Hardware Podcasts

AD620, DesignSpark, Instrumentation Amplifier - The Rant Rhetorical

The Amp Hour · 15 Mar 2011 · 1h 02m · Episode 34

What this episode covers

Hosts Chris Gammell and Dave Jones discuss the AD620 instrumentation amplifier, its role in EEG applications, and the design benefits of its laser-trimmed resistors. They also review DesignSpark PCB version 2, praising its new 3D capabilities and bug fixes while noting its reliance on external models for mechanical integration. The episode includes rants about Atmel's cumbersome registration process for free software and the confusing rebranding of Tyco to TE Connectivity.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Tyco, TE Connectivity, Burr Brown, Atmel, RS Components, Allied Electronics, Element14, Newark, Catsoft, Humber One Systems
Chips
AD620, INA 111
Tools
DesignSpark PCB, AVR Studio, Eagle, Altium

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Spark Gap · 1h 07m

    The Spark Gap - Episode 42

    Chris Gammell, founder of parts.io, joins hosts Carl and Corey to discuss selecting the right operational amplifier for specific applications, using a 300mV DC signal and a 5nA current measurement as case studies. They also cover practical component choices like the LTC6903 programmable oscillator and the Microchip 24AA02 EEPROM with pre-burned MAC addresses. Gammell outlines parts.io's strategy to democratize access to Field Application Engineer (FAE) support by hiring an 'Internet Applications Engineer' and improving search algorithms to help small-scale designers.

    Analog & power electronicsMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    8 chapters

  • The Spark Gap · 59m

    The Spark Gap - Episode 49

    Hosts Carl and Corey discuss their attendance at the 2016 Open Hardware Summit in Portland, focusing on the new Open Source Hardware Association certification and specific electronic components. Corey details the features of the NXP MMA8452Q accelerometer, noting its integrated DSP and QFN packaging limitations for hobbyists. Carl highlights the upcoming TI INA260 power monitor, which integrates a shunt resistor to simplify circuit design, and they analyze the trade-offs between integrated and discrete solutions. The hosts also review the BBC micro:bit educational platform and critique the summit's vendor presence and the new certification's numbering system.

    Sensors & measurement in productsAnalog & power electronics
    7 chapters

  • The Spark Gap · 1h 04m

    The Spark Gap - Episode 44

    Hosts Carl and Corey discuss a grab bag of embedded electronics topics, starting with their new remote recording setup using Shure and MXL microphones. They review the TI ADS1263 32-bit ADC and the Lattice iCE40 FPGA ecosystem, highlighting the open-source Project Ice Storm toolchain. The hosts then critique the Raspberry Pi Zero's limited I/O and the safety issues surrounding lithium-ion batteries in 'hoverboards', before Corey airs a grievance about poor PCB differential pair routing practices.

    PCB design & layoutMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    7 chapters

  • The Spark Gap · 59m

    The Spark Gap - Episode 41

    Chris Gammell, founder of Parts IO and Contextual Electronics, joins hosts Carl and Corey to discuss the complexities of selecting operational amplifiers (op-amps) and the challenges of component sourcing. They analyze specific parts like the AD5339 DAC and MAX7400 filter, highlighting how datasheet marketing often obscures real-world performance issues like offset voltage and noise. Gammell introduces Parts IO, a component search engine designed to aggregate data from multiple distributors and manufacturers to provide risk assessments, pricing trends, and availability metrics that standard distributors like Digi-Key often lack.

    Analog & power electronicsSourcing & supply chain
    6 chapters

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 01m

    388: Brains Generate EMF

    Alan Cohen, author of 'Prototype to Product' and medical device consultant, discusses the development of VolksEEG, an open-source electroencephalogram (EEG) designed for research and eventual clinical use. He details the hardware architecture, including the Texas Instruments ADS1299 chip and the Adafruit Feather nRF52840 Sense, and explains the regulatory strategy of targeting an Institutional Review Board (IRB) clearance before pursuing FDA certification. Cohen also addresses the challenges of open-source licensing, supply chain shortages, and the specific engineering constraints of building safe, low-amplitude signal acquisition systems.

    Medical & health devicesMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    8 chapters

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