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Issue #161 December 2003 — Graphics and Video
Task Manager
Join the Discussion, by Jennifer Huber
Priority Interrupt
Ranting from Down Under, by Steve Ciarcia
New Product News, edited by John Gorsky
FEATURE ARTICLES
Generate Video Using Software Thread Integration
by Alex Dean, Shobit Kanaujia, and Benjamin Welch
Video generation made simple. Intrigued? Read on to learn how a research group at North Carolina State University used an ATmega128 micro to generate a monochrome NTSC video signal with software thread integration. The end result is a 240 × 256 frame buffer-based display that renders lines, circles, sprites, and text. p. 10
Keywords: Video, software, thread, NTSC, STIGLitz, ATmega128, STI, Thrint, dispatcher, ISR, STK500, STK501, USART
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
TV Oscilloscope
by Bruce Land
Is it possible to build a useful oscilloscope with a microcontroller and a TV? That’s the simple question that started Bruce on the path to developing the TV Scope, which is a minimal oscilloscope that has become a useful tool in Cornell University’s neurobiology laboratories. p. 20
Keywords: Oscilloscope, TV, television, range, sample rate, NTSC, ATmega32, ADC, trigger, sync, serial
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
Computer Graphics 101
by Chris Cantrell
If you’ve ever used a hand-held PDA or cell phone, then you understand how the quality of a graphics system can make or break a product’s usefulness. In this article, Chris provides you with an in-depth look at graphics programming, which is just the information you’ll need to take your embedded designs to the next level. p. 26
Keywords: Graphics, LCD, programming, HG25504NG-01, Javelin Stamp, Java, registers, RAM, lines, sprites
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
Short Solution
Reinventing the NSM4005 LED Module
by Brian Millier
Before the proliferation of LCDs, Brian relied on the NSM4005 when he needed a multidigit display. Recently, he designed a module based on the old NSM4005 for an LED readout. p. 34
Keywords: NSM4005, LED, serial, AT90S2313, BASCOM-AVR, LDD-M514RI-RA
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
Low-Cost Serial LCD
Convert a Discount LCD into a Serial ASCII Display
by Tom Napier
Looking for an inexpensive serial display? Tom’s small board drives an LCD from a serial data source. Read on to learn how to get the most out of a $3 PIC16C54C and $5 LCD. p. 36
Keywords: LCD, serial, formats, PIC16C54, memory, commands, interface
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
The PICAVRP
A Unique Programming Solution
by Stuart Ball
Recently, Stuart was experimenting with a new PIC while working on a scheme that required the in-circuit programming of Atmel AVR devices. He had to address two problems: his PROM programmer did not support new PICs, and he didn’t have an in-circuit AVR programmer. His solution was to kill both birds with one stone—the PICAVRP. p. 54
Keywords: Programmer, PIC, AVR, serial, AT90S2313, ISP
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
Implementing CANOpen
The Options
by Olaf Pfeiffer
MicroMessaging is the perfect bridge between any serial bus and CANopen, which is a network of microcontrollers that interact with each other. Last October, Olaf demonstrated how MicroMessaging can enhance your embedded networking projects. In this article, he takes a closer look at CANopen, presenting you with various options for implementing the network. p. 62
Keywords: CANopen, MicroMessaging, bridge, design considerations, source code options, MicroCANopen, compliance, boot loading
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
COLUMNS
APPLIED PCs
Easing into eZ80Acclaim!
by Fred Eady
Zilog’s eZ80Acclaim! development kit is filled to the brim with hardware and software. It would take you some time to get familiar with the various parts and documentation. Fortunately, Fred has studied all of it, and this month he shares his findings in an effort to ease you toward your own eZ80Acclaim! applications. p. 40
Keywords: eZ80Acclaim!, evaluation kit, ZPAKII, eZ80F91, UART, Ethernet, IrDA, applications, LED matrix, ZTP
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
ABOVE THE GROUND PLANE
Multiplying, Dividing, and Filtering
by Ed Nisley
In 1990, Ed built his own power frequency monitor. These days he’s working with an HP3801A GPS-based frequency reference, which produces a 10-MHz sine wave output. Achieving 60 Hz requires some knowledge about frequency division and multiplication as well as band-pass filtering. Read on to learn the basics. p. 48
Keywords: Frequency division, multiplication, band-pass filtering, conversion, MAX998, double-tuned filters, toroids, VA1 RX Vector Analyst
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
FROM THE BENCH
Tabletop DMX Control
by Jeff Bachiochi
You don’t need to visit the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas to watch water “dance.” The Water Ballet is a microcontroller-based water fountain system comprised of water jets that you can choreograph to your favorite songs. Jeff had one stashed in his attic, so he decided to modify it. This month, he shows you how to make the Water Ballet’s valves respond to corresponding DMX channels received through the DMX-512 protocol. p. 70You don’t need to visit the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas to watch water “dance.” The Water Ballet is a microcontroller-based water fountain system comprised of water jets that you can choreograph to your favorite songs. Jeff had one stashed in his attic, so he decided to modify it. This month, he shows you how to make the Water Ballet’s valves respond to corresponding DMX channels received through the DMX-512 protocol. p. 70
Keywords: DMX, water ballet, pump. solenoid, PIC16C05, DMX-512, PIC16F873
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
SILICON UPDATE
Spin Control
by Tom Cantrell
There are many uses for gyroscopes. Tom points out, for instance, that an on-board gyroscope could enhance automotive steering and suspension systems and therefore reduce the likelihood of rollovers. If you’re interested in learning more about the applicability of the latest gyroscope technology, then check out Tom’s take on Analog Devices’s ADXRS MEMS gyroscope. p. 76
Keywords: Gyroscope, ADXRS, optical, vibrating mass, MEMS, interfacing, BASIC Stamp, AD0834
(A link to the article will be emailed to you.)
Crossword
PREVIEW
Issue #162 January 2004 — Analog Techniques
◊ Smart Tracker 2: An Innovative Wire Tracker
◊ Build an Inexpensive Temperature-Testing Chamber
◊ Single-Pin Analog-to-Digital Techniques
◊ Fault-Tolerant Electronic Systems
◊ Microcontroller-Based Digital Lock-In Milliohmmeter
◊ Tracing Current and Voltage: Design a Unique PC Sound Card Curve Tracer
◊ GNU Development
◊ FROM THE BENCH Global XPortation: Harness the Power of the 'Net with the XPort Server
◊ SILICON UPDATE Hot Chips 15
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