An optocoupler also called photocoupler or optoisolator, is an electronic device used to transmit an electrical signal between isolated circuits by separate grounds for providing an isolated galvanic wall between them. So, an optocoupler is appropriate for some circuits that need to be separated from each other for security or reliability reasons. Optocouplers are very helpful in removing noise from signals, avoiding distractions from voltage surges, and also separate low-voltage-based devices … [Read more...]

A DAC (Digital to analog converter) is a type of integrated circuit that changes the signals from digital form into analog. This IC plays a key role in an audio player for converting the audio signal from digital to audio that can be played throughout a speaker. Digital-to-analog converter ICs are frequently used in TVs, music players, and mobile phones for converting digital video data into analog video signals. The audio DAC type IC is a high-resolution & low-frequency type whereas the … [Read more...]

An electric motor is a more frequently used actuator in any machine or electronic device which is used from a vibration motor within mobiles to stepper motors within CNC machines. These motors' motion & direction can be controlled through a motor controller or motor driver using a processor or microcontroller. The motor driver output is in digital form thus it uses pulse width modulation for controlling the motor. There are different types of motor driver ICs available in different sizes and … [Read more...]

A non-volatile ROM like EEPROM stands for electrically erasable programmable ROM which is used to allow individual bytes of data to be erased & reprogrammed. These ICs are called byte erasable chips which are used for storing small amounts of data within computing & other different electronic devices. Microchip Technology Inc. developed EEPROM chips like 24AA1026, 24LC1026, and 24FC1026 which are 1024 Kbit Serial EEPROM with 1.7V - 5.5V broad range voltage. These memory chips are mainly … [Read more...]

A motor driver IC is an essential component used in controlling motors within autonomous robots. These integrated circuits work as an interface between microprocessors & the motors within robots, so these are frequently used to drive DC motors in robotics from microcontrollers. The main reason to use Motor Driver IC in different applications is; most microprocessors work at low voltages & use low current whereas the motors need a relatively high voltage as well as current thus, the … [Read more...]

Stepper motor drivers are small pin-compatible modules designed particularly to drive stepper motors capable of continuously rotating with precise position control without the need for a feedback system. The stepper motor drivers have built-in converters that offer multi-stage resolution and variable current control that allows control of stepper motors with simple step and direction inputs. These modules are usually the main carrier boards for various stepper driver ICs that provide low-level … [Read more...]

When a conventional geared DC motor is connected directly to the output of the ICs such as Atmega16, microcontrollers, 555 timers, and 74 series ICs the motor might get damaged. Because these ICs cannot provide at least 250mA of current required for the DC motor. Therefore, to drive the DC motor, a circuit (with transistors or relays or L293D/L298) is needed that can work as a bridge between the motor and the IC. Hence, the manufacturers and hobbyists use several IC motor driver modules in … [Read more...]