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    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 […]
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    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.
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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...
Featured image of I2C for PIC microcontrollers
I2C for PIC Microcontrollers
In this article, we will take a closer look at the I2C serial communication protocol. This is the second in a series of three articles...

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.