A new white paper from Texas Instruments explains how to get the most out of coin-cell batteries in wireless-device designs.

Three new wireless kits from Texas Instruments give engineers a way to quickly work with RFID, short-range communication, and ZigBee wireless devices. These kits build on TI's earlier Stellaris DK-LM3S9B96 kit.

Freescale's new family of MCU-wireless chips give engineers a way to control devices via RF4CE links. The new chips will replace infrared controllers but make the transition smooth. They have Ir capabilities, too. RF protocols include ZigBee, RF4CE, SynkroRF, and plain vanilla IEEE-802.15.4 links.

Two-way radio communications might seem obsolete in the world of Twitter, email, and WiFi hot spots. But in an emergency, you'll find volunteer ham-radio operators often provide equipment and non-commercial communications that save lives. The ham-radio community has grown since the FCC eliminated a Morse-code requirement and the amateur-radio service welcomes new members who have a variety of interests, from emergency preparedness and communications, to designing and building equipment. When all else fails, radio can get through.

Have you ever used a grid-dip meter? The manual for a Kenwood DM-81 meter lists resonant-frequency measurements, use of a capacitive probe, antenna measurements, signal generation, crystal tester, absorption frequency meter, field-strength indicator and market generator.This versatile instrument might find a place on your lab bench. Learn more...