Engineers thrive on innovation, constantly seeking to optimize designs. This month’s issue of Circuit Cellar is packed with insights and practical solutions to empower your projects. From cutting-edge developments in embedded systems and AI to essential techniques for software development and power management, we’ve curated a collection of articles that address the challenges and opportunities shaping our field. Prepare to dive into a wealth of knowledge designed to inspire, inform, and equip you with the tools you need to excel.
We begin with an exploration into the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of electronic systems. “What Is Feedback and What’s It Good For?” delves into the essential role of feedback, both positive and negative, in electrical, software, and system design. You’ll gain insights into how feedback affects circuit behavior and stability through examples such as phase-shift oscillators and hysteresis switches.
In the realm of software development, “Adopting Test-Driven Development in Embedded Systems” highlights how Test-Driven Development (TDD) is essential for building reliable and maintainable embedded systems. Jacob Beningo guides you through the TDD microcycle, emphasizing the critical practice of writing tests before implementation to ensure code quality and reduce debugging time.
Next, we tackle the crucial decision of selecting the right operating system for your embedded projects. “Choosing the Right Embedded OS for Your Embedded Solution” helps you determine which type of embedded OS—real time or general purpose (embedded Linux)—is the best for various solutions. Pedro Bertoleti compares real-time operating systems with general-purpose operating systems, detailing their features, differences, and use cases to aid in selecting the optimal OS for your project.
For those working on battery-powered devices, “Soft Power Switch Circuit for Battery-powered Devices” presents a custom solution for controlling power using a simple push button. Michael Hansen’s power solution utilizes a tiny CPU, a p-channel field-effect transistor (pFET), and a resistor. The design ensures minimal standby power consumption and compatibility with a wide voltage range, making it an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional toggle switches.
Moving into the realm of mobile app development, “Introduction to Flutter State Management” tackles State and State Management in Flutter. Bob Japenga addresses the need for state management in Flutter, distinguishing between ephemeral and app states, and illustrates how to effectively manage widget communication.
Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are a cornerstone of many projects, and “A Close Look at High-Resolution ADCs” compares three high-resolution ADCs. Brian Millier offers insights into selecting the right ADC for specific applications, from strain gauge measurements to mains power monitoring, providing key considerations such as resolution, sample rate, input voltage ranges, and single-ended vs. differential configurations.
Finally, we bring it all together with a practical application of AI in home security. “AI-Powered Home Security System, Part 2” Dhairya Parikh continues building an AI-powered home security system using Raspberry Pi 5 and the Hailo AI Kit. The article explains how to add intruder detection and alert functionalities, enabling real-time notifications and remote camera feed access for enhanced home security.
This month’s Circuit Cellar provides a wide array of articles to keep you at the forefront of engineering innovation. Regardless of your project, we invite you to delve into these articles, expand your knowledge, and apply these insights to your projects.
Issue Table of Contents can be found here,
as articles are made available online they will be linked.
PUBLISHED IN CIRCUIT CELLAR MAGAZINE • April #417 – Get a PDF of the issue
Caleb Smith is a passionate technology enthusiast who joined the Circuit Cellar team as Editor-in-Chief in 2025, where he brings a fresh perspective to the world of embedded electronics. His academic journey began in mechanical engineering, where he developed a strong foundation in problem-solving and innovation. He later pursued studies in emergency medicine to fulfill his desire to help others, honing his analytical skills and ability to think on his feet.
Caleb has explored various facets of technology, including robotics and language development, allowing him to blend creativity with technical knowledge. His writing reflects a deep curiosity and an eagerness to engage with the latest advancements in the field.
When he’s not immersed in the latest tech trends, Caleb enjoys traveling to new destinations and indulging his passion for film as a self-proclaimed cinephile. His diverse interests and unique background fuel his commitment to making Circuit Cellar a leading voice in the industry.
