# Analog Devices, Design Spark - Unusual Usenet Usurpation

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2011-06-28
- Length: 1h 05m
- Episode: 49
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/the-amp-hour-49-unusual-usenet-ursurpation/

## Summary

Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the challenges of finding a low-power 16-bit ADC, highlighting the Analog Devices AD7691 as a key component for its ultra-low power consumption. They explore the ecosystem of semiconductor manufacturers, from giants like TI and Analog Devices to niche players like Touchstone Semi, and debate the viability of open-source hardware projects like large-scale pick-and-place machines. The episode also covers DesignSpark's new 3D export capabilities, the US patent system shift to 'first to file', and a historical segment on early computing and electric locomotives.

## Chapters

- [0:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation#t=15) Introduction and Internet Distractions
- [5:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation#t=328) Usenet, Google Groups, and Community Dynamics
- [9:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation#t=565) Shout-outs: Junko Yoshida, Freescale, and Amazon Prime
- [16:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation#t=1015) Chip of the Week: Analog Devices AD7691 ADC
- [25:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation#t=1552) Semiconductor Landscape: Touchstone Semi and Maxim
- [30:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation#t=1843) DesignSpark 3D Export and PCB Software Choices
- [40:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation#t=2412) The Challenges of Large-Scale Open Source Hardware
- [47:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation#t=2845) US Robot Initiative and Patent Law Changes
- [53:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation#t=3184) This Day in Nerd History: Wilkes and Locomotives

## Topics

- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Open-source hardware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/open-source-hardware)
- [Intellectual property](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/intellectual-property)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Analog Devices (company)
- AD7691 (chip)
- DesignSpark (tool)
- Google SketchUp (tool)
- Touchstone Semi (company)
- Maxim (company)
- Freescale (company)
- Eagle (tool)
- Altium (tool)
- DigiKey (company)
- TI (company)
- Wavefront (company)
- Silicon Labs (company)
- ST Micro (company)
- Advanced Linear Devices (company)
- InterSyl (company)
- NGR (company)
- Maurice Wilkes (other)
- EDSAC (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Spark Gap - Episode 44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44) (The Spark Gap)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33) (The Spark Gap)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 1](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-16-the-spark-gap-episode-1) (The Spark Gap)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-07-29-the-spark-gap-episode-38) (The Spark Gap)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42) (The Spark Gap)

## Citing this page

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