# The Spark Gap - Episode 10

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2014-08-20
- Length: 44m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-20-the-spark-gap-episode-10
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-10-0

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the 'paralysis of analysis' in embedded electronics, focusing on strategies to navigate component selection hell and avoid design rabbit holes. They advise defining strict parameters before searching distributors like Digi-Key, prioritizing critical specs, and leveraging evaluation boards to test parts like instrumentation amplifiers in real-world conditions rather than relying solely on simulation. The conversation also covers PCB layout pitfalls, such as obsessing over trace aesthetics (OCD layout) and stack-up decisions, urging engineers to prioritize electrical functionality and consult with PCB fabrication houses for impedance and via sizing.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-20-the-spark-gap-episode-10#t=0) Introduction: The Dark Side of Embedded Engineering
- [1:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-20-the-spark-gap-episode-10#t=94) Part Selection Hell and Defining Parameters
- [8:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-20-the-spark-gap-episode-10#t=535) Specialty Parts vs. Common Components
- [17:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-20-the-spark-gap-episode-10#t=1056) Simulation, Evaluation Boards, and Real-World Testing
- [26:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-20-the-spark-gap-episode-10#t=1594) PCB Stack-Up and Fabrication House Collaboration
- [36:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-20-the-spark-gap-episode-10#t=2181) OCD Layout and Trace Aesthetics

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Digi-Key (other)
- Mauser (other)
- Newark (other)
- Farnell (other)
- Arrow (other)
- LT Spice (tool)
- multi-Sim (tool)
- Burr Brown (company)
- TI (company)
- Fre scale (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Layouts and Design-Outs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-09-14-layouts-and-design-outs) (The Amp Hour)
- [EE Movies, Part Rants and SPICE.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-11-16-ee-movies-part-rants-and-spice) (The Amp Hour)
- [Yonderly Yodeling Yobbos](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-03-26-yonderly-yodeling-yobbos) (The Amp Hour)
- [20: Soldered Together By Monkeys](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-09-26-20-soldered-together-by-monkeys) (Embedded.fm)
- [The Two Person Rule](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-06-01-the-two-person-rule) (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/2014-08-20-the-spark-gap-episode-10. 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.