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  • Decades-old photosynthesis mystery finally solved
    Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Caltech have finally solved a decades-old mystery about how photosynthesis really begins. They discovered why energy inside plants flows down only one of two possible routes — a design that lets nature move sunlight with astonishing precision. Using advanced computer simulations, the researchers showed that one […]
  • A century-old piano mystery has just been solved
    Scientists confirmed that pianists can alter timbre through touch, using advanced sensors to capture micro-movements that shape sound perception. The discovery bridges art and science, promising applications in music education, neuroscience, and beyond.
  • Princeton’s AI reveals what fusion sensors can’t see
    A powerful new AI tool called Diag2Diag is revolutionizing fusion research by filling in missing plasma data with synthetic yet highly detailed information. Developed by Princeton scientists and international collaborators, this system uses sensor input to predict readings other diagnostics can’t capture, especially in the crucial plasma edge region where stability determines performance. By reducing […]
  • Heisenberg said it was impossible. Scientists just proved otherwise
    Researchers have reimagined Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, engineering a trade-off that allows precise measurement of both position and momentum. Using quantum computing tools like grid states and trapped ions, they demonstrated sensing precision beyond classical limits. Such advances could revolutionize navigation, medicine, and physics, while underscoring the global collaboration driving quantum research.
  • This new camera sees the invisible in 3D without lenses
    Scientists have developed a lens-free mid-infrared camera using a modern twist on pinhole imaging. The system uses nonlinear crystals to convert infrared light into visible, allowing standard sensors to capture sharp, wide-range images without distortion. It can also create precise 3D reconstructions even in extremely low light. Though still experimental, the technology promises affordable, portable […]
  • Biochar’s secret power could change clean water forever
    Scientists found that biochar doesn’t just capture pollutants, it actively destroys them using direct electron transfer. This newly recognized ability accounts for up to 40% of its cleaning power and remains effective through repeated use. The discovery opens the door to cheaper, greener, and more efficient water treatment methods worldwide.

Category

Educational slide showing a graph of a PID-controlled system’s step response. The plot displays overshoot, oscillation, and settling behavior as the process value (green) approaches the set point (blue). The image focuses on techniques for tuning PID parameters using a PIC microcontroller and MPLAB X IDE.
PID tuning methods
Rule-based PID tuning methods asssume that there is a system response that can be put into an easy mathematical description. The characteristics of this response...
Diagram of 3-phase AC systems with star and delta configurations, microcontroller
3 phase AC systems
In this article we take a closer look at the three phase power system. I will begin with giving you an overview of the differences...
Illustration of a 3-phase AC motor showing three sets of stator coils (U, V, W) around a rotor with north and south poles. A waveform graph of phase shifts for Phase 1, 2, and 3 is included. On the right, text reads "Types of AC motors – Working principle" with an MPLAB X IDE microcontroller chip visual at the bottom.
Types of AC Motors – Working Principles
Motors are primarily categorized as either AC or DC, with further classifcation based on their inherent rotation characteristics. In this article, we will commence by...
Brushless vs Brushed DC motor
Brushless Vs Brushed DC Motors: Which to choose
Motors are primarily categorized as either AC or DC, with further classification based on their inherent rotation characteristics. In this article, we will commence by...
Diagram showing two labeled stepper motor illustrations, one with rotor alignment and misalignment, and a microcontroller (PIC16F877A) with the MPLAB X IDE logo. Text reads "Controlling Stepper Motors with Microcontrollers".
Controlling Stepper Motors with Microcontrollers
The basic principle behind a motor lies in the conversion of electrical energy into rotational mechanical movement. This can manifest as either continuous or step-wise...
Diagram showing SPI communication between PIC16F877A microcontroller (master) and a slave device using SCK, MOSI, MISO, and SS lines, with MPLAB X IDE branding.
SPI for microcontrollers
In this article we will take a closer look at Serial Peripheral Interface, also called SPI. This is the third and last serial communication module...

Prerequisits

To make it easier, I assume you have a basic knowledge of the following:

  • Basic circuitry knowledge; such as resistors, transistors, diodes, relays.
  • Basic programming knowledge in C; understand what are functions, operators, data types, and more.
  • Digital electronics, such as logic gates.

On some occasions I will explain it from scratch, but to understand everything, it is best to brush up on the basics so that you can follow the tutorials.

Required Software

For these tutorials we use Microchip’s own software package that includes:

  • MPLAB X IDE
  • XC8 Compiler
  • PICKIT3 programmer/debugger

All the tools can be downloaded at the official website of Microchip Technology

Required Hardware

The full tutorial consists of many different types of electrical components, sensors and actuators. It depends completely on your own project what you need. However, in all cases you will need a Pickit3 tool to install the software and you need at least 1 PIC16F877A microcontroller to install it on.