Turn-key PCB assembly services in prototype quantities or low-volume to mid-volume production runs

Amateur ECG monitoring device

  By

This is very simple ECG monitorin device with no protection and isolation circuitry. Also signal quality isn’t good enough to interpret data seriously. But circuit works and shows ECG pattern.   Signal is amplified and filtered via Analog devices instrumental amplifier AD620. Signal then is sampled with Atmega8 ADC and sent to LabView via USART. Refik didn’t include the whole circuit, just amplifier module, but it is not hard to recreate microcontroller part as there are standard connections to ADC and USART. Program is written in assembly language where ADC reads data and sends it via USART. Continue reading

Digital thermometer DS1820 on PIC16F84

  By

This is very simple design which can be built by everyone who can solder. Device is capable to measure temperatures in range from 0 to 99ºC and display it on LCD.   Firmware is written in C language ready to be compiled with CCS C compiler. Also in source code package is compiled version of program which can be flashed immediately to PIC. Continue reading

Bicycle ride distance meter

  By

Device was developed to measure distance when riding bicycle. Magnet and magnet sensor (proximity effect) contact was used to sense wheel turn. Project consists of Motorola 68HC908QY4 microcontroller which counts pulse signals coming from reed switch. Data is displayed in 1X16 LCD module.   Schematic is very simple and can be rebuilt easily on universal board. Software is written for ICC08 compiler and can be modified easily. Main modification would be adjusting wheel diameter. Continue reading

Accurate 500kHz frequency meter

  By

Ibrahim Kamal have developed nice and simple frequency meter which can measure frequencies from 5Hz to 500kHz. Frequency measurement is done by counting timer counts between two same amplitude values of incoming signal. After timer counts are done AT89C52 microcontroller calculates the signal frequency by knowing one timer tick duration.   Result is displayed via four seven segment LED displays that are driven dynamically. Whole PCB and display module is placed in old tester case and used same leads. Author provides full schematic, PCB and source code. Continue reading

Programmable DC pover supply

  By

This is must have tool in you LAB. The idea was to build microcontroller based DC power supply witch was easy to build and was cheaper than in market.   Device was built by using only standard components. Device is capable to provide up to 30V 2A. Power supply unit can be controlled by PC using i2ctalk program which can be run under Linux, Windows, Mac OS X and Solaris. Software can be found here. Dont forget to check for an updates. You can order this power supply unit as a kit from Tuxgraphics online shop. Kit includes additional documentations and circuit diagram. Continue reading

AVR DDS waveform generator

  By

This AVR DDS generator can generate signals from 1Hz up to 65535Hz. Thanks to well known DDS algorithm frequency limits can be much higher, but signal resolution drops in higher frequencies. Current range is enough for most of audio signal equipment testing. DDS algorithm is written in software where Atmega8 runs at maximum 16MHz. There are several signal waveforms available: sine, square, sawtooth, triangle and reverse sawtooth and pseudo-random noise.   Signals are stored in lookup tables as DDS algorithm requires. Signal output is organized via simple R-2R ladder DAC. LCD signal goes through shift register, this way only 3 MCU pins are used, while other serves for other purposes – buttons, other outputs. Project is well documented PCB and source files included. Author states that he will build another DDS generator with improved control and variable signal amplifier at the output.   Continue reading