# The Spark Gap - Episode 41

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2015-10-14
- Length: 59m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-41

## Summary

Chris Gammell, founder of Parts IO and Contextual Electronics, joins hosts Carl and Corey to discuss the complexities of selecting operational amplifiers (op-amps) and the challenges of component sourcing. They analyze specific parts like the AD5339 DAC and MAX7400 filter, highlighting how datasheet marketing often obscures real-world performance issues like offset voltage and noise. Gammell introduces Parts IO, a component search engine designed to aggregate data from multiple distributors and manufacturers to provide risk assessments, pricing trends, and availability metrics that standard distributors like Digi-Key often lack.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41#t=0) Introduction: Chris Gammell, Parts IO, and Contextual Electronics
- [2:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41#t=153) Part of the Podcast: AD5339 DAC and MAX7400 Filter Features
- [16:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41#t=969) Selecting Op-Amps: Offset Voltage, Noise, and Datasheet Lies
- [29:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41#t=1772) Design Pitfalls: Voltage Dividers and Keithley Source Meter Issues
- [34:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41#t=2073) Parts IO: Component Search, Risk Assessment, and Data Normalization
- [59:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41#t=3546) Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

## Topics

- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Parts IO (other)
- AD5339 (chip)
- MAX7400 (chip)
- Digi-Key (company)
- Fine Chips (other)
- SupplyFrame (company)
- Keithley (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [What's In A Name?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-08-07-whats-in-a-name) (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)
- [Two and a Half Orders of Magnitude](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-12-two-and-a-half-orders-of-magnitude) (The Amp Hour)
- [Supply Chain Woes And Wares - Nonplussed Neotechnic Nithing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-01-08-supply-chain-woes-and-wares-nonplussed-neotechnic-nithing) (The Amp Hour)
- [Loopback](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-11-06-loopback) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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