ASU PCB Fabrication Process
How are PCBs fabricated at ASU?
The following video shows our PCB manufacturing process.
Bypass capacitor basics
A bypass capacitor (aka “filter cap”) is a small capacitor that dampens electrical noise moving toward an IC. Electrical noise can cause circuit malfunctions. Unless otherwise specified in the data sheet of an IC, a 0.1 µF non-polarized ceramic capacitor usually makes a good bypass capacitor.
Capacitive Sensing Links
- Capacitive Sensing for Dummies
- Capacitive Sensing with Op-Amps
- Capacitive Sensing for Human Interfaces to Electronics
- Frequency to Voltage Circuits
- Circuits and Techniques for Implementing Capacitive Touch Sensing
- Analog Devices Capacitance Sensors
- Capacitance-to-Digital Converter Facilitates Level Sensing in Diagnostic Systems
Connectors 101
What is a connector?
A connector is an electrical component that links two or more components together. The major types of connectors are:
DC Motors 101
Watch the video mini-lecture on DC motor control from Dr. Jordan
What types of DC motors are most common?
- Brushed DC motors. Current flowing in one direction makes the motor turn one direction, and current flowing in the opposite direction makes the motor turn the opposite direction.
- Stepper motors - provide absolute position control but require a special controller IC
- Servo motors - PWM signal controls the position of the motor
How do I connect a brushed DC motor to a microcontroller?
DC motors are inductive loads and therefore cannot be directly connected to a microcontroller without damaging the microcontroller. There are two protection mechanisms that go into a successful motor interface:
Fuses 101
What are fuses and when do I need them?
A fuse is an electronic component that protects a circuit by creating an open circuit if it draws too much current. **Fuses do not protect against voltages that are too high. **
