# The Spark Gap - Episode 51

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2017-04-12
- Length: 1h 13m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2017-04-12-the-spark-gap-episode-51
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-51

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey discuss protecting circuit boards from external damage, covering ESD, reverse polarity, and overcurrent scenarios. They highlight specific components like the Triad Semiconductor TS3633 for VR tracking and the Maxim Integrated DS2401 for serial numbers. The hosts explain design strategies including TVS diodes, current-limiting switches, and isolated power domains to safeguard microcontrollers and FPGAs from user error or faulty peripherals.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2017-04-12-the-spark-gap-episode-51#t=0) Introduction: Hackaday Prize and Texas Instruments Training
- [8:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2017-04-12-the-spark-gap-episode-51#t=516) Chip Feature: Triad Semiconductor TS3633
- [16:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2017-04-12-the-spark-gap-episode-51#t=977) Chip Feature: Maxim Integrated DS2401
- [19:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2017-04-12-the-spark-gap-episode-51#t=1185) ESD Protection: Enclosures and TVS Diodes
- [35:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2017-04-12-the-spark-gap-episode-51#t=2133) Overcurrent Protection: Fuses and Current Limiting Switches
- [47:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2017-04-12-the-spark-gap-episode-51#t=2833) Reverse Voltage and Ground Bias: Isolation Strategies
- [58:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2017-04-12-the-spark-gap-episode-51#t=3520) Signal Integrity: Redrivers and Opto-isolators

## Topics

- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Triad Semiconductor (company)
- TS3633 (chip)
- Maxim Integrated (company)
- DS2401 (chip)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- National Instruments (company)
- Virtual Bench (tool)
- Linear Technology (company)
- Analog Devices (company)
- Raspberry Pi (product)
- ST (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Assembly Chat](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-10-11-assembly-chat) (The Amp Hour)
- [Bubblegum Tap Shoes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-23-bubblegum-tap-shoes) (The Amp Hour)
- [Thermions Aren't A Thing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-11-09-thermions-arent-a-thing) (The Amp Hour)
- [Vertically Integrated Design Engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-08-05-vertically-integrated-design-engineering) (The Amp Hour)
- [Our First Call In Show](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-11-06-our-first-call-in-show) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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