# The Spark Gap - Episode 32

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2015-05-06
- Length: 1h 19m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-32

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey revisit topics from their first 31 episodes, discussing the NXP acquisition of Freescale, MakerBot's layoffs, and Tesla's certified pre-owned program and Powerwall. They also analyze the John Deere firmware ownership controversy, the performance trade-offs of No-OS and Lua on microcontrollers, and the evolution of the Raspberry Pi. The episode highlights specific components like NXP current-sensing MOSFETs and the PCA8550 I2C dip switch, while addressing software bugs in Boeing 787 generator control units and the importance of checking simple parts like LDOs.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=0) Introduction and 'Part of the Podcast' Segment
- [6:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=418) NXP Current-Sensing MOSFETs and PCA8550 I2C Dip Switch
- [15:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=947) Podcast Merchandise and T-Shirt Plans
- [21:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=1288) Freescale Acquisition by NXP and MakerBot Layoffs
- [28:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=1722) USB Connector Design and Tesla Pre-Owned Program
- [35:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=2126) Tesla Powerwall and Battery Technology
- [40:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=2413) John Deere Firmware Ownership and Software Control
- [45:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=2740) No-OS, Lua, and Microcontroller Performance
- [49:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=2955) Raspberry Pi Evolution and Atmel Cortex-M7
- [58:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=3487) CAN FD Spec Updates and Boeing 787 Software Bug
- [1:12:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32#t=4339) Checking Simple Parts and Unfinished Projects

## Topics

- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- NXP (company)
- Freescale (company)
- MakerBot (company)
- Tesla (company)
- John Deere (company)
- Boeing (company)
- Raspberry Pi (product)
- Atmel (company)
- STMicroelectronics (company)
- BUK7107 (chip)
- PCA8550 (chip)
- Powerwall (product)
- CAN FD (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep023: Everything Breaks... Raspberry Pi, ADS-B, Hackaday Website, and Automotive Airbags](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-06-14-ep023-everything-breaks-raspberry-pi-ads-b-hackaday-website-and-automotive-airba) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [523: Bad Experience With Donuts](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-04-02-523-bad-experience-with-donuts) (Embedded.fm)
- [Simulating doors falling off](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-04-04-simulating-doors-falling-off) (The Amp Hour)
- [Rubber Duck Incarnate](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-01-26-rubber-duck-incarnate) (The Amp Hour)
- [Wrong Hardware, Wrong Software - Fugacious Fan Funding](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-09-08-wrong-hardware-wrong-software-fugacious-fan-funding) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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