# Emma McFadden | Soldering Pro Tips, & How CPAP Machines Work

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2023-05-26
- Length: 30m
- Episode: 20
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-26-emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips-how-cpap-machines-work
- Listen: https://teampipeline.us/emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips/

## Summary

Emma McFadden, a senior engineering technician at Philips in their Sleep Therapy new product development group, discusses the critical need for engineers and technicians to work 'elbow to elbow' to overcome communication barriers exacerbated by remote work. She shares specific technical pro tips for soldering complex processors and troubleshooting shorts using the Seebeck effect, while also explaining the mechanics of CPAP and BiPAP devices used to treat sleep apnea. McFadden highlights challenges in vendor component testing, specifically back EMF voltage spikes in power supplies, and emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and emotional intelligence in cross-functional teams.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-26-emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips-how-cpap-machines-work#t=0) Introduction and Career Origins
- [2:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-26-emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips-how-cpap-machines-work#t=152) The Technician's Role and Remote Work Challenges
- [9:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-26-emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips-how-cpap-machines-work#t=552) Emotional Intelligence and Team Dynamics
- [12:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-26-emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips-how-cpap-machines-work#t=741) Soldering Pro Tips and ESD Prevention
- [13:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-26-emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips-how-cpap-machines-work#t=825) Troubleshooting Shorts with the Seebeck Effect
- [17:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-26-emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips-how-cpap-machines-work#t=1058) How CPAP and BiPAP Machines Work
- [21:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-26-emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips-how-cpap-machines-work#t=1266) Power Supply Testing and Vendor Challenges
- [24:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-26-emma-mcfadden-soldering-pro-tips-how-cpap-machines-work#t=1471) Respect for Technicians and Conclusion

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Philips (company)
- CPAP (product)
- BiPAP (product)
- RadioShack (company)
- Team Pipeline (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [154: Physics Is a Big Pain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-06-02-154-physics-is-a-big-pain) (Embedded.fm)
- [155: Foot-Seeking Bullet](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-06-08-155-foot-seeking-bullet) (Embedded.fm)
- [305: Humans Have a Terrible Spec Sheet (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-04-28-305-humans-have-a-terrible-spec-sheet-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [Troubleshooting, PCBs and LEDs - Quaintized Quich Quelling](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-08-28-troubleshooting-pcbs-and-leds-quaintized-quich-quelling) (The Amp Hour)
- [122: Glue a Board to Your Resume](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-10-21-122-glue-a-board-to-your-resume) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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