# Ray Kampmeier | The Humble Transistor

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2022-10-07
- Length: 51m
- Episode: 38
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor
- Listen: https://teampipeline.us/Ray-Kampmeier-the-humble-transistor/

## Summary

Ray Kampmeier, founder of The Humble Transistor, discusses his journey from a curious student to an electrical engineering consultant and product developer. He explains the fundamental mechanics of the transistor, the history of solid-state switching at Bell Labs, and the complex yield management strategies used by semiconductor manufacturers like Intel and AMD. Kampmeier also shares advice for engineering students on the value of passion projects and internships, and reflects on the importance of professional networks when solving difficult technical problems.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor#t=0) Introduction and Career Origins
- [4:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor#t=288) Advice for Engineering Students
- [10:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor#t=615) Electrical Engineering Career Paths
- [13:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor#t=801) The Story Behind The Humble Transistor
- [16:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor#t=999) How Transistors Work and Semiconductor History
- [25:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor#t=1513) Chip Manufacturing and Yield Management
- [31:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor#t=1867) Starting The Humble Transistor
- [42:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor#t=2534) Technical Problem Solving and Networking
- [45:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor#t=2743) Tools and Communication for Engineers

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- The Humble Transistor (company)
- Bell Labs (company)
- Intel (company)
- AMD (company)
- Apple (company)
- Punch Through Design (company)
- Logic Product Development (company)
- Pipeline Design & Engineering (company)
- Light Blue Bean (product)
- Arduino (product)
- SolidWorks (tool)
- FCC (other)

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## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Being an Engineer.