# The Spark Gap - Episode 52

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2018-01-01
- Length: 1h 32m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-01-the-spark-gap-episode-52
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-52

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the strategic transition from using development kits to custom hardware designs. They analyze the risks of supply chain dependency, the importance of selecting dev kits based on final product requirements rather than convenience, and the software implications of hardware abstraction layers. The conversation also covers practical advice for first-time PCB designers, including managing power supplies and simplifying assembly processes.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-01-the-spark-gap-episode-52#t=0) Introduction and Personal Updates
- [4:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-01-the-spark-gap-episode-52#t=261) Corey's Discrete Logic Scoreboard Project
- [16:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-01-the-spark-gap-episode-52#t=1014) RISC-V and the SiFive Freedom E310
- [28:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-01-the-spark-gap-episode-52#t=1704) Transitioning from Dev Kits to Custom Hardware
- [31:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-01-the-spark-gap-episode-52#t=1886) Supply Chain Risks and Branding
- [39:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-01-the-spark-gap-episode-52#t=2378) Selecting Dev Kits and Software Strategies
- [1:06:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-01-the-spark-gap-episode-52#t=3975) Power Supply Design and PCB Assembly Advice

## Topics

- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- SiFive (company)
- Freedom E310 (product)
- RISC-V (other)
- Digi-Key (company)
- TI (company)
- CD4026B (chip)
- Arduino (product)
- High Five (product)
- Raspberry Pi (company)
- STM (company)
- Nucleo (product)
- SparkFun (company)
- FreeRTOS (other)
- Zephyr (other)
- ChibiOS (other)
- STM32 (product)
- NXP (company)
- Espressif (company)
- Arduino IDE (tool)
- OpenOCD (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Vertically Integrated Design Engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-08-05-vertically-integrated-design-engineering) (The Amp Hour)
- [Secret Squirrel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-10-02-secret-squirrel) (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)
- [Adafruit, Chip heist, Hackerspaces - The Kit Conniption](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-04-26-adafruit-chip-heist-hackerspaces-the-kit-conniption) (The Amp Hour)
- [Shifting Away From DIY - Pedetentious PnP Progress](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-05-28-shifting-away-from-diy-pedetentious-pnp-progress) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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