# Rube Goldbergs in Spaaaace

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2022-01-02
- Length: 1h 13m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-02-rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace/

## Summary

Hosts Dave Jones and Chris Campbell discuss the ongoing semiconductor component shortage, detailing how it forces designers to source from overseas distributors like LCSC and adopt modular designs to mitigate risk. They analyze the James Webb Space Telescope's complex deployment sequence, using it as an example of high-stakes engineering where single points of failure are unacceptable. The conversation shifts to the history of connectors, the release of KiCad 6, and the rising influence of RISC-V architecture in low-cost microcontrollers from companies like WCH.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-02-rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace#t=0) Introduction and Component Shortage Frustrations
- [2:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-02-rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace#t=169) Sourcing Strategies and Distributor Algorithms
- [10:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-02-rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace#t=605) James Webb Space Telescope Deployment Analysis
- [24:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-02-rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace#t=1475) Connectors, Firewire Failures, and Flat Flex Cables
- [32:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-02-rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace#t=1967) Ladder Logic, PLCs, and Custom Finite State Machines
- [49:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-02-rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace#t=2972) KiCad 6 Release and File Format Changes
- [54:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-02-rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace#t=3288) RISC-V vs ARM and WCH Microcontrollers
- [1:05:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-02-rube-goldbergs-in-spaaaace#t=3943) Part of the Week: Vichay Furnace Pyrotechnic Initiator

## Topics

- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Texas Instruments (company)
- LCSC (company)
- James Webb Space Telescope (product)
- KiCad (tool)
- WCH (company)
- RISC-V (chip)
- Vichay Furnace (product)
- ARM (company)
- Microchip (company)
- Altium (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [322: Learn Assembly Code](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-28-322-learn-assembly-code) (Embedded.fm)
- [360: Cats Love It!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-01-29-360-cats-love-it) (Embedded.fm)
- [How the Chip Shortage is Affecting the IoT Industry | MistyWest's Taylor Cooper](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-05-03-how-the-chip-shortage-is-affecting-the-iot-industry-mistywests-taylor-cooper) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [EMS@C-LEVEL Season #2021 Episode #6 with Case Engelen, CEO of TITOMA](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2021-08-09-ems-c-level-season-2021-episode-6-with-case-engelen-ceo-of-titoma) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Ep 120: Chip Shortage, VGA Glitching, Truly Owning Roku, and Omniballs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-05-28-ep-120-chip-shortage-vga-glitching-truly-owning-roku-and-omniballs) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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