# An Interview with Jack Ganssle - Embedded Elchee Epexegesis

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2011-08-02
- Length: 1h 06m
- Episode: 54
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-08-02-an-interview-with-jack-ganssle-embedded-elchee-epexegesis
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/the-amp-hour-54-embedded-elchee-epexegesis/

## Summary

Jack Ganssle, a veteran embedded systems engineer and author, discusses the enduring relevance of 8-bit microcontrollers against the hype of 32-bit ARM processors, arguing that low-end parts remain cost-effective and power-efficient for many applications. He critiques the high cost and power consumption of FPGAs, noting their shift toward integrating hard processor cores, and shares a specific frustration with Actel (now Microsemi) Igloo Nano parts requiring higher voltage for programming than operation. Ganssle also reflects on the global engineering landscape, contrasting the hunger and practical education of engineers in India and Brazil with the Western trend of moving engineers into management, while emphasizing the importance of technical writing and communication skills for career success.

## Chapters

- [0:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-08-02-an-interview-with-jack-ganssle-embedded-elchee-epexegesis#t=16) Introduction and Jack Ganssle's Background
- [5:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-08-02-an-interview-with-jack-ganssle-embedded-elchee-epexegesis#t=300) The Myth of the 8-bit Micro's Death
- [10:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-08-02-an-interview-with-jack-ganssle-embedded-elchee-epexegesis#t=628) FPGAs vs. Microcontrollers and Design Trade-offs
- [16:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-08-02-an-interview-with-jack-ganssle-embedded-elchee-epexegesis#t=1008) Actel Igloo Nano Programming Voltage Issue
- [25:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-08-02-an-interview-with-jack-ganssle-embedded-elchee-epexegesis#t=1557) Global Engineering Markets: India, Brazil, and China
- [39:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-08-02-an-interview-with-jack-ganssle-embedded-elchee-epexegesis#t=2388) The Maker Movement and Education
- [48:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-08-02-an-interview-with-jack-ganssle-embedded-elchee-epexegesis#t=2935) Engineering Careers, Communication, and Advice

## Topics

- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Jack Ganssle (other)
- Intel 4004 (chip)
- Intel 8008 (chip)
- Microchip (company)
- ST (company)
- Xilinx (company)
- Altera (company)
- Actel (company)
- Igloo Nano (product)
- Microsemi (company)
- TSMC (company)
- Wind River (company)
- Green Hills (company)
- Autodesk (company)
- Instructables (company)
- Arduino (product)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- OMAP (product)
- Freescale (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [376: Left Half of My Brain Is Digital](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-06-10-376-left-half-of-my-brain-is-digital) (Embedded.fm)
- [303: Kids, Turn in Your Chips](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-09-19-303-kids-turn-in-your-chips) (Embedded.fm)
- [416: EEs Are From PIC, SWEs Are From Arm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-06-09-416-ees-are-from-pic-swes-are-from-arm) (Embedded.fm)
- [245: Tell Me How People Hurt You](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-05-10-245-tell-me-how-people-hurt-you) (Embedded.fm)
- [98: Figments of My Imagination](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-04-22-98-figments-of-my-imagination) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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