# The Spark Gap - Episode 44

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2015-12-25
- Length: 1h 04m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-44

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey discuss a grab bag of embedded electronics topics, starting with their new remote recording setup using Shure and MXL microphones. They review the TI ADS1263 32-bit ADC and the Lattice iCE40 FPGA ecosystem, highlighting the open-source Project Ice Storm toolchain. The hosts then critique the Raspberry Pi Zero's limited I/O and the safety issues surrounding lithium-ion batteries in 'hoverboards', before Corey airs a grievance about poor PCB differential pair routing practices.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44#t=0) Introduction and Remote Recording Setup
- [9:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44#t=552) TI ADS1263 32-bit ADC Review
- [19:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44#t=1154) Lattice iCE40 FPGAs and Project Ice Storm
- [29:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44#t=1776) Raspberry Pi Zero Critique
- [43:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44#t=2608) Hoverboard Battery Safety Issues
- [47:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44#t=2835) PCB Differential Pair Routing Grievances
- [1:00:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44#t=3658) Hackaday Supercon and DesignCon Recap

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- ADS1263 (chip)
- Lattice Semiconductor (company)
- iCE40 (chip)
- Project Ice Storm (tool)
- Raspberry Pi Zero (product)
- Shure Beta 87A (tool)
- MXL Studio 24 (tool)
- Catboard (product)
- Eric Bogatin (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Chairs, Sparks and Devices - Optional Olent Obreption](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-04-01-chairs-sparks-and-devices-optional-olent-obreption) (The Amp Hour)
- [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)
- [The Automation Amish](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-07-10-the-automation-amish) (The Amp Hour)
- [523: Bad Experience With Donuts](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-04-02-523-bad-experience-with-donuts) (Embedded.fm)
- [31: If You See a Dongle Run Away](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-12-19-31-if-you-see-a-dongle-run-away) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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