Basics

VCC width
When I started designing PCBs, I was given an advice to route GND with 50mils and VCC with 25mils. But now I read on the net that VCC should be wide, also. I make two-layer digital boards only. If I now adjust my VCC tracks to 50mils, is there any chance of some problems? And should I adjust? All prior bo... 18 May 2010 19:15

If you want to UNDERSTAND wireless electronics...
.... "SolderSmoke -- Global Adventures in Wireless Electronics" will help. http://soldermoke.com/book.htm Free shipping available now and through the summer (U.S. only) One reader's reactions: Bill, I just finished your Soldersmoke book. I really enjoyed it - but... I got the radio and ... 17 May 2010 00:31

Quick Test for Optocoupler needed
I need to test a Sharp PC817 Optocoupler. Can I apply a 1.5 volt AA cell to pins 1 and 2 (pin 1 the positive side)... then simply check the change in resistance with a VOM on the output side (pins 3 and 4).... Will that work as a quick test? Thanks Bob ---------------------------------------... 19 May 2010 14:54

PIC prgramming
I'm trying to program a PIC 16F628A using a Matrix Multimedia HP488 programmer with PPP ver 3. The PIC should be responding to an input on RA4 but it isn't. I suspect that the PIC is in low voltage programming mode, hence RA4 is not being used as an input. I have PPP set to disable LVP and I can see bit 7 of ... 20 May 2010 17:13

How can a Philips AC-DC transform make so much noise?
Hi, I am using a Philips HQ 8000 100-240V /D 50-60 Hz, 9W, shaver charger and transformer. I always let it plugged in, and then, to charge the shaver, I plug the shaver in the charger, and everything's right. However, it makes a very irritating noise, some piercing one, even if the shaver is not plugged. This ... 19 May 2010 12:41

How do GPS tracking devices work?
Specifically, how do they transmit if they are, for example, inside a shipping container? Is there a hole drilled for an antenna? Or a fiberglas patch made to replace some of the steel top or side? Thanks. ... 16 May 2010 16:50

How can I know the maximum magnetic field a device can cope with?
Hi, I would like to know, for some devices that I have (e.g. PDA, calculator, etc.), the maximum magnetic field they can cope with. How can I know it, without testing (obviously), and if no such information are displayed on the device's sheet? Thanks. ... 18 May 2010 15:54

Pulse transformers
As i understand, transformers are meant to pass A/C currents, and block DC currents. How then is a pulse transformer created that passes digital pulses through. ... 14 May 2010 16:08

current conveyor
I was reading this article http://electronicdesign.com/article/power/design-a-differential-voltage-controlled-current-s.aspx and looking at the accompanying diagram http://archive.electronicdesign.com/files/29/11878/figure_02.gif The diagram shows a current of iD1 flowing into the X terminal of the upper ... 13 May 2010 23:46

EPE Mag July 1998
>Don't suppose anybody here would know how I could get hold of a copy of an article in Everyday & Practical Electronics, July 1998. The Greenhouse computer. I'm guessing this is a lost cause as I'd need the code for the PIC as well. Regards May have this Practical Electronics, July 1998 ... 13 May 2010 19:23