We have a particularly exciting issue this month. Among an excellent selection of articles, we have detailed features about three award-winning projects from recent design contests. We have included one each from the Cypress PSoC High Integration Challenge 2004, Zilog 2004 Flash Nets Cash Design Contest, and Atmel AVR 2004 Design Contest.

First up is Alberto Ricci Bitti discussing his Silicon Wallet project, which won Honorable Mention in the PSoC High Integration Challenge 2004 (p. 18). Alberto created a data manager built around a CY8C27443 PSoC microcontroller. The lightweight, compact Silicon Wallet is the answer for frustrated people everywhere who are trying to keep a million different IDs and passwords straight. This project’s portability and low cost are certainly welcome features, but its most interesting feature is the data input system. Alberto added wireless capability by using a phototransistor and a JavaScript program to convert ASCII text into encoded light flashes. He used the JavaScript program to create a keyboard on a web page. Now all he has to do is point the Silicon Wallet at his screen and click in new data. You’ll want to read the article for complete details.

Next, we have an article by Huifang Ni, Jingxi Zhang, and Yang Zhang about their project titled VoIP by eZ80, which won Third Prize in the Zilog 2004 Flash Nets Cash Design Contest (p. 44). A few months ago, this trio gave us a tour of the project’s hardware (“Connect with eZ80F91-Based VoIP,” 180, July 2004). This time around they discuss the software, including the voice data compression, packetization, transmission, and reception processes. With Huifang, Jingxi, and Yang as your guides, you’ll have your own VoIP system up and running in no time.

Lastly, Bruce D. Lightner shares the design secrets behind his AVR-based fuel consumption gauge (p. 59). This project, which enables you to determine your vehicle’s consumption rate in real time, is timely as the rising price of oil continues to be the highlight of the evening news. Vehicle speed and airflow data is used to determine the consumption rate in miles per gallon. Bruce jokes that it wouldn’t take much to reprogram the device to show dollars per mile instead—talk about a useful project. The AT90S8515-based gauge is coupled with a user-friendly analog display that attaches to your dashboard. With cost at a minimum and creativity at a maximum, it’s no wonder Bruce won First Prize in the Atmel AVR 2004 Design Contest with this project.

I hope you enjoy reading about these projects as much as we did. Each one demonstrates the exemplary design skills of its creator. Have fun building your own versions. For more information about these contests and others, visit www.circuitcellar.com/magazine/contests.htm.

jennifer.huber@circuitcellar.com