While a relatively basic component in electronic design, there is a nearly endless variety of mechanical switches differing in size, shape, interfaces, and features.…
Category: Blog
A day in the life at University College Cork
My name is Ethan Hussey, and I am going into my 3rd year of studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College Cork. Growing…
A day in the life at Maynooth University
Ever since I could remember, I’ve always had a long life ambition to study engineering in university. Early on I discovered I had an…
Ten top tips from Bangor University
Bangor University is a small city situated on the north west coast of Wales. With the Snowdonia national park to the south and island…
An overview of ultrasonic sensors
Emitting a chirp and then measuring the amount of time it takes for that chirp to bounce off an object and return, ultrasonic sensors…
A comparison of different proximity sensor options
Proximity sensors are widely used as a no-touch method to provide either precise distance measurement to an object or simple “there/not there” logic. However,…
Comparing SPI, RS-485, and SSI Protocols for Absolute Encoders
Encoders can play a large part in providing precisely tracked motor position and motion in a variety of applications. But, with a variety of…
USB type C finds new use in power-only designs
As one of the most recognizable components in electronic design, USB connectors have undergone a multitude of changes since their inception in 1996. This…
Terminal block selection criteria
Terminal blocks (also known as terminal connectors or screw terminals) are a widely used component in numerous applications to provide secure wire-to-board or wire-to-wire…
An overview of DC fan controls and protections
Widely recognized and used for forced air cooling, dc fans are an important component in many thermal management designs. While their operating principles are…