Power over Ethernet Adapter

This was probably the simplest and yet one of the most successful projects I ever made. A Power over Ethernet or PoE Adapter, which allows the usage of Ethernet cable to transmit not only data but power as well for the network equipments.

There are 2 pairs of wires that are not used on UTP cables for communication on 10/100Mbps networks. So these adapters will allow you to use those wires for power transmission.

SRAM Memories

A Static Random Access Memory, best known as SRAM, is a type of memory that keeps the data stored as long as it's powered, therefore considered a volatile memory. Unlike the DRAM memories, the SRAM doesn't need to be periodically refreshed, which allows for higher access speeds, however they're usually more expensive, consume more power, take up more space and heat more than the DRAM alternative.

Here I'll explain how I designed a small 32 bit SRAM memory (8 rows of 4 bits) for academic purposes. The goal was to design the memory cells and the necessary circuits to its operation, and then to implement the respective layout. The complete circuit was needed to be able to simulate the read and write cycles, while analysing the results.

NST Spark Gap Tesla Coil

I remember being attracted by lightning ever since I was a little kid. It always fascinated me staring through a dark and rainy window, during a thunderstorm, watching lightning strike down, lighting up the entire sky while listening to the deafening and imposing sound of thunder. It was quite a show directly from nature, but for me it was more than entertainment, it brought along questions with it, waking up that curious side of me, leading me through my first steps into science: What exactly is it? How does it work? Why does it happen?

How great would it be if you could control that and make it happen anytime you want? So, a few years ago, I learned about Tesla Coils, an air core electrical resonant transformer, invented by Nikola Tesla at the end of the XIX century, able to generate high voltages at high frequencies, resulting in electrical discharges just like small lightning. From that moment I knew I had to build my own Tesla Coil.

Lisbon Mini Maker Faire

Last weekend, on the 19th 20th and 21st of September, I had the amazing opportunity to be part of the first Portuguese Maker Faire. It took place in "Pavilhão do Conhecimento" or in english, the Pavilion of Knowledge, in Lisbon and it was visited by over 9000 people, making it mini only in name.

Maker Faire is the greatest show and tell in the world! Originally created by Make magazine, is an event to celebrate arts, crafts, engineering and science projects associated with the Do It Yourself (DIY) movement where the main focus is the sharing of knowledge, experiences and ideas.

Node School Event

Recently I was convinced by a friend of mine to go to a Node School Event that he was helping organize. I was always curious about node.js and I've seen pretty interesting applications developed in this platform (and in fairly small amounts of time) so I decided to give it a try.

The event took place on August the 2nd in Faro, Portugal, and it was organized by a local community group called Geek Sessions. They usually organize talks about networking and technology in general. This time they prepared a Node School Event where we were able to learn the basics.