A common debugging problem I have been wanting to write about happened during the course of my work today. I grabbed a few screen captures from my oscilloscope to share with you.
Serial Monitor and debug print statements. Why do the old timers tut-tut when you use them in embedded code? … More About that `printf()`
I’ve been playing with AI tools to help me write. I’m finding like most tasks, there is not one too that fits all needs. I’ve elected to use different tools for blogging, tech writing, and personal correspondence. Here’s a brief insight after a few months of discovery and learning. … More When your writing tools conspire against you – The battle of the AIs
The writer has encountered challenges balancing work and blogging, with work taking up mental and visual energy. Their newfound interest in Minecraft has also impacted their blogging time. The gloomy weather further affects their mood. Despite these obstacles, they are optimistic about continuing their blog, albeit less frequently. … More I knew this would happen!
Change is good. I am also a huge fan of stability. There are times when things happen and other times when life idles by on automatic. A recent weather event saw a king tide and an atmospheric river hit the region at about the same time (Jan 2023). That’s almost a good analogy for what’s … More Transitions
Today’s blog post discusses the use of a GPIO test point for debugging embedded systems. It explains the benefits of a dedicated GPIO test point, the selection criteria for the GPIO pin, and tips for placing and manipulating the test point. The post also emphasizes the importance of using a GPIO pin over a debugger and a terminal for system monitoring. … More GPIO test point
Ever since 2006, I have wanted to take a sabbatical. I wanted to take some time away from working on schedule-driven projects for my employer and do something for me instead. Why have I only wanted one since 2006? That’s a tale steeped in office politics and tech start-up financial drama. What I wanted to do during my sabbatical has varied, but it has always been more about writing (fact or fiction) or travelling than coding. The travel would have been a tour of India, to catch up with friends I met in Silicon Valley who have returned home. Fictional writing would have been purely for me, a complete shift away from work. Now I finally have the opportunity to take a sabbatical I have decided to try to write a book. … More How’s my sabbatical treating me?
The blogger began posting years ago, finding a balance between work and writing. When a full-time job took over, blogging ceased. Resuming during a 3-month sabbatical, the blogger found pressure in meeting a weekly schedule and questioned whether quick posts on the writing process truly add value. Unexpected issues often hinder writing, but also provide future content. … More Should I rush a post?
Feel lost in datasheets as a software engineer? My latest blog post reassures you’re not alone and explores why these resources rarely speak our language. Dive in for a shared journey of discovery! … More How to learn about “how to read a datasheet”.
In the quest for the perfect diagram I dig up some ancient history. Find a device I forgot I ever used, and a diagram that almost says it all. … More I think I’ve found my favourite I2C diagram
When someone tells you to “read the datasheet” for an MCU, they are actually referring to a family of documents. I asked ChatGPT to tell me all about it. This was their response. … More Unraveling the Tapestry of Microcontroller Documentation
Glorified Plumbing 