Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast

Dive into the electrifying world of electrical engineering with Circuit Break, a MacroFab podcast hosted by Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig. This dynamic duo, armed with practical experience and a palpable passion for tech, explores the latest innovations, industry news, and practical challenges in the field. From DIY project hurdles to deep dives with industry experts, Parker and Stephen's real-world insights provide an engaging learning experience that bridges theory and practice for engineers at any stage of their career. Whether you're a student eager to grasp what the job market seeks, or an engineer keen to stay ahead in the fast-paced tech world, Circuit Break is your go-to. The hosts, alongside a vibrant community of engineers, makers, and leaders, dissect product evolutions, demystify the journey of tech from lab to market, and reverse engineer the processes behind groundbreaking advancements. Their candid discussions not only enlighten but also inspire listeners to explore the limitless possibilities within electrical engineering...

https://www.macrofab.com/podcasts/

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episode 393: EP#393: Recyclable PCBs, EOL Design, Cold Cuts


Parker and Stephen discuss Infineon’s use of recyclable PCBs from Jiva Materials to create a soluboard, a recyclable and biodegradable PCB substrate, and its ecological and efficiency implications, an examination of the new Arduino Uno, which replaces the ATMEGA328P with two new models, Minima and Wifi, plus a CNC update and an extended meditation on saw blades and what they can and cannot actually cut.


More on these topics:


Infineon uses recyclable PCBs from Jiva Materials

  • The fibers are natural and have a lower impact than traditional glass based fibers.
    • 7.1kg and the carbon footprint of one square meter of standard FR-4 PCB is estimated to be 17.7kg.
    • Does anyone really know what “carbon footprint” means?
  • The non-toxic polymer that binds the fibers dissolves when immersed in hot water, leaving only compostable organic material. The polymer in the water can be disposed of in normal waste water.
    • 7.1kg and the carbon footprint of one square meter of standard FR-4 PCB is estimated to be 17.7kg.
    • A 60% waste reduction
    • Electronic devices can last FOREVER
    • Bad reviews vs. pollution vs. boiling the boards vs. useless promo items

Jiva Materials

  • Compatibility with current PCB Assembly processes 
  • Repair, don’t replace!
  • Hoping for some Jiva experimentation 
  • Board Mould
  • Mmmm, PCB soup…
  • Making puzzle badges but also, BOIL YOUR BADGE
  • But is the PCB Spaceworthy?

New Arduino Uno:

  • The ATMEGA328P is no more! Replaced with a 32-bit ARM Cortex M4.
  • Comes in two flavors:
    • Minima which looks to just be the MCU and supporting hardware.
    • WiFi which has 2.4Ghz capabilities and a LED Matrix?
  • The Minima has a proper SWD debug connector where the WiFi version does not?
  • Gripes with Arduino
  • Super crisp silkscreening 
  • USB and HID Support 
  • Raspberry Pie has bit the bullet

Once Year Since the CNC Project Began: An Update

  • We are cutting!
  • Getting garbage plywood and the state of Baltic Birch
  • Building the interior of the box truck
  • Always find a local source
  • Using the wrong blade can feel so right
  • SAW (blades)
  • Metal and wood and cold cuts
  • WARNING: PODCAST DANGER ZONE AHEAD

Good links:

  • Infineon uses recyclable PCBs from Jiva Materials
  • Jiva Materials 
  • New Arduino Uno
  • MEP EP#352: CNC Crafting


Thank you for listening to the MacroFab Engineering Podcast!  We’d love to hear what you think of the show so please tweet at us @MacroFab and join our slack channel at Macrofab dot com / slack or email us at podcast@macrofab.com. 



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 September 1, 2023  59m