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Tinker Thoughts Blog

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  • Yet Another Way to Verify the Clock Source on a Dev Board

    TTB #21: [Guest Post] Yet Another Way to Verify the Clock Source on a Dev Board

    Determining the clock source on a microcontroller development board is essential for debugging and validation. Traditional methods like reading crystal markings or setting fuses can be risky or unreliable. In this tutorial, we demonstrate a safer, faster approach using an oscilloscope with FFT capability and near-field sniffer probes. By probing the Nano Flip’s external crystal, the FFT reveals a clear 16 MHz peak, confirming the clock frequency without altering fuses. Beyond verification, these probes are valuable for EMI troubleshooting and pre-compliance testing, helping engineers quickly identify noise sources before formal FCC or ISED certification testing.

    TTB #21: [Guest Post] Yet Another Way to Verify the Clock Source on a Dev Board

    Determining the clock source on a microcontroller development board is essential for debugging and validation. Traditional methods like reading crystal markings or setting fuses can be risky or unreliable. In this tutorial, we demonstrate a safer, faster approach using an oscilloscope with FFT capability and near-field sniffer probes. By probing the Nano Flip’s external crystal, the FFT reveals a clear 16 MHz peak, confirming the clock frequency without altering fuses. Beyond verification, these probes are valuable for EMI troubleshooting and pre-compliance testing, helping engineers quickly identify noise sources before formal FCC or ISED certification testing.

  • Thermal Response of Microcontrollers During Deep Sleep and Active Modes

    TTB #20: Thermal Response of Microcontrollers During Deep Sleep and Active Modes

    Deep sleep is essential for battery-powered microcontroller applications, but what does it really look like in practice? Using a thermal camera, we compared the PTSolns Nano Flip (ATmega328P) and the ESP32 microWatt to visualize their thermal behavior in both deep sleep and active modes. The results show clear differences in power efficiency and thermal response, with the ESP32 microWatt’s design proving ideal for low-power, battery-driven projects. Along the way, we also uncovered how onboard components like the CH340 influence power draw and even how shiny surfaces can mislead thermal imaging. Read on to see the full findings.

    TTB #20: Thermal Response of Microcontrollers During Deep Sleep and Active Modes

    Deep sleep is essential for battery-powered microcontroller applications, but what does it really look like in practice? Using a thermal camera, we compared the PTSolns Nano Flip (ATmega328P) and the ESP32 microWatt to visualize their thermal behavior in both deep sleep and active modes. The results show clear differences in power efficiency and thermal response, with the ESP32 microWatt’s design proving ideal for low-power, battery-driven projects. Along the way, we also uncovered how onboard components like the CH340 influence power draw and even how shiny surfaces can mislead thermal imaging. Read on to see the full findings.

  • Saving a broken dev board with a USB-UART Bridge

    TTB #19: Saving a Broken Dev Board with a USB-UART Bridge

    When the USB port snaps off your development board, it may feel like game over. But don’t toss it yet. If the board itself is still functional, a USB-UART Bridge can bring it back to life by handling programming and communication with your computer. In this blog, we explore how the U2B adapter works with both 5V and 3.3V boards, including the Nano Flip 3V3, and outline the key wiring steps to get you back on track. Whether fixing a broken board or programming one that never had USB, the U2B is a must-have tool.

    TTB #19: Saving a Broken Dev Board with a USB-UART Bridge

    When the USB port snaps off your development board, it may feel like game over. But don’t toss it yet. If the board itself is still functional, a USB-UART Bridge can bring it back to life by handling programming and communication with your computer. In this blog, we explore how the U2B adapter works with both 5V and 3.3V boards, including the Nano Flip 3V3, and outline the key wiring steps to get you back on track. Whether fixing a broken board or programming one that never had USB, the U2B is a must-have tool.

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