Using PLC on DC power lines

Modern energy systems use DC, especially in solar power. NEC mandates reducing solar array voltage to 30 volts in emergencies. Power Line Communication (PLC) enables safe, efficient control and data transmission, outperforming wireless and PoE in reliability and cost.

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Between Analog and Digital: Comparators

Comparators compare voltages and are used in devices like microcontrollers. They resemble operational amplifiers and can be used in PWM circuits and thermometers. Comparators convert analog signals to digital logic, enabling automated control with hysteresis for stability. They can operate without microcontrollers, as shown in an electronic thermometer using LM324 chips.

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Disadvantages of Mean Well LRS series power supplies

In this post, I want to share a subjective and perhaps picky view about the LRS-200, and LRS-350 sources as a person, a user, not as a professional.

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Telecommunications Protocols: Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model

OSI in the modern understanding of computer networks Evolution of computer networks from global to local networks Basic principles of the OSI model

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How does logic work? Decoders and Demultiplexers

Decoders and demultiplexers expand microcontroller ports and create effects like running lights. The CD4017 chip, clocked by a multivibrator, lights LEDs dynamically. Using the binary CD4060 with a 74HC138 decoder simplifies the circuit. The 74HC154 offers more outputs, enhancing digital functionality.

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PLC: data transfer over power lines

Power Line Communication (PLC) uses high frequencies to transfer data over power lines, allowing simultaneous power and data transmission. Initially used for dispatcher communication, PLC gained traction in the 1990s for internet access but couldn't compete with faster options. Today, it's used in smart meters, street lighting, and home automation. Despite challenges like interference and signal barriers, PLC remains a niche but essential technology.

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How does logic work? The magic of the CD4017 decimal counter

The CD4017 decimal counter and its simplicity, efficiency, and applications. Various practical uses for creating sequential lighting effects and controlling devices such as a wheel of fortune, electronic dice, and party lights with sound response controlled by the CD4017 and NE555 timer.

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We've created a controlled resistive load. But why?!

Building a custom controlled resistive load: a comprehensive guide to overcoming the limitations of commercial test devices for power supply testing using Raspberry PI and DIY electronic circuit design

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Which reflectometer to choose for new fiber-optic lines?

Bidirectional and unidirectional testing. Checking the optical line at both ends with two reflectometers. Bidirectional testing using one OTDR.

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The Cheapest and Simplest Audiophile Headphone Amp

A cost-effective, compact amp using the NE5532 op-amp, providing clean, high-quality audio for headphones and as a buffer with gain in audio systems. It avoids the complexity of tube and transistor amps.

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What is the HDMI loop-out function, and why is it different?

The difference between passive and active splitters, their use cases, and the benefits of integrated 'loop-out' functions for local monitoring in various settings, such as gaming, video production, and lecture halls.

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How does logic work? CD4060 Binary Counter

Many of us program microcontrollers and know that counters and timers are important parts of them. But not everyone remembers that they are also produced in the form of separate ICs, and once upon a time counters were assembled using flip-flops and logic elements.

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Review, teardown, and testing of RSP-150-24 Mean Well power supply

RSP-150-24 is a 150W single output enclosed type AC/DC power supply. This series operates for 85~264VAC input voltage and offers the models with the DC output mostly demanded from the industry.

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Best budget-friendly optical reflectometer

Price-to-performance ratio. What accessories and equipment are necessary? The main criteria for choosing an optical reflectometer.

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DIY ProCo RAT: The True Vintage Distortion Pedal

Welcome to my guitar effects workshop! This scheme is already 46 years old. If you want tons of vintage mojo, you should consider assembling of this guitar pedal.

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Color space basics for HDMI video

Between resolution and color, the latter is more about perception. Yet it can be described as a mix of color space picked, the importance of back lighting, and the effects of subsampling.

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PWM LED dimmer

Let's assemble a completely analog PWM LED brightness controller using four operational amplifiers and figure out why PWM is needed and what it is.

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Review, teardown, and testing of LRS-75-24 Mean Well power supply

We teardown and tested in different modes LRS-75-24 power supply from Mean Well. It's a 75W single-output enclosed power supply with a low-profile 1 1/5" design. The device has extremely low no-load power consumption (less than 0.3W).

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Search for intermittent faults, and Pupin coils using a reflectometer.

Intermittent defect: wait or fix? Why is it specifically a reflectometer? Pupin coils are now obstacles to digital services.

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How does binary logic work? Shift registers

What do you do when the controller doesn't have many pins to connect buttons, indicators, relays, etc.?

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