# 412: Inductors Don't Have Feelings

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2022-05-12
- Length: 1h 15m
- Episode: 412
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/412

## Summary

Tom Anderson, an engineer at Keysight Technologies, explains the fundamental physics of passive components and semiconductors, starting with vacuum tubes to demystify diodes, transistors (NPN/PNP), resistors, capacitors, and inductors. He uses Boltzmann's constant and thermionic emission to show how voltage controls current in vacuum tubes, which evolved into solid-state devices like the transistor. The discussion covers how capacitors store charge and inductors oppose current changes, arguing that 'parasitic' elements are actually essential for circuit stability and energy conservation.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings#t=7) Introduction: Tom Anderson and Keysight Technologies
- [4:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings#t=265) Boltzmann's Constant and Thermionic Emission in Vacuum Tubes
- [19:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings#t=1158) From Diodes to Triodes: The Grid and Control
- [28:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings#t=1680) Transistors: NPN, PNP, and the Base as a Traffic Cop
- [33:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings#t=1980) Building Logic Gates and Inverters with Transistors
- [46:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings#t=2790) Capacitors, Inductors, and the Physics of Charge
- [59:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings#t=3557) Resistors: Crystal Boundaries and Heat Dissipation
- [1:03:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings#t=3803) The Capacitor Paradox and the Necessity of Parasitics

## Topics

- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Keysight Technologies (company)
- Alembic (company)
- Digi-Key (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Sowing Discord](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-04-13-sowing-discord) (The Amp Hour)
- [Bubblegum Tap Shoes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-23-bubblegum-tap-shoes) (The Amp Hour)
- [Mute Button Discipline](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-05-16-mute-button-discipline) (The Amp Hour)
- [Inductance and Stuff](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-12-06-inductance-and-stuff) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Charles Alexanian](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-02-11-an-interview-with-charles-alexanian) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-05-12-412-inductors-dont-have-feelings. 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 Embedded.fm.