Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Urban Bruhin, the creator of LibrePCB, an open-source EDA tool. Urban shares his journey from being an electrical engineer to developing LibrePCB, driven by his dissatisfaction with existing EDA tools like Eagle. The discussion covers the unique features of LibrePCB, the challenges faced during its development, and the design philosophy behind its advanced library concept. Urban also discusses the future of LibrePCB and how the community can contribute to its growth.

Key Discussion Points

• Urban Bruhin's background and inspiration for creating LibrePCB.
• The challenges faced during the development of LibrePCB.
• The unique features of LibrePCB, including its advanced library concept and order feature.
• How LibrePCB handles DRC and multi-user collaboration.
• The future of LibrePCB and upcoming features.
• Ways to contribute to and support LibrePCB.

Relevant Links

• LibrePCB Official Website

Community Questions

• What are your thoughts on the advanced library concept in LibrePCB?
• How do you see open-source EDA tools impacting the future of PCB design?
• What features do you think are essential in an EDA tool for professional use?

MacroFab

This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

We Want to Hear From You!

Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig discuss the recent increase in semiconductor tariffs and its impact on the electronics industry. Parker shares insights from his latest article analyzing how these tariffs affect bill of materials costs. The hosts also dive into a compelling news story about ASML and TSMC's ability to disable chip machines remotely in the event of geopolitical conflicts, particularly if China invades Taiwan. They explore the ethical implications and security concerns surrounding this capability. Personal project updates include Parker's work on Python scripting to automate data extraction from invoices.

News/Announcements

• Recent increase in semiconductor tariffs and its potential impact on bill of materials costs.
• ASML and TSMC's ability to remotely disable chip machines in case of geopolitical conflicts.

Key Discussion Points

• Analysis of the new semiconductor tariffs and their impact on BOM costs.
• Breakdown of HTS codes and country of origin data for electronic components.
• Discussion on engineers’ shifting component choices to avoid tariffs.
• Insights into historical trends in component pricing and sourcing.
• ASML and TSMC’s ability to remotely disable chip machines in case of geopolitical conflicts.
• Ethical and security implications of remote shutdown capabilities.
• Speculative discussion on backdoors and right to repair in the context of high-tech manufacturing equipment.
• Personal project updates: Python scripting for data extraction and automation.

Relevant Links

• Parker's Article on Semiconductor Tariffs
• ASML and TSMC News

Community Questions

• What are your thoughts on the ethical implications of remotely disabling manufacturing equipment in other countries?
• How do you see the impact of the increased semiconductor tariffs affecting your projects or business?
• Have you noticed any trends in component pricing or sourcing that have influenced your engineering decisions?

MacroFab

This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

We Want to Hear From You!

Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

Summary

In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the fascinating world of time modulation, discussing recent advancements in capacitor technology. They explore a new dielectric structure made from barium titanate and its potential impact on energy density and efficiency. The hosts also discuss the implications of new tariffs on semiconductors and other goods from China. Additionally, they touch on new developments from the Raspberry Pi Foundation and share updates on Parker's personal projects, including his work on a 1965 Checker Marathon engine.

News/Announcements

• New tariffs announced by the U.S. government: 50% on semiconductors, 25% on steel and aluminum, 100% on EVs, and 50% on solar panels from China.
• The Raspberry Pi Foundation announced an M.2 hat for the Raspberry Pi.

Key Discussion Points

• Time modulation in capacitors and the new dielectric structure using barium titanate.
• The concept of heterojunctions and homojunctions in semiconductors.
• Efficiency improvements in capacitors and their potential applications.
• The practical implications and future prospects of new capacitor technology.
• Discussion on AI-generated content and the dead internet theory.
• New tariffs on semiconductors and other goods from China and their potential impact.
• The Raspberry Pi Foundation's new M.2 hat and its benefits for storage solutions.
• Parker's personal project updates, including the digital control upgrade for a 1965 Checker Marathon engine.
• The use of flatbed scanners for reverse engineering enclosures and components.
• The potential future of neural interfaces and their ethical implications.

Relevant Links

• High energy density in artificial heterostructures through relaxation time modulation
• China's Share of Global Chip Sales
• Raspberry Pi Foundation M.2 hat announcement
• MegaSquirt 3 EFI Controller
• Dead Internet Theory
• Flatbed scanner reverse engineering tutorial

Community Questions

• Would you be willing to integrate a smartphone into your body if it was 100% safe and reversible?
• Have you used a flatbed scanner for any unique engineering applications?
• What are your thoughts on the new semiconductor tariffs? How do you think it will impact the industry?

Summary:

In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the hefty topic of U.S. funding for 'digital twin' chips research under the CHIPS Act, comparing its budget to other big expenditures like Boeing's Starliner and military budgets. They also discuss EDA tool pricing, breaking down costs from freeware to industry heavyweights, and the implications for small vs. large businesses. Additionally, Parker shares his personal project update on his first KiCad PCB.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to the topic of U.S. funding for 'digital twin' chips research and its comparison to other large expenditures.
• Overview of the CHIPS Act, its budget, and its place in the broader U.S. budget context.
• Discussion on the price and subscription models of various EDA tools, from entry-level to high-end industry standards.
• Analysis of the impact of EDA tool pricing on small businesses versus large corporations.
• Parker's personal project update: success with his first KiCad PCB.
• The hosts reflect on the social dynamics of Twitter and its impact on public discourse and political polarization.
• Discussion about the complexities of U.S. political funding and its transparency.
• Comparison of software subscription models and their financial implications for users.
• Reflections on the interaction between engineering, politics, and social media.

Relevant Links:

• Prevent Prototype Delays: Your Essential PCBA Pre-Order Checklist
• US plans $285 million in funding for ‘digital twin’ chips research

Community Questions:

• What are your thoughts on the use of 'digital twin' technology in chip manufacturing?
• How do you think the costs associated with EDA tools affect startups and small businesses?
• Do you have any personal experiences with the challenges of using subscription-based vs. perpetual license software?

MacroFab:

This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing, and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

We Want to Hear From You!

Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

This week we delve into the major (Isn't there always one?) lawsuit against Apple for monopolizing the smartphone market. We explore the implications of Apple’s business practices on innovation, consumer choice, and market competition. The discussion also covers the ethical concerns around Apple's ecosystem exclusivity and how it affects users' perceptions of non-Apple products.

Discussion Highlights: 

• Overview of the Justice Department's lawsuit against Apple for monopolizing smartphone markets, focusing on exclusionary practices that hinder competition.
• Examination of how Apple's ecosystem locks in users, making it difficult to switch to competitor products like Android.
• Discussion on the ethical considerations of business practices that degrade competitor's product functionality.
• Reflections on personal and societal impacts of technology choices, including the social implications of being labeled by the type of device one uses.

Relevant Links:

• Justice Department Sues Apple: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-apple-monopolizing-smartphone-markets
• C-NET Article on Apple Lawsuit: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/the-us-lawsuit-against-apple-raises-questions-about-iphone-and-androids-future/
• YouTube - Merrick B. Garland Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQk-EhuQdLg&t=278s&ab_channel=C-SPAN

Community Questions:

• How do Apple’s business practices affect your choice of technology and perception of non-Apple products?
• Do you think Apple’s ecosystem exclusivity is just good business, or does it cross ethical boundaries?
• Have you experienced or noticed any social implications based on the type of mobile device you or others use?

MacroFab:

This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

We Want to Hear From You!

Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

This week we dive into the fascinating world of vintage tech repair, focusing on efforts to preserve General Motors' futuristic '80s digital displays. Hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig discuss the resilience and repair techniques of the Visual Information Center (VIC) screens, introduced in the late '80s. They also highlight MacroFab's new inventory management features that streamline the process for electronic components, ensuring efficient project management and system updates.

Discussion Highlights: 

• Launch of MacroFab's enhanced inventory management system, improving component tracking and project management.
• The survival and repair techniques of GM's '80s digital displays, highlighting the challenges and techniques involved in maintaining legacy technology.
• Discussion on designing long-lasting electronic components and the importance of planning for product lifecycle and reliability.
• Exploring the impact of technology on product longevity and the potential of modern tools to extend the life of electronic devices.

Relevant links:

• MacroFab Inventory Management Update: https://www.macrofab.com/blog/inventory-features-streamline-management/
• Article on GM’s Futuristic '80s Digital Displays: https://www.theautopian.com/gms-futuristic-80s-digital-displays-are-dying-but-this-man-is-fighting-to-keep-them-alive/

Community Questions:

• How do you approach maintaining or repairing older technological devices to extend their lifespan?
• What are your thoughts on balancing modern design with the need for longevity in electronics?
• Have you worked on any projects that involve updating or maintaining older technology? Share your experiences!

MacroFab:

This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

We Want to Hear From You!

Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Circuit Break, we wrap up the Food Device Design Derby. We celebrate the innovation and creativity of contest entries like the JavAqua, Pizza Pouch, and the winner, BarBuddy, a personal robotic bartender. Notable discussions include a look at podcast statistics, with an impressive 86% of listeners tuning in for entire episodes. We also introduced a new email notification system for podcast releases, moving from Tuesday to Friday releases, and encouraged listeners to engage with reviews. There is also a brief discussion about if PCB assembly drawings are still relevant.

Discussion Highlights:

• Introduction of "Breakers" as a nickname for the podcast listeners.
• Discussion of the podcast's high listener engagement stats.
• Introduction of an email notification system for new podcast episodes.
• Results and highlights from the Food Device Design Derby
  • Third place: Pizza Pouch
  • Second place: JavAqua
  • First place: BarBuddy
  • Circuit Break Favorite: h0t_d0g
• The importance and challenges of creating accurate assembly and fabrication drawings for PCBs and PCAs.
• Discussion on potential improvements in EDA tools for automating assembly and fabrication drawings.

Relevant Links:

• h0t_d0g Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-challenge-h0t-d0g/218
• JavAqua Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-design-derby-challenge-javaqua/225
• Pizza Pouch Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-challenge-pizza-pouch-the-keeper-for-your-to-go-pizza/224
• BarBuddy Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-challenge-barbuddy/216
• PocketFryer Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/fdd-challenge-pocketfryer/196

Community Questions:

• What new innovations or devices would you like to see in future contests?
• Have you ever had a DIY project that you turned into a functional everyday tool? Tell us about it!
• What are your thoughts on the need for more automation in EDA tools for producing assembly and fabrication drawings?

Today, we're tackling a topic that's a gold mine for any designer: crucial features you might not have considered for your prototype. From debug headers to "Swapperoo" resistors and heartbeat indicator LEDs, we're covering it all. Tune in as we share insights, anecdotes, and maybe a few confessions from our own prototyping adventures. Plus, we dive into the importance of making your prototype testing-friendly and discuss a poll that could solve a common UART connection dilemma. This is episode 426 – your prototype's new best friend!

Discussion Highlights: 

• Debug Headers: Taking inspiration from James Lewis’s Apple Mega 2 project, we discuss the importance of embedding debug headers directly onto the PCB. We also highlight the Tag Connect's footprint as a space-saving, connector-free debugging interface. 
• Test Pads for Production Testing: Crucial for measuring signals ensuring that potential circuit issues are not overlooked. This measure is crucial for validating the prototype’s performance. 
• Jumper Headers in Series on Power Rails: This method allows for the quick disconnection of subsystems for individual testing, enhancing the diagnostic process without the need for circuit alterations.
• Easy ways to hook up test equipment: By integrating connectors and test points specifically designed for easy attachment of debugging and testing tools, such as multimeters or oscilloscopes, engineers can streamline the troubleshooting process. 
• Signal Integrity Testing Points: To monitor and adjust signal quality proactively, supporting the prototype’s overall integrity.
• Thermal Management: Managing component temperatures is a critical aspect often overlooked in the early stages of prototyping. The discussion includes practical strategies for thermal management, even in challenging environments like aerospace.
• Prioritizing Function Over Form: Make the prototype whatever shape it needs to be to be accessible for testing and debugging, even if it means starting with a larger form factor.
• Early Inclusion of Fiducials and Mounting Holes: The significance of adding fiducials and mechanical mounting holes at the onset of the design process aids in component placement, assembly, and effective heat dissipation.
• Adding Pass-Through Holes: For unforeseen modifications or component additions post-design, showcasing the flexibility this can provide to a prototype.
• Poll Discussion: When connecting two chips, each with their own TX and RX lines, should TX be connected to TX, or does TX connect to RX? 

Relevant links:

• EP#420: The Mega IIe: A Vintage Computing Adventure with James Lewis

MacroFab:

This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

We Want to Hear From You!

Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

This week, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Craig are joined by Kyle McLeod, the OE Project Manager, and Nicholas Lundgard, the OE Team Lead at MacroFab. They delve into recent software releases enhancing the ordering experience on the MacroFab platform, including ITAR compliance, improvements in design file uploads, and the introduction of customer-furnished material options. They discuss the importance of seamless user interactions for uploading PCBs, placing orders, and how MacroFab's platform facilitates these processes. The episode provides insights into MacroFab's efforts to make PCB manufacturing more accessible and efficient for their customers.

Discussion Highlights:

• Introduction of ITAR compliance and its significance for MacroFab's platform and users.
• Enhancements in PCB design file uploads, including support for additional file types and improved user interface.
• The role and benefits of customer-furnished material options in the ordering process.
• Discussions on intelligent overage logic for parts ordering and the impact on manufacturing efficiency.
• The introduction of completed board photo updates for quality assurance and customer verification.
• Preview of upcoming features and improvements, focusing on user interface enhancements, bomb management tools, and expanded quoting capabilities.

Relevant Links:

• MacroFab Platform Update

Community Questions:

• Have you used MacroFab's platform for your PCB manufacturing needs? Share your experiences and any features you'd love to see in the future.
• What challenges have you faced in PCB design and ordering, and how do you think platforms like MacroFab can solve them?
• How important is ITAR compliance for your projects, and what has been your experience dealing with ITAR-compliant manufacturers?
• What features would you like to see added to the MacroFab platform to improve your experience?

About MacroFab:

This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements. 

We Want to Hear From You! 

Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].

This week, delve into the fascinating world of Batman's utility belt. We begin by tracing the evolution of this iconic accessory from its humble origins to its current complex design. The belt features a diverse array of gadgets, tools, and essentials utilized by the Dark Knight. Our discussion covers a wide range of items, from lockpicking tools to unique additions like crayons and lollipops. We examine the practicality and innovative engineering behind Batman's assortment of tools and contemplate what items electrical engineers might include in their own specialized utility belts. Join us for an insightful exploration of superhero gadgetry and its parallels in real-world engineering.

Batman and Engineering: Could Batman be seen as an engineer? Relies on technology and intellect rather than superhuman abilities. 

• Utility Belt Evolution: The history and evolution of Batman's iconic utility belt, from its initial simplistic design and its evolution into a more complex, gadget-laden accessory.
• Batarang: The Batarang, one of Batman's signature tools, is hypothesized to function similarly to modern drone technology. 
• Sonic Devastator: A non-lethal weapon that uses sounds where different frequencies have different effects on the human body.
• Identity Disk: Fail-safe for revealing his identity posthumously, ensuring that Batman's persona cannot be assumed by others after his death.
• Batman's Lockpicking Skills: Less emphasized in recent portrayals, highlighting a shift from stealth to brute force in his character's evolution.
• Is the Lockpicking Lawyer Batman?: Could the popular YouTuber, the LockPickingLawyer, be Batman, given his skill set and the mystery surrounding his identity?
• Unusual Utility Belt Items: Quirky and unconventional items found in Batman's utility belt include crayons and lollipops, showcasing Batman's preparedness for diverse situations.
• The Significance of Batman's Logo: The ubiquity of the Batman logo on his gadgets and tools. Does he get stickers made? 
• Engineering a EE Utility Belt: What would comprise an electrical engineer's version of Batman's utility belt? Could include a handheld oscilloscope, wire, heat shrink, and even fantasy items like aerosolized Kapton tape.
• Utility Belt as an Interview Strategy: A light-hearted suggestion that job applicants show up to interviews wearing a utility belt filled with engineering tools to stand out. 
• What Would Be in Your Utility Belt?: Tell us on our forums at forum.macrofab.com! 

Relevant links:

• Batman's Utility Belt Wikipedia 
• What do y'all think Batman's standard utility belt loadout is
• Would Batman Use Onshape?
• 10 Best Bat-Gadgets Hidden In Batman’s Utility Belt
• Universal Tool
• Sonic Weapon 

About MacroFab:

This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements. 

We Want to Hear From You! 

Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at [email protected].