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...
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episode 15: EP#15: Ridiculously Blinking LED
Hosts:
Parker Dillmann
Stephen Kraig
Guests:
N/A
Figure 1: SSPS front panel test layout. Miniature version of the real front panel to test physical placement and new parts. Figure 2: Two TPS65982-EVM booster packs. One is powering the other over USB Type-C. Parker was able to pull 20V @ 3.2A before his Re:load Pro overheated.
Podcast Notes
- Stephen is now almost done with the FX Development Board's final layout and enclosure design. He is also working on a new version of his drop in replacement for opamps that will use a dual stacked PCB.
- Parker finished the test panel for the SSPS. See Figure 1. Has all the critical spacing and parts on the board for testing. Parker wants to make sure everything fits before running the full sized version.
- A listener recommended we change the name to the Super Sophisticated Power Supply. Stephen thinks the Super Superfluous Power Supply sounds awesome.
- The TPS65982-EVMs are working great. Parker is doing loads of research into USB Type-C. He is currently waiting to hear back from Texas Instruments on getting a "USB2MANY" adapter board. Which is mentioned in the TPS6598x Utilities Tool User Guide. See Figure 2. Parker is using his Re:load Pro to test power transfer.
- Parker and Stephen want to build a cheap data logger for just voltage and current. These devices exist but it will be a good practice in cost reduction and layout design.
- Fairchild makes a $16 "flexible and compact solution for a blinking or breathing LED indicator". Part number FAN5646S701X. Parker and Stephen think its a bit ridiculous to have a part this expensive and all it does it blink a LED in a fancy way.
- Octavo Systems has introduced a new "System-in-Package" which is basically multiple ICs into a single package. The OSD3358-512M-BAS is basically a Beagle Bone Black in one IC package. With this new IC Jason Kridner is working on the PocketBone which is a 2-Layer PCB that is only 2.17" by 1.38" that is a full fledge 1GHz Linux computer.
Special thanks to whixr over at Tymkrs for the intro and outro theme!