The Amp Hour Electronics Podcast

In this conversation with Matt Venn, a key figure behind the Zero to Asic Course and Tiny Tapeout, the duo dives into innovative chip design and manufacturing techniques. They discuss the evolution of analog ASIC design and the newfound accessibility through projects like Tiny Tapeout. Matt highlights exciting developments, including a workshop at SuperCon 2024 and an upcoming course focused on analog design. The discussion also touches on the economics of chip production and the importance of collaboration in the semiconductor landscape.

Sideshow Bob (simpsons) HERIC Inverter Review Fraunhofer HERIC inverter Dave’s video about the CH32V003 Charles episode Altium is increasing the price of their product (by 2x??) HITECH compiler from Microchip Newfound Warp13 Webrings, Blog roll, StumbleUpon Dontronics amazing site

James Lewis, an expert in engineering careers, shares his insights into diverse pathways in the engineering field. He discusses personal anecdotes about navigating early careers in semiconductor manufacturing and transitions from oil and gas to audio electronics. The importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and aligning career choices with personal passions is emphasized. Humor also flows as they explore nostalgic engineering stories and the unexpected challenges of early jobs, including amusing language hurdles and the rising value of social media skills.

Petr Dvorak, a freelance PCB designer, discusses KiCad, git tools, transitioning to freelancing, and electron microscope advancements. He shares insights on client types, freelance regulations, and the importance of showcasing work. Petr's journey to freelancing, learning curves, and skill repetition are highlighted, along with tips on gaining clients through LinkedIn and building expertise in electronics.

Mistakes in house repair for partners Architectural Lighting Power quality Repairing a $4500 DAC Invisible computers Cal Newport on AI AI shortform USB C Spec Tester “50.0000 ohms” HDMI Layout guide (ADI) Bit Error Rate My voice is my passport Fake Dave Hackers War Games Captain Crunch no longer welcome at DEF CON Wifi (WLAN) Location API Polar Semi gets CHIPS act money

Welcome back, CNLohr! CNLohr was on the last episode talking about the CH32V003 part and the CH32V003fun library Charlieplexed errings Fast iteration Lohr-a…LoRa…get it? LoRa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIdHBDSQHyw Started in January 2024 with discussions with mustardtiger / Frank Charles had done Wifi long range before Also FM from ATTINY85 Ethernet + AM Radio signals without radios USB Harmonics LolRa Upchirps / downchirps 903.825 – 903.975 mhz Michael Ossmann talk LoRa doesn’t do code matching JP Norair talking about LoRaWAN / DASH7 Tool / emulator for the airwaves 3 lines of the repo Tool to create tables There are two 2 lookup tables (up and downchirps) Table is different for differnet spreading factors and base frequencies Andreas Spiess LoRa/LoRaWAN distance attempts Spreading Factor — can’t past SF10 on this setup for unknown reason AirSpy Matt Knight LoRaWAN — protocol vs network The Things Network / Helium Activation by personalization Nesting dolls of encryption New parts CH32V002 (also, -005, -006. -007) Charles is excited about the op amp on the CH32V006 that has 64 MHz GBW CH32V203 – 144 MHz – $0.24, has usb xcvr CH32X035 is self clocking – best low cost option for USB All are supported in library now Community – CNLohr discord Porting examples for the parts using the technical reference manual MNIST database – handwriting recognition system Announcement post on CNX about the new parts It’s possible to hook up parts directly through the 1 pin SWIO, so you can hot-load firmware Writing code onto a “scratch pad” Want to see more CNLohr experiements online? Youtube.com/cnlohr discord: cnlohr reach out for invite Github

Expert inventor and YouTuber Colin Furze joins the show to discuss topics like Boeing's manufacturing issues, EV vs ICE vehicles, virtual power plants, TSMC challenges in the US, and energy-efficient semiconductor processes.

Uri and Robert Nelson discuss analog cochlear detectors, Voyager I, sustaining engineering, Bobiverse books, Chandra telescope, Embedded World, Z80 processor, Rabbit instruction set, Bluetooth technology, Sigrok, Zephyr LLEXT, and trade show dynamics

Chris will be at Embedded World 24 next week Bluetooth standard messages like HT, HR Early bluetooth devices (were terrible) WiBree (?) Sequans deal with Renesas fell apart There was a Sequans modem on the PyCom FiPy The low power ISM network Chris couldn’t remember was SigFox Synopsis acquired Ansys (back in January) Here comes the flood of Plugin Hybrids Dave’s sick car – 2010 Nissan dualis – Second channel New Espressif ESP32-P4 is getting ready to release Bitluni makes custom silicon (spoilers!) Past guest Pete Bevelaqua has a new Kickstarter where he’s passing power through a window (up to 30 mm thick) Top 10 Hobby Components (PartsBox) – submitted by former guest Jan Rychter Top 5 transistor video New BealgleBoard.org board isn’t in the BeagleBone form factor

Joining the podcast is Carl Bugeja, founder of Microbots, delving into PCB motors, soldering circuits, Flex PCB temperatures, driving circuits, and manufacturing challenges. The discussion covers actuation on a PCB, robotics projects, driver evaluations, Boston Dynamics references, remote electronics businesses, and the intricacies of PCB design and manufacturing processes. Exploring the balance between aesthetics and functionality, user testing, and the future of robotics applications.