Silicon Chip January 2016

In this month’s Silicon Chip magazine, build the QuickBrake which helps reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. This unit provides the additional few microseconds warning to the following driver when a sudden reduction in acceleration takes place, which can mean the difference between a rear-end crash and a near-miss. The unit monitors the Throttle Position Sensor or a Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor, for sudden changes in voltages from these sensors, which is what will happen when you quickly lift your foot off the accelerator pedal. The unit is built around readily available components and can be assembled in a few hours.

Also this month, for the valve enthusiasts, build a Stereo Valve Preamplifier with low distortion and a very high signal-to-noise ratio. The unit uses two 12AX7 Dual Triodes built onto a single pcb with onboard power regulators and RCA sockets for signal connection. Finally, this month a Raspberry Pi Temperature/Humidity/Pressure Monitor. This unit is mounted on top of your Raspberry Pi and enables remote monitoring by the web of the various environmental conditions. All projects come complete with circuit diagram and electronic parts list.

This month’s main feature has a look at Blood Pulse Oximeters, these essential units for hospitals, monitor the oxygen level in a patients blood. This article looks at the design and theory begind these units. Also this month, a look at Versatile Technology, this innovative company has become a world leader in making equipment for testing metal soft-drink/beer cans, as well as PET plastic bottles. Plus all the regular columns, including the Circuit Notebook, Serviceman’s Log and Vintage Radio are included, providing stacks of great reading.

Part Code: SILCHIPJAN2016

Features

Blood Pressure Oximeters: How They Work
Versatile Technology: An Aussie Innovator
Handy Reactance Wallchart

Projects

Valve Stereo Preamplifier for Hi-Fi Systems
Raspberry Pi Temperature/Humidity/Pressure Monitor, Part 1
High Visibility 6-Digit LED GPS Clock, Part 2
Reduce Rear-End Collisions with QuickBrake

Futurlec is a worldwide supplier of quality electronic components to manufacturers, universities and hobbyists. We offer an extensive range of electronic parts including ICs, transistors, diodes, LEDs, potentiometers and relays, all sourced from top quality manufacturers.

Futurlec also manufactures a wide range of microcontroller boards based on the PIC®, AVR®, ARM® and Arduino® platforms. Our PCB manufacturing service produces high quality PCBs for single PCB prototypes or large scale production volumes to your custom PCB design.

* All trademarks mentioned here are the property of their respective companies