Custom Mini Tools for Circuit Debugging: H-Bridge, FETs, Level Translator, Relay, Triac

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#1 21667807 24 Apr 2013 11:27

Shawn Razek Shawn Razek

Anonymous

Post #1
21667807 24 Apr 2013 11:27

"Hey!

Check out these tools I made. I designed these circuit debugging tools because I have all these simple needs to switch, drive, amplify, buffer, toggle, and level translate electric signals but I never had tools that were convenient enough to help me. So I made some! Check them out:

(Mini Tools)":https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/92363564/SimpleCircuits.jpg

Here's what I have so far:

• H-Bridge Driver
• Level Translator
• ~20A N-Channel FET
• ~17A P-Channel FET (with integrated N-Channel gate drive circuitry)
• Precision Instrumentation Amplifier with customizable precision gain and precision 2.5V virtual ground for positive and negative inputs
• Push button and toggle switch
• Push button with schmitt trigger output
• 40AMP 110/220VAC relay
• Triac with heatsink and integrated zero crossing opto-islated driver
• High Voltage bi-directional voltage detector
• Microcontroller programmer protector: 5V accidental over-voltage auto-clamp (3 Amp current shunt)

I'm thinking about offering these as kits for beginners and professionals to use for debugging. They can also be used as standalone minitools that can be used like LEGOs (tm) to build complete designs. What do you guys think?

I am open to making more if you guys think there is something missing from my list.

Thanks!
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#2 21667808 24 Apr 2013 12:09

John Harris John Harris

Anonymous

Post #2
21667808 24 Apr 2013 12:09

Well, first of all you get instant bonus points for your question NOT being the usual:

"What electiricity is? How does resister make current?pls help urgent i must hand in homework in morning" (!)

Secondly, they look really good. Not promising to buy any tommorow, but they look like a fun and interesting "building block" or teaching aid. Providing you can bring them in at the right price. You'd be up against Adafruit! Plus, expect to find your designs and products ripped off and appearing on ebay from Chinese sellers for $2 within about 2 weeks!

But if you can beat all of the above, I'd say go for it.
#3 21667809 24 Apr 2013 12:27

Shawn Razek Shawn Razek

Anonymous

Post #3
21667809 24 Apr 2013 12:27

Hello John.

Thank you very much for the encouragement!

Long term we want to offer the ability for a consumer to order mini tools with custom settings. For example: Triac with/without the zero crossing detection feature. Or a push button with a pull down resistor instead of pull up. Or a relay with an AC coil, etc etc....

With this kind of service we'll beat China and also justify a slightly higher price.

It's going to be a manufacturers hurdle but I'm up for the challenge!

Thanks Again!
#4 21667810 24 Apr 2013 15:08

Joe Wolin Joe Wolin

Anonymous

Post #4
21667810 24 Apr 2013 15:08

It's a great idea!

You should come up with standard connection scheme allows people to design against a standard footprint/socket.

I'm not a huge fan of 100mil headers because the insertion force is very high and they get bent easily. Would be great to see a design that uses spring-loaded board-to-board connectors.

Keep up the good work.
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#5 21667811 24 Apr 2013 20:30

Rodney Green Rodney Green

Anonymous

Post #5
21667811 24 Apr 2013 20:30

I like the idea. You could continuously upgrade your kits as well. I personally (and I am sure there are many more) who would much appreciate a PCB designed to control the heater of those pesky electric fry pans. These get stinking hot, and then cool to almost room temperature, and I guess the ratio of stinking hot to cold time gives the average temperature. Even the best fry pans do it. A simple triac control similar to those used for incandescent lamps could do it (like a simmer control on a modern stove top. Not connected with feed back ans very simple. The only problem (for me) is that I have no time to research this at present and am unlikely to do so in the next year or so at least. Unfortunately a lamp dimmer power is usually less than a kilowatt. The fry pan element is 2.4kW. If you can do that, please put me down for one! These are likely to sell i think, as it should stop the PTFE from burning off the pan within 6 months or less. Hope you can do that one. Cheers.
#6 21667812 25 Apr 2013 06:08

Shawn Razek Shawn Razek

Anonymous

Post #6
21667812 25 Apr 2013 06:08

2.4kW electric fry pan!? That's impressive.

Could you send me a link to the fry pan you are talking about? I'll see if I have a solution...
#7 21667813 25 Apr 2013 07:17

Rodney Green Rodney Green

Anonymous

Post #7
21667813 25 Apr 2013 07:17

No need for a link. All that is needed is a PCB, and possibly a box (plastic with an IEC mains connector. Each country (Australia in my case) will have to add the power socket to suit on the opposite side of the box. The Fry pan will plug into that side. I think this project would primarily be for hobbyists like myself and as such we are allowed to construct mains powered equipment post wall socket without an electrical licence. My intention is to run the fry pan control at maximum and control it with the external triac controller. The power drawn by any fry pan heater (that I have seen here) is 2400 Watts. The new device needs to be able to withstand the voltage and current for that amount of power. It is purely resistive in load so no worries about power factor. In Australia the mains is 240 Volts @ 50 Hz. I believe that manufacturers are slack as an electronic simmer control would be no more expensive than the crude bi metal strips which belong to early last century.
#8 21667814 29 Apr 2013 11:21

Frank Bushnell Frank Bushnell

Anonymous

Post #8
21667814 29 Apr 2013 11:21

I think you can accomplish all this very easily with a ordinary commercial/industrial temperature controller. These just have a probe and a temperature control/indication panel for the required settings. All you need to do is put it in a box with suitable connectors.

This solution would only lack the satisfaction of having invented it yourself.
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#9 21667815 29 Apr 2013 20:00

Rodney Green Rodney Green

Anonymous

Post #9
21667815 29 Apr 2013 20:00

Hi Frank. The industrial controller may be OK. It would not need a temperature sensor though. Any idea where one might get one? I have not seen them anywhere,.
Cheers and thanks.
#10 21667816 29 Apr 2013 20:47

Frank Bushnell Frank Bushnell

Anonymous

Post #10
21667816 29 Apr 2013 20:47

Hi Rodney,
But I would expect any major electronics supply house to stock them, but they are cheaply available on Ebay from the far east (may take 2-3 weeks to arrive).
Just search for "Digital Temperature Controller".

For example:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dual-PID-Digital-Te...ial_Automation_Control_ET&hash=item51aa8fa33d

And its datasheet:
http://www.sure-electronics.net/download/DC-TE11142.pdf

(Make sure its the right voltage for your country.)
Some units include the temperature probe you will need to send your cooking vessel temperature to the control unit.

Alternatively, if you can do without the automation, a simple AC power controller, (Ebay search for: AC Speed Controller) such as:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AC-220V-3800W-SCR-V...ial_Automation_Control_ET&hash=item337bee5120

These last are the type I fit to my home electric heaters for economy and comfort.
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#11 21667817 29 Apr 2013 21:40

Rodney Green Rodney Green

Anonymous

Post #11
21667817 29 Apr 2013 21:40

Thankyou Frank. The reason no temp probe is needed is that it is simply set and watched for a bit and it will be a lot better than what is there. I propose to set the fry pan thermostat (bimetallic strip) to max and just not use it at all. Cheers and thanks again.
#12 21667818 30 Apr 2013 00:12

Frank Bushnell Frank Bushnell

Anonymous

Post #12
21667818 30 Apr 2013 00:12

You're very welcome !

One other gadget I use in the kitchen, that you may find helpful for your purpose, is an infrared thermometer, which will enable you to determine exactly what temperature is being maintained in the frying pan at any particular control setting.

I also use a digital thermometer with a K type probe to monitor my oven temperature.

Again, these are both cheaply available on Ebay or any electronics supplier. Many far east places that sell on Ebay are even cheaper direct, and can often be found by googling the Ebay shop name.
#13 21667819 12 Jun 2013 14:25

Shawn Razek Shawn Razek

Anonymous

Post #13
21667819 12 Jun 2013 14:25

Hey everyone! We took everyone's suggestions and feedback from the forums and now have 20 different "Simple Circuits"

Best part about it is that we just launched a Kickstarter today!! If you have a minute please check it out and give us your feedback! Really looking forward to it.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1661971884/analog-is-easier-with-simplecircuits

Thanks,

Shawn
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Topic summary

✨ A developer created a set of custom mini circuit debugging tools designed to switch, drive, amplify, buffer, toggle, and level translate electrical signals. The toolkit includes an H-Bridge driver, level translator, high-current N-Channel (~20A) and P-Channel (~17A) FETs with integrated gate drive, a precision instrumentation amplifier with customizable gain and virtual ground, push buttons with and without Schmitt trigger outputs, a 40A 110/220VAC relay, a triac with heatsink and zero crossing opto-isolated driver, a high voltage bi-directional voltage detector, and a microcontroller programmer protector with 5V over-voltage auto-clamp. The creator plans to offer customizable options such as triacs with or without zero crossing detection and relays with AC coils to differentiate from low-cost Chinese copies. Suggestions included adopting a standard connection scheme with spring-loaded connectors instead of fragile 100mil headers. A discussion emerged about designing a triac-based simmer control for high-power (2.4kW) electric fry pans to prevent overheating and PTFE degradation, with recommendations to use commercial digital temperature controllers (e.g., REX-C100) and infrared thermometers for temperature monitoring. The project evolved to include 20 different simple circuits and launched a Kickstarter campaign to gather feedback and support.
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FAQ

TL;DR: A modular set of mini debugging boards (e.g., a 40 A relay module) helps you switch, drive, and translate signals fast—“I designed these circuit debugging tools.” [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]

Why it matters: You can quickly prototype or troubleshoot power and logic stages without spinning a new PCB, ideal for learners and pros.

Quick Facts

Available modules include H-bridge, level translator, ~20 A N-MOSFET, ~17 A P-MOSFET, 40 A relay, and triac with zero‑cross driver. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]
Custom builds offered: triac with/without zero-cross, push button pull-up or pull-down, and relays with AC coils. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667809]
Connector note: 100 mil headers can bend and need high insertion force; spring-loaded board connectors were suggested. [Elektroda, Joe Wolin, post #21667810]
Real-world load: users discussed 2.4 kW, 240 V/50 Hz resistive fry-pan heaters (≈10 A). [Elektroda, Rodney Green, post #21667813]
Project update: “20 different Simple Circuits” launched via Kickstarter on June 12, 2013. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667819]

What are these “mini tools,” and who should use them?

They are small, single‑purpose boards to switch, drive, buffer, toggle, amplify, and level‑translate signals. They suit students, prototypers, and engineers who need quick test fixtures without custom PCBs. Think LEGO‑style modules for bench debugging and building blocks in early design. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]

Which modules exist right now?

The initial set includes an H‑bridge driver, level translator, ~20 A N‑channel FET, ~17 A P‑channel FET with N‑FET gate drive, an instrumentation amplifier with 2.5 V virtual ground, push buttons (standard and Schmitt), a 40 A 110/220 VAC relay, a triac on heatsink with zero‑cross opto driver, a high‑voltage bidirectional detector, and a 5 V over‑voltage clamp. “It’s a great idea!” [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]

Can I request custom configurations (zero‑cross, pull‑down, AC coil)?

Yes. The plan is to let buyers order boards with tailored options, such as triac modules with or without zero‑cross, push buttons with pull‑up or pull‑down, and relays with AC coils. This customization helps beat generic clones and justifies pricing. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667809]

How do these boards connect—do I have to use 100 mil headers?

Standard 100 mil headers work but have drawbacks: high insertion force and bent pins. A participant recommended spring‑loaded board‑to‑board connectors and a standard footprint so people can design against one connection scheme. “Keep up the good work.” [Elektroda, Joe Wolin, post #21667810]

What does a "triac with zero‑cross opto‑isolated driver" do?

A triac switches AC loads; a zero‑cross driver turns on near the AC zero crossing to reduce EMI and stress. Opto‑isolation protects your control side. This configuration helps when controlling resistive mains loads like heaters or lamps during tests and demos. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]

What is a level translator and when would I use it?

A level translator shifts logic levels between systems, for example 3.3 V microcontrollers and 5 V peripherals. Use it when your signal source and destination disagree on what counts as HIGH or LOW. It prevents misreads and protects I/O pins. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]

How does the H‑bridge driver help with motor testing?

An H‑bridge lets you drive a DC motor forward or reverse and control braking. As a mini tool, it simplifies swapping drivers during debug, so you can isolate motor, wiring, and control logic issues quickly without respinning boards. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]

When should I pick N‑channel vs P‑channel MOSFET modules?

Use N‑channel for low‑side switching and better Rds(on) per cost; use P‑channel for simple high‑side switching at moderate current. The P‑channel module includes an N‑FET gate drive helper, easing control from logic sources during prototyping. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]

What does the instrumentation amplifier board provide?

It offers precision gain with a stable 2.5 V virtual ground to handle small differential signals, including those that swing below ground. This makes sensor bring‑up faster and cleaner on the bench during mixed‑signal debugging. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]

Can I build a simple external control for a 2.4 kW fry‑pan heater?

Yes, several users discussed bypassing the pan thermostat and using an external triac‑based controller for a 2.4 kW, 240 V/50 Hz resistive load (≈10 A). Note that open‑loop dimming doesn’t regulate temperature tightly and can swing. [Elektroda, Rodney Green, post #21667813]

Should I choose a PID temperature controller or a simple AC dimmer?

A PID temperature controller with a probe adds automation and stability. An AC “speed controller” (dimmer) is cheaper but open‑loop. One contributor noted far‑east units are inexpensive and may ship in 2–3 weeks. Pick based on accuracy needs. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21667816]

Is there a known failure or edge case I should watch for?

Kitchen thermostats with bimetal strips can oscillate wildly, cycling between “stinking hot” and almost cold. Replacing them with external control can reduce swings, but open‑loop dimming still lacks feedback and may drift under varying loads. [Elektroda, Rodney Green, post #21667811]

How do I quickly prototype with these mini tools?

Try this three‑step approach:

Power the module with the specified logic or supply.
Route I/O through the module (e.g., level translate or switch the load).
Measure results and iterate wiring or gain settings. This reduces rework during bring‑up. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667807]

Any connector best practices for a robust bench setup?

Minimize repeated insertions on 100 mil headers to avoid bent pins. Consider spring‑loaded board‑to‑board connectors for frequent swaps. Define a consistent pinout across modules so you can rewire less and test faster. [Elektroda, Joe Wolin, post #21667810]

Where can I track updates or support the project?

The creator reported launching “20 different Simple Circuits” via Kickstarter and invited feedback. Check that announcement for details and ongoing progress notes from the team. [Elektroda, Shawn Razek, post #21667819]

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