So much of what engineers are able to do hinges on cost—the cost of hardware, software, design tools, testing equipment, and so on. When you consider building a new application, sometimes the potential cost can inhibit you from even starting. We’re featuring a number of articles this month for those of you who are budget-conscious (that’s everyone, right?).

A trio of engineers came to us recently with their particular problem: How do you turn your circuits into PCBs and chips if you can’t afford electronic design automation (EDA) tools? Some people benefit from their employers’ deep pockets and get to work with expensive commercial EDA tools. Many others simply do without. Stuart Brorson, Ales Hvezda, and Dan McMahill sought a solution for professional-quality work that anyone could afford. All three are part of an international effort started by Ales to establish an array of open-source EDA tool suites. In their article this month, Stuart, Ales, and Dan discuss the gEDA (GPL license EDA) tool suite for Linux (page 12).

Another great project we’re featuring this month is a portable FAT library designed by Ivan Sham, William Hue, and Pete Rizun (page 18). They wanted to be able to write files with a microcontroller that could be read on a PC with a standard low-cost card reader. Additionally, they wanted to be able to read files written by a PC from a flash memory card. Putting their heads together, they built a Texas Instruments MSP430 MCU-based portable FAT library that’s notable for its convenience.

Cost-effectiveness was also a factor for David Brown when he designed his award-winning entry for the Atmel AVR 2004 Design Contest (page 52). The AT90S2313 microcontroller-based Stealth Keyless Entry System is a reinforced security system that eliminates the traditional 10-button keypad. Over time the buttons on a keypad get worn down and dirty, which makes it easier for an intruder to determine your entry code. David designed a clever scheme that uses Morse code taps on a regular doorbell instead of the keypad to control entry. To ensure the system is user-friendly, David designed it so that users have to memorize only a few Morse code letters. The Stealth Keyless Entry System is a suitable alternative to keypad use in homes and offices.

In his column this month, Jeff Bachiochi discusses how to incorporate an analog joystick in your applications (page 72). This project is designed around Microchip PIC microcontrollers and the E-Switch JS1100AQ joystick navigation switch. Jeff points out design choices that will help you keep your project cost within a reasonable budget.

Fred Eady also guides you through design decisions that could make or break your budget (page 66). This month, Fred reviews Freescale’s MC9S12NE64 development kit, and shows you that a single-IC 10/100 Ethernet solution is possible.

Cost is almost always a factor when starting a new project. What we’ve tried to do is provide you with some naturally low-cost projects plus sensible alternatives to expensive hardware and software so that you can keep building and stay under budget.

jennifer.huber@circuitcellar.com