Contact Conditioner Using the 555 IC (MEC171E)

This project is part of my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. It teaches how to build a contact conditioner used in mechatronics or robotics projects or as a building block for simple projects.

The best contact conditioner for applications using logic circuits (TTL or CMOS) are the ones based in monostable configurations. The monostable configuration shown by Figure 1 uses the 555 IC and is ideal for this purpose.

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Low-Current Turn-Off Sensor With Contact Conditioner (MEC170E)

This article is part of my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. It shows build a low-current turn-off sensor with debouncer. The circuit shown by Figure 1turns a load off when the sensor is closed. The transistor is chosen according to the load current.

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Low-Current Turn-On Sensor with Contact Conditioner (MEC169E)

This article is part of my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. It shows build a low-current turn-on sensor with debouncer. Reed switches can’t be used to control large currents. The circuit shown in Figure 1 is recommended for low-current sensors, including those using reed switches.

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Using On-Off Sensors in Robotics and Mechatronics Projects (MEC167E)

This article is part of my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. It teaches how to use on-off sensors and switches in mechatronics or robotics projects or as a building block for simple projects. The purpose of this article is teach to the reader how mechanical switches, reed switches, and home-made devices can be used as sensors.

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LED Monitor for Stepper Motor Operation (MEC166E)

This circuit was included in my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. It can be used in mechatronics or robotics projects or as a building block for more simple projects. 

The circuit shown in Figure 1 can be used to monitor the operation of each phase of a stepper motor. The LED corresponding to each phase will glow when it is activated. The resistors’ value depends on the power supply voltage .

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Complete Stepper Motor Control Using the UCN4202 (MEC165E)

This shield circuit is adapted from my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. It can be used as a shield for stepper motors in mechatronics or robotics projects or as a building block for more simple projects.

The UCN4202 (Sprague) is another IC that contains all the functions required by a complete stepper motor control. This IC is used in a basic configuration as shown by Figure 1.

Read more: Complete Stepper Motor Control Using the UCN4202 (MEC165E)