# A Jumperless Breadboard with Kevin Cappuccio

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2025-02-26
- Length: 1h 14m
- Episode: 689
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-02-26-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/689-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio/

## Summary

Kevin Cappuccio, founder of Jumperless, discusses the V5 iteration of his jumperless breadboard, an interactive prototyping platform featuring an RP2350 microcontroller and a dense matrix of CH446Q analog crossbar switches. He explains the hardware architecture, including the use of LM2660MX charge pumps to drive the switches with ±9V, custom spring clips, and 445 RGB LEDs for visual feedback. The conversation covers the routing algorithm, which minimizes resistance by stacking parallel paths, and the probe's ability to detect position and signal type through a single jack. Cappuccio highlights the product's educational value, open-source firmware, and the community-driven development via Discord and GitHub.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-02-26-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio#t=0) Introduction: Kevin Cappuccio and the Jumperless V5
- [1:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-02-26-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio#t=98) Motivation and Evolution from V1 to V5
- [5:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-02-26-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio#t=340) Hardware Architecture: RP2350, CH446Q Switches, and Power
- [18:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-02-26-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio#t=1087) PCB Design, Custom Clips, and Manufacturing Challenges
- [26:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-02-26-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio#t=1570) Analog Crossbar Switches and Routing Algorithms
- [45:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-02-26-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio#t=2717) Power Supply Design and Out-of-Spec Operation
- [58:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-02-26-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio#t=3493) Probe Mechanics, ADC/DAC Integration, and User Interface
- [1:05:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-02-26-a-jumperless-breadboard-with-kevin-cappuccio#t=3919) Firmware, API, and Community Development

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Jumperless (product)
- RP2350 (chip)
- CH446Q (chip)
- LM2660MX (chip)
- WS2811 (chip)
- GLC (company)
- 3M (company)
- Adafruit (company)
- Elikro (company)
- Crowd Supply (company)
- WCH (company)
- Zarlink (company)
- Microchip (company)
- Analog Devices (company)
- Cypress (company)
- JLC (company)
- Zephyr (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Jumperless V5 Creator Interview! Arduino Alvik Giveaway, Raspberry Pi VSCode Extension, and more!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2024-09-25-jumperless-v5-creator-interview-arduino-alvik-giveaway-raspberry-pi-vscode-exten) (The Electromaker Show)
- [532: It's Still Real Fire](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-08-20-532-its-still-real-fire) (Embedded.fm)
- [Amazing Jumperless Breadboard, ESP32 Screens, Zimablade Servers and RISCV EVERYTHING](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-08-30-amazing-jumperless-breadboard-esp32-screens-zimablade-servers-and-riscv-everythi) (The Electromaker Show)
- [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)
- [505: Potato in a Number Field](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-07-10-505-potato-in-a-number-field) (Embedded.fm)

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