# The Spark Gap - Episode 47

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2016-04-27
- Length: 1h 23m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-47

## Summary

Speakers Carl and Corey discuss the ST L9779WD multifunction IC for engine management, highlighting its BCD 6S process technology and Micro2nd Channel interface, alongside the Texas Instruments TSU6111A USB/UART mux chip for firmware update workflows. They then analyze thermal management in embedded design, explaining how temperature coefficients (tempco) affect component behavior, leading to issues like BJT thermal runaway and crystal drift. The hosts cover prevention strategies like using switching regulators, detection methods using thermistors and digital sensors, and cooling solutions ranging from PCB copper pours and heat sinks to active fans and liquid cooling.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47#t=0) Introduction and ST L9779WD Engine Management IC
- [15:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47#t=943) Texas Instruments TSU6111A USB/UART Mux Chip
- [21:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47#t=1309) Thermal Problems: Junction Temperature and Component Failure
- [27:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47#t=1671) Temperature Coefficients (Tempco) and Circuit Drift
- [43:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47#t=2586) Preventing Heat: Efficient Power Supplies and Low Power States
- [51:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47#t=3071) Temperature Detection: Thermistors, Diodes, and Digital Sensors
- [1:01:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47#t=3702) Passive Cooling: PCB Copper, Thermal Vias, and Heat Sinks
- [1:10:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47#t=4216) Active Cooling: Fans, Liquid Cooling, and Testing Strategies

## Topics

- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- ST (company)
- L9779WD (chip)
- Infineon (company)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- TSU6111A (chip)
- Maxim Integrated (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Thermions Aren't A Thing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-11-09-thermions-arent-a-thing) (The Amp Hour)
- [216: Bavarian Folk Metal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-22-216-bavarian-folk-metal) (Embedded.fm)
- [Ep 131: Have a Heart, Transputer Pi, Just the Wing, and a Flipped Cable Fries Radio](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-08-13-ep-131-have-a-heart-transputer-pi-just-the-wing-and-a-flipped-cable-fries-radio) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Downward Sloping Trace](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-03-31-downward-sloping-trace) (The Amp Hour)
- [Radiation Chips & Old Package Types - Technocratic Toilet Troubleshooting](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-11-08-radiation-chips-old-package-types-technocratic-toilet-troubleshooting) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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