Blogs

Most of 8-bit microcontrollers lack of integrated DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) functionality. This is handy when you need to generate analog signals out of digital information. Adding DAC to any existing microcontroller is a piece of cake. But before you start why not to look at various options available. Embedded newbie provides a review of Arduino DAC solutions. Starting with R-2R ladder solution list goes through various ways of converting digital to analog.

Depending on your needs and speed required there can be a PWM DAC converter that is nothing more than digital signal passed through low pas filter. This is how motor control works. Its fairly slow,but serial that gives advantage when small pin count microcontrollers are used. In other hand is signal speed is an issue then parallel DAC – same R-2R ladder probably with output buffer circuit. And lastly there is always an option to use specialized DAC chips that can be interfaced through one of available interfaces like SPI. These save space and and MCU pin and still provide high resolution and speed.

Designing electronics devices doesn't end with building a PCB board. Most of finished products are placed in enclosures. Even if you don't use enclosure – the board has to sit somewhere or has some mechanical attachments like heat-sinks, holders etc. One way to be sure everything fits nicely is to put everything together in mechanical CAD like Google Sketchup which is free. The problem is – how easy to transfer PCB image in to Sketchup. There is no direct export to format that 3D CAD would understand.

So RS Components (EU electronics component distributor) have put all pieces together. They developed a simple solution that clears the gap between PCB and 3D CAD formats. Their small software takes IDF file format (Intermediate Data Format) that is supported by most of PCB software packages. Then with RS program this file is converted to Collada (.dae) file which can be imported in most CAD packages like Google Sketchup. Once imported, board can be made to look realistic with additional 3D models of electronics components and put in to enclosure virtually. This way your design can be finished virtually before anything is manufactured and it costs nothing.

Over a week ago I've got a notice that Texas Instruments (TI) is giving away a 50% coupon for MSP430_FRAM related devices. Without hesitation ordered their MSP-EXP430FR5739 TI experimenters board that price went down to $14.50 including free shipping.

With all functionality and on board peripherals included – its a give away. Experimenters board came in nice hard paper package that feels really solid and professional in hands.