Where would we be without reliable displays? Having immediate access to data readouts is not only useful, it’s crucial in many applications. For instance, quick and concise messages relayed for medical equipment can save lives. The ability to easily check on your home automation system can help you protect your family and home. The benefits of decent graphics displays are obvious in a plethora of applications.

This issue contains articles about a few that we’re sure you’ll find interesting. After seeing the ads, Aubrey Kagan decided it was time to explore the capabilities of the Smartswitch from NKK Switches. He also wanted to make use of the PSoC from Cypress Microsystems. The Smartswitch is a single-pole switch that’s normally open. An LCD activates the switch. The results of the project definitely put the Smartswitch as well as the PSoC in favorable light. Working with Aubrey’s source code, you can test them yourself.

For further reading on graphics displays, turn to page 42. Keeping tabs on systems built with PIC devices can get annoying when you have to rely on either LEDs or seven-segment displays. But, after reading about Peter Chia’s project, you’ll forget your notion of having to accept the standard way of doing things. What about building an LCD controller for PIC devices? Another plus is that Peter’s project uses only a few parts, so expenses are down.

You can save some money with Brian Millier’s suggestions, as well. Using an inexpensive microcontroller, he tackles how to maintain desirable display contrast over a range of temperatures. The key to success is stabilizing the bias. With an AVR micro, Brian manages to keep the bias stable yet variable. But, he doesn’t stop there. In addition to the LCD solution, Brian also discusses an AVR microcontroller-based AC phase controller.

So, throughout this issue, you get a healthy dose of display-related material. The articles talk about solutions to typical problems, which are always helpful, as well as introduce you to a new LCD module that might pique your interest. The common thread between Brian and Peter’s applications is giving you ways to save money, obviously another benefit that’s always welcome.

In this issue, you’ll also find articles that cover a variety of topics other than graphics and video. A frequent contributor, George Novacek, is back with instruction on how to tame transients. If you’re interested in improving your motor control, you’ll want to read Ross Bannatyne and Dave Wilson’s explanation of how to handle distortion caused by dead time. They will impress you with their inexpensive solution that enables a quiet, smooth-running motor.

Also, turn to page 50 for the fourth and final installment of “RoCK Specifications,” by Joseph Jones and Ben Wirz. The series is a step-by-step analysis of the RoCK, Joseph and Ben’s winning project from the Design Logic 2001 contest sponsored by Atmel. The wrap-up covers the discrete motor driver, the host interface to the RoCK, and how to create a new user-programmed task.

jennifer.huber@circuitcellar.com

Published: July-2002