# The Spark Gap - Episode 42

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2015-10-21
- Length: 1h 07m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-42

## Summary

Chris Gammell, founder of parts.io, joins hosts Carl and Corey to discuss selecting the right operational amplifier for specific applications, using a 300mV DC signal and a 5nA current measurement as case studies. They also cover practical component choices like the LTC6903 programmable oscillator and the Microchip 24AA02 EEPROM with pre-burned MAC addresses. Gammell outlines parts.io's strategy to democratize access to Field Application Engineer (FAE) support by hiring an 'Internet Applications Engineer' and improving search algorithms to help small-scale designers.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42#t=0) Introduction: Simple Truce Sponsor Read
- [8:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42#t=500) Selecting Op-Amps: DC Voltage and Current Measurement Case Studies
- [24:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42#t=1449) The Challenge of Op-Amp Selection for Small Designers
- [33:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42#t=2017) Contextual Electronics and Using parts.io in Teaching
- [40:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42#t=2456) The Problem with Online Footprints and PCB Tools
- [44:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42#t=2653) Microcontroller Selection and Peripheral Complexity
- [57:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42#t=3464) parts.io Hiring an Internet Applications Engineer (IAE)
- [1:00:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42#t=3624) Search Engine Feedback and Community Engagement

## Topics

- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- parts.io (company)
- LTC6903 (chip)
- 24AA02 (chip)
- LMC662 (chip)
- STM32 (chip)
- CC2540 (chip)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [AD620, DesignSpark, Instrumentation Amplifier - The Rant Rhetorical](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-03-15-ad620-designspark-instrumentation-amplifier-the-rant-rhetorical) (The Amp Hour)
- [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)
- [Measuring Current with Matt Liberty](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-01-25-measuring-current-with-matt-liberty) (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)

## Citing this page

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