Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
Not a member yet? Click here.
What to expect
This Elektor edition guest-edited by Edge Impulse explores the edge AI workflow, from data collection and model training to deployment and optimization:
End-to-End Edge AIA hands-on object detection series that walks through the complete machine learning pipeline on embedded hardware.
High-Resolution, High-Speed Object Counting (Nvidia Jetson Nano, TensorRT)Pushing inference speed and precision for visual counting applications.
PCB Defect Detection with Computer Vision (Raspberry Pi)Smarter manufacturing through embedded vision.
Smart Building Ventilation with Sensor FusionAI-powered environmental optimization for energy efficiency.
Analog Meter Reading (Arduino Nicla Vision)A TinyML approach to automating analog infrastructure.
Smart Appliance Control Using Voice Commands (Nordic Thingy:53)Speech recognition at the edge.
Liquid Classification with TinyML (Seeed Wio Terminal + TDS Sensor)Combining IoT sensing and embedded ML for fluid analysis.
Surgery Inventory Object DetectionApplying real-time vision to healthcare logistics.
Plus, the magazine includes exclusive interviews with: Edge Impulse co-founders Zach Shelby and Jan Jongboom; Qualcomm Technologies VP of product management Manny Singh; and EDGE AI FOUNDATION CEO Pete Bernard. Also included are a Tech the Future essay titled "AI at the Edge: Powering the Next Generation of Devices," an Industry Case Study on GlobalSense, and more.
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
Not a member yet? Click here.
Relio v1.0 - Presence Detection and Remote ControlA Matter-Enabled Smart Controller for AC Appliances
Designing Better PCBsA Practical Guide for Professionals and Makers
KiCad 9Top New and Updated Features
Precision Picoammeter (1)With Curve Tracer Functionality Down to the pA range!
Christmas Star 2025A Star Is Soldered
100 mV Continuity Tester
Who’s Pushing the Boundaries of European Electronics?Companies to Watch
productronica 2025: What’s New in Electronics Development and Production
Automation to Tackle Reshoring Manufacturing, Tariffs and Labour Shortages
Beyond Future ProofCircularity in Electronics
Passive ComponentsLow-Loss Inductors Enabling High-Efficiency DC/DC Converters
How Desktop Manufacturing Machines Are Democratizing PCB Production
Starting Out in Electronics...Needs Power
UHD Displays Driven with EaseYour Guide to Easily Put Various TFT-LCDs Into Operation Quickly
Soldering in 2025Practical Soldering Tips Straight from the Workbench
SimulIDEAn All-in-One Tool for Circuit Prototyping
2025: An AI OdysseyFrom Autocomplete to Colleague
Wordy Christmas TreeA Festive Electronics Project with a Linguistic Twist
Err-lectronicsCorrections, Updates, and Readers’ Letters
Analog Pipeline DistortionA Cool Audio Effect For Guitars and Other Instruments
ESP32 Audio Transceiver Board (Part 3)Stereo Transmission and Dual Radio
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.
Complete ESP32 microcontroller learning course featuring a custom-designed MCU expansion board, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online guide – perfect for learning hardware, programming, and connectivity step by step.
A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32
This course is designed for readers who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started. If you’ve explored general-purpose electronics or Arduino-based materials but found them too broad or lacking in practical guidance, this course offers a more focused alternative.
Using the "ESP32 by Example Kit" (EEK) – a compact and affordable set of components featuring LEDs, sensors, an OLED display, and a motion processor – you’ll work with a consistent hardware setup throughout the course. Once assembled, the EEK stays mostly unchanged, allowing you to concentrate on learning and experimentation without constant reconfiguration.
Topics include:
Understanding and programming the ESP32 microcontroller
Writing and deploying code with the Arduino IDE
Exploring cyber-physical systems, culminating in basic drone control
No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini-projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the book’s examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications.
Whether you're interested in embedded programming, interactive systems, or introductory drone control, this course provides a clear and practical path to getting started.
What you'll learn?
Embedded programming with the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE
Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays
Gesture-based interaction using the MPU6050 motion sensor
Bluetooth gamepad integration and drone control simulation
Wi-Fi and UDP networking, local web servers, and NTP
MQTT communication with cloud platforms like AWS and Arduino IoT
How to build and deploy full-featured IoT systems
Perfect for
Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems
Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills
Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material
Developers moving beyond Raspberry Pi or Arduino basics
Support when you need it
Access to instructors via Elektor Academy
Helpful community forums and essential documentation
What's inside the Box (Course)?
New 384-page book: "ESP32 by Example" (valued at €45)
Elektor ESP32 by Example Kit (EEK): Microcontroller Extension Board with 6 LEDs and 6 Buttons installed + OLED Display, MPU6050 3-axis Accelerometer and Gyroscope Module (valued at €40)
Adafruit HUZZAH32 – ESP32 Feather MCU Board (valued at €30)
ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board (valued at €25)
DHT11 Humidity & Temperature Sensor
Breadboard
Jumper wires
USB-C cable
Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform
Instructional videos
Downloadable Arduino project files for every module
Learning Material (of this Box/Course)
▶ Click here to open
Module 1 – Getting Started with the ESP32 & EEK
Module 2 – Digital Output – LEDs and GPIO
Module 3 – Switches and Input Handling
Module 4 – EEK and PWM
Module 5 – OLED and Display Output
Module 6 – Motion Sensing with the MPU6050
Module 7 – Capstone Project (EEK in Action)
Module 8 – WiFi and Web Control with ESP32
Module 9 – Cloud Concepts using EEK
Module 10 – Hands-on: Arduino IoT Cloud and EEK
Module 11 – BlueTooth and EEK GamePad Integration
Module 12 – Why Drones?
Module 13 – Drone Simulator Concepts
Module 14 – Simple Drone Flight Control
Module 15 – Real-Time Drone Flight Control
Module 16 – Drone Control Mini-Projects
Module 17 – Middleware and Python Scripting
Module 18 – Python Applications for Drone Control
Module 19 – Capstone EEK Control Project and Presentation
About the Author
Dr. Jim Solderitsch is an educator, software architect, systems developer, and cybersecurity researcher with a focus on cyber-physical systems. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in Computing Sciences at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
What is Elektor Academy Pro?
Elektor Academy Pro delivers specialized learning solutions designed for professionals, engineering teams, and technical experts in the electronics and embedded systems industry. It enables individuals and organizations to expand their practical knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay ahead of the curve through high-quality resources and hands-on training tools.
From real-world projects and expert-led courses to in-depth technical insights, Elektor empowers engineers to tackle today’s electronics and embedded systems challenges. Our educational offerings include Academy Books, Pro Boxes, Webinars, Conferences, and industry-focused B2B magazines – all created with professional development in mind.
Whether you're an engineer, R&D specialist, or technical decision-maker, Elektor Academy Pro bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping you master emerging technologies and drive innovation within your organization.
Master digital electronics – the hands-on way!
This bundle includes the book Learning Digital Electronics, featuring 20+ practical projects in Logic and Circuit design, as well as a 100-piece kit – so you can start building logic circuits, counters, displays, and more right away.
Learning Digital Electronics (Book)
This book is a practical guide to digital electronics, covering the essential components of modern digital systems: number systems, logic gates, Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential logic, and more.
Through more than 20 structured projects, you’ll design and build digital systems using real-world components such as logic gates, multiplexers, decoders, flip-flops, counters, and shift registers. The projects range from basic LED logic circuits to digital locks, display systems, traffic light controllers, and timing-based designs.
Selected projects introduce the use of tools such as CircuitVerse for circuit simulation, while several designs make use of 74HC-series logic devices, commonly used in digital hardware prototyping.
Inside, you’ll find:
Clear coverage of number systems and binary arithmetic
Logic gate fundamentals and universal gate implementations
Step-by-step projects using flip-flops, counters, and registers
Real-world design with 74HC-series logic chips
Techniques for designing combinational and sequential systems
This book takes a design-first, application-driven approach to digital electronics—built around working circuits, tested logic, and hands-on experimentation.
Learning Digital Electronics (Kit)
This kit has been specially developed to complement the book "Learning Digital Electronics". Since all necessary components are included, you can complete every practical project in the book directly.
Kit contents
2x 74HC08 AND gate chip
2x 74HC00 NAND gate chip
1x 74HC86 XOR gate chip
1x 555 timer chip
1x 74HC161 counter chip
1x 74HC164 shift register
1x CD4511 7-segment decoder
1x CD4027 JK flip-flop
1x BC337 NPN transistor
1x KPS-5161 7-segment common-cathode display
1x Light dependent resistor (LDR)
4x 10 KΩ resistors
8x 1 KΩ resistor
2x 47 KΩ resistors
1x 100 KΩ resistor
4x 2.7 KΩ resistors
1x 5.6 KΩ resistor
1x 150 KΩ resistor
1x 10 μF capacitor
2x 0.01 μF capacitor
2x 100 nF capacitor
8x Small red LED
1x Small green LED
1x Small orange LED
4x Pushbutton switches
1x Active buzzer
1x Battery holder for 3x AA batteries (batteries not included)
1x Breadboard
40x Male-to-male jumper wires (length: 200 mm)
With 20+ Practical Projects in Logic and Circuit Design
This book is a practical guide to digital electronics, covering the essential components of modern digital systems: number systems, logic gates, Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential logic, and more.
Through more than 20 structured projects, you’ll design and build digital systems using real-world components such as logic gates, multiplexers, decoders, flip-flops, counters, and shift registers. The projects range from basic LED logic circuits to digital locks, display systems, traffic light controllers, and timing-based designs.
Selected projects introduce the use of tools such as CircuitVerse for circuit simulation, while several designs make use of 74HC-series logic devices, commonly used in digital hardware prototyping.
Inside, you’ll find:
Clear coverage of number systems and binary arithmetic
Logic gate fundamentals and universal gate implementations
Step-by-step projects using flip-flops, counters, and registers
Real-world design with 74HC-series logic chips
Techniques for designing combinational and sequential systems
This book takes a design-first, application-driven approach to digital electronics—built around working circuits, tested logic, and hands-on experimentation.
Multilingual DIY Kit (incl. 27 RGB LEDs + Raspberry Pi Pico)
Bring some engineering magic to your festive season with the Wordy LED Christmas Tree, a unique DIY electronics kit designed by Elektor. This beautifully engineered 3D Christmas tree combines eleven PCBs, a Raspberry Pi Pico, and 27 addressable RGB LEDs to illuminate Christmas greetings in seven languages: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Unlike ordinary LED trees, each word inside the tree has its own light chamber, creating a refined, softly glowing display without sound or flicker. The LEDs are fully WS2812-compatible and driven via the popular Adafruit NeoPixel library, making custom animations and color effects easy to create.
Perfect for makers, tinkerers, and festive electronics fans, this kit offers both an enjoyable build and a striking, conversation-worthy decoration. The Wordy Christmas Tree is your perfect holiday maker project!
Features
Multilingual greetings (7 languages) milled into the front panel
3D construction from 11 interlocking PCBs
Powered by Raspberry Pi Pico
27 individually addressable RGB LEDs (pre-mounted)
Smooth fade-in and fade-out animations
Fully programmable using the Arduino IDE
A 5-V power supply (with micro-USB connector) capable of ≥1 A is recommended for maximum brightness (not included)
Included
All required PCBs with LEDs and other SMD parts mounted
Raspberry Pi Pico (to be soldered & programmed by the user)
3-way pin header (to be soldered by the user)
3-way pin socket (to be soldered by the user)
4x Self-adhesive dome bumpers
Project Page
Elektor Labs
3K5 Noteworthy Designs (1975-2025)
This USB archive stick contains over 3,500 noteworthy circuits from all areas of electronics (audio & video, hobby & modelling, home & garden, test & measurement, computers & microcontrollers, radio, power supplies & batteries) published in Elektor Magazine since 1975. Most circuits are sourced from the Elektor Summer Circuits editions.
You can use the article search function to find specific content in the full text. The results are always shown as preformatted PDF documents. Adobe Reader may be used to browse articles as well as find individual words and expressions using the program’s integrated Search functions.
Please note that no Summer Circuits editions were published between 2014 and 2022, so these years are not included in the directory.
Specifications
Storage
32 GB
Connectors
1x USB-A1x USB-C
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
Not a member yet? Click here.
ESP32 Audio Transceiver Board (Part 2)Wireless Audio Transmission
Inductive AM TransmitterUses Pico’s PIO in an Arduino Sketch
Navigating Wireless ProtocolsA Technical Guide
Satellite Tracking Using LoRaThe TinyGS Network Bringing Space Data to Earth
4G-Compatible SMS Remote ControlRemotely Control Your Equipment
High-Speed ProbeHigh-Impedance Inputs for Signals up to 200 MHz
From Life’s ExperienceKafka
KrakenSDR
Performance Tests with the RP2350Is an Upgrade from Raspberry Pi Pico 1 to Pico 2 Worthwhile?
Contact-Free E-Field Measurements (2)A Laser Vibrometer for Assessing the Membrane's Vibrations
Crystals and OscillatorsImproving Crystal Accuracy Through Capacitor Selection
Starting Out in ElectronicsSpecial Audio ICs
Getting Started with Coding a DIY Project
SPECTRAN® V6 MobileModular, Configurable Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer for Reliable Measurements Across All Frequency Ranges
The Future of AI Is Forged in SiliconAn Interview with Anastasiia Nosova
Autonomous Sensor Node v2.0 (System Architecture)Solar-Powered Sensing Platform with Integrated GPS, LoRaWAN, and More
Precise PositioningBluetooth Channel Sounding Tested
Powering the Future of Wireless CommunicationBTRY’s Ultra-Thin Solid-State Batteries
Test-Driven Development in Firmware Writing
Phone-Controlled Model CarWi-Fi + ESP32 + Smartphone = Remote Control
2025: An AI OdysseyAI Reasoning Models: The Chain-of-Thought Revolution
Solar Charge Controller with MPP Tracking (3)Software and Commissioning
Raspberry Pi Zero Web Streaming CameraUsing the ZeroTier VPN
An Introduction to Real and Reduced-Scale Autonomous Vehicles
Want to cut through the hype and get to the core of autonomous and connected vehicles? Then this book is your clear, accessible guide to a complex and fast-moving field. Starting with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), it walks you through the essential foundations, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – the stepping stones to full autonomy.
Explore how self-driving cars mimic human behavior through a loop of perception, analysis, decision, and action. Discover the key functions that make it possible: localization, obstacle detection, driver monitoring, cooperative awareness – and the most challenging of all, trajectory planning, across strategic, tactical, and operational levels.
Will vehicles be connected? The debate is on – but the standards are already here. Learn how connectivity, infrastructure, and vehicles can work in synergy through the innovative concept of floating car data (FCD).
Dive into real-world implementation: with embedded electronics account-ing for over 30% of a modern vehicle‘s cost, we unpack the architecture, coordination, and tools required to manage the complexity – brought to life with a hands-on case study.
To finish, we open the door to the future: building your own 1:10 scale autonomous vehicle. No plug-and-play solutions – just the foundations for a collaborative, creative, and geek-friendly challenge.
Let’s drive the future together.
A Toolbox for Audio Lovers and Engineers
Without any ambition to reach scientific levels, this book aims to be a toolbox for both audio lovers and high-end equipment designers. The elementary theory presented is the bare minimum for readers to grasp the operation and practical use of electrical, electromagnetic, physics, and electronic operations available in the designers’ toolbox. Each tool is explained in a minimum of words and theory without needless coverage of underlying equations or figures.
The book chapters guide you through the process of designing quality amplifiers with vacuum tubes, from the very beginning, considering both technical and subjective requirements – in theory and practice.
The book is a compilation of the author’s notes used in his professional and educational career but was nevertheless primarily written as a result of true love for the audiophile hobby.
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.
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
Not a member yet? Click here.
USB Measurement AdapterTesting Current and Signal Quality of USB Ports
4...20 mA Current Output for Arduino UnoA Reliable, EMI-Insensitive Current Loop Interface
Vacuum Cleaner Automatic ControlKeep Your Tools’ Work Area Clean
DDS Generator with ATtiny
Opamp-Tester V2New PCB – Now Also Suitable for SMDs
550-mW “Lamp” Audio AmplifierGet the Warm Sound of Vacuum Tubes With Ease
Fuse GuardMonitoring a Fuse with a Flashing LED
HQ RIAA PreamplifierGet the Most Out of Your Vinyl Records!
Turntable Speed CalibratorAn Arduino-Based 100–120 Hz Strobe Light Generator
Elektor Classics: video buffer/repeater
Infrared Remote-Controlled DimmerControl Your Halogen or LED Floor Lamp Effortlessly and With Style
How to Use switch…case on Strings in C++/Arduino IDE
Magnet FinderWith a Simple Hall-Effect Sensor
Raspberry Pi Smart Power ButtonA Solution for Raspberry Pi Up to Model 4
Essential Maker TipsProfessional Insights for Everyday Making
Practical Projects with the 555 TimerDC Motor Control and Fast Reaction Challenges
Basic AC-Load-On MonitorSave Energy with a Simple Device
Power Banks in ParallelA Three-Day Continuous Power Solution
VFO Up to 15 MHzAn Implementation With Raspberry Pi Pico
Violin Tuner with ATtiny202
Elektor Classics: video amplifier for B/W television sets
Capacitance Meter20 pF to 600 nF
Quasi-Analog Clockwork Mk IITwo LED Rings for Hours and Minutes
You Can Do Anything You Want(with the Arduino Ecosystem at Your Side)
Neon Lamp Dice
Elektor Classics: RTTY calibrator indicator
Inspiring Hardware Designs for Your ESPs
Elektor Classics: variable 3 A power supply
RGB LEDs with Integrated Control CircuitLight with Precision: ICLEDs Set Standards
Experiment: Towards a Mixed-Signal Theremin?Blending Modern Time-of-Flight Sensors With the Timeless XR2206 Analog Generator
ESP32 Audio Transceiver Board (Part 1)SD Card WAV File Player Demo
Infographics: Circuits and Circuit Design 2025
Small Audio MixerA Simple and Versatile Scalable Design
Smart Staircase Light TimerSave More Money on the Energy Bill!
Smarten Up Your ShuttersControlling Velux Hardware With an ESP32 and MQTT
Solid-State Foot WarmerEnergy-Efficient Comfort
Is the M5Stamp Fly Quadcopter the Next Tello?
Boosting Wi-Fi Range of the ESP32-C3 SuperMiniA Simple and Effective Antenna Mod
ZD-8968 Hot-Air Soldering StationA Budget-Friendly Workhorse or Just Hot Air?
Parking Sensor TesterFinding Defects in the PDC System of a Car
Build Your Own Vintage Radio Broadcaster
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit allows streaming audio to vintage AM radio receivers. Based on a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller module, the AM Transmitter can transmit on 32 frequencies in the AM band, from 500 kHz up to 1.6 MHz in 32 steps of approx. 35 kHz.
The frequency is selected with a potentiometer and shown on a 0.96" OLED display. A pushbutton allows toggles the transmitting mode between On and Off. The range of the transmitter depends on the antenna. The onboard antenna provides a range of a few centimeters, requiring the AM Transmitter to be placed close to or inside the radio. An external loop antenna (not included) can be connected to increase the range.
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit comes as a kit of parts that you must solder to the board yourself.
Features
The board is compatible with a Hammond 1593N enclosure (not included).A 5 VDC power supply with micro-USB connector (e.g., an old phone charger) is needed to power the kit (not included). Current consumption is 100 mA.
The Arduino software (requiring Earle Philhower’s RP2040 Boards Package) for the Elektor AM Transmitter Kit plus more information is available at the Elektor Labs page of this project.
Component List
Resistors
R1, R4 = 100 Ω
R2, R3, R8 = 10 kΩ
R5, R6, R9, R10, R11 = 1 kΩ
R7 = optional (not included)
P1 = potentiometer 100 kΩ, linear
Capacitors
C1 = 22 µF 16V
C2, C4 = 10 nF
C3 = 150 pF
Miscellaneous
K1 = 4×1 pin socket
K2, K3 = 3.5 mm socket
Raspberry Pi Pico
pushbutton, angle mount
0.96" monochrome I²C OLED display
PCB 150292-1
Over 40 Fully Tested ESP32 Projects Using Arduino IDE and the LVGL Graphics Library
This bundle includes the ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display (CYD) – a compact development board combining a standard ESP32 microcontroller with a 320x240 pixel TFT color display. The board also features multiple connectors for GPIO, serial communication (TX/RX), power, and ground. The built-in display is a major advantage, allowing users to create complex, graphics-based projects without the need for external LCDs or displays.
The accompanying book introduces the CYD board's hardware and on-board connectors in detail. It provides a range of beginner to intermediate-level projects developed using the popular Arduino IDE 2.0. Both basic graphics functions and the powerful LVGL graphics library are covered, with practical projects illustrating each approach.
All included projects have been fully tested and are ready to use. The book provides block diagrams, circuit schematics, complete code listings, and step-by-step explanations. With the LVGL library, readers can create modern, full-color graphical interfaces using widgets such as buttons, labels, sliders, calendars, keyboards, charts, tables, menus, animations, and more.
ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board
This development board (also known as "Cheap Yellow Display") is powered by the ESP-WROOM-32, a dual-core MCU with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. It operates at a main frequency of up to 240 MHz, with 520 KB SRAM, 448 KBROM, and a 4 MB Flash memory. The board features a 2.8-inch display with a resolution of 240x320 and resistive touch.
Furthermore, the board includes a backlight control circuit, touch control circuit, speaker drive circuit, photosensitive circuit, and RGB-LED control circuit. It also provides a TF card slot, serial interface, DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor interface, and additional IO ports.
The module supports development in Arduino IDE, ESP-IDE, MicroPython, and Mixly.
Applications
Image transmission for Smart Home device
Wireless monitoring
Smart agriculture
QR wireless recognition
Wireless positioning system signal
And other IoT applications
Specifications
Microcontroller
ESP-WROOM-32 (Dual-core MCU with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
Frequency
Up to 240 MHz (computing power is up to 600 DMIPS)
SRAM
520 KB
ROM
448 KB
Flash
4 MB
Operating voltage
5 V
Power consumption
approx. 115 mA
Display
2.8-inch color TFT screen (240 x 320)
Touch
Resistive Touch
Driver chip
ILI9341
Dimensions
50 x 86 mm
Weight
50 g
Downloads
GitHub
Contents of the Bundle
The ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Book (normal price: €35)
ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board (normal price: €25)
1x ESP32 Dev Board with 2.8" Display and acrylic Shell
1x Touch pen
1x Connector cable
1x USB cable
Projects Using Arduino IDE and the LVGL Graphics Library
The ESP32 is probably one of the most popular microcontrollers used by many people, including students, hobbyists, and professional engineers. Its low cost, coupled with rich features makes it a popular device to use in many projects. Recently, a board called the ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display (CYD for short) is available from its manufacturers. The board includes a standard ESP32 microcontroller together with a 320x240 pixel TFT display. Additionally, the board provides several connectors for interfaces such as GPIO, serial port (TX/RX), power and Ground. The inclusion of a TFT display is a real advantage as it enables users to design complex graphics-based projects without resorting to an external LCD or graphics displays.
The book describes the basic hardware of the ESP32 CYD board and provides details of its on-board connectors. Many basic, simple, and intermediate-level projects are given in the book based on the ESP32 CYD, using the highly popular Arduino IDE 2.0 integrated development environment. The use of both the basic graphics functions and the use of the popular LVGL graphics library are discussed in the book and projects are given that use both types of approaches.
All the projects given in the book have been tested and are working. The block diagram, circuit diagram, and the complete program listings and program descriptions of all the projects are given with explanations. Readers can use the LVGL graphics library to design highly popular eye-catching full-color graphics projects using widgets such as buttons, labels, calendars, keypads, keyboards, message boxes, spinboxes, sliders, charts, tables, menus, bars, switches, drop-down lists, animations, and many more widgets.
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
Not a member yet? Click here.
OBD2 Sensor DashboardOld Dials Sparked a Quest for Real Data
OBD2: Add a Rev Counter and Gear Shift Indicator to Your CarRetro, but Super Useful
LiDAR and Vision Sensors for Robotics
Sensor+Test 2025 and PCIM 2025
Contact-Free E-Field Measurements (1)A Vibrating Membrane for Assessing DC Voltages or Static Electric Fields
Wireless Mailbox NotifierFrom Optical Sensors to Radar, Exploring a Few Options
Elektor Mini-WheelieA Self-Balancing Robot
Solar CellsPeculiar Parts, the Series
Getting Started With a Modern Radar SensorIs an Accurate Measurement on Your Radar?
From Life’s ExperiencePaper Factory
CybersecurityTough Times for Hackers
Siglent Presents Next-Gen Multi-Channel OscilloscopesHigh-Performance Solutions for Modern Power and Embedded Systems
Bluetooth 6.0 Brings Enhanced Distance-Ranging ApplicationsNew Version Offers Improved Device Positioning and Location Services
Exploring Wireless Communication with BeagleY-AI
Err-lectronicsCorrections, Updates, and Readers’ Letters
Starting Out in Electronics……Concludes the Topic on Opamps
A Powerful AI Code AssistantSpeed Up Your Development with Continue and Visual Studio Code
Solar Charge Controller with MPPT (2)The Circuit
Ultrasonic Obstacle DetectorA Simple Project to Help Those with Impaired Vision
2025: An AI OdysseyMid-Year Review
Raspberry Pi Standalone MIDI Synthesizer (3)Making It Smarter and Adding a User Interface
Meshtastic: A Demo ProjectAn Intelligent Mesh of LoRa Radios
Analog Audio Frequency GeneratorHigh-Quality Adjustable Frequency Sine Wave Generator
This collection features the best of Elektor Magazine's articles on embedded systems and artificial intelligence. From hands-on programming guides to innovative AI experiments, these pieces offer valuable insights and practical knowledge for engineers, developers, and enthusiasts exploring the evolving intersection of hardware design, software innovation, and intelligent technology.
Contents
Programming PICs from the Ground UpAssembler routine to output a sine wave
Object-Oriented ProgrammingA Short Primer Using C++
Programming an FPGA
Tracking Down Microcontroller Buffer Overflows with 0xDEADBEEF
Too Quick to Code and Too Slow to Test?
Understanding the Neurons in Neural NetworksEmbedded Neurons
MAUI Programming for PC, Tablet, and SmartphoneThe New Framework in Theory and Practice
USB Killer DetectorBetter Safe Than Sorry
Understanding the Neurons in Neural NetworksArtificial Neurons
A Bare-Metal Programming Guide
Part 1: For STM32 and Other Controllers
Part 2: Accurate Timing, the UART, and Debugging
Part 3: CMSIS Headers, Automatic Testing, and a Web Server
Introduction to TinyMLBig Is Not Always Better
Microprocessors for Embedded SystemsPeculiar Parts, the Series
FPGAs for BeginnersThe Path From MCU to FPGA Programming
AI in Electronics DevelopmentAn Update After Only One Year
AI in the Electronics LabGoogle Bard and Flux Copilot Put to the Test
ESP32 and ChatGPTOn the Way to a Self-Programming System…
Audio DSP FX Processor Board
Part 1: Features and Design
Part 2: Creating Applications
Rust + EmbeddedA Development Power Duo
A Smart Object CounterImage Recognition Made Easy with Edge Impulse
Universal Garden LoggerA Step Towards AI Gardening
A VHDL ClockMade with ChatGPT
TensorFlow Lite on Small MicrocontrollersA (Very) Beginner’s Point of View
Mosquito DetectionUsing Open Datasets and Arduino Nicla Vision
Artificial Intelligence Timeline
Intro to AI AlgorithmsPrompt: Which Algorithms Implement Each AI Tool?
Bringing AI to the Edgewith ESP32-P4
The Growing Role of Edge AIA Trend Shaping the Future
For Speed, Area, Power, and Reliability
This book teaches the fundamentals of FPGA operation, covering basic CMOS transistor theory to designing digital FPGA chips using LUTs, flip-flops, and embedded memories. Ideal for electrical engineers aiming to design large digital chips using FPGA technology.
Discover:
The inner workings of FPGA architecture and functionality.
Hardware Description Languages (HDL) like Verilog and VHDL.
The EDA tool flow for converting HDL source into a functional FPGA chip design.
Insider tips for reliable, low power, and high performance FPGA designs.
Example designs include:
Computer-to-FPGA UART serial communication.
An open-source Sump3 logic analyzer implementation.
A fully functional graphics controller.
What you need:
Digilent BASYS3 or similar FPGA eval board with an AMD/Xilinx FPGA.
Vivado EDA tool suite (available for download from AMD website free of charge).
Project source files available from author’s GitHub site.
Learn KiCad with Peter Dalmaris
The Academy Pro Box "Design PCBs like a Pro" offers a complete, structured training programme in PCB design, combining online learning with practical application. Based on Peter Dalmaris’ KiCad course, the 15-week programme integrates video lessons, printed materials (2 books), and hands-on projects to ensure participants not only understand the theory but also develop the skills to apply it in practice.
Unlike standard courses, the Academy Pro Box provides a guided learning path with weekly milestones and physical components to design, test, and produce working PCBs. This approach supports a deeper learning experience and better knowledge retention.
The box is ideal for engineers, students, and professionals who want to develop practical PCB design expertise using open-source tools. With the added option to have their final project manufactured, participants complete the programme with real results – ready for use, testing, or further development.
Learn by doing
Build skills. Design real boards. Generate Gerbers. Place your first order. This isn’t just a course – it’s a complete project journey from idea to product.
You’ll walk away with:
Working knowledge of KiCad’s tools
Confidence designing your own PCBs
A fully manufacturable circuit board – made by you
What's inside the Box (Course)?
Both volumes of "KiCad Like a Pro" (valued at €105)
Vol 1: Fundamentals and Projects
Vol 2: Advanced Projects and Recipes
Coupon code to join the bestselling KiCad 9 online course by Peter Dalmaris on Udemy, featuring 20+ hours of video training. You'll complete three full design projects:
Breadboard Power Supply
Tiny Solar Power Supply
Datalogger with EEPROM and Clock
Voucher from Eurocircuits for the production of PCBs (worth €85 excl. VAT)
Learning Material (of this Box/Course)
15-Week Learning Program
▶ Click here to open
Week 1: Setup, Fundamentals, and First Steps in PCB Design
Week 2: Starting Your First PCB Project – Schematic Capture
Week 3: PCB Layout – From Netlist to Board Design
Week 4: Design Principles, Libraries, and Workflow
Week 5: Your First Real-World PCB Project
Week 6: Custom Libraries – Symbols, Footprints, and Workflow
Week 7: Advanced Tools – Net Classes, Rules, Zones, Routing
Week 8: Manufacturing Files, BOMs, and PCB Ordering
Week 9: Advanced Finishing Techniques – Graphics, Refinement, and Production Quality
Week 10: Tiny Solar Power Supply – From Schematic to Layout
Week 11: Tiny Solar Power Supply – PCB Layout and Production Prep
Week 12: ESP32 Clone Project – Schematic Design and Layout Prep
Week 13: ESP32 Clone – PCB Layout and Manufacturing Prep
Week 14: Final Improvements and Advanced Features
Week 15: Productivity Tools, Simulation, and Automation
KiCad Course with 18 Lessons on Udemy (by Peter Dalmaris)
▶ Click here to open
Introduction
Getting started with PCB design
Getting started with KiCad
Project: A hands-on tour of KiCad (Schematic Design)
Project: A hands-on tour of KiCad (Layout)
Design principles and PCB terms
Design workflow and considerations
Fundamental KiCad how-to: Symbols and Eeschema
Fundamental KiCad how-to: Footprints and Pcbnew
Project: Design a simple breadboard power supply PCB
Project: Tiny Solar Power Supply
Project: MCU datalogger with build-in 512K EEPROM and clock
Recipes
KiCad 9 new features and improvements
Legacy (from previous versions of KiCad)
KiCad 7 update (Legacy)
(Legacy) Gettings started with KiCad
Bonus lecture
About the Author
Dr. Peter Dalmaris, PhD is an educator, an electrical engineer and Maker. Creator of online video courses on DIY electronics and author of several technical books. As a Chief Tech Explorer since 2013 at Tech Explorations, the company he founded in Sydney, Australia, Peter's mission is to explore technology and help educate the world.
What is Elektor Academy Pro?
Elektor Academy Pro delivers specialized learning solutions designed for professionals, engineering teams, and technical experts in the electronics and embedded systems industry. It enables individuals and organizations to expand their practical knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay ahead of the curve through high-quality resources and hands-on training tools.
From real-world projects and expert-led courses to in-depth technical insights, Elektor empowers engineers to tackle today’s electronics and embedded systems challenges. Our educational offerings include Academy Books, Pro Boxes, Webinars, Conferences, and industry-focused B2B magazines – all created with professional development in mind.
Whether you're an engineer, R&D specialist, or technical decision-maker, Elektor Academy Pro bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping you master emerging technologies and drive innovation within your organization.
Master FPGA programming with the Red Pitaya Academy Pro Box. Learn Verilog and build a real-time audio processing system using Red Pitaya – with a full online course and hands-on project materials.
The Academy Pro Box "Learn FPGA Programming with Verilog" is a complete learning solution for students, engineers and developers looking to gain hands-on experience with FPGA programming in Verilog. Combining theory with practice, the programme integrates a well-established Udemy course on Verilog fundamentals with nine exclusive practical modules developed by Elektor & Red Pitaya, designed specifically for the Red Pitaya STEMlab platform.
Participants work with real hardware – delivered as part of the box – including the Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14 Starter Kit and essential electronic components, enabling them to apply their knowledge immediately through real-world test setups. This combination of guided theory and structured experimentation ensures not only a strong understanding of FPGA principles, but also the ability to implement and verify designs independently.
The box is aimed at professionals and advanced learners who want to go beyond simulation and gain practical skills in digital design. By the end of the programme, participants will have completed working FPGA projects, using industry-relevant tools and workflows – making this a valuable resource for academic & career development and technical innovation.
What you’ll learn?
Fundamentals of FPGA and Verilog Programming
How to simulate, synthesize & implement digital circuits
How to interface audio hardware with your FPGA
Real-time Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques
How to build, test, and customize audio filters
Perfect for
Professionals looking to level up their skills in Digital System Design
Designers aiming to accelerate time-to-market for their applications
Engineers pushing the boundaries of technological innovation
Support when you need it
In-depth troubleshooting in the course
Community forums & Red Pitaya documentation
Udemy Q&A and hardware support email
What's inside the Box (Course)?
Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14 Starter Kit (valued at €550)
1x STEMlab 125-14 board
1x USB power supply (EU, UK & US)
1x microSD card (16 GB) with pre-installed OS
1x Ethernet cable
Extra: 2x Oscilloscope Probes
Extra: 2x SMA to BNC adapters
Microphone & speaker set with cables
Step-by-step project guide
Downloadable code templates and schematics
Lifetime access to a complete, self-paced Udemy course on Verilog
Learning Material (of this Box/Course)
9 Practical Modules with Red Pitaya
▶ Click here to open
Introduction
Setting Up the Vivado Development Environment
Project Setup & Vivado Integration
Synthesis, Implementation & Bitstream Generation
FPGA Image Overview
First FPGA Projects – LEDs
Full Audio Pass-Through Module
5 kHz Low-Pass Filter (4-Pole Cascade)
Real-Time Microphone Input → Speaker Output
Verilog Course with 28 Lessons on Udemy
▶ Click here to open
Installing Vivado
Vivado Design Flow Part 1
Vivado Design Flow Part 2
Commonly Asked Question’s from previous Module
Fundamentals of Verilog
Commonly Asked Question’s from previous Module
Modeling Styles
Assignment Operators in Verilog
FAQ
Behavioral Modeling Style
Commonly Asked Question's from previous Module
Gate Level Modeling Style
Switch level Modeling Style
Structural Modeling Style
Schematic based Design Entry with IP integrator and Xilinx IP's
Memories
Commonly Asked Question's from previous Module
Finite State Machines
Commonly Asked Question's from previous Module
Writing Testbenches
Hardware Debugging with Vivado Required Hardware
v File I/0
Projects
RTL for Synthesis
FPGA Architecture Fundamentals
Commonly Asked Question's from previous Module
Interview Preparations
Next Step
What is Elektor Academy Pro?
Elektor Academy Pro delivers specialized learning solutions designed for professionals, engineering teams, and technical experts in the electronics and embedded systems industry. It enables individuals and organizations to expand their practical knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay ahead of the curve through high-quality resources and hands-on training tools.
From real-world projects and expert-led courses to in-depth technical insights, Elektor empowers engineers to tackle today’s electronics and embedded systems challenges. Our educational offerings include Academy Books, Pro Boxes, Webinars, Conferences, and industry-focused B2B magazines – all created with professional development in mind.
Whether you're an engineer, R&D specialist, or technical decision-maker, Elektor Academy Pro bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping you master emerging technologies and drive innovation within your organization.
Build your textbook weather station or conduct environmental research together with the whole world. With many practical projects for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, NodeMCU, ESP32, and other development boards.
Weather stations have enjoyed great popularity for decades. Every current and even every long discontinued electronics magazine has regularly featured articles on building your own weather station. Over the years, they have become increasingly sophisticated and can now be fully integrated into an automated home — although this often requires loyalty to an (expensive) brand manufacturer across all components.
With your own weather and environmental data, you can keep up and measure things that no commercial station can. It’s also fun: expand your knowledge of electronics, current microcontroller development boards and programming languages in a fun and meaningful way. For less than 10 euros you can get started and record your first environmental data — with time and growing interest, you will continue to expand your system.
In this Edition
Which Microcontroller Fits My Project?
The Right Development Environment
Tracking Wind and Weather
Weather Display with OpenWeatherMap and Vacuum Fluorescent Display
Volatile Organic Compounds in the Air We Breathe
Working with MQ Sensors: Measuring Carbon Monoxide — Odorless but Toxic
CO2 Traffic Light with ThingSpeak IoT Connection
An Automatic Plant Watering System
Good Indoor Climate: Temperature and Humidity are Important criteria
Classy Thermometer with Vintage Tube Technology
Nostalgic Weather House for the Whole Family
Measuring Air Pressure and Temperature Accurately
Sunburn Warning Device
DIY Sensor for Sunshine Duration
Simple Smartphone Says: Fog or Clear View?
Identifying Earthquakes
Liquid Level Measurement for Vessels and Reservoirs
Water pH Value Measurement
Detecting Radioactive Radiation
GPS: Sensor Location Service Across the Globe
Saving and Timestamping Log Files on SD Cards
LoRaWAN, The Things Network, and ThingSpeak
Operating a LoRaWAN Gateway for TTN
Defying "Wind and Weather"
Mega Display with Weather Forecasz
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.
Understanding and Using Them Effectively
What happens in electronics is invisible to the naked eye. The instrument that allows to accurately visualize electrical signals, the one through which the effects of electronics become apparent to us, is the oscilloscope.
Alas, when one first ventures into electronics, it is often without an oscilloscope. And one is left fumbling, both physically and mentally. Observing an electrical signal on a screen for the first time is a revelation. Nobody wishes to forgo that marvel again. There is no turning back.
In electronics, if one wishes to progress with both enjoyment and understanding, an oscilloscope is essential. This marks the beginning of a period of questioning: how to choose one? And no sooner is that question answered than a whole string of others arises, which can be summed up in just one: how does one use the oscilloscope in such a way that what it displays truly reflects the reality of the signals?
Rémy Mallard is a passionate communicator with a gift for making complex technical subjects understandable and engaging. In this book, he provides clear answers to essential questions about using an oscilloscope and offers a wealth of guidance to help readers explore and understand the electrical signals behind electronic systems. With his accessible style and practical insights, this book is a valuable tool for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of electronics.