Single Board Computers by Kristy Annely
When we talk of computers, topics usually range from desktops, laptops and notebooks. Sometimes, our ideas and discussions about computers seem to go on forever. However, we seldom hear talk about single board computers. We may not be familiar with the term, though many of us have used single... A single board computer is a complete computer that stands on a single circuit board. ... It is a circuit board that contains all the components to make a complete computer, such as the processor, memory (RAM), I/O, processor clock and audio and video interfaces.

History of the Computer: Cooling, Part 2 of 2 by Tony Stockill
Computer manufacturers specified the heat load required to be handled, the required flow of conditioned air, and the temperature to be measured at the cabinet entry points. Most systems were installed on false floors, with a space of about 1 meter or 3ft below the floor. ... The computer logic circuits were assembled on multilayer PCBs ( or PCAs - Printed Circuit Boards or Arrays) which were 'plugged in' to the backplane. ... The computer user already provides a close tolerance power supply, sometimes at different frequencies, such as 400Hz instead of 50 or 60.

One Method of Data Recovery from a Dead Hard Drive by Gary Higbee
Here is the situation. A laptop comes to us with a dead hard drive. Unfortunately, the user needs some files off the dead drive. After much research on the internet and a couple of data recovery quotes we decide to try and recover the information ourselves. ... First we removed the hard drive from the working system and laid it on a static pad with the circuit board up. ... We put the circuit board from the good drive onto the dead hard drive and placed it back in the laptop. ... We then used a T-5 Torx drive to remove the screws securing the circuit board to the hard drive.

Small Wonders: Single Board Computers by Paolo Basauri
What are Single Board Computers When most people think of computers, the image of a PC or laptop comes to mind. Some may even recall the football field size computers of the 1960's and 70's before the emergence of the PC. Very few people would picture single board computers , even if there was... A single board computer is the terminology used for a printed circuit board that contains a processor, memory, I/O (input/output) and a clock. ... Video capability, Ethernet access functionality and digital computer technologies are just some of the features that can be incorporated into a single...

ATX Power Supply Repair And Troubleshooting by Jestine Yong
Customer ATX power supply came in with the complaint of intermittent no power. When testing it with power on, I could see that the fan is not rotating. Not only that, some filter capacitors also became bulge because of the heat accumulated inside the power supply. ... Scrap it off with your test pen and use Thinner solution to clean the printed circuit board. ... Diodes run a little bit hotter in filter circuit than diodes in other circuits due to the high current present at the secondary output line.

History of the Computer - Electrostatic Damage by Tony Stockill
THE PROBLEM You landed after a rough flight, got the last rental car, battled the snowstorm, and finally arrived at the Holly Inn. It's nice and warm in there, you can relax, ready for the conference tomorrow. Out of the elevator, of course your room is at the far end of the corridor. ... Similarly, when working on the system in the computer room, perhaps removing or replacing a circuit board, or adjusting a circuit, the correct procedures must be followed. ... The voltage doesn't need to be enough to cause a zap, an electronic circuit can be damaged by just handling it, touching metal...

Ceramic Disc Capacitor-How to Accurately Test It by Jestine Yong
The last article I mentioned about electrolytic capacitor breakdown when under load. In this article I will talk about the high voltage resin coated ceramic disc capacitor. In computer monitor, it is frequent used in the screen voltage (G2) line at the crt board. ... Remove the G2 wire from circuit and measure the screen voltage with a digital multimeter- it should have a constant voltage (will not vary). ... If it ok then trace the screen voltage circuit. ... You can isolate the problem as whether if it cause by a defective fly back or G2 line at crt board.

Wireless Hidden Cameras by Damian Sofsian
Wireless Hidden Cameras have the great advantage that they are portable. They do not have electric wires which compel them to be hooked down at a particular place. They work on batteries; usually two 9-volt batteries are sufficient for their operation. ... The circuit of the camera is integrated on a board, which makes it very thin and easy to fit within any frame. ... Wireless hidden cams pick up images from their field of vision using lasers and then transmit them to a remote TV or computer monitor.

How to upgrade your CPU - Part 1 by Michael Cottier
Your CPU, also known as the Central Processing Unit, is basically the heart of your computer and without it we would be in the dark ages. Just like the human heart pumps blood throughout the body, your CPU pumps data through the computer and the corresponding parts that are inside of it. ... CPU's connect to your computers motherboard, which is basically the big circuit board in your computer that connects everything together. ... If you plan on using your computer just for regular home use, like surfing the net, doing your taxes and other minor stuff, then you should just get a processor...

Laser Marking of ECC 200 2D Matrix Codes on Printed Circuit Boards by Rick Stevenson
Manufacturers of electronic devices, from home audio equipment to automotive keyless entry systems, are increasingly seeking a reliable, cost effective method for uniquely identifying and tracking products through the manufacturing cycle, sales distribution and after-sale warranty verification. ... The code must be durable enough to survive manufacturing processes including wave solder and board cleaning, must not affect circuit performance, and must store information in the small space available on real-estate conscious printed circuit boards.