# 278: Bricks' Batteries Last Forever (Repeat)

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2022-02-11
- Length: 1h 06m
- Episode: 278
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/278-repeat

## Summary

Matt Liberty, founder of Jet Perch, discusses the design and development of Joulescope, a high-precision current measurement tool launching via Kickstarter. He explains the engineering challenges of measuring dynamic ranges spanning nine orders of magnitude, from nanoamp sleep states to amp-level active currents, and how standard multimeters fail due to burden voltage and resolution limits. The conversation covers software strategies for low-power embedded design, such as managing GPIO states and clock speeds, and details the hardware innovations in Joulescope, including its auto-ranging shunt resistors and electrical isolation.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat#t=6) Introduction: Matt Liberty and Jet Perch
- [3:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat#t=219) Defining Low Power and Battery Life Requirements
- [6:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat#t=376) Software and Hardware Strategies for Power Optimization
- [13:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat#t=810) The Problem with GPIO States and Pull-up Resistors
- [17:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat#t=1075) Measuring Current: Multimeters, Shunts, and Burden Voltage
- [32:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat#t=1961) Introducing Joulescope: Auto-ranging Dynamic Range
- [49:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat#t=2947) Development Challenges: Noise, Isolation, and Prototypes
- [58:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-02-11-278-bricks-batteries-last-forever-repeat#t=3490) FPGA Development Advice and Open Source Philosophy

## Topics

- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Test & measurement](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/test-and-measurement)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Jet Perch (company)
- Joulescope (product)
- ChipWhisperer (product)
- uCurrent (product)
- Colin O'Flynn (other)
- Jacob Beningo (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Measuring Current with Matt Liberty](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-01-25-measuring-current-with-matt-liberty) (The Amp Hour)
- [The Joulescope Upgrade with Matt Liberty](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-10-31-the-joulescope-upgrade-with-matt-liberty) (The Amp Hour)
- [The Nerd Calendar](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-06-03-the-nerd-calendar) (The Amp Hour)
- [Sipping Coulombs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-04-23-sipping-coulombs) (The Amp Hour)
- [A Total 360](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-09-18-a-total-360) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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