this case, the eternal library enables Banzi to create his touch sensor lamp quickly and efficiently.



Tweak the Arduino Logo

Good news... it's time for another Arduino instructional video with Massimo Banzi! And this time, our favourite Italian hardware hacker will be using the Arduino to control software running on your computer. To do this, Banzi will be hooking the Arduino board up to a computer via a USB connection, and then use a specific programme to change the colour of the Arduino logo. By the end of the video demonstration, you should be able to send a value from Arduino to your computer, and then use a program to interpret this software as a colour. Finally, you will be able to change the colour of the Arduino logo easily using a simple dial.

 

Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

Free eBooks On Embedded Systems

Here's bringing 14 free ebooks to help you learn more about different aspects of embedded systems.

From introduction to embedded system to unified hardware/software approach to programming embedded systems and what not, we bring to you a sorted list of ebooks that cover all what you wanted to learn about embedded systems.

 1. Embedded Systems - High Performance Systems, Apps and Projects

This book addresses a wide spectrum of research topics on embedded systems, including parallel computing, communication architecture, application-specific systems, and embedded systems projects.

2. Embedded Systems - Theory and Design Methodology (K. Tanaka)

This book addresses a wide spectrum of research topics on embedded systems, including basic researches, theoretical studies, and practical work.

3. First Steps with Embedded Systems (Byte Craft Limited)

Author(s) Byte Craft Limited
Publisher: Byte Craft Limited

This book is intended to fill the need for an intermediate level overview of programming microcontrollers using the C programming language.

4. Introduction to Embedded Systems - A Cyber-Physical Systems

Author(s) Edward Ashford Lee, Sanjit Arunkumar Seshia
Publisher: Lulu.com (April 13, 2011)

This book strives to identify and introduce the durable intellectual ideas of embedded systems as a technology and as a subject of study.

5. PaulOS: An 8051 Real-Time Operating System (Paul P. Debono)

Author(s) Paul P. Debono
Publisher: Bookboon (2013)

This book covers mainly the 8051 family of micro-controllers starting with the basic architecture and then moves on to assembly language and Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) where three main types of self-developed RTOSs are discussed.

6. Patterns for Time-Triggered Embedded Systems (Michael J. Pont)

Author(s) Michael J. Pont
Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 1st edition (July 12, 2001), ebook (2009)

This book introduces 70 powerful, proven design techniques patterns for enhancing rapid development and reliability in embedded systems based on the popular 8051 microcontroller family.

7. Embedded System Design: A Unified Hardware/Software Approach

Author(s) Frank Vahid and Tony Givargis
Publisher: Wiley; New edition edition (October 17, 2001)

This book introduces a modern approach to embedded system design, presenting software design and hardware design in a unified manner.

8. Embedded Software Development with eCos (Anthony J. Massa)

Author(s) Anthony J. Massa
Publisher: Prentice Hall (December 5, 2002)

In this start-to-finish guide to eCos solution building, the author covers eCos architecture, installation, configuration, coding, deployment, and the entire eCos open source development system.

9. Programming Embedded Systems using C (Mikael J. Pont)

Author(s) Mikael J. Pont
Publisher:Addison-Wesley Professional (May 4, 2002), eBook (2006)

A book designed for programmers with desktop experience in C. Key techniques required in all embedded systems are covered in detail.

10. Programming Embedded Systems in C and C++ (Michael Barr)

Author(s) Michael Barr
Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 1 edition (January 30, 1999)

The techniques and code examples presented in this book are directly applicable to real-world embedded software projects of all sorts.

11. Programming Memory-Constrained Networked Embedded Systems

Author(s) Adam Dunkels
Publisher: Mälardalen University Press (2007)

This book focuses on three topics regarding programming memory-constrained networked embedded systems: the TCP/IP, simplifying event-driven, and dynamic loading for memory-constrained systems.

12. Real-Time Systems, Architecture, Scheduling, and Application

Author(s) Seyed Morteza Babamir
Publisher: IN-TECH (April , 2012)

This book is a rich textbook for introducing diverse aspects of real-time systems including architecture, specification and verification, scheduling and real world applications.

13. Arduino Programming Notebook (Brian W. Evans)

Author(s) Brian W. Evans
Publisher: Lulu.com (September 10, 2008)

This book is a beginner's reference to the programming syntax of the Arduino microcontroller.

14. Interfacing with C++: Programming Real-World Applications

Author(s) Jayantha Katupitiya Kim Bentley
Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (April 11, 2006)

This book is for people who are interested in learning and exploring electronic interfacing as well as C++ programming in a practicable and enjoyable way.

Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

11 Top Circuit Simulators For Engineers

Whether it is for Analog Electronics, Digital Electronics or both, we bring you 11 of the best circuit simulators for your analysis purposes.

software license from various platforms. These tools replicate the working of an actual circuit and hence electronic device, on the computer. They use mathematical models for the same. As a result, circuit simulators can be invaluable analysis tools for engineers. Here are some of the top freely available electronic circuit simulators.

Analog Electronic Circuit Simulators: These tools simulate analog circuits on your system. You can use them for their analysis.

1. Electric

2. gpsim

3. SPICE

4. Oregano


Digital Electronics: These tools are for digital electronic circuits. These tools are invaluable when you need to analyse digital circuits.

1. KTechLab

2. Deeds

3. Hades

4. Logisim


Mixed: These tools can be used for both digital and analog circuits. They can simulate both kinds of circuits on your system.

1. GNU Circuit Analysis Package

2. Ngspice

3. Quite Universal Circuit Simulator
Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill