The Raspberry Pi is a $35 credit-card sized computer with many applications, such as in desktop computing, audio and video playback, and as a controller in many industrial, commercial and domestic applications. This book is about the Raspberry Pi computer and its use in control applications. The book explains in simple terms, with examples, how to configure the RPi, how to install and use the Linux operating system, how to write programs using the Python programming language and how to develop hardware based projects. The book starts with an introduction to the Raspberry Pi computer and covers the topics of purchasing all the necessary equipment and installing/using the Linux operating system in command mode. Use of the user-friendly graphical desktop operating environment is explained using example applications. The RPi network interface is explained in simple steps and demonstrates how the computer can be accessed remotely from a desktop or a laptop computer. The remaining parts of the book cover the Python programming language, hardware development tools, hardware interface details, and RPi based hardware projects. All the 23 projects given in the book have been tested and are working. The following headings are given for each project: Project title Project description Project block diagram Project circuit diagram Project program description using the Program Description Language (PDL) Complete program listing Description of the program The book is ideal for self-study, and is intended for electronic/electrical engineering students, practising engineers, research students, and hobbyists.

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This book is intended as a highly-practical guide for Hobbyists, Engineers and Scientists wishing to build measurement and control systems to be controlled by a local or remote Personal Computer running the Linux operating system. Both hardware and software aspects of designing typical embedded systems are covered in detail with schematics, code listings and full descriptions. Numerous examples have been designed to show clearly how straightforward it can be to create the interfaces between digital and analog electronics, with programming techniques for creating control software for both local and remote systems. Hardware developers will appreciate the variety of circuits, including a novel, low cost modulated wireless link and will discover how using Matlab® overcomes the need for specialist programming skills. Software developers will appreciate how a better understanding of circuits plus the freedom offered by Linux to directly control at the register level enables them to optimize related programs. There is no need to buy special equipment or expensive software tools in order to create embedded projects covered in this book. You can build such quality systems quickly using popular low-cost electronic components and free distributed or low-cost software tools. Some knowledge of basic electronics plus the very basics of C programming only is required. Many projects in this book are developed using Matlab® being a very popular worldwide computational tool for research in engineering and science. The book provides a detailed description of how to combine the power of Matlab® with practical electronics. With an emphasis on learning by doing, readers are encouraged by examples to program with ease; the book provides clear guidelines as to the appropriate programming techniques “on the fly”. Complete and well-documented source code is provided for all projects. If you want to learn how to quickly build Linux-based applications able to collect, process and display data on a PC from various analog and digital sensors, how to control circuitry attached to a computer, then even how to pass data via a network or control your embedded system wirelessly and more – then this is the book for you! Features of this Book Use the power, flexibility and control offered only by a Linux operating system on a PC. Use a free, distributed downloadable GNU C compiler Use (optional) a low-cost Student Version of Matlab®. Use low-cost electronic sub-assemblies for projects. Improve your skills in electronics, programming, networking and wireless design. A full chapter is dedicated to controlling your sound card for audio input and output purposes. Program sound using OSS and ALSA. Learn how to combine electronic circuits, software, networks and wireless technologies in the complete embedded system.

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Elektor Magazine EN September/October 2020 (PDF)

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Elektor Magazine EN July/August 2020 (PDF)

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Practical Guide to Modular RF Design Build Your Own Software-Defined Radio combines RF circuitry with hardware programming and PC-based signal processing. The e-book presents a modular approach to building a complete SDR system using RF Bricks – from the mechanical framework and RF modules to measurement tools, PC software, and FPGA implementations. Practical explanations guide readers through real signal paths, construction steps, and measurement routines, linking hardware and software into a flexible SDR platform. Key topics include: Mechanical setup: RF Brick template, chassis, and 19-inch module carrier Bridges: USB isolator, I²C level shifter, I²C power switch, and practical examples Signal-chain design with RF Bricks: antennas, band filters, NanoVNA work, preamplifiers, PLLs, demodulators, direct-conversion chains, multiband options, and narrowband bricks RF measurement Bricks: single- and dual-tone sources, NPR methods, noise generators, notch filters, broadband amplifiers, and impedance bridges Useful accessories: ATU-100 tuner, X-Phase QRM eliminator, and firmware notes PC host software: SoapyAudio adjustments, GQRX, SDR++, and added functionality GnuRadio elements: control blocks, SSB demodulation, GUI components, messaging, and filter handling FPGA-based SDR: VHDL, toolchains, ADC/DAC blocks, oversampling, and a complete SSB/CW signal chain With its modular structure and detailed working examples, this e-book offers a practical path to building and extending modern SDR systems.

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The Internet of Things is rapidly gaining interest, and that has fueled the development of the Edison. A tiny computer, the size of a postage stamp, with a lot of power and built-in wireless communication capabilities. In this eBook we will help you get up-to-speed with the Edison, by installing the software both on the Edison as well as on your Windows PC. We will use the Edison Arduino break-out board because it is easy to work with. We will discuss Linux, Arduino C++ and Python, and show examples of how the Edison can interface with other hardware. We will use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to set up wireless connections, and show you a trick to program sketches over Wi-Fi. Once you have completed this book your Edison will be up and running with the latest software version, and you will have sufficient knowledge of both hardware and software to start making your own applications. You will even be able to program the Edison over USB and wireless both in Arduino C++ and Python. This is not a projects eBook, but a toolbox that will allow you to explore the wonderful world of the Intel Edison!

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Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here. Not a member yet? Click here.

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Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here. Not a member yet? Click here.

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35 Projects for Beginners This book is for hobbyists, students and engineers who want to learn C and how to use an mbed ARM microcontroller in an easy and fun way, without the need for cumbersome software installations. ARM mbed microcontroller NXP LPC1768 The projects in this book are meant for beginners in C and ARM microcontrollers. That doesn't mean the projects are simple, but it does mean that they are easy to understand. We use for example USB communications, a subject that is made so easy by the mbed that it is suitable for a beginners book. Cloud technology The mbed NXP LPC1768 uses cloud technology, a revolutionary concept in software development. This means you do not need to install software on your PC in order to program the mbed! The only thing you need is a browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, and a USB port on your PC. You can get access to your project from any PC anywhere in the world and continue working on it. When you are done a few simple mouse clicks transfer the program to your mbed hardware. Of course you can optionally download the projects and store them on your own PC. Features of this Book Learn how to program an mbed ARM microcontroller using cloud technology. No complicated software installation on your PC needed. Learn programming in C by doing fun and interesting projects. No previous experience or knowledge required. Examples of projects in this book: flashing light, timer, light activated switch, digital thermometer, people detector, USB communication, talking microcontroller, debugging, sound switch, and much more - 35 projects in total. Examples of C subjects in this book: variables, commands, functions, program execution, pointers (introduction).

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