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Monday, May 24, 2021

Arduino: Lesson 1 - What is Arduino?

Fig. 1 - Arduino: Lesson 1 - What is Arduino?


Arduino is an open source electronic prototyping platform or board used for the development of IoT control and automation projects in Digital / Analog Electronics.

Originally started as a research project by Massimo Banzi, David Cuartielles, Tom Igoe, Gianluca Martino and David Mellis at the Ivrea Interaction Design Institute in the early 2000s, it is based on the Processing project, a language for learning to code within the context of the visual arts developed by Casey Reas and Ben Fry, as well as a thesis project by Hernando Barragan on the spinning board. 

Source: Arduino.cc

It consists of a programmable physical circuit board (Microcontroller) and software, or IDE (Integrated Development Environment), used to write and Upload Computer Code to the physical board, and was designed to make Electronics more accessible to Designers, Engineers, Technicians, Enthusiasts and people interested in creating interactive objects or environments.

The first Arduino board was launched in 2005 to help design students, who had no previous experience in electronics or microcontroller programming, to create working prototypes connecting the physical world to the digital world.

Since then, it has become the most popular electronic prototyping tool used by engineers and even large corporations.

An Arduino board can be purchased pre-assembled or, because the hardware design is Open Source, it can be built manually, however, users can adapt the boards according to their needs, as well as update or develop their own versions.

The Arduino platform has become quite popular with people who are starting out with electronics and for a very good reason.

Unlike most previous programmable circuit boards, the Arduino doesn't need separate hardware (called a Programmer, USB Serial Converter, FTDI) to load a new code on the board, you can simply use a USB cable.

In addition, the Arduino IDE uses a simplified version of C ++, making it easy to learn the program. Finally, the Arduino provides a standard form factor that divides the microcontroller functions into a more affordable package.
Fig. 2 - Arduino Uno Board Specification

The Arduino Uno is one of the most popular boards in the Arduino family and a great option for beginners.

Believe it or not, 10 lines of code are all you need to blink the On-board LED on your Arduino

What It Does?

Arduino's Hardware and Software was designed for Engineers, technicians, designers, artists, enthusiasts, amateurs, hackers and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments.

The Arduino can interact with Buttons, LEDs, Motors, Speakers, GPS Units, Cameras, the Internet and even your Smartphone or TV.

This flexibility combined with the fact that the Arduino software is Open Source, that is, free, the hardware cards are very cheap and both the software and the hardware are easy to learn, leading to a large community of users who contributed code and launched instructions for a huge variety of Arduino-based Projects.

We can use Arduino for just about everything, from robots, heating blanket with temperature limit, machines to count bills, robot arms, etc. The Arduino can be used as the brain behind almost any electronics project.

The Arduino Family

There are different types of Arduino board, each with different capacities. In addition, some of the open source hardware means that others can modify and produce Arduino board derivatives that provide even more form and functionality factors.

If you are not sure which one is right for your project. Here are some options that are suitable for someone new to the Arduino's world:

Arduino Uno (R3)

Arduino Uno is a great option for your first Arduino. It has everything you need to get started and use it for your projects. Here you will find the technical specifications for the Arduino UNO R3:
  • Microcontroller: ATmega328P
  • Digital I/O Pins: 14
  • Analog input pins: 6
  • PWM pins: 6
  • Communication
    • UART
    • I2C
    • SPI
A USB connection, a power connector, a reset button and much more. It contains everything needed to support the microcontroller; Simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or connect it to a DC power supply or battery to get started.

Sensors

With some simple code, the Arduino can control and interact with a wide variety of sensors - things that can measure light, temperature, degree of flexion, pressure, proximity, acceleration, carbon monoxide, radioactivity, humidity, barometric pressure, voltage, current, among so many others.

Shields

In addition, there are these things called Shields, basically they are pre-assembled circuit boards that fit on top of your Arduino and provide additional features - controlling engines, connecting to the Internet, providing cell phones or other wireless communication, controlling an LCD display and more.

If you have any questions, suggestions or corrections, please leave them in the comments and we will answer them soon.

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My Best Regards!!!

Simple 100W Power Amplifier using TIP142 NPN and TIP147 PNP transistors + PCB

PCB 100W Power Amplifier - TIP142 and TIP147 Transistors

This is a low complexity amplifier, which can be easily assembled by anyone who has basic knowledge in electronics.

This amplifier works with a Class B output stage with a complementary output pair formed by the TIP142 and TIP147 Darlington Transistors.

⏯️ Operation

The input stage, is formed by a differential pair Q1 and Q2, which are two PNPs A733 transistors, the Q1 transistor receive the input signal for amplification, and Q2 receives the Feedback signal.

Thus assembling a signal loop making with the differential amplifier to control the signal giving stability to the amplifier and avoiding distortion in the circuit.

The second stage consists of a TIP41 transistor, which functions as a Drive, which receives the signal from the differential pair and amplifies it to delivery a sufficient current at the base of the output transistors.

Diodes D1, D2 and D3 determine the base polarization voltage in the transistors.

This amplifier has an output power of approximately 100 watts, to get this output power will depend on the Power Supply voltage, with a supply voltage of + 50V / - 50V, with a current of 3A.

🔌 The Circuit

In our tests, it was possible to get a little more than 100W. The schematic diagram circuit, is in Figure 2 below, it is a very simple circuit to build, with few external components.

However, be careful, it works with a total voltage of 90V, be careful not to change any component polarity, don't short the amplifier circuit.

Fig 2 - Schematic Simple 100W Power Amplifier with  TIP142 NPN and TIP147 PNP transistors

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⚡Power Supply

The power supply for this circuit amplifier is symmetrical, in our tests a Transformer with a +36V 0V -36V AC, center-tape was used, with a current 3 Amperes, after the CA voltage goes through the rectification, it will average 50V DC.

🧾 Components List

  • Semiconductor 
    • Q1, Q2 .... A733 - PNP transistor 
    • Q3 ........... TIP41C - NPN transistor
    • Q4 ........... TIP142 - NPN power transistor 
    • Q5 ............TIP147 - PNP power transistor 
    • D1, D2 .... 1N4007 - Diode 

  • Resistors 
    • R1, R2 ..... 22K ohms - 1/8W - Resistor  - (red, red, orange, gold)
    • R3 ........... 1K5 ohms - 1/8W - Resistor  - (brown, green, red, gold)
    • R4 ........... 220 ohms - 1/8W - Resistor  - (red, red, brown, gold)
    • R5 ........... 27K ohms - 1/8W - Resistor  - (red, violet, orange, gold)
    • R6 ........... 27 ohms - 1/8W - Resistor  - (red, violet, black, gold)
    • R7, R8 .... 3K3 ohms - 1W - Resistor  - (orange, orange, red, gold)
    • R9, R10 ... 022 ohms - 3W - Resistor  - (red, red, gold, silver)

  • Capacitors
    • C1 .......... 2.2uF - 25V - Electrolytic capacitor 
    • C2 .......... 100uF - 63V - Electrolytic capacitor 
    • C3 .......... 10uF - 63V - Electrolytic capacitor

  • Miscellaneous 
    • P1, P2 ..... Block 5mm 2 Pin weldable terminal Connector
    • P3 ........... Block 5mm 3 Pin weldable terminal Connector
    • Others .... Printed Circuit Board, Wires, Solders, Etc.

🖨️ Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

We are offering the PCI - Printed Circuit Board, in GERBER, PDF and PNG files, for you who want to do the most optimized assembly, either at home.

If you prefer in a company that develops the board, you can is downloading and make the files in the Download option below.

📥 Files to download, Direct Link:

Click on the link beside: GERBER, PDF and PNG files

👋 I hope you enjoyed it!!!

If you have any questions, suggestions or corrections, please leave them in the comments and we will answer them soon.

🙏 Subscribe to our blog!!! Click here - elcircuits.com!!!

My Best Regards!!!

Friday, May 21, 2021

200W RMS Power Amplifier using 2SC2500 AND 2SA1943 transistors + PCB

200W RMS Power Amplifier using 2SC2500 AND 2SA1943 transistors - eclircuits.com
200W RMS Power Amplifier using 2SC2500 AND 2SA1943 transistors

🌐 You can read this article in: Português | Español

🔊 Build a Powerful 200W RMS Amplifier with Professional Quality!

Hello, electronics enthusiasts and high-quality audio lovers! Today we're diving into a project that will elevate your audio experience to a new level: a 200W RMS power amplifier that combines assembly simplicity with exceptional performance.

This circuit uses 4 high-quality complementary output transistors: 2 NPN 2SC5200 transistors and 2 PNP 2SA1943 transistors. These components are specifically designed for audio applications, ensuring sound reproduction with high fidelity and low distortion.

💡 Expert Tip: This amplifier is quite popular in the DIY (Do It Yourself) audio community due to its excellent cost-benefit ratio and impressive sound performance. It's an ideal choice for both beginners and more experienced enthusiasts!

Can't find the exact transistors? No problem! We offer an exclusive tool on our website:

With this tool, you can find compatible alternatives that ensure the correct operation of your amplifier, even using components different from those originally recommended.

Power is supplied by a symmetrical power supply that can operate with voltages between 30V and 60V. To get maximum performance and take full advantage of the 200W RMS power, we recommend using 60V with a current capacity of at least 4 Amperes.

🔍 Understanding the Circuit: Schematic Diagram

The schematic diagram, presented in Figure 2, reveals an elegant and efficient design. This amplifier uses a classic configuration that stands out for its simplicity and performance. It's a circuit commonly found on the internet, but distinguished by its superior sound quality and ability to deliver the promised power.

200W RMS Power Amplifier with 2SC2500 and 2SA1943 - elcircuirs.com
Fig. 2 - 200W RMS Power Amplifier with 2SC2500 and 2SA1943

🎓 Technical Analysis: This amplifier operates in class AB, offering an excellent balance between efficiency and sound quality. The configuration with complementary transistors (NPN and PNP) in the output ensures perfect symmetry in signal amplification, resulting in low harmonic distortion and excellent frequency response.

⚡ Power Supply: The Heart of the Amplifier

The power supply is a crucial component for the performance of your amplifier. For this project, we use a symmetrical power supply with a center-tap transformer of 42V - 0 - 42V and current of 5 Amperes. This configuration provides stable and sufficient power to supply the circuit at its maximum power.

This amplifier demonstrates excellent flexibility regarding supply voltage. It can operate with voltages between 24V and 55V, although with a proportional reduction in output power. This feature makes the project versatile, allowing adaptations according to component availability in your region.

📊 Performance Table:

Supply Voltage Output Power (Approx.) Minimum Recommended Current
24V 50W RMS 2A
36V 100W RMS 3A
42V 150W RMS 3.5A
55V-60V 200W RMS 4A-5A

📋 Complete List of Materials

To facilitate your assembly, we've organized all necessary components into categories. Have this list on hand before starting your project!

Semiconductors

Reference Component Specification
Q1, Q2, Q3 PNP Transistor A1015
Q5, Q6 NPN Transistor TIP41C
Q4, Q7 PNP Transistor TIP42C
Q8, Q10 NPN Power Transistor 2SC5200
Q9, Q11 PNP Power Transistor 2SA1943
D1 à D5 Diode 1N4007

Capacitors

Reference Component Specification
C1 Electrolytic Capacitor 2.2uF - 25V
C2 Electrolytic Capacitor 47uF - 63V
C3 Ceramic/Polyester Capacitor 330pF
C4 Ceramic/Polyester Capacitor 100nF

Resistors

Reference Component Specification
R1 Resistor 10K ohms - 1/4W (brown, black, orange, gold)
R2 Resistor 18k ohms - 1/4W (brown, gray, orange, gold)
R3 Resistor 820 ohms - 1/4W (gray, red, brown, gold)
R4 Resistor 270 ohms - 1W (red, violet, brown, gold)
R5 Resistor 1K ohms - 1/4W (brown, black, red, gold)
R6 Resistor 18K ohms - 1/4W (brown, gray, orange, gold)
R7 Resistor 330 ohms - 1/4W (orange, orange, brown, gold)
R8 Resistor 56 ohms - 1W (green, blue, black, gold)
R9 Resistor 27 ohms - 1W (red, violet, black, gold)
R10, R11 Resistor 6R8 ohms - 1W (blue, gray, gold, gold)
R12, R13 Resistor 100 ohms - 1W (brown, black, brown, gold)
R14 à R17 Resistor 033 ohms - 5W (orange, orange, gold)
R18, R19 Resistor 10 ohms - 1W (brown, black, black)
P1 Potentiometer 47K

Miscellaneous

Reference Component Specification
B1, B2 Connector WJ2EDGVC-5.08-2P
B3 Connector WJ2EDGVC-5.08-3P
L1 Coil 5uH Air Core
- Others Printed Circuit Board, Wires, Solder, etc.
💡 Professional tip: Wind 8-10 turns with 1mm enameled wire in a cylindrical shape (8mm diameter) to make the 5uH L1 coil

🖨️ Printed Circuit Board (PCB): Optimized Design

To facilitate your assembly, we've made the printed circuit board files available in various formats: PDF, GERBER and PNG. We also offer a direct link for free download of these files on a secure server, MEGA.

PCB - 200W RMS Power Amplifier with 2SC2500 and 2SA1943 - elcircuits.com
Fig. 3 - PCB - 200W RMS Power Amplifier with 2SC2500 and 2SA1943

📥 File Downloads

To download the necessary files for circuit assembly, click on the link below:

🔧 Assembly Tips and Troubleshooting

To ensure the success of your project, we've separated some important tips:

  • Component Organization: Before starting soldering, organize all components and verify you have everything necessary. This will save time and avoid frustrations.
  • Polarity Check: Pay special attention to the polarity of electrolytic capacitors and diodes. An incorrect connection can permanently damage these components.
  • Heat Sink: The power transistors (2SC5200 and 2SA1943) generate significant heat during operation. Make sure to install adequate heat sinks to ensure component longevity.
  • Gradual Testing: After completing assembly, don't immediately connect the speakers. First, check the voltages at critical points in the circuit with a multimeter.

⚠️ Safety Warning: This amplifier operates with high voltages that can be dangerous. Always disconnect power before handling the circuit and, if possible, use a current-limited source during initial tests.

🎵 Applications and Performance

This 200W RMS amplifier is extremely versatile and can be used in various applications:

  • Home Sound Systems: Ideal for those seeking high power and sound quality in residential audio systems.
  • Recording Studios: The low distortion and flat frequency response make this amplifier an excellent choice for studio monitoring.
  • Small Events and Presentations: With 200W RMS, this amplifier has enough power for small shows and live presentations.
  • Home Theater Systems: Perfect for power channels in home theater systems, offering clarity and sound impact.

💡 Expert Tip: To get maximum performance from this amplifier, we recommend using speakers with impedance of 4 to 8 ohms and compatible power. Remember that the quality of the speakers will directly influence the final sound experience!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Your Questions Answered

1 Can I use different transistors than those specified?

Yes, but with major caveats. The 2SC2500/2SA1943 transistors are specific for audio and were chosen for their linear characteristics. If you need to substitute, use our tool Equivalent BJT Transistor by Data Cross-Reference. Transistors like 2SC3858/2SA1494 or MJL3281A/MJL1302A may work, but require circuit adjustments.

2 What is the real power this amplifier delivers?

With a ±35V supply and 4Ω load, this amplifier delivers 200W RMS real with THD below 0.1%. It's important to note that many manufacturers "overpower" their amplifiers - this project is honest and delivers what it promises, without unrealistic specifications.

3 Do I need special heat sinks for the transistors?

Yes! For continuous operation at 200W RMS, you need a heat sink with a minimum area of 500cm² per transistor (or 1000cm² total). For intermittent use (like at home), 300cm² per transistor is sufficient. Never operate without adequate heat sinks - transistors reach temperatures above 100°C.

4 Can I connect to 2Ω speakers?

We don't recommend it. Although technically possible, the current would double and the transistors would exceed their thermal limits. Use only 4Ω or 8Ω speakers. If you need more power at 2Ω, consider our 300W RMS amplifier project with MJL3281A/MJL1302A, specifically designed for low loads.

🎓 Conclusion: An Amplifier That Unites Power and Quality

This 200W RMS amplifier with 2SC5200 and 2SA1943 transistors represents the perfect balance between assembly simplicity and high-quality sound performance. Whether for your home audio system, studio or small events, this project will deliver the power and clarity you're looking for.

Remember that the final quality will depend not only on the components used, but also on the care during assembly and the quality of peripheral components, such as power supply and speakers.

🚀 Next Steps: After assembling your amplifier, consider building an appropriate speaker enclosure to maximize speaker performance. Soon, we'll bring an article about speaker enclosure projects that perfectly match this amplifier!

💬 Join the Conversation!

We'd like to know your opinion! Have you built this amplifier? Do you have any questions or suggestions to improve the project? Leave your comment below and share your experience with our community of electronics enthusiasts!

👋 I hope you enjoyed it!!!

If you have any questions, suggestions, or corrections, feel free to share them in the comments — we’ll be glad to help and improve this guide together!

👉 Stay updated with our latest electronic projects, tutorials, and DIY guides. Subscribe to ElCircuits and never miss a new post!

Best regards,
The ElCircuits Team ⚡

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

40W Stereo 14.4V Car Audio Power Amplifier using TDA8560Q IC + PCB

Fig. 1 - PCB 40W Stereo Car Amplifier TDA8560Q

For Portuguese Version, Click Here!

This is a super easy to build Stereo Car Audio Power Amplifier circuit, due to the number of external components being few, it makes this amplifier quite viable for those who want to build a power amplifier and super simple and quick to do.

The TDA8560Q is an integrated Class-B output amplifier in a 13-lead Single-In-Line (SIL) power package.

This Car Audio Amplifier Circuit gives an output power 2×40W / 2 Ω in BTL configuration. The device is primarily developed for car radio applications.  

The TDA8560Q contains two identical amplifiers and can be used for bridge applications. The gain of each amplifier is fixed at 40 dB. Special features of the device are as follows.

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Mode select switch (pin 11)

  • Standby: low supply current (<100 µA)
  • Mute: input signal suppressed
  • Operating: normal on condition.

Since this pin has a very low input current (<40 µA), a low cost supply switch can be applied. To avoid switch-on plops, it is advised to keep the amplifier in the mute mode during ≥100 ms (charging of the input capacitors at pin 1 and pin 13).

The schematic diagram of the Car Amplifier Circuit, is in Figure 2 below, it is a very simple circuit to build, with few external components, however, it is a very powerful circuit, which provides 80W in two 2 Ohms Speakers.

Fig. 2 - 40W Stereo 14.4V Car Audio Power Amplifier - IC TDA8560Q

The operating voltage of this circuit can vary between 6V to 18V DC, which opens the possibilities of use in amplifier for; Residential Sound, Car Stereo, Boombox, Computer Speaker, among other types of portable audio amplifiers ... Since it has a common power supply and low power voltage, this circuit amplifier is ideal for these purposes.

Components List

  • U1 ..................TDA8560Q Integrated Circuit
  • R1, R2, R3 .... 10K ohms - 1/8 W Resistor - (brown, black, orange, gold)
  • C1, C2 ........... 470nF Polyester Capacitor
  • C3 .................. 47uF - 35V Electrolytic capacitor 
  • C4 .................. 2200uF - 35V Electrolytic capacitor
  • C5 .................. 100nF Ceramic Capacitor
  • RP1, RP2 ....... 20K ohms Potentiometer 
  • JP1, JP2 .......... Female RCA Connectors to PCB
  • P1, P2, P3 ....... PCB Terminal Blocks
  • Others ............. Wires, Welds, Posts, PCB, Etc.

We are making available the files containing the PCB, the Schematic Diagram, the PDF, GERBER, and JPG, and providing a direct link to download for free in a direct link, "MEGA".

Direct link to download

Click in the link  to download the Files: PCB Layout, PDF, GERBER, JPG

If you have any questions, suggestions or corrections, please leave them in the comments and we will answer them soon.

Subscribe to our blog!!! Click here - elcircuits.com!!!

My Best Regards!!!