Martin Bates' Refresher Course in Sensor Design using Microcontrollers

Embedded.com is running a multi-part series by Martin Bates, a lecturer in technology at the Hastings College of Arts and Technology, United Kingdom. In the series, Martin Bates provides details on the design the interface between a sensor and a microcontroller, and how to specify the performance of the linear amplifier used to translate the sensor output into suitable input for an MCU.

Part 1: An introduction to sensors and their characteristics
Part 2: A survey of sensor types
Part 3: Implementing a sensor/MCU interface

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs Chat it up at D5

Gizmodo has a seven-part video of Gates vs Jobs going at it in the All Things D conference. The first of seven parts is embedded below.

Watch all seven parts at gizmodo.com.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Apple, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs

Microsoft Introduces Surface Computing

After years of research and numerous tech demos, Microsoft is finally introducing their multi-touch, multi-user, object-recognition, and gestural-interaction interface technology, Surface. Surface uses digital cameras behind a DLP projection screen to recognize touch and objects. I was a bit skeptical at first, but the video at on10.net shows some interesting uses for the technology in retail environments.

Watch the video demonstration at on10.net.

EDIT: Embedded a CNET video below.

AN1095, Emulating Data EEPROM for PIC18 and PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC DSCs

Microchip Applications Engineers David Otten and Stephen Cowden recently released a new app note that illustrates Data EEPROM emulation PIC18 and PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC DSCs.

Many applications store nonvolatile information in the Flash program memory using table write and read operations. Applications that need to frequently update this data may have greater endurance requirements than the specified Flash endurance for the device. The alternate solution of using an external, serial EEPROM device may not be appropriate for cost-sensitive or pin-constrained applications. This application note presents a third alternative that addresses these issues. This algorithm features an interface similar to an internal data EEPROM, uses available program memory and can improve endurance by a factor as high as 500.

Get more info from Microchip's website.

Why You Shouldn't Follow Directions Too Closely

The plans

The literal result
Source: boredstop.com

Change the world in 18 seconds?

Lawrence Bender claims that you can make a difference in just 18 seconds. Watch the interview on on10.net, visit 18seconds.org, and spread the word.

What kind of difference can one compact fluorescent lamp make? Consider this: If every American swapped just ONE bulb for an ENERGY STAR labeled CFL, it would collectively save more than $8 billion in energy costs, prevent burning 30 billion pounds of coal, and remove 2 million cars worth of greenhouse gas emissions from our atmosphere. Just imagine the difference we could make if we replaced all of the lights we use most!

Backup your MPLAB IDE workspace files now

Just wanted to remind MPLAB IDE users to make a backup copy of each of your workspace (*.mcw) files whenever you upgrade MPLAB IDE versions. The workspace file format is likely to change again in MPLAB IDE 7.61. When you open a workspace in 7.61, it will be automatically upgraded to the new format so once you open a workspace in 7.61, you won't be able to open it again in an older version.

Who DOESNT want a $1564 keyboard?

Every key of the 113-key Optimius Maximus is a 32x32 OLED that will display its current function. Yep, only 200 are being made for the first round, so you better order yours now.

Now, I just need to convince my boss that this keyboard will improve my productivity.

Source: Engadget

We're looking for a Software/Firmware Test Engineer

Know anyone who might be interested in joining our Development Tools group at Microchip in Chandler, Arizona? Send them here.

Brief:
The primary responsibility will be to perform certification testing of new Microchip microcontrollers on hardware Development Tools and create test suites to support detailed testing of these tools. In addition, the engineer will work closely with the development groups to produce hardware products of high quality. Responsibilities will also include test automation using scripting languages and automated testing software.

Minimum Requirements:
The candidate must have excellent communication skills and be able to create clear and effective testing strategies based on technical project requirements. They must be familiar with working in integrated development environments. The candidate must have good troubleshooting and team player skills and be technically astute.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer and Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience is required.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to effectively isolate and identify technical issues.
• Familiarity with microcontrollers or embedded applications is a plus.

Essential Function:

• Plan, develop, and execute certification and stress tests that will effectively verify the quality of Hardware Development tools
• Automate testing of hardware through the use of Automation software
• Support internal and external customers by answering questions and analyzing customer issues.
• Support and maintanence of existing validation test suites.
• Conduct user and peer reviews of test strategy documents.
• Address deficiencies in delivered functionality and effectively communicate issues to development staff.
• Analyze software requirements and develop corresponding testing requirement documents.
• Perform certification testing of new Microchip microcontrollers on Development Tools

EETimes interview with Steve Sanghi

EETimes.com has an interview with Microchip's CEO, Steve Sanghi.

Sanghi: We expect another record year in 2007. 2006 was a record for us. It will be the first year we cross over $1 billion in sales both calendar and fiscal years. The surprise last year was, in fact, that calendar Q4 was down for most companies, which was the start of the current inventory correction. All of the customers and everybody was saying they had no inventory. And all of the sudden, there was inventory.

Read the interview here.