Hardware Podcasts

The Signal Integrity Tool Every Engineer Is Missing

OnTrack · 19 May 2026 · 47m · Episode 343

What this episode covers

David Banas, a Solutions Engineer at Keysight, discusses three open-source Python packages—PyBERT, PyIBIS-AMI, and PyChopMarge—that provide accessible alternatives to expensive commercial signal integrity simulation tools. He demonstrates how PyBERT generates eye diagrams and bathtub curves to analyze jitter and equalization techniques like CTLE and DFE for high-speed serial links. Banas also explains how PyIBIS-AMI allows developers to test and debug IBIS-AMI models, while PyChopMarge offers a Python implementation of the COM (Channel Operating Margin) standard for rapid link assessment. The conversation highlights the transition from proprietary MATLAB environments to open-source Python ecosystems, driven by cost-cutting measures at Xilinx and the growing community adoption of Python in hardware engineering.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Keysight, Xilinx, Cadence
Tools
PyBERT, PyIBIS-AMI, PyChopMarge, MATLAB, NumPy, SciPy, scikit-rf, ADS, Altium Designer
Also
Python

Related episodes from other shows

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.

    PCB design & layoutEmbedded firmware
    7 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 11m

    Pulled From A Working Environment

    Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics discusses his recent FPGA workshops at Teardown, highlighting the rise of open-source toolchains like Yosys and NextPNR for Lattice and Xilinx parts, and the FOMU dev board's multi-layered architecture. Dave Jones of EEVblog details the Rich Tech RT1716 USB-C PD controller used in his Micro Supply, explaining how cross-vendor register compatibility allowed them to bypass poor documentation by leveraging Texas Instruments' reference code. The hosts also cover the used test equipment market, specifically finding deals on Vector Network Analyzers, and new open-source hardware projects like the STM32 multimeter and Great Scott Gadgets' USB debugging tools.

    EDA & CAD toolsMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    6 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 15m

    Open Source Tapeout with Matthew Venn

    Matthew Venn, host of the Zero to ASIC course, joins Chris Gammell to discuss the rapid expansion of open-source silicon, driven by Google-sponsored multi-project wafer (MPW) shuttles and open PDKs from foundries like Skywater, GlobalFoundries, and IHP. They detail the tools enabling this shift, including Wokwi for beginner simulation, OpenLane for automated digital design, and the new SillyWiz tool for learning analog transistor-level design. The conversation highlights how these resources lower barriers for education, prototyping, and niche commercial applications like secure root-of-trust chips, while addressing challenges like volume costs and long turnaround times.

    Chips, FPGAs & semiconductorsEDA & CAD tools
    7 chapters

  • Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast · 35m

    010 - T0015! Part 0x3 - Debug Interfaces

    Hosts Alvaro Prieto and Jen Castilla discuss debugging interfaces like JTAG and SWD, explaining their history from boundary scan testing to modern in-circuit emulation. They review key hardware tools including Segger J-Link, BlackMagicProbe, ST-Link, and the BusBlaster, noting how open-source alternatives have drastically reduced costs. The conversation highlights the JTAGulator for finding hidden debug pins and argues that affordable, accessible tools have lowered barriers for hardware startups and security researchers.

    Debugging & failure analysisMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    7 chapters

  • Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast · 1h 38m

    025 - Opaque Magisterium

    Kate Temkin and Mikaela Szekely from Great Scott Gadgets discuss the challenges and tools of USB reverse engineering. They detail the creation of open-source hardware like the GreatFET and Rhododendron, as well as software tools like USBProxy and the new USB analyzer framework called USB. The conversation covers specific vulnerabilities, such as the Nintendo Switch stack smash, and the difficulties of high-speed signal analysis compared to low-cost logic analyzers.

    Debugging & failure analysisTest & measurement
    7 chapters

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.