Electronic Theory

AC electric motor working principle

Working principle of three-phase and single-phase AC motors.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Philips RC6 IR Remote Control Protocol

After the RC5 protocol, here is the new and advanced protocol from
Philips, the RC6 infrared remote control protocol. Unfortunately, i
could not locate not a single official source for this protocol, so
everything that you read here comes mainly from reverseengineering and information gathered around the net.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Remote Control Basics - Understanding Protocol

and Modulation
To understand how Infra-red remote controls work, it is important to
know first what an IR protocol is, and what means "modulated
signal". I wrote this article because i prepare a set of IR protocol
theories and i need it as a reference.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Philips RC5 IR Remote Control Protocol

There are a lot (and i mean A LOT) of theory pages around the
internet explaining the Philips RC5 protocol, so this page is
probably a waste of internet space. Nevertheless, really had to write
this page because of two reasons: First, i did not find one page that
was able to cover 100% my curiosity, and second, writing a theory
page for others is the way that I learn, since i have to learn
something in deep details in order to write a good theory page...
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How Phonecard Smart Cards Work

In this theory page i explain how phonecard smart-cards work. Since
there are lots of different smart-card types and i cannot cover them
all, i explain only the 128-bit Greek telecards from OTE
telecommunications. I provide also links to documents which
provide info about other phonecards.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

LED driving and controlling methods

I wrote this tutorial as an intro page for those that do not know how
to drive the LEDs and how to control its brightness. The ltimate goal
is to introduce the A6210 from Allegro Microsystems, a very
efficient LED driver and controller.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How to check the Windings of a 3-Phase AC

motor with an Ohmmeter
A 3-phase AC squirrel cage motor is a very common type used in
many applications. In my job, there are machines that have tens of
these motors, powered either directly with 3-phase supply or
through inverters. It is very important to develop a quick and
reliable methodology to check if the motor coils have a problem or
not.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Basic Transistor Circuits

This is my most viewed - most popular theory page. In this article i
present a bath of useful circuits made with transistors, such as relay
drivers, light/dark detectors, oscillators, flip-flop circuits, switch
debouncers etc.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Semiconductor Package Families

The electronic components come in standard packages. In this page I
have links to PDF files with the dimensional drawing of these
packages
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

PID Theory
I plan to make a PID controller so i had to study about PID in
general. In this page i explain what the terms P, I and D means and
why this system is so widely used in modern automation
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Pulse Position Modulation and Differential PPM

Pulse Position Modulation is one of the most efficient data coding
systems thanks to its high level of modulation compression, but not
very reliable though. It s not used in critical systems or cable data
transmissions, but it is widely used in remote controls and optic
fibers.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Manchester and Differential Manchester Code

I plan to make some circuits with remote infrared communication.
After some research, i discovered that one of the most common
coding methods for IR communication is the Manchester Code. I
studied this method and -as usual- i wrote a theory page to use it as a
reference.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How Gas Discharging Lamps work (Cold

Cathode CCFL and Hot Cathodes)
In this theory page, i explain how the gas-discharge lamps work,
which types of gas-discharge lamps exist, and what means Cold
Cathode and Hot Cathode lamps.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Charlieplexing
Charlieplexing is a rather new LED multiplexing technique, that
utilizes the tri-state function of microcontroller's I/O ports to control
more efficiently LEDs.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How Touch Buttons work

In this theory page, i explain how the touch switches (buttons) work.
I cover various methods, the resistance touch sensor, the AC Hum
touch sensor and the capacitance touch sensor. I extensively cover
the capacitance touch sensors. Also, i explain how a capacitance
touch sensor can be used to make buttons that are covered under
non-conductive materials, such as plastic, wood, plexiglas etc.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How a Key Matrix Work

In this article i explain how the key matrices works. A key matrix is
a technique to interface multiple buttons into a microcontroller,
using as less ports as possible. Such a technique is used in your PC
keyboard to interface all 101 (or more) keys using around 26 ports.
Also i explain what the ghosting and masking problem is and how to
deal with it.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How Stepper Motors Work

Using animations and with a long 3D modeling video, i explain how
the stepper motors work. You will learn what types of steppers exist,
how they can be controlled and also how the coils are internally
connected.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How Thermocouples (TCs) Work

Thermocouples are wire pairs that have the characteristic of
producing a slight voltage according to their junction temperature.
They are widely used in automation and industrial applications. In
this article you will learn how they work and how you can acquire
the measurement. Moreover, you will learn how to convert the
voltage reading into the actual junction temperature.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How PC Fans Work

Most probably there is more than one fan inside your PC. In this
article i explain how the classic PC fans work, the different types of
PC fans (2, 3 and 4 wires) and how they are internally wired.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Hall Sensor

The Hall sensor is a small electronic component that can sense a
magnetic field, and also it can distinguish the North and South pole.
Read tis article to read the history of the Hall sensor and how it
works.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How Brushless Motors Work (BLDC Motors)

The brushless motors (BLDC) are widely used due to their accuracy
and reliability. Read this article to learn how the BLDCs operate. A
long 3D modeling video and many animations will help you learn
the BLDCs easily.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How DC Motors are made and how they work

If you mess with electronics, it is almost impossible that you have
not came across a DC motor. Most probably you have chopped one
at least once to see how it works. In this article, i use sophisticated
animations and a long 3D modeling video, to explain how the DC
motors are made and how they work.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How Relays Work

Many people do not know how the relays are made and how they
work. Many people do not know the different types of relays that
exist. Read this article to learn which types of relays exist and how
they operate. It is most likely that you will learn about a relay type
that you did not know...
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

PC Power Connectors
You all know these Molex connectors don't you? Did you know that
Molex is the name of the company that first made this connectors?
Do you know how many different PC Power connectors exist? Do
you want to know what each pin does? Read this article.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Frequency Measuring
Frequency measuring is required in numerous applications, from
motor RPM speed measuring to sensor value acquisition and more.
There are some point that you need to be aware of, and also there are
2 basic methods to measure the frequency according to the speed.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Schmitt Trigger

The Schmitt Trigger is used basically to provide rectangular pulses
out of an irregular waveform, but it is also used for other
applications, for example to generate a hysteresis circuitry. In this
theory page i explain in details how it works and i present the most
basic circuits to implement a Schmitt Trigger, with single and dual
power supply, inverting and non-inverting output, using OP-Amps
and simple transistors.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Least Squares Fitting

I use the least squares fitting method in almost any experiment that i
make and provides a linear equation. This mathematical method will
get any number of X-Y pairs and according to these pair, it will
generate the best line that can be drawn to go through all these point,
as close as possible. I also provide an on-line calculator to make
your calculations immediately, and also an on-line calculator to
calculate the line for you.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

How RC Servos Works

You do know RC Servos don't you? Do you know how they work/
What signal they use? How to control them? I chopped an RC servo
for you and i explain how it works, and also i provide a table with
the most common servo wire color code. Finally, i present a very
simple circuit to control an RC servo using a potentiometer and a
555 timer.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Peltier Thermo-Element

You have probably hear about Peltier Thermo-Elements (or TEs),
but do you know how it works? How is it made? I also explain in
details how to control one and how to calculate the efficiency and
the operating parameters. Do not start a TE project without having
this article read...
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Resistor
The resistor is a fundamental part used in all electronic circuits. It is
essential to know the ohm law and how to read the resistor value
from the color code.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Triac
Connecting 2 SCRs together will make you a TRIAC. The
TRIAC is a widely used switching component. It is used in
dimmers, relay and power drivers, inverters and more. Learn
how it is made and how it works.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The SCR
The SCR is used mainly to control AC loads. It is an essential
component for power electronics. Learn the history of the SCR, how
it is made and how it works.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

555 Circuits
The top-seller IC with the most applications. In this article i present
some of the most common 555 circuits, such as the monostable and
astable multivibrator, light detector, power missing detector, pulse
missing detector, touch switch and lots more. Check it out!
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Connecting Capacitors
What happens if multiple capacitors are connected together? How is
tie total capacitance calculated?
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Capacitor
Read this article to learn what is a capacitor, how it is made, how it
works, which types of capacitors exist and the basic uses of the
capacitor.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The Voltage Divider

A voltage divider is an electronic circuit mainly composed by two or
more resistors. It is used to provide specific voltage to other
components such as transistors. Read how it works and how you can
make your own voltage divider. Also, i provide an on-line calculator
to calculate the resistor values yourself with ease.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Ohm's Law
The fundamental law of electronics...
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Connecting Resistors
Read what happens if multiple resistors are connected together in
series or parallel, and how you can calculate the total resistance.
Find an on-line calculator to help you in your calculations.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Reading Part Values

Electronic parts such as resistors and capacitors, have usually their
value printed with a color code or with number codes. Read this
article to learn how you can read these codes. Find also on-line
calculators to get the values at once.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

LEDs
LEDs is the revolution in light. Yet, it was discovered by accident
and the discovery was kept deep in a drawer for many years. Learn
the history of LEDs, how they are made, how they work and how to
light them without burning them! Find also an on-line calculator to
calculate the protective resistor needed for you.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

555 Theory
Learn how the most popular timer chip in the world works, in very
simple steps. Learn what you can do with this chip. Find also an online calculator to help you in your calculations.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Dimmer Theory
What is a dimmer and how it works? Read this detailed article that
explains the dimmer theory of operation. For more advanced
readers, i have include a zero-cross detection circuit to use with your
own homemade dimmers
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

PWM Modulation
The Pulse Width Modulation is a widely used technique in signal
transfer, power control and other applications. In this article i
explain some used of the PWM signal.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

The PS2 protocol

I am sure you do remember the PS2 keyboards. Many of you still
have one in front, although the USB is winning the race day by day.
Yet, motherboards still have the PS2 port on-board. Here is the
complete theory for the PS2 protocol, in case you just want to learn
how it works, or you want to make a circuit that communicates with
this port.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Interfacing ICs
Over the years, different IC families have been made, like the
CMOS and the TTL families. Learn how you can interface IC of the
same of different families, under the same or different voltage.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

Basic Transistor Circuits

This is my most viewed - most popular theory page. In this article i
present a bath of useful circuits made with transistors, such as relay
drivers, light/dark detectors, oscillators, flip-flop circuits, switch
debouncers etc.
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]

BJT Transistor theory

Here you will find the detailed basic theory of the transistor
operation. If you are a beginner, then this page will surely help you
to understand this revolutionary component
[ PROJECT DETAILS ]