Building Modular Open Source Electronics with Lukas Henkel

OnTrack · 10 Jun 2025 · 39m · Episode 301

What this episode covers

Lukas Henkel, co-founder of Open Visions Technology, details the engineering behind modular open-source hardware, including a Linux-based smartwatch and a Framework laptop modification. He explains the use of custom System-in-Package (SIP) designs, HDI PCB technology, and Thintronics low-DK substrates to achieve signal integrity in ultra-compact form factors. The discussion covers the challenges of sourcing documentation from major chip vendors like Qualcomm and NXP, and the strategic decision to use off-the-shelf Framework mainboards as an intermediate step for their open-source laptop project.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Amp Hour

    Compact High Speed Design with Lukas Henkel

    Lukas Henkel, CEO of OV Tech, discusses the design of high-density, open-source System-in-Package (SIP) modules and a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) replacement called PyMix 8. He explains the engineering challenges of miniaturization, such as using standard PCB processes to manage costs versus moving to interposer-level packaging, and the strategic benefits of open-source hardware for supply chain resilience. The conversation also covers the use of open-source simulation tools like OpenEMS and Elmer for signal integrity and thermal analysis, visualized via FreeCAD and Blender.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 11m

    Secret Squirrel

    Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics discusses his new role as a developer advocate, focusing on modular hardware like U-Blocks and the trend of integrating complex functions into single System-in-Package (SIP) modules such as the Octavo OSD335x-SM. Dave Jones of EEV Blog shares his experience prototyping a new multimeter with a South Korean manufacturing partner, detailing the financial risks and supply chain decisions involved in moving from prototype to pilot production. The conversation also covers the resurgence of retro computing standards like PC-104 and the strategic use of crowdfunding for hardware ventures.

  • Embedded.fm · 57m

    322: Learn Assembly Code

    Ramiro Montes de Oca, CEO and founder of aThing.io, explains his company's 'motionless electronics'—modular, penny-sized components that connect via phone-style connectors without soldering. He discusses the technical architecture of these modules, the emerging chiplet industry standard led by the Chiplet Alliance, and the business challenges of scaling hardware manufacturing during global supply chain disruptions. Montes de Oca also shares insights from exhibiting at CES and the importance of design-for-manufacturing for early-stage founders.

  • Oxide and Friends · 1h 07m

    Framework Computer with Nirav Patel

    Nirav Patel, founder and CEO of Framework Computer, discusses building a repairable, modular laptop from scratch, contrasting his company's open philosophy with the planned obsolescence of incumbents like Dell. He details the engineering challenges of the Framework Laptop 16, including its upgradeable GPU module, the use of Candu retimers, and the strategic decision to manufacture in Taiwan to avoid Section 301 tariffs. Patel also explains the business model of aligning incentives around longevity, the difficulty of fundraising for consumer hardware, and the vibrant ecosystem of community-driven expansion cards and custom builds.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 11m

    Stories from Teardown 2019

    Chris Gammell interviews Jesse Vincent of Keyboardio, who details the manufacturing fraud and component sourcing challenges faced while producing the Keyboardio Model 1. Adrian Studer discusses his AIS ship tracking receiver and his approach to reverse engineering ISM radio firmware using open-source tools. Zach Archer explains his work with large-scale LED displays and E-Ink panels, emphasizing simulation and visual design. Finally, Piotr Esden-Tempski and Jeff Keyzer discuss their open-source FPGA workshop and the evolution of FPGA toolchains.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by OnTrack. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.