# The Spark Gap - Episode 27

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2015-02-25
- Length: 38m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-27

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey share embedded electronics horror stories, including Corey’s PCB layout error where a tool connected line and neutral, and Carl’s experience with a potato gun fireball. They discuss common design pitfalls such as incorrect through-hole sizing, voltage level mismatches between an FPGA and a 1.8V chip, and the leakage currents of unpowered ICs like FTDI chips. The conversation emphasizes the importance of reading datasheets, verifying Gerber files, and understanding power-up sequencing to avoid bricking components or causing shorts.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27#t=0) Introduction: Carl and Corey on embedded horror stories
- [1:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27#t=94) Non-electronic disasters: live wire short and liquid nitrogen explosion
- [6:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27#t=411) Corey’s PCB layout error: line and neutral shorted by vias
- [14:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27#t=874) Through-hole sizing mistakes and drilling fixes
- [18:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27#t=1091) Voltage level mismatch: 3.3V FPGA driving 1.8V chip
- [25:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27#t=1537) Bricking a BGA microcontroller by messing with PLL settings
- [28:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27#t=1707) FTDI chip leakage causing false USB connect detection
- [35:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27#t=2134) Conclusion: Call for listener horror stories

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- RadioShack (other)
- FTDI (chip)
- USBDM (tool)
- Dremel (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Your Mind Is The Tool](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-11-06-your-mind-is-the-tool) (The Amp Hour)
- [This Is Just A Tribute](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-08-10-this-is-just-a-tribute) (The Amp Hour)
- [Assembly Chat](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-10-11-assembly-chat) (The Amp Hour)
- [Top 10 Product Design Mistakes You Must Avoid](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-07-05-top-10-product-design-mistakes-you-must-avoid) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [PCB Assembly Mistakes Designers Keep Making: PCB West 2026 Preview](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-09-09-pcb-assembly-mistakes-designers-keep-making-pcb-west-2026-preview) (OnTrack)

## 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/2015-02-25-the-spark-gap-episode-27. 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.