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Week 4 page

Components & Functions

In my attempt to try to understand the function of each of the components on this board, here is a general explination of what these components are used for.



Microcontroller - ATTINY44A - SSU

  • Loaded with a program.
  • Recieves input - executes the program - pushes output
  • 'Embedded' in the chip to control it's functions
  • Dedicated to a single program


    • Crystal - 644-1039-1-ND - 20.0MHz

  • Mechanically resonates at a very fine frequency
  • Commonly used for 1. Pacing(synchronisation) 2. Timekeeping 3. Radio communication frequency matching
  • Stabilizes the input/output to a specified frequency


    • USB Connector - H2961CT-ND

  • Power Supply (vbus)
  • Ground
  • Signal Input
  • Signal Output


    • Ribbon Connector

  • Connector


    • Zener Diode - BZT52C3V3-FDICT-ND

  • Allows curent flow in one forward direction to a certain limit (breakdown voltage)
  • Maintains a constant voltage with varying current by changing it's internal resistance

    • Jumper

  • quick modification to bypass part of the circuit
  • used for set-up or start-up

    • Capacitor - e.g. 311-1150-1-ND

  • Short term energy storage
  • signal coupling - block the dc from the ac current
  • Exhibit frequency dependent behaviour - can filter out unwanted frequencies


    • Resistor - e.g. 311-10.0KFRCT-ND

  • Controls/restrics the flow of current