Tag: Automation

Tag-Connect To ST-Link or J-Link Adapter PCB | Voltlog #460

In the ever-evolving world of electronics engineering, efficient and cost-effective solutions are always in high demand. One such innovation that has gained traction is the Tag-Connect JTAG connector, a game-changing alternative to traditional connectors. These pogo pin-style connectors offer a standardized form factor, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of PCB designs.

Tag-Connect connectors boast several advantages over their traditional counterparts. Firstly, their compact size saves valuable PCB real estate, allowing for higher component density and more efficient layout. Secondly, their simplicity eliminates the need for additional components, reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Furthermore, their durability and ease of use make them an ideal choice for both manual and automated production lines, streamlining the manufacturing process and minimizing labor costs. One of the challenges faced by electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike is interfacing Tag-Connect connectors with programming tools like ST-Link or J-Link, which often have different connector types.

To address this issue, a custom adapter PCB was designed, bridging the gap between these connectors and ensuring seamless integration. This adapter PCB not only solves compatibility issues but also showcases the versatility of Tag-Connect connectors. By incorporating footprints for various connector types, such as the 10-pin Tag-Connect model and a VoltLink connector, the adapter PCB becomes a versatile debugging interface, capable of supporting UART, GPIOs, and even flashing ESP32 modules through a Tag-Connect wire.

The design process of the adapter PCB highlights the importance of careful footprint selection and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges. Even when a footprint error occurred, the modular nature of the design allowed for a workaround, ensuring the PCB’s usability and demonstrating the resilience of the electronics engineering community.

New Joulescope JS220 Better Specs Same Cost | Voltlog #433

The world of energy measurement and analysis just got an exciting upgrade with the launch of the new Joulescope JS220. This cutting-edge instrument promises to revolutionize the way we monitor and optimize power consumption in modern electronics, particularly in the realm of IoT and low-power devices.

Developed by the brilliant mind of Matt Liberty, the creator of the original Joulescope, the JS220 builds upon the success of its predecessor while offering improved specifications and enhanced capabilities. Despite the global challenges, Liberty has managed to maintain the same affordable price point, making the Joulescope an even more compelling choice for engineers, researchers, and hobbyists alike.

The Joulescope JS220 boasts an impressive array of features, including the ability to measure current, voltage, power, energy, and charge with unparalleled accuracy and reliability. Its autoranging shunt ammeter supports an exceptional dynamic range, ensuring precise measurements across a wide spectrum of power consumption levels.

One of the standout features of the JS220 is its improved ADC performance, with an increase in effective bits and bandwidth, enabling more detailed and accurate data capture. Additionally, the instrument now offers more general-purpose inputs, a new trigger in/out function, and a software-controlled fuse, enhancing its versatility and ease of use. But the improvements don’t stop there.

The JS220 also boasts an extended dynamic range, with a measurement range of ±3A sustained and ±10A pulse, as well as improved resolution down to 0.5nA. The voltage measurement range has also been expanded to ±15V, providing even greater flexibility in analyzing diverse electronic systems.

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the Joulescope JS220 is its open-source drivers, which enable users to automate test measurement setups using their preferred software, streamlining the process and maximizing efficiency.