by Dariusz Caban

Thanks to the possibility of all-software implementation of the I²C protocol, microcontrollers can communicate with I²C devices. With this article, Dariusz presents us with an example implementation of the Standard mode of the I²C protocol for the popular 8031 microcontroller.

March 2002

Part 3: The Bottom Line
by Aubrey Kagan

This month, Aubrey concludes his series on Excel by looking at the Solver function, which allows models to be solved using several variables. As an added benefit, he includes a description on the use of regression, and shows us how to look at both linear and quadratic relationships and how the technique can be extended. Join him in this final segment of his series, which has provided insight to the available functions and shown us how to use them.

March 2002

Part 1: Frames, Collisions, and 10-Mbps LANs
by James Antonakos

This month, James jump-starts us with a new series on the popular LAN technology, Ethernet. In this first part, he concentrates on the basics, examining all the different Ethernet specifications. But, the story doesn't end there. In the next two parts, he'll also take us through the Fast and Gigabit Ethernet technologies, then round out the series with a look at the operation of hubs, switches, and routers.

March 2002

Using CAD Mechanical Software in Design Projects
by George Martin

The end of every year, brings the end to many projects for George. So, with this expected slowdown, he fills his time with smaller, more unusual projects. One such project, this year, was an industrial packaging project, which gave him the chance to use the mechanical CAD software he'd had lying around awhile.

March 2002

by Tom Cantrell

With each passing day, it seems the connection between what goes on in the classrooms of higher education and the real world gets harder to distinguish. Although Tom understands the necessity of fundamental research and development, he's lost on how some of their endeavors really benefit the average engineer. Take a walk with him through those hallowed halls, and see if you can't find something that's less like homework and more like fun.

March 2002

Test Your EQ presents some basic engineering problems for you to test your engineering quotient.

Problem 1—If you have 24 people in a room, what are the chances that any two of them have the same birthday?

Problem 2—Each Ethernet device has a 48-bit address (the MAC) that is supposed to be unique. If the MACs are chosen randomly, how many devices can be manufactured before there's a better-than-even chance that two of them have the same MAC?

The rest of this month's questions

Each month Circuit Cellar's Resource Links provide helpful links and information on a variety of featured topics.

Pocket PC
by Brant Schroeder

Logic Gates
by Rick Prescott

Low-Cost/Low-Power CPU with Ethernet and Video

Buck and Boost Switching Regulator-Controller

Predictive Fan Failure Circuit

High-Current, Low-Profile RF Chip Inductors

High-Current Dual MOSFET Gate Driver

PIC16F877 Development Board

New Product submissions may be sent to John Gorsky
4 Park St. Vernon, CT 06066

Automobiles by Microsoft
by Steve Ciarcia

I never thought Ięd say this, but enough is enough. Feature creep in every communication device, computing gadget, and entertainment contraption has made them overly complicated to use. Ięll admit that it used to be a badge of distinction when I claimed to be one of those guys who couldnęt program the VCR. In truth, it was partly because we have six VCRs, all different brands, and none program the same way, but it was mostly because I was too lazy to deal with all of the instructions...

March 2002

Take advantage of more than 12 years of engineering editorial experience with Circuit Cellar's print magazine! Full of unique, application-oriented articles.

Come see what's in this month's publication!

March 2002

CIRCUIT CELLARę Online, (ISSN 1527-8131) and Circuit Cellar are published monthly by Circuit Cellar Incorporated, 4 Park Street, Vernon, CT 06066 (860) 875-2751.

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