Principles, Systems, and Electronics This handbook provides a detailed study of the sensors and actuators at the heart of modern vehicle electronics. It begins with basic electrical and electronic concepts, introducing the principles and terminology essential for understanding automotive systems. The book explores sensors and actuators on a system-by-system basis, including: Fundamentals of electrical engineering, electromagnetic phenomena, and motor principles Passive and active electronic components, integrated circuits, protection devices, and automotive-grade electronics Sensor characteristics, signal conditioning, ADCs, PWM and frequency outputs, and interface adaptation Automotive communication links and protocols, including LIN and SENT Engine sensors: air mass, pressure, temperature, speed, position, exhaust and emissions-related sensors Transmission sensors for manual and automatic systems Steering and suspension sensors for conventional and active systems Vehicle body and electrical system sensors for comfort, climate, access, and monitoring functions Engine actuators such as throttle bodies, injectors, turbo actuators, EGR systems, ignition components, and pumps Transmission, brake, steering, suspension, and body actuators Identification and coding of electronic components and packages commonly used in automotive applications The structure and operating principles of each component are explained, with relevant electronic circuitry illustrated. Its system-oriented organization and practical focus make it a valuable reference for understanding, testing, and troubleshooting automotive electronic systems.

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Mastering PCB design with real-world projects This book builts on KiCad Like a Pro – Fundamentals and Projects and aims to help you practice your new KiCad skills by challenging you in a series of real-world projects. The projects are supported by a comprehensive set of recipes with detailed instructions on how to achieve a variety of simple and complex tasks. Design the PCBs for a solar power supply, an LED matrix array, an Arduino-powered datalogger, and a custom ESP32 board. Understand the finer details of the interactive router, how to manage KiCad project teams with Git, how to use an autorouter on 2 and 4-layer PCBs, and much more. KiCad 8 is a modern, cross-platform application suite built around schematic and design editors. This stable and mature PCB tool is a perfect fit for electronic engineers and makers. With KiCad 8, you can create PCBs of any complexity and size without the constraints associated with the commercial packages. Here are the most significant improvements and features in KiCad 8, both over and under the hood: Modern user interface, completely redesigned from earlier versions Improved and customizable electrical and design rule checkers Theme editor allowing you to fully customize the look of KiCad on your screen Ability to import projects from Eagle, CADSTART, and more An improved and tightly integrated SPICE circuit simulator Autorouting with the Freerouting plugin Filters define which elements of a layout are selectable Enhanced interactive router helps you draw single tracks and differential pairs with precision New or enhanced tools to draw tracks, measure distances, tune track lengths, etc. Enhanced tool for creating filled zones A customizable coordinate system facilitates data exchange with other CAD applications Realistic ray-tracing capable 3D viewer Differential pair routing Rich repositories of symbol, footprint, and 3D shape libraries Python scripting API for programmatic customization and extensions Improved footprint wizard for fast custom footprints

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Architecture, Programming and Applications The MSP430 is a popular family of microcontrollers from Texas Instruments. In this book we will work with the smallest type, which is the powerful MSP430G2553. We will look at the capabilities of this microcontroller in detail, as it is well-suited for self-made projects because it is available in a P-DIP20 package. We will take a closer look at the microcontroller and then build, step by step, some interesting applications, including a 'Hello World' blinking LED and a nice clock application, which can calculate the day of the week based on the date. You also will learn how to create code for the MSP microcontroller in assembler. In addition to that, we will work with the MSP-Arduino IDE, which makes it quite easy to create fast applications without special in-depth knowledge of the microcontrollers. All the code used in the book is available for download from the Elektor website.

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PC USB Logic Analyzers with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Co. Step-by-step instructions guide you through the analysis of modern protocols such as I²C, SPI, UART, RS-232, NeoPixel, WS28xx, HD44780 and 1-Wire. With the help of numerous experimental circuits based on the Raspberry Pi Pico, Arduino Uno and the Bus Pirate, you will learn the practical application of popular USB logic analyzers. All the experimental circuits presented in this book have been fully tested and are fully functional. The necessary program listings are included – no special programming or electronics knowledge is required for these circuits. The programming languages used are MicroPython and C along with the development environments Thonny and Arduino IDE. This book uses several models of flexible and widely available USB logic analyzers and shows the strengths and weaknesses of each price range. You will learn about the criteria that matter for your work and be able to find the right device for you. Whether Arduino, Raspberry Pi or Raspberry Pi Pico, the example circuits shown allow you to get started quickly with protocol analysis and can also serve as a basis for your own experiments. After reading this book, you will be familiar with all the important terms and contexts, conduct your own experiments, analyze protocols independently, culminating in a comprehensive knowledge set of digital signals and protocols.

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Pull Down Lever For Highest Score! This Elektor Circuit Classic from 1984 shows a playful application of CMOS 400x series logic ICs in combination with LEDs, a highly popular combination at the time. The project imitates a spinning-digit type slot machine. The Game To play the game, first agree on the number of rounds. Player 1 actuates the switch lever as long as desired and releases it. The LEDs then show the score which is the sum of the 50-20-10-5 digits lit up. If the Play Again! LED lights, Player 1 has another, “free” round. If not, it’s Player 2’s turn. The players keep tab of their scores, and the highest score wins. Features LEDs Indicate Score Multi-Player and Play Again! Elektor Heritage Circuit Symbols Tried & Tested by Elektor Labs Educational & Geeky Project Through-Hole Parts Only Included Printed Circuit Board All Components Wooden Stand Bill of Materials Resistors (5%, 250 mW) R1,R2,R3,R4 = 100kΩ R5,R6,R7,R8,R9,R10 = 1kΩ Capacitors C1 = 4.7nF, 10%, 50V, 5mm C2 = 4.7μF, 10%, 63V, axial C3,C4 = 100nF, 10 %, 50V, ceramic X7R, 5mm Semiconductors LED1-LED6 = red, 5mm (T1 3/4) IC1 = 74HC4024 IC2 = 74HC132 Miscellaneous S1 = switch, toggle, 21mm lever, SPDT, momentary S2 = switch, tactile, 24V, 50mA, 6x6mm S3 = switch, slide, SPDT IC1,IC2 = IC socket, DIP14 BT1 = PCB-mount CR2032 battery retainer clip Desktop Stand PCB 230098-1 Not included: BT1 = CR2032 coin cell battery

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A Handbook on DIY Nowadays, security problems are rarely properly solved or correctly addressed. Electronic security is only part of the chain in making a system secure. Electronic security is usually addressed as network or software security, neglecting other aspects, but the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. This book is about electronic hardware security, with an emphasis on problems that you can solve on a shoestring DIY budget. It deals mostly with secure communications, cryptosystems, and espionage. You will quickly appreciate that you can’t simply buy a trustworthy and reliable cryptosystem off the shelf. You will then realise that this applies equally to individuals, corporations, and governments. If you want to increase your electronic security awareness in a world already overcrowded with networks of microphones and cameras, this is a book for you. Furthermore, if you want to do something DIY by designing and expanding upon simple electronic systems, please continue reading. Some of the devices described are already published as projects in the Elektor magazine. Some are still ideas yet to be worked out. Complexity is the main enemy of security, so we'll try to keep to simple systems. Every chapter will analyse real-life espionage events or at least several hypothetical scenarios that will hopefully spark your imagination. The final goal is to build a security-conscious mindset (or “to get into a head of a spy”) which is necessary to recognise possible threats beforehand, to design a truly secure system. Don’t bother reading if: you think you and your secrets are 100% safe and secure you think somebody else can effectively handle your security you think conspiracy theories only exist in theory – Telefunken’s masterpiece the “FS-5000 Harpoon” was built on one!

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Kick off with the MAX1000 and VHDPlus Ready to Master FPGA Programming? In this guide, we’re diving into the world of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) – a configurable integrated circuit that can be programmed after manufacturing. Imagine bringing your ideas to life, from simple projects to complete microcontroller systems! Meet the MAX1000: a compact and budget-friendly FPGA development board packed with features like memory, user LEDs, push-buttons, and flexible I/O ports. It’s the ideal starting point for anyone wanting to learn about FPGAs and Hardware Description Languages (HDLs). In this book, you’ll get hands-on with the VHDPlus programming language – a simpler version of VHDL. We’ll work on practical projects using the MAX1000, helping you gain the skills and confidence to unleash your creativity. Get ready for an exciting journey! You’ll explore a variety of projects that highlight the true power of FPGAs. Let’s turn your ideas into reality and embark on your FPGA adventure – your journey starts now! Exciting Projects You’ll Find in This Book Arduino-Driven BCD to 7-Segment Display Decoder Use an Arduino Uno R4 to supply BCD data to the decoder, counting from 0 to 9 with a one-second delay Multiplexed 4-Digit Event Counter Create an event counter that displays the total count on a 4-digit display, incrementing with each button press PWM Waveform with Fixed Duty Cycle Generate a PWM waveform at 1 kHz with a fixed duty cycle of 50% Ultrasonic Distance Measurement Measure distances using an ultrasonic sensor, displaying the results on a 4-digit 7-segment LED Electronic Lock Build a simple electronic lock using combinational logic gates with push buttons and an LED output Temperature Sensor Monitor ambient temperature with a TMP36 sensor and display the readings on a 7-segment LED Downloads Software

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This is the second edition of a book aimed at engineers, scientists, and hobbyists who want to interface PCs with hardware projects using graphical user interfaces. Desktop and web-based applications are covered. The programming language used is Python 3, which is one of the most popular languages around: speed of programming being a key feature. The book has been revised and updated with an emphasis on getting the user to produce practical designs with ease – a text editor is all that is required to produce Python programs. Hardware interfacing is achieved using an Arduino Uno as a remote slave. A full description and source code of the communication interface is given in the book. The slave provides digital and analog input and outputs. Multiple Unos can be included in one project with all control code written in Python and running on a PC One project involves a PIC microcontroller with the code provided that can be loaded into the PIC using the Uno. The web applications and server are all implemented in Python, allowing you to access your electronic hardware over the Internet. The Raspberry Pi computer can be used as your web server. An introductory chapter is provided to get you started with using Linux. The book is written for use with Debian or variations including Mint or Ubuntu. All of the programs in the book are freely available, ready to use and experiment with by way of a download from Elektor.

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Learning circuit design the fun way Welcome to the world of electronics! Getting started in electronics is not as difficult as you may think. Using this book, you will explore and learn the most important electrical and electronics engineering concepts in a fun way by doing various experiments and by simulating circuits. It will teach you electronics practically without getting into complex technical jargon and long calculations. As a result, you will be creating your own projects soon. No prior knowledge of electronics is required, only some basic algebra is used in a few simple calculations. Many tested and working projects and simulations are presented to familiarise yourself with the construction of electronic circuits. Circuit simulation is introduced at an early stage to enable you to experiment with circuits easily without breaking anything. You will learn: The concepts of voltage, current, and power AC and DC Basic lamp circuits with switches Passive components: resistors, capacitors & inductors RC & RCL circuits Electromagnetism Loudspeakers, relays, buzzers, and transformers Active components: diodes & LEDs, bipolar transistors & MOSFETs Transistor-based switching circuits Optocoupler circuits Astable & monostable multivibrators Using the 555 timer IC The operational amplifier Digital logic Advanced examples: amplifiers, oscillators, filters, and sensors Test and measurement tools Microcontrollers: Arduino UNO, ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico, and Raspberry Pi Reading datasheets and best practices for selecting components EMC & EMI and norms & regulations

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AI in Practice Dive into the fascinating world of robotics and automation! This Elektor Special shows you how to build your own robots with creativity, a little know-how, and affordable technology. From your first DIY project with Arduino or Raspberry Pi to intelligent systems with AI – this issue makes modern robotics understandable and accessible. Discover practical instructions, inspiring projects, and exciting insights into the maker scene. Learn how experimentation, community, and openness give rise to true innovation – and why robotics is so much more than just a technical hobby. Contents Imagination turns into reality Arduino-controlled Drawing Robot GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit for Arduino YDLIDAR X4Pro Lidar xHuskyLens AI Camera DOF Robot Arm with Raspberry Pi Pico Manufacturing Robots with Fischertechnik Pneumatic Industrial Robot Why Do We Keep Building Robot Dogs? Elektor Mini-Wheelie Robot Vehicles and Autonomous Driving

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Modular and Scalable Control Systems Using Structured Text This book offers a structured and practical approach to modern PLC development using object-oriented principles. It is a guide for engineers, programmers, and students seeking to harness the power of object-oriented programming (OOP) in the context of industrial automation with PLCs. The content focuses on the CODESYS development environment and Structured Text (ST), both of which support modern programming techniques while maintaining compatibility with real-time automation requirements. Through step-by-step demos and instructional examples, it demonstrates how modular, reusable code can enhance development efficiency, simplify ongoing maintenance, and enable scalable and flexible control system architectures. Key topics include: Structured Text fundamentals: conditions, loops, arrays, and functions Object-oriented concepts: classes, methods, and inheritance Advanced techniques: polymorphism, interfaces, and access control Modular design with reusable components and structured program flow Implementation of finite state machines and scalable application design Built around instructional demos and clear explanations, this book helps readers develop maintainable and modern control software in the CODESYS environment using proven programming techniques.

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32 new Projects, Practical Examples and Exercises with the Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board Electronics and microcontroller technology offer the opportunity to be creative. This practical microcontroller course provides you with the chance to bring your own Arduino projects and experience such moments of success. Ideally, everything works as you imagined when you switch it on for the first time. In practice, however, things rarely work as expected. At that point, you need knowledge to efficiently search for and find the reason for the malfunction. In this book for advanced users, we delve deep into the world of microcontrollers and the Arduino IDE to learn new procedures and details, enabling you to successfully tackle and solve even more challenging situations. With this book, the author gives the reader the necessary tools to create projects independently and also to be able to find errors quickly. Instead of just offering ready-made solutions, he explains the background, the hardware used, and any tools required. He sets tasks in which the reader contributes their own creativity and writes the Arduino sketch themselves. If you don’t have a good idea and get stuck, there is, of course, a suggested solution for every project and every task, along with the corresponding software, which is commented on and explained in detail in the book. This practical course will teach you more about the inner workings of the Arduino Nano and its microcontroller. You will get to know hardware modules that you can use to realize new and interesting projects. You will familiarize yourself with software methods such as ‘state machines,’ which can often be used to solve problems more easily and clearly. The numerous practical projects and exercise sketches are once again realized on the Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board, which you may already be familiar with from the course book ‘Microcontrollers Hands-on Course for Arduino Starters’, and which contains all the hardware peripherals and operating elements we need for the input/output operations of our sketches. Readers who do not yet own the Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board can purchase the required hardware separately, or alternatively, build it on a breadboard.

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Affordable solutions with the ESP8266 and 3D printing If you are looking for a small yet powerful IoT device, you are likely to come across the ESP8266 and compatible products on the market today. One of these, the Wemos/Lolin D1 Mini Pro board strikes a remarkable balance between cost and performance. A small and very affordable prototype board, the D1 Mini Pro stands out with its WiFi functionality and a 16-Mbytes flash memory for easy creation of a flash file system. In addition, there are sufficient input and output pins (only one analog input though) to support PWM, I²C, and One-Wire systems to mention but a few. The book describes the operation, modding, construction, and programming of home appliances including a colorful smart home accessory, a refrigerator/greenhouse controller, an AC powerline monitor, a door lock monitor, and an IKEA Trådfri controller. As a benefit, all firmware developed for these DIY, "IoT-ized" devices can be updated over-the-air (OTA). For most of the designs in the book, a small printed circuit board (PCB) and an enclosure are presented so readers can have a finished and attractive-looking product. Readers having – or with access to! – a 3D printer can "print" the suggested enclosures at home or in a shop. Some of the constructions benefit from a Raspberry Pi configured as a gateway or cms server. This is also described in detail with all the necessary configuring. You don’t need to be an expert but the prerequisites to successful replication of the projects include basic skills with PC software including the ability to surf the Internet. In terms of hardware, you should be comfortable with soldering and generally assembling the PCBs presented in the book. All custom software written for the IoT devices, the PCB layouts, and 3D print files described in the book are available for free downloading.

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This book is about teaching the Python programming language using the Raspberry Pi 4 computer. The book makes an introduction to Raspberry Pi 4 and then teaches Python with the topics: variables, strings, arrays, matrices, tuples, lists, dictionaries, user functions, flow of control, printing, keyboard input, graphics, GUI, object oriented programming and many more topics. The book is aimed for beginners, students, practising engineers, hobbyists, and for anyone else who may want to learn to program in Python. The book includes many example programs and case studies. All the example programs and case studies have been tested fully by the author and are all working. The example programs aim to teach the various programming concepts of Python. The case studies cover the use of Python in the analysis and design of electronic circuits. Some of the case study topics are: Resistor colour code identification Resistive potential divider circuits Resistive attenuator design Zener diode voltage regulator design RC and RLC transient circuits Circuit frequency response Saving data on external memory stick Mesh and node circuit analysis using matrices Resonance in RLC circuits Transistor Biasing analysis Transistor amplifier design Design of active filters Interfacing hardware with GPIO, I²C and SPI Using Wi-Fi with Python and TCP/IP and UDP programs Using Bluetooth from Python Full program listings of all the programs used in the book are available at the Elektor website of the book. Readers should be able just to copy and use these programs in their Raspberry Pi projects without any modifications.

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The Red Pitaya (STEMlab) is a credit card-sized, open-source test and measurement board that can be used to replace most measurement instruments used in electronics laboratories. With a single click, the board can transform into a web-based oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, signal generator, LCR meter, Bode plotter, and microcontroller. The Red Pitaya (STEMlab) can replace the many pieces of expensive measurement equipment found at professional research organisations and teaching laboratories. The device, that based on Linux, includes an FPGA, digital signal processing (DSP), dual core ARM Cortex processor, signal acquisition and generation circuitry, micro USB socket, microSD card slot, RJ45 socket for Ethernet connection, and USB socket – all powered from an external mains adaptor. This book is an introduction to electronics. It aims to teach the principles and applications of basic electronics by carrying out real experiments using the Red Pitaya (STEMlab). The book includes many chapters on basic electronics and teaches the theory and use of electronic components including resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers in electronic circuits. Many fun and interesting Red Pitaya (STEMlab) experiments are included in the book. The book also makes an introduction to visual programming environment. The book is written for college level and first year university students studying electrical or electronic engineering.

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From Simple Ciphers to Secure Systems Understanding how to apply cryptography on modern microcontrollers is essential for building secure, reliable, and trustworthy systems. This book explains cryptography in the context of embedded hardware, from classical ciphers that illustrate core principles to modern techniques such as AES for practical high-security applications. By combining mathematical theory with real-world microcontroller implementations, readers learn not only how cryptography works, but also how to implement it effectively on systems with limited processing power and memory. The book is intended for students starting out in cryptography, hobbyists securing personal projects, and engineers looking for a structured guide to embedded security. The book covers these key topics in applied cryptography: Classical ciphers on Arduino Uno and Raspberry Pi Pico, with full programs: Spartan Scytale, Hebrew Atbash, Caesar, ROT13, Alberti Disk, Vigenère, Affine, Polybius, Playfair, Beaufort, Ottoman Codebook, and One-Time Pad. Hacking classical ciphers using microcontrollers, with examples. Pseudo-random (PRNG) and true random number generation (TRNG) on microcontrollers. Symmetric-key cryptography with full programs: DES and AES-128/256. Memory and speed constraints of cryptography on microcontrollers. Asymmetric cryptography: public/private keys, digital signatures, key distribution and derivation (KDF), RSA, and SHA-256 implementations. A complete secure communication program using RSA and AES-256. A glossary of commonly used cryptography terms.

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If you have the right tools, designing a microprocessor shouldn’t be complicated. The Verilog hardware description language (HDL) is one such tool. It can enable you to depict, simulate, and synthesize an electronic design, and thus increase your productivity by reducing the overall workload associated with a given project.Monte Dalrymple’s Microprocessor Design Using Verilog HDL is a practical guide to processor design in the real world. It presents the Verilog HDL in a straightforward fashion and serves as a detailed introduction to reducing the computer architecture and as an instruction set to practice. You’re led through the microprocessor design process from start to finish, and essential topics ranging from writing in Verilog to debugging and testing are laid bare.The book details the following, and more: Verilog HDL Review: data types, bit widths/labeling, operations, statements, and design hierarchy Verilog Coding Style: files vs. modules, indentation, and design organization Design Work: instruction set architecture, external bus interface, and machine cycle Microarchitecture: design spreadsheet and essential worksheets (e.g., Operation, Instruction Code, and Next State) Writing in Verilog: choosing encoding, assigning states in a state machine, and files (e.g., defines.v, hierarchy.v, machine.v) Debugging, Verification, and Testing: debugging requirements, verification requirements, testing requirements, and the test bench Post Simulation: enhancements and reduction to practice Monte Dalrymple received a BSEE (with highest honors) and an MSEE from the University of California at Berkeley, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Monte started his career at Zilog, where he designed a number of successful products, including the Serial Communication Controller (SCC) family and the Universal Serial Controller (USC) family. He was also the architect and lead designer of the Z380 microprocessor. Monte started his own company, Systemyde International Corp., in 1995, and has been doing contract design work ever since. He designed all five generations of Rabbit microprocessors, a Z180 clone that is flying on the Juno mission to Jupiter, and a Z8000 clone that flies in a commercial avionics air data computer. Monte holds 16 patents as well as both amateur and commercial radio licenses. Monte wrote 10 articles for Circuit Cellar magazine between 1996 and 2010. He recently completed a side project to replace the CPU in an HP-41C calculator with a modern FPGA-based version.

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This book discusses the basic components of any alarm system. All alarm systems have two basic functions. First, they monitor their environment looking for a change such as a door or window opening or someone moving about in the room. Second, they alert the legal owner or user to this change. The system described in this book uses a scanning type software to detect intruders. It behaves like a guard dog, pacing up and down the fence line on the lookout for either an intruder or a familiar person. If you have an alarm key, you can disarm the system and enter. With the scanning method, the software is easy to write and explain. It can scan eight alarm zones plus two special fire zones in about one second. You don’t have to be an electrical engineer to install an alarm system, just a decent carpenter, painter, and plasterer! Because this alarm system runs on 12 volts, you don’t have to be a licensed electrician either to install it. The alarm system presented here uses Python software on the Raspberry Pi combined with some elementary electronic circuits. The code described in the book, as well as CAD files and a bill of materials for the alarm panel, are available for free downloading. The book provides the reader with examples of typical configurations coming straight from the author‘s experience. After reviewing the hardware components typically used in common alarm systems, the author shows how to plan one yourself. To implement a modular alarm, no matter if it is for a single house or for a business or restaurant, the book shows how to skillfully combine a Raspberry Pi with small auxiliary electronic circuits. These are not installation instructions but food for thought that will enable readers to find a solution to their needs.

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20+ Macintosh Models, from 1984 to Today (History, Engineering, and Restoration) Apple is not like any other company. More than anyone else, it transformed technology into something people could desire, love, and even identify with—much like a luxury brand. Users were not only buying a tool; they were buying a vision, a way of life. At the center of this transformation stands the Macintosh. First introduced in 1984, it was radically different from everything before. With its graphical interface and mouse, it made computing approachable, even friendly. What now feels obvious—clicking on icons, dragging files, pointing instead of typing commands—was revolutionary at the time. The Macintosh not only changed the way people related to technology. The Macintosh forced the entire industry to rethink the way we use computers. This book tells that story through some of the most significant Macintosh models. Each one is presented not only in words but also in images, because these computers are more than technology—they are design icons, symbols of a unique vision. History, technical detail, and photography come together here, aiming to show each Macintosh as it truly deserves to be seen.

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Learn, Build, and Understand Electronics – with Elektor Projects, expert knowledge, archive access, and exclusive discounts – all in one membership Do you want to learn electronics, develop your own circuits, and better understand modern technologies?With an Elektor membership, you get the international electronics magazine Elektor, access to the extensive Elektor archive, exclusive member discounts, as well as numerous benefits and content from the Elektor community. ✅  The international electronics magazine Elektor (in digital format) ✅  Access to the Elektor archive with over 60 years of electronics know-how ✅  DIY projects, tested circuits, in-depth reviews and tutorials ✅  Exclusive member discounts at Elektor.com Why Elektor? For more than 60 years, Elektor has stood for in-depth electronics knowledge, practical projects, and innovative technologies. From microcontrollers and embedded systems to Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and ESP32, as well as IoT, AI, measurement technology, audio, RF, and robotics, Elektor covers the key platforms and application areas of modern electronics. Whether you are a beginner, maker, or professional – Elektor helps you take your skills to the next level. Who is this membership for? Beginners – Start your journey into electronics with clear fundamentals and first projects Makers – Discover new projects, ideas, and inspiration for your own developments Professionals & Engineers – Stay up to date with modern technologies and deepen your expertise Your benefits at a glance Magazine (Digital) – Receive every issue digitally, delivered straight to your inbox 60+ years of electronics knowledge – Access the extensive Elektor archive anytime (since 1974) Hands-on projects – Turn your ideas into reality with guides, circuits, and tutorials Exclusive discounts – Save on every purchase at Elektor.com Unlock all Elektor benefits today! Free Membership Green Membership ❌  8x Elektor Magazine (Digital Edition) as PDF ✅  8x Elektor Magazine (Digital Edition) as PDF ❌  12 Months of Access to the Full Elektor Archive ✅  12 Months of Access to the Full Elektor Archive ❌  Access to Over 5,000 Gerber Files ✅  Access to Over 5,000 Gerber Files ❌  10% Member Discount at Elektor.com ✅  10% Member Discount at Elektor.com ❌  20% Discount on All Elektor E-books ✅  20% Discount on All Elektor E-books ✅  Read Elektor weekly every Friday ✅  Read Elektor weekly every Friday ℹ️  Do you prefer reading Elektor Magazine in print? Find out everything about the Elektor Gold Membership (Print) here.

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Learn RC and RL Filters with Hands-On Circuits and Simulation Introduction to Electronic Filters is your comprehensive guide to understanding, designing, and applying first-order electronic filters using resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Whether you are a student, maker, or educator, this book demystifies the theory behind RC and RL filters and bridges the gap between concepts and real-world applications through simulation and experimentation. From the basics of frequency response and phase shift to hands-on breadboard builds and Python-based simulations, this book offers a deeply practical learning experience. You will learn to analyse filters using Bode plots and phasors, and explore applications in audio tone shaping, sensor signal conditioning, noise reduction, and power supply filtering. As you progress, you’ll build, measure, simulate, and tune filters using modern tools like CircuitLab, Python, and the Analog Discovery 3. Each chapter includes thoughtfully crafted activities that reinforce learning by doing – designing filters for specific tasks, simulating dynamic behaviour, and observing how theory translates into performance. Inside you’ll find: A clear introduction to the fundamentals of electronic filters Detailed explanations of RC and RL filters, cutoff frequency, and phase Guided activities using both simulation and hardware tools Real-life applications in audio, sensors, power supplies, and more A beginner-friendly primer on Python and algebra for electronics Whether you’re working through simulations or experimenting with real components on your workbench, this book will help you develop a solid understanding of electronic filters and their role in practical circuits.

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Mastering the Language and the Development Platform Many people would like to learn Java but getting started is not easy since programming with Java requires at least two things: mastering the programming language and the development environment. With the help of many examples, this book shows how the language is structured. In addition, it employs the Eclipse development environment as an example of a powerful tool to teach developing Java programs. In Basics, the first part of the book, you acquire your Java and Eclipse basic knowledge. This part lays the programming foundations, gives you an overview of Java technology, and shows you what is special about object-oriented programming. In the second part called Java Language, everything revolves around the subtleties of the Java language and this is where the first small Java applications are created, aided by a fine blend of the knowledge part and practical exercises. Java Technology is both the name and the focus of the third part which also introduces you to the rules to observe when programming, what class libraries are and what advantages they have. In addition, you will learn how to test programs, what algorithms are, and how to program them. The fourth part, Java Projects, enables you to apply all the previous elements in an application with a graphical user interface. The project shows how to develop a larger application piece by piece with the Eclipse development environment. The Appendix concludes with a section on frequent errors that can occur when working with Eclipse, and a Glossary.

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Get Cracking with the Arduino Nano V3, Nano Every, and Nano 33 IoT The seven chapters in this book serve as the first step for novices and microcontroller enthusiasts wishing to make a head start in Arduino programming. The first chapter introduces the Arduino platform, ecosystem, and existing varieties of Arduino Nano boards. It also teaches how to install various tools needed to get started with Arduino Programming. The second chapter kicks off with electronic circuit building and programming around your Arduino. The third chapter explores various buses and analog inputs. In the fourth chapter, you get acquainted with the concept of pulse width modulation (PWM) and working with unipolar stepper motors. In the fifth chapter, you are sure to learn about creating beautiful graphics and basic but useful animation with the aid of an external display. The sixth chapter introduces the readers to the concept of I/O devices such as sensors and the piezo buzzer, exploring their methods of interfacing and programming with the Arduino Nano. The last chapter explores another member of Arduino Nano family, Arduino Nano 33 IoT with its highly interesting capabilities. This chapter employs and deepens many concepts learned from previous chapters to create interesting applications for the vast world of the Internet of Things. The entire book follows a step-by-step approach to explain concepts and the operation of things. Each concept is invariably followed by a to-the-point circuit diagram and code examples. Next come detailed explanations of the syntax and the logic used. By closely following the concepts, you will become comfortable with circuit building, Arduino programming, the workings of the code examples, and the circuit diagrams presented. The book also has plenty of references to external resources wherever needed. An archive file (.zip) comprising the software examples and Fritzing-style circuit diagrams discussed in the book may be downloaded free of charge below.

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From Rubbing Amber to Swiping Glass "The story of electricity, told one connection at a time."Why does rubbing amber attract dust? How did we go from that curious effect to a world where screens respond to a single touch? And how did we get from mysterious sparks to tiny chips packed with billions of transistors? For centuries, electricity puzzled and fascinated those who encountered its curious effects—long before it even had a name. From the earliest observations of static charge to the complex electronics that shape our lives today, this book traces the gradual, and often surprising, story of how humanity came to understand and harness this powerful force. This book offers an engaging and accessible account of the people, ideas, and inventions that transformed electricity from a scientific curiosity into the foundation of our digital age. Along the way, you’ll meet a host of inquisitive minds—some famous, others less so—whose persistence and creativity helped unravel the mysteries of the natural world and gave rise to the technologies we now take for granted. Covering everything from Leyden jars and batteries to transistors, microcontrollers and the internet, this book presents a clear and enjoyable overview of electronics and its relatively short, yet rich, history. Whether you have a technical background or simply a curiosity about how things work, From Rubbing Amber to Swiping Glass offers a thoughtful look at how far we’ve come—and a gentle nudge to wonder what might come next.

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