Silicon ChipAn AI wrote the editorial for me - March 2023 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: An AI wrote the editorial for me
  4. Subscriptions
  5. Feature: Underwater Communication by Dr David Maddison
  6. Project: The Digital Potentiometer by Phil Prosser
  7. Project: Model Railway Turntable by Les Kerr
  8. Product Showcase
  9. Review: Altium Designer 23 by Tim Blythman
  10. Review: ZPB30A1 30V 10A DC Load by Jim Rowe
  11. Project: Active Mains Soft Starter, Part 2 by John Clarke
  12. Project: Advanced Test Tweezers, Part 2 by Tim Blythman
  13. Serviceman's Log: Carpet vacuums suck, too by Dave Thompson
  14. Vintage Radio: Three STC radios by Associate Professor Graham Parslow
  15. PartShop
  16. Market Centre
  17. Advertising Index
  18. Notes & Errata: Heart Rate Sensor Module review, February 2023; 45V 8A Linear Bench Supply, October-December 2019
  19. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the March 2023 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 37 of the 104 pages in the full issue, including the advertisments.

For full access, purchase the issue for $10.00 or subscribe for access to the latest issues.

Articles in this series:
  • Underwater Communication (March 2023)
  • Underground Communications (April 2023)
Items relevant to "The Digital Potentiometer":
  • Digital Potentiometer PCB (SMD version) [01101231] (AUD $2.50)
  • Digital Potentiometer PCB (TH version) [01101232] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC16F15214-I/SN programmed for the Digital Potentiometer [0110123A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16F15214-I/P programmed for the Digital Potentiometer [0110123A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Digital Potentiometer kit (SMD version) (Component, AUD $60.00)
  • Digital Potentiometer kit (through-hole version) (Component, AUD $70.00)
  • Firmware for the Digital Potentiometer [0110123A] (Software, Free)
  • Digital Potentiometer PCB patterns (PDF download) [01101231-2] (Free)
Items relevant to "Model Railway Turntable":
  • Model Railway Turntable contact PCB [09103232] (AUD $10.00)
  • Model Railway Turntable control PCB [09103231] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC12F675-I/P programmed for the Model Railway Turntable (0910323A.HEX) (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Firmware for the Model Railway Turntable [0910323A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Model Railway Turntable PCB patterns (PDF download) [09103231-2] (Free)
Items relevant to "ZPB30A1 30V 10A DC Load":
  • Translated manual for ZPB30A1 30V 10A DC Load (Software, Free)
Items relevant to "Active Mains Soft Starter, Part 2":
  • Active Mains Soft Starter PCB [10110221] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC12F617-I/P programmed for the Active Mains Soft Starter [1011022A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Firmware for the Active Mains Soft Starter [1011022A] (Software, Free)
  • Active Mains Soft Starter PCB pattern (PDF download) [10110221] (Free)
  • Active Mains Soft Starter lid panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Active Mains Soft Starter, Part 1 (February 2023)
  • Active Mains Soft Starter, Part 2 (March 2023)
  • Active Mains Soft Starter (January 2024)
  • Active Mains Soft Starter (February 2024)
Items relevant to "Advanced Test Tweezers, Part 2":
  • Advanced/ESR Test Tweezers back panel PCB (blue) [04105242] (AUD $2.50)
  • Advanced SMD Test Tweezers PCB set [04106221+04106212 {blue}] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC24FJ256GA702-I/SS programmed for the Advanced SMD Test Tweezers (0410622A.HEX) (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • 0.96in cyan OLED with SSD1306 controller (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • Advanced SMD Test Tweezers kit (Component, AUD $45.00)
  • Firmware for the Advanced SMD Test Tweezers [0410622A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Advanced SMD Test Tweezers PCB patterns (PDF download) [04106221+04106212] (Free)
  • Advanced SMD Test Tweezers sticker artwork (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Advanced Test Tweezers, Part 1 (February 2023)
  • Advanced Test Tweezers, Part 2 (March 2023)
  • ADVANCED SMD TEST TWEEZERS (January 2024)
  • ADVANCED SMD TEST TWEEZERS (February 2024)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $11.50.

SILICON SILIC CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Publisher/Editor Nicholas Vinen Technical Editor John Clarke – B.E.(Elec.) Technical Staff Jim Rowe – B.A., B.Sc. Bao Smith – B.Sc. Tim Blythman – B.E., B.Sc. Advertising Enquiries (02) 9939 3295 adverts<at>siliconchip.com.au Regular Contributors Allan Linton-Smith Dave Thompson David Maddison – B.App.Sc. (Hons 1), PhD, Grad.Dip.Entr.Innov. Geoff Graham Associate Professor Graham Parslow Dr Hugo Holden – B.H.B, MB.ChB., FRANZCO Ian Batty – M.Ed. Phil Prosser – B.Sc., B.E.(Elec.) Cartoonist Louis Decrevel loueee.com Founding Editor (retired) Leo Simpson – B.Bus., FAICD Silicon Chip is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 626 922 870. ABN 20 880 526 923. All material is copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Subscription rates (Australia only) 6 issues (6 months): $65 12 issues (1 year): $120 24 issues (2 years): $230 Online subscription (Worldwide) 6 issues (6 months): $50 12 issues (1 year): $95 24 issues (2 years): $185 For overseas rates, see our website or email silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Recommended & maximum price only. Editorial office: Unit 1 (up ramp), 234 Harbord Rd, Brookvale, NSW 2100. Postal address: PO Box 194, Matraville, NSW 2036. Phone: (02) 9939 3295. ISSN: 1030-2662 Printing and Distribution: Editorial Viewpoint An AI wrote the editorial for me What would be a good topic for an editorial in Silicon Chip magazine? A good topic could be the latest developments in microcontroller technology and their applications in various fields, the current trends in electronics design and the challenges faced by designers and engineers, the impact of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) on the electronics industry, or a review of new and innovative electronic products that are available on the market. The editorial could also cover topics such as electronics hobby projects and DIY (Do It Yourself). Write 400-450 words about the impact of AI on the electronics industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making its presence felt in the electronics industry for quite some time now. The technology has been rapidly advancing and its applications in various fields have increased significantly. The impact of AI on the electronics industry has been far-reaching and profound. One of the primary ways AI has impacted the electronics industry is through the development of smart and autonomous devices. These devices are capable of collecting, processing and analyzing data in real-time, making them more efficient and effective in performing their designated tasks. For example, AI-powered smart home devices can automatically adjust the temperature, lights and other environmental factors based on the habits and preferences of their owners. In the automotive sector, AI is being used to develop self-driving cars that can navigate roads and make decisions without human intervention. Another significant impact of AI on the electronics industry is the increased speed and accuracy of electronic design and testing. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data and identify trends, patterns and anomalies that would be impossible for a human to detect. This has allowed for the development of more complex and sophisticated electronic systems, and has also reduced the time and resources required for testing and validation. AI has also opened up new opportunities for the electronics industry by creating new and innovative products. For example, AI-powered wearable devices and smart speakers are becoming increasingly popular and have created a new market for electronics manufacturers. Similarly, AI has been used to develop voice-controlled virtual assistants that can perform a range of tasks, from playing music to managing schedules and making reservations. However, the impact of AI on the electronics industry is not just limited to product development. It has also had a significant impact on the workforce in the industry. AI and automation have replaced many manual and repetitive tasks, freeing up workers to focus on higher-level tasks such as design, research and innovation. However, the increased use of AI has also raised concerns about job displacement, particularly among workers in low-skilled roles. In conclusion, AI has had a profound impact on the electronics industry and is changing the way we live and work. Its applications are far-reaching and its impact is only set to increase in the future. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the electronics industry continues to incorporate AI and how it will shape the future of electronics and beyond. – ChatGPT by OpenAI (https://openai.com/) with prompt from Silicon Chip Extremely impressive, but I don’t think my job is in danger just yet… by Nicholas Vinen 24-26 Lilian Fowler Pl, Marrickville 2204 2 Silicon Chip Australia's electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au