Circuit Cellar
Adopting Test-Driven Development in Embedded Systems
Embedded software development has long been characterized by unique constraints such as limited resources, strict real-time requirements, and complex interactions with hardware. As a result, traditional software development methodologies often fail to translate smoothly into the embedded space. However, modern embedded development is evolving, and techniques like Test-Driven Development (TDD) are no longer just for web and enterprise applications: they're essential for building reliable and maintainable embedded systems.
9 min |
April 2025
Circuit Cellar
Learn Lisp Programming Using MCUS
Part 3—Forward Kinematics in µLisp
10+ min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
Introducing Bluetooth LE Audio
Part 2—Learning the Intricacies of these New Specifications
10+ min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
Datasheet: DSPs and DSCs
Smarter Algorithms and Beyond
7 min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
Exploring the RP2350 Security
Raspberry Pi's Novel \"Security through Transparency\" Approach
8 min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
Pison and STMicroelectronics Announce Timex as Neural Sensor Partner, Ushering a New Era of Neurocognitive Wearables
Pison, the trailblazer in AI-powered neural sensors for neurocognitive health, wellness, and gesture control, announced it has begun licensing its innovative neural sensor to leading smartwatch and wearable brands.
1 min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
The Future of Voice-Enabled AI Industry Advancements in MEMS Microphones for Voice AI
Acoustic Activity Detection and High Acoustic Overload Point Transform Voice Interaction Advancements in MEMS microphones are enhancing voiceenabled AI technologies across various consumer electronics.
4 min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
Accelerating AI 61+X500
Handwritten Digit Recognition with FPGA-Powered CNNs
9 min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
HSYCO Unveils New BACnet Server Driver for Enhanced Building Automation
HSYCO, a leading provider of integrated building management solutions, is excited to announce the release of its new BACnet Server driver.
1 min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
Wearable Devices Announces Availability of its Mudra Link Neural Gesture-Control Wristband
Wearable Devices, Ltd., announced the general availability of its Mudra Link, the first neural wristband for Android, macOS, and Windows devices.
1 min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
Longsys Launches 7.2mm Subsize eMMC, Breaking the Physical Space Constraints of AI Wearables
In the design of wearable devices, every millimeter matters.
2 min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
An Air Quality Monitor with a Blues Satellite Link Module
Brian had no sooner finished the review of Blues' LoRa Notecard when the new Starnote module was introduced. This module allows an IoT device to link to a geosynchronous satellite, for situations in which neither WiFi nor Cellular data links are operational. This article describes a project using the Starnote module.
10+ min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
Create an AI-Driven Smart Home Security System
Part 1- Setup and First Steps of the Raspberry Pi AI Kit
10+ min |
March 2025
Circuit Cellar
NXP MCX MCUs and IDEs Cut Development Time
Development boards, such as NXP's FRDM platform for MCX A series MCUs, are revolutionizing embedded systems by integrating components for prototyping and innovation in the IoT landscape. These technologies streamline development, enhance flexibility, and reduce costs, enabling greater focus on software development while addressing complex challenges.
6 min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Asynchronous Programming in Flutter - Shallow Dive into Google's Mobile App Framework
This month, Bob continues his look at mobile app programming from the perspective of an embedded system designer. He begins a shallow dive into Flutter, the mobile app framework from Google, by describing his transition from React Native to asynchronous programming in Flutter.
7 min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Switching Regulator Efficiency - Minimize Power Consumption in Battery-Operated Systems
A switching voltage regulator converts input DC voltage into a desired output DC voltage. This month, Stuart delves into the factors that influence the efficiency of switching regulators, and why they are crucial for embedded applications. From understanding the role of inductors and transistors to exploring practical examples, this article offers valuable knowledge for anyone interested in optimizing power supply designs.
10+ min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
System-on-Module Technology Key IoT Enabler - High-Performance Computing Systems Packed into Compact Form Factors
System-on-Module (SoM) technology is gaining traction across various industries, driven by the demand for compact, integrated solutions that allow developers to add AI and connectivity options as demands evolve. Explore the factors fueling the SoM growth and the advantages these modules offer.
2 min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Learn Lisp Programming Using MCUs - Part 2: Extending µLisp with Custom Functions
In the second installment of this series, Raul delves into the world of µLisp and shows how to extend capabilities by adding custom functions such as \"pulsein\" and \"servo-create\", enabling developers to interface with ultrasonic sensors and control servomotors. In Part 1, Raul presented µLisp concepts and syntax, and extensions specific to MCUs.
10+ min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Introducing Bluetooth LE Audio - Part 1: Sound of a Revolution
Following the Bluetooth Core 5.2 release, Bluetooth Low Energy Audio introduces capabilities that will revolutionize audio applications through isochronous channels and new audio middleware. Nick writes about a framework supporting bidirectional audio and shared listening in Part 1 of a two-part article.
10 min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Basic Pulse Circuits - Part 3: Metastability, Setting, or Resetting
In digital design, signal processing is crucial when dealing with asynchronous signals from sensors and level translators. In Part 1 of a three-part series, Wolfgang described how pulse circuits help digital circuits deal with pulse trains. In Part 2, he wrote about flip-flops, timing parameters and synchronization. In Part 3, he looks at how to mitigate metastability and ensure internal clock synchronization.
10+ min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Reviving Frogger's Retro Audio with a Programmable Sound Generator - Using an AY-3-8910 Chip and a Z80 Emulator on a Raspberry Pi
The Frogger arcade video game is considered one of the best of all time. Chris shares his journey to bring the nostalgic sounds of Frogger back to life using the classic AY-3-8910 sound chip and a modern Raspberry Pi setup with coding insights and a fix to the original game's music glitch.
10+ min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Engineering Healthcare - Cutting-Edge Technologies to Enhance Patient Care
Explore the groundbreaking advancements in Pulsed Field Ablation technology, where engineering meets cardiac care to revolutionize atrial fibrillation treatment. This article delves into the intricate design and functionality of cutting-edge devices that enhance precision and safety in medical procedures, showcasing the vital role electronics play in shaping the future of healthcare.
10 min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Infineon and Flex Showcase Zone Controller Design Platform for Software-Defined Vehicles
Infineon Technologies AG and Flex, a diversified global manufacturer and new preferred automotive design partner for Infineon, are showcasing the new Flex Modular Zone Controller design platform for software-defined vehicles at CES 2025.
1 min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Morse Micro Launches Highly Anticipated Second-Generation MM8108 SoC
Enabling improved spectrum efficiency to minimize interference in high-density environments, the MM8108 delivers class-leading data rates of up to 43.33Mbps using world-first sub-GHz 256-QAM modulation at an 8MHz bandwidth, making it ideal for a range of applications in agricultural, mining, industrial, home, and city environments.
1 min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
CMake the Most of Software Development - Modern Build Systems Support Scalability
Discover how modernizing your build system with CMake can revolutionize embedded software development, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. Dive into this article to explore the transformative benefits of CMake's cross-platform capabilities and how it integrates seamlessly with contemporary development practices.
9 min |
February 2025
Circuit Cellar
Building a Wi-Fi Router Watchdog
Dev created a watchdog for a Wi-Fi extender using a Raspberry Pi Pico. This monitors Wi-Fi connectivity for his smart home lighting system, which would require a reset twice a year due to rapid power interruptions.
8 min |
January 2025
Circuit Cellar
Holiday Hangover Hardware Hacking
Having too much cheer during the holidays? In this month's article, Colin offers a diversion from the jolly season by urging developers to retreat to the basement to brush up on hardware hacking skills. He shows how a low-cost Raspberry Pi Pico and a TP-Link Tapo C200 smart IP camera could become the next automated bird deterrent or a home automation server.
8 min |
January 2025
Circuit Cellar
Create Your Own PCBs with a CNC Milling Machine
Using KiCad, CopperCAM, and Candle Software
10+ min |
January 2025
Circuit Cellar
Performance Bottlenecks in Embedded Linux Solutions Analysis, Identification, and Mitigation
Good performance is a requirement for every technology, and system designers rely on operating systems to ensure fast and smooth transitions in critical applications. Fortunately, Pedro writes, the embedded Linux OS offers ways for finding, analyzing and mitigating performance bottlenecks so embedded systems can deliver the speed and efficiency that end users expect.
10+ min |
January 2025
Circuit Cellar
Datasheet: Microamps Per Megahertz Ultra-Low Power MCUs Minimize Current Consumption
How do chip makers differentiate if many ultra-low power MCUs on the market feature the same processor core? The peripherals and different power states offer various ways to manage current consumption down to microamps per megahertz.
2 min |