# The Spark Gap - Episode 3

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2014-06-30
- Length: 42m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-30-the-spark-gap-episode-3
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-3

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey explain the fundamentals of powering electronic circuits, contrasting linear regulators (including LDOs and precision references) with switch-mode power supplies (buck, boost, and buck-boost). They detail the efficiency trade-offs, heat generation in linear regulators, and the complexity of switching supplies, while highlighting common pitfalls like incorrect pinout wiring and boost converter current calculations. The discussion covers AC-to-DC conversion options, from wall warts to bench supplies, emphasizing safety isolation and load regulation issues.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-30-the-spark-gap-episode-3#t=0) Introduction: Powering Circuits and AC Sources
- [1:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-30-the-spark-gap-episode-3#t=62) Wall Warts, Safety, and AC-to-DC Conversion
- [12:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-30-the-spark-gap-episode-3#t=740) Linear Regulators, LDOs, and Heat Dissipation
- [22:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-30-the-spark-gap-episode-3#t=1327) Switch-Mode Power Supplies: Buck, Boost, and Ripple
- [33:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-30-the-spark-gap-episode-3#t=2035) Boost Converter Current Ratings and Fuse Blowing
- [36:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-30-the-spark-gap-episode-3#t=2201) Buck-Boost, SEPIC, and Isolated Supplies
- [40:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-30-the-spark-gap-episode-3#t=2417) Common Linear Regulator Pinout Mistakes

## Topics

- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Capacitors (other)
- Digiki (other)
- Murata (company)
- Mauser (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [216: Bavarian Folk Metal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-22-216-bavarian-folk-metal) (Embedded.fm)
- [FPGA, Xess, 32 Bit - Quirky Qualitative Questions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-01-08-fpga-xess-32-bit-quirky-qualitative-questions) (The Amp Hour)
- [Mute Button Discipline](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-05-16-mute-button-discipline) (The Amp Hour)
- [Bubblegum Tap Shoes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-23-bubblegum-tap-shoes) (The Amp Hour)
- [Here for a reason](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-11-08-here-for-a-reason) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-06-30-the-spark-gap-episode-3. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Spark Gap.