# An Interview with David Kronstein (Tesla500)

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2016-12-02
- Length: 2h 00m
- Episode: 325
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/the-amp-hour-325-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500/

## Summary

Chris Gammell, founder of Kron Technologies, discusses the design of his Chronos 1.4 high-speed camera, detailing the use of a Luxima Lux 1310 sensor and a Lattice ECP5 FPGA to achieve high frame rates. He explains the engineering challenges of interfacing with DDR3 memory on the FPGA and the decision to use a TI DaVinci processor for video encoding and Linux-based UI. Gammell outlines his strategy for scaling production from CNC machining to die casting and his plans to hire software engineers to support the embedded Linux firmware.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=1) Introduction: Chris Gammell and Kron Technologies
- [2:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=160) Chronos 1.4 Camera Specifications and Kickstarter
- [3:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=211) Gammell's Background and High-Speed Camera History
- [16:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=960) Career History: Power Supplies and Medical Devices
- [21:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=1314) Manufacturing Strategy: CNC vs. Die Casting
- [32:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=1920) System Architecture: Sensor, FPGA, and Processor
- [45:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=2728) FPGA Selection: Lattice ECP5 and DDR3 Memory Challenges
- [58:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=3519) FPGA Logic: FIFO Buffers and Data Flow
- [1:02:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=3778) Sensor Technology: CMOS vs. CCD and Monochrome Options
- [1:16:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=4609) Software Stack: Linux, Ridge Run, and Embedded Development
- [1:36:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-02-an-interview-with-david-kronstein-tesla500#t=5790) Development Challenges and Future Product Roadmap

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Kron Technologies (company)
- Chronos 1.4 (product)
- Luxima Lux 1310 (chip)
- Lattice ECP5 (chip)
- TI DaVinci DM8148 (chip)
- Edgertronic (product)
- FPS 1000 (product)
- Ridge Run (company)

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