Hardware Podcasts

Rigorous engineering stuff may be out the window

The Amp Hour · 11 Sept 2022 · 1h 05m · Episode 602

What this episode covers

Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the decline of rigorous engineering in favor of rapid prototyping using SparkFun QuickBoards and JST connectors, while Jones details a frustrating teardown of an EcoFlow battery due to a poor-quality JST connector. They explore the broader implications of using off-the-shelf modules versus custom PCBs, touching on the trade-offs between flexibility and cost. The conversation shifts to industry news, including Skywater Electronics' TinyTapeout program for open-source silicon, the critical role of ASML in chip manufacturing, and US export controls on high-performance chips like NVIDIA GPUs. Finally, they review a Maxim Integrated USB Power Delivery controller, noting the industry's shift toward simpler, dedicated PD chips.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
SparkFun, Adafruit, Skywater, ASML, NVIDIA, Maxim Integrated, Tektronix
Products
EcoFlow, TinyTapeout

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