Practical Multitasking Fundamentals
Programming embedded systems is difficult because of resource constraints and limited debugging facilities. Why develop your own Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) as well as your application when the proven FreeRTOS software is freely available? Why not start with a validated foundation?
Every software developer knows that you must divide a difficult problem into smaller ones to conquer it. Using separate preemptive tasks and FreeRTOS communication mechanisms, a clean separation of functions is achieved within the entire application. This results in safe and maintainable designs.
Practicing engineers and students alike can use this book and the ESP32 Arduino environment to wade into FreeRTOS concepts at a comfortable pace. The well-organized text enables you to master each concept before starting the next chapter. Practical breadboard experiments and schematics are included to bring the lessons home. Experience is the best teacher.
Each chapter includes exercises to test your knowledge. The coverage of the FreeRTOS Application Programming Interface (API) is complete for the ESP32 Arduino environment. You can apply what you learn to other FreeRTOS environments, including Espressif’s ESP-IDF. The source code is available from GitHub. All of these resources put you in the driver’s seat when it is time to develop your next uber-cool ESP32 project.
What you will learn:
How preemptive scheduling works within FreeRTOS
The Arduino startup “loopTask”
Message queues
FreeRTOS timers and the IDLE task
The semaphore, mutex, and their differences
The mailbox and its application
Real-time task priorities and its effect
Interrupt interaction and use with FreeRTOS
Queue sets
Notifying tasks with events
Event groups
Critical sections
Task local storage
The gatekeeper task
Einführung in die SPS-Programmierung mit dem Open-Source-Projekt auf dem Raspberry Pi und Modbus-Beispiele mit dem Arduino Uno und ESP8266
Die SPS-Programmierung ist heute in der Industrie und in der Hausautomation sehr weit verbreitet. In diesem Buch beschreibt der Autor, wie der Raspberry Pi 4 als SPS eingesetzt werden kann. Angefangen mit der Softwareinstallation auf dem Raspberry Pi und dem SPS-Editor auf dem PC geht es nach einer Beschreibung der Hardware an das Programmieren.
Es folgen interessante Beispiele nach IEC 61131-3 in den verschiedenen Programmiersprachen. Ausführlich wird auch erklärt, wie der SPS-Editor benutzt wird und wie die Programme auf den Raspberry Pi geladen und ausgeführt werden. Angefangen mit der Programmierung mit KOP (Kontaktplan) über ST (Structured Control Language) bis zu AS (Special Function Chart) werden alle IEC-Sprachen mit Beispielen behandelt. Diese können auf der Website des Autors heruntergeladen werden.
Auch die Vernetzung kommt nicht zu kurz. Der Arduino Uno und der ESP8266 werden als ModbusRTU- bzw. ModbusTCP-Module programmiert, um Zugriff auf externe Peripherie zu erhalten. Damit ist es möglich, Sensoren einzulesen und Verbraucher zu schalten. Interessant dürften auch E/A-Schaltungen sein, die dem 24V-Industriestandard entsprechen.
Befehlsübersichten für ST und KOP runden das Buch ab.
Nach dem Durcharbeiten des Buches ist der Leser in der Lage, eigene SPS-Steuerungen mit dem Raspberry Pi zu verwirklichen.
Getting started with the world’s best open-source PCB tool
The latest iteration of KiCad, the world’s best free-to-use Printed Circuit Board tool, is packed with features usually found only in expensive commercial CAD tools. This modern, cross-platform application suite built around schematic and design editors, with auxiliary applications is a stable and mature PCB tool. KiCad 8 is a perfect fit for electronic engineers and makers.
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 customize KiCad on your screen
Ability to import projects from Eagle, CADSTART, and more
Python scripting API
Improved integrated SPICE circuit simulator
Multi-sheet schematics
Filters define selectable elements
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.
Advanced interactive router
Built-in bill of materials generator
Realistic ray-tracing capable 3D viewer
Customizable teardrops
Plug-in manager for quick installation of themes, libraries and functionalities such as autorouters and BOM generators
This book will teach you to use KiCad through a practical approach. It will help you become productive quickly and start designing your own boards. Example projects illustrate the basic features of KiCad, even if you have no prior knowledge of PCB design.
The author describes the entire workflow from schematic entry to the intricacies of finalizing the files for PCB production and offers sound guidance on the process. Further full-fledged projects, of incremental difficulty, will be presented in a second book, together with a variety of advanced recipes.
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
Plot, Cut, Drill, Mill and Laser with the Z99
This book covers the construction, hardware, software, and operation of the Z99 – CNC machine. This is a multifunctional 4-axis machine for home construction.
The capabilities of the Z99 machine include:
large-format schematic plotting
PCB plotting with etch-resist pens
schematic plotting with conductive-ink pens
letter cutting out of vinyl
paper cutting
PCB/substrate drilling
PCB/substrate milling
text milling
laser engraving
laser cutting of solder paste masks
By making the support software available as freeware, readers of the book are challenged and encouraged to develop new applications for the Z99.
The machine would not be of much use if the user has no option to create suitable files for the designs in mind. A large part of this book is dedicated to creating source files in a variety of freeware software packages, including Inkscape, DesignSpark PCB, KiCad, and FlatCAM.
The book is also useful for readers keen to comprehend and then master the basic structure of HPGL, Gerber, Drill, and G-code files, as well as to have a go at deciphering them using software.
Learn, Build, and Understand Electronics – with Elektor
Projects, Expert Knowledge, Archive Access, and Exclusive Discounts – All in One Membership
Would you like to learn electronics, develop your own circuits, and gain a better understanding of modern technologies? Elektor Magazine has been one of the leading sources of information for electronics engineers, developers, start-ups, and companies for 65 years. With an Elektor Green Membership, you get:
✅ The international electronics magazine Elektor (in digital format)
✅ Access to the Elektor archive with 65 years of electronics know-how
✅ DIY projects, tested circuits, in-depth reviews and tutorials
✅ Exclusive member discounts at Elektor.com
Why Elektor?
For 65 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
65 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
✅ 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.
Learn to 3D Model & 3D Print with Tinkercad
With this book and the complementary videos, you’ll be 3D printing in no time at all. This course is meant to have you make casings for electronic components but also goes into optimizing your print technique as well as adding a little flair to your 3D creations. The course is perfect for you if you just bought your (first) 3D printer and want to print your own designs as soon as possible while also being able to get more background information.
You’ll get to know the workings of a 3D printer and what software to use to model your object, not forgetting to make it print perfectly. We’ll even use the magic of 3D printing to create things that appear impossible to make (this fast and simple) with any other rapid-prototyping technique.
At the end of this course, it’ll be second nature for you to design an object for 3D printing and fine-tune your print-setting to get the perfect print!
The book includes the following 7 video tutorials:
Introduction
Basic 3D modeling for 3D printing
Modeling a casing
Post-processing
Pushing the limits
Movable parts
Snap fits
ModbusRTU and ModbusTCP examples with the Arduino Uno and ESP8266
Introduction to PLC programming with OpenPLC, the first fully open source Programmable Logic Controller on the Raspberry Pi, and Modbus examples with Arduino Uno and ESP8266
PLC programming is very common in industry and home automation. This book describes how the Raspberry Pi 4 can be used as a Programmable Logic Controller. Before taking you into the programming, the author starts with the software installation on the Raspberry Pi and the PLC editor on the PC, followed by a description of the hardware.
You'll then find interesting examples in the different programming languages complying with the IEC 61131-3 standard. This manual also explains in detail how to use the PLC editor and how to load and execute the programs on the Raspberry Pi. All IEC languages are explained with examples, starting with LD (Ladder Diagram) over ST (Structured Control Language) to SFC (Special Function Chart). All examples can be downloaded from the author's website.
Networking gets thorough attention too. The Arduino Uno and the ESP8266 are programmed as ModbusRTU or ModbusTCP modules to get access to external peripherals, reading sensors and switching electrical loads. I/O circuits complying with the 24 V industry standard may also be of interest for the reader.
The book ends with an overview of commands for ST and LD. After reading the book, the reader will be able to create his own controllers with the Raspberry Pi.
The OWON SDS1102 is an affordable benchtop digital oscilloscope that combines solid performance with essential measurement features. This 2-channel oscilloscope offers a 100 MHz bandwidth, a 1 GS/s sampling rate, a 7-inch LCD display, and a 10 kpts memory depth, making it a practical choice for everyday electronics testing, troubleshooting, and education.
The SDS1102 features a simplified trigger system with level and edge triggering, making it easy to capture and analyze common signals. It is designed for applications that do not require deep memory or advanced trigger functions, offering a straightforward and cost-effective solution for basic signal analysis.
Features
Bandwidth: 100 MHz
2 channels
Sample rate: 1 GS/s
Ultra-thin body
7-inch high-res LCD
SCPI and LabVIEW supported
Specifications
Bandwidth
100 MHz
Horizontal Scale (s/div)
5 ns/div – 1000 s/div
Channel
2
Vertical Sensitivity
5 mV/div – 5 V/div (at input)
DC Gain Accuracy
3%
Vertical Resolution (A/D)
8 bits (2 channels simultaneously)
Input
Input Impedance
1 MΩ, 10 pF
Input Coupling
AC, DC, GND
Max Input Voltage
±400 V, CATI, CATII
Passive probes
х1; х10
Probe Attenuation Factor
х1; х10; х100; х1000
Trigger System
Trigger Mode
Auto, Normal, Single
Trigger Type
Edge, Video
Edge Trigger Source
CH1, CH2
Video Trigger
Sampling Type
Real-time
Sample Rate
1 GS/s
Equivalent Sample Rate
No
Wavelength
10K pts
Interpolation
sin(x)/x
Measurement and Mathematical Treatment System
Automatic Measurement
Vpp, Vavg, RMS, Frequency, Period, Vmax, Vmin, Vtop, Vbase, Width, Overshoot, Pre-shootRise time, Fall time, +Width, -Width, +Duty, -Duty, Delay A→B, Delay A→B, area, cycle area
Math Functions
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, FFT
General Characteristics
Display type
7" color LCD
Display Resolution
800 x 480
Power
100-240 V, 45-440 Hz, <15 W
Dimensions
301 x 70 x 152 mm
Weight
1.1 kg
Included
1x OWON SDS1102 Oscilloscope
2x Oscilloscope probes
1x Probe adjust
1x Mains power cord
1x USB cable
1x CD-Rom
1x Quick guide
Downloads
Quick Guide
Manual
PC Software
SCPI Commands
ModbusRTU and ModbusTCP examples with the Arduino Uno and ESP8266
Introduction to PLC programming with OpenPLC, the first fully open source Programmable Logic Controller on the Raspberry Pi, and Modbus examples with Arduino Uno and ESP8266
PLC programming is very common in industry and home automation. This book describes how the Raspberry Pi 4 can be used as a Programmable Logic Controller. Before taking you into the programming, the author starts with the software installation on the Raspberry Pi and the PLC editor on the PC, followed by a description of the hardware.
You'll then find interesting examples in the different programming languages complying with the IEC 61131-3 standard. This manual also explains in detail how to use the PLC editor and how to load and execute the programs on the Raspberry Pi. All IEC languages are explained with examples, starting with LD (Ladder Diagram) over ST (Structured Control Language) to SFC (Special Function Chart). All examples can be downloaded from the author's website.
Networking gets thorough attention too. The Arduino Uno and the ESP8266 are programmed as ModbusRTU or ModbusTCP modules to get access to external peripherals, reading sensors and switching electrical loads. I/O circuits complying with the 24 V industry standard may also be of interest for the reader.
The book ends with an overview of commands for ST and LD. After reading the book, the reader will be able to create his own controllers with the Raspberry Pi.
Praktischer Einstieg mit Arduino, GnuRadio und FPGA
Das Thema „Software Defined Radio“ ist facettenreich: Neben der Schaltungstechnik ist auch eine Einarbeitung in die Programmierung von Hardware und PC wichtig. Ein schrittweises Vorgehen erleichtert Ihnen den Einstieg. Mit dem im Buch vorgestellten modularen „RF Bricks“-Konzept werden Sie zum Architekten Ihrer Signalkette. Auf einem Chassis angeordnet gewährleisten die Module einen soliden und gut abgeschirmten Aufbau, den Sie einfach verändern und mit eigenen Ideen anreichern können.
Der skalierbare Aufbau bildet Ihr Blockschaltbild auch mechanisch ab – die so gewonnene Übersicht kann in der Aus- und Weiterbildung nützlich sein. Ein Arduino in Ihrem Chassis kommuniziert nach einigen Anpassungen mit üblichen SDR-Programmen, z. B. SDRCPP, GQRX und CubicSDR auf einer Linux-Plattform. Damit können Sie Ihren Empfänger direkt per Mausklick abstimmen.
Wenn Sie Blockschaltbilder mögen, ist GnuRadio ein natürlicher Partner der „RF Bricks“. Mit einem selbst programmierten Python-Block gelingt Ihnen in GnuRadio die Fernsteuerung Ihres Empfängers. Im GnuRadio-Universum können Sie Ihre GUI stufenweise ausbauen, behalten dabei aber immer volle Kontrolle über die inneren Abläufe des Programms.
Mit einem FPGA können zeitaufwändige Operationen auch direkt in die Hardware verlagert werden. Sie bauen stufenweise einen Doppelsuperhet auf und entwickeln die Filterkoeffizienten für FIR-Filter mit Scilab. Das in VHDL realisierte Weaver-Schema rundet diesen Empfänger ab, der mit hoher Empfindlichkeit und Dynamik aufwarten kann.
Mit dem gewonnen Überblick und Ihrer neuen Hardware können Sie die einzelnen Aspekte des Themenkomplexes SDR beliebig weiter vertiefen.
Downloads
Software
EAGLE – the “Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor“ is a professional-grade CAD (computer aided design) software package for the design and drafting of electronic schematics as well as the design and fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCBs).
This Advanced User Guide provides the experienced EAGLE user with insight into using some of the more advanced features of EAGLE software. It is not a guide to teach the reader the basic concepts of EAGLE, nor does it discuss the ‘how to’ of the EAGLE interface and the simpler operations and commands of the software. That is the purpose of the author’s previous title EAGLE V6 Getting Started Guide also published by Elektor.
This eBook is intended as an enduring document covering the more advanced modules, commands, and functions which make up EAGLE. It is hoped that this eBook will provide a quick, succinct reference to assist with more complex applications and uses of EAGLE – an ‘EAGLE User’s Companion’, if you like.
Complementing the EAGLE Advanced User Guide, the EAGLE User Language manual is included in this eBook in unabridged form, reproduced with permission of CadSoft GmbH.
At the time of writing, the material in this eBook covers version 7 of the EAGLE software suite.