# Rigorous engineering stuff may be out the window

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2022-09-11
- Length: 1h 05m
- Episode: 602
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-09-11-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/602-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window/

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-09-11-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window#t=0) Introduction and Queen Elizabeth II
- [7:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-09-11-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window#t=442) SparkFun QuickBoards and JST Connector Limitations
- [12:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-09-11-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window#t=772) EcoFlow Battery Teardown and JST Failure
- [18:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-09-11-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window#t=1095) Airline Battery Regulations and EV Policy
- [33:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-09-11-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window#t=2011) Skywater TinyTapeout and 3D Printed Semiconductors
- [39:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-09-11-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window#t=2384) Tektronix Vintage Employee Orientation Video
- [46:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-09-11-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window#t=2782) Open Circuits Book and Patent Stories
- [52:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-09-11-rigorous-engineering-stuff-may-be-out-the-window#t=3160) ASML, Export Controls, and USB-C PD Controllers

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- SparkFun (company)
- Adafruit (company)
- EcoFlow (product)
- Skywater (company)
- TinyTapeout (product)
- ASML (company)
- NVIDIA (company)
- Maxim Integrated (company)
- Tektronix (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [322: Learn Assembly Code](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-28-322-learn-assembly-code) (Embedded.fm)
- [044 - Scots Army Knife](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2021-01-03-044-scots-army-knife) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [069 - Canned Cheese and Onion Rings](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2024-04-17-069-canned-cheese-and-onion-rings) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [033 - All Over the Place](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2020-04-27-033-all-over-the-place) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [The Power of Proto Boards!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-01-17-the-power-of-proto-boards) (Oxide and Friends)

## Citing this page

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