Summary In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the fascinating world of time modulation, discussing recent advancements in capacitor technology. They explore a new dielectric structure made from barium titanate and its potential impact on energy density and efficiency. The hosts also discuss the implications of new tariffs on semiconductors and other goods from China. Additionally, they touch on new developments from the Raspberry Pi Foundation and share updates on...

Summary: In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the hefty topic of U.S. funding for 'digital twin' chips research under the CHIPS Act, comparing its budget to other big expenditures like Boeing's Starliner and military budgets. They also discuss EDA tool pricing, breaking down costs from freeware to industry heavyweights, and the implications for small vs. large businesses. Additionally, Parker shares his personal project update on his first KiCad PCB. Key Discussion...

This week we delve into the major (Isn't there always one?) lawsuit against Apple for monopolizing the smartphone market. We explore the implications of Apple’s business practices on innovation, consumer choice, and market competition. The discussion also covers the ethical concerns around Apple's ecosystem exclusivity and how it affects users' perceptions of non-Apple products. Discussion Highlights:  Overview of the Justice Department's lawsuit against Apple for monopolizing smartphone...

This week we dive into the fascinating world of vintage tech repair, focusing on efforts to preserve General Motors' futuristic '80s digital displays. Hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig discuss the resilience and repair techniques of the Visual Information Center (VIC) screens, introduced in the late '80s. They also highlight MacroFab's new inventory management features that streamline the process for electronic components, ensuring efficient project management and system...

In this episode of Circuit Break, we wrap up the Food Device Design Derby. We celebrate the innovation and creativity of contest entries like the JavAqua, Pizza Pouch, and the winner, BarBuddy, a personal robotic bartender. Notable discussions include a look at podcast statistics, with an impressive 86% of listeners tuning in for entire episodes. We also introduced a new email notification system for podcast releases, moving from Tuesday to Friday releases, and encouraged listeners to engage...

Today, we're tackling a topic that's a gold mine for any designer: crucial features you might not have considered for your prototype. From debug headers to "Swapperoo" resistors and heartbeat indicator LEDs, we're covering it all. Tune in as we share insights, anecdotes, and maybe a few confessions from our own prototyping adventures. Plus, we dive into the importance of making your prototype testing-friendly and discuss a poll that could solve a common UART connection dilemma. This is...

This week, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Craig are joined by Kyle McLeod, the OE Project Manager, and Nicholas Lundgard, the OE Team Lead at MacroFab. They delve into recent software releases enhancing the ordering experience on the MacroFab platform, including ITAR compliance, improvements in design file uploads, and the introduction of customer-furnished material options. They discuss the importance of seamless user interactions for uploading PCBs, placing orders, and how MacroFab's...

This week, delve into the fascinating world of Batman's utility belt. We begin by tracing the evolution of this iconic accessory from its humble origins to its current complex design. The belt features a diverse array of gadgets, tools, and essentials utilized by the Dark Knight. Our discussion covers a wide range of items, from lockpicking tools to unique additions like crayons and lollipops. We examine the practicality and innovative engineering behind Batman's assortment of tools and...

We’re joined by Alexander Vartanov, an electrical engineering student with a knack for hands-on projects. He discusses his journey from early soldering mishaps to his behind-the-scenes role in creative YouTube projects. We delve into his experiences with rapid prototyping for YouTube, his favorite solder, and shopping for surplus aerospace materials. Additionally, we explore his unique projects, including transforming ordinary alarm clocks into machines that shred money or douse sleepers with...

Our hosts discuss Parker’s recent transition from Eagle to KiCad, facing challenges with library management and device layer integration. They discuss the new MacroFab Quote Wizard and our first entry to the MacroFab Food Device Design Derby Challenge! This leads to a discussion of comparing air fryers to convection ovens for fried food fun. The episode delves into adopting LibrePCB as an alternative EDA tool and the integration of Eagle into Fusion 360. Join us for an exploration of the...

Sergiy Nestorenko, founder of Quilter and former SpaceX engineer, discusses revolutionizing PCB design automation. He shares his journey from aerospace to starting Quilter, aiming to transform PCB design into a streamlined, AI-driven process. We delve into the technical hurdles, the fusion of engineering and advanced software, and the vision behind making circuit board design more efficient and intuitive. Sergiy also addresses the potential educational impacts and the future of hardware...

We dive into the intricate world of vintage computing with James Lewis, aka the Bald Engineer, who takes us through the journey of constructing a functional computer based on the Apple II GS's Mega II chip. He shares his nostalgic connection to the Apple II series, revered for its open design and pioneering hardware engineering. Our conversation spans the detailed architecture and challenges of his Mega IIe project, from initial concepts to the complexities of integrating modern...

Kent Johnson, Senior Corporate Advisor at the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation joins us this week to discuss the multifaceted role of religious diversity in the workplace.  Topics range from addressing challenges, fostering inclusivity, and integrating faith with mental health support. We discuss authentic expression and trust building, social media's impact, interfaith collaboration, and the intersection of religion and science. Join us for this exploration of how religious...

Parker and Stephen dive into the world of batteries, sparked by the BetaVolt BV100's claim of a 50-year lifespan. With discussions on its construction, potential applications, and recycling challenges, they unpack the implications of this revolutionary energy source. 🚨Contest Announcement 🚨: Introducing a new Circuit Break contest! This contest is themed around building food-related electronic projects. We’re offering over $5,000 in cash prizes, themed trophies, and free prototyping from...

Join Parker and Stephen as they delve into Japan's decision to phase out floppy disks and CD-ROMs for government submissions. From reminiscing about nostalgic tech quirks to analyzing the challenges and benefits of this transition, they explore the implications for industries and digital competitiveness. Discussing Japan's slow tech evolution, resistance to cloud systems, and the enduring use of floppy disks in various sectors, they ponder the future of outdated tech and its impact on global...

Discuss this episode. We welcome Chris Gammell, Developer Relations Lead at Golioth, to explore the exciting world of IoT (Internet of Things) and hardware. Chris brings his extensive engineering background to Golioth, a software company with a unique approach to IoT solutions. Join us as we delve into Golioth's distinct strengths in security, developer experience, scalability, reliability, and interoperability. Discover the future of IoT device provisioning and explore Chris's intriguing...

This week Parker and Stephen welcome Brenden Duncombe to the show to discuss the pros and cons of continuous integration and continuous delivery/deployment (aka CI/CD) for hardware. Continuous integration (CI) refers to the practice of automatically and frequently integrating code changes into a shared source code repository. Continuous delivery and/or deployment (CD) is a two-part process that refers to the integration, testing, and delivery of code changes. In theory, CI/CD helps...

Prepare to plug into the world of electrical engineering on Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast. Join two adventurous engineers, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig, as they dissect the latest tech innovations, break down industry news, navigate the challenges of DIY projects and engage in compelling conversations with industry experts. Their real-world practical experience fuels their infectious passion and serves as the driving force behind a show that delves into both theoretical concepts and...

This week Parker and Stephen welcome Joe Grand to the show to discuss insecure IoT devices. Inspired by a recent incident where Bosch wrenches were infected by ransomware called DRILLCRYPT, the guys asked Joe to join them to talk about how attackers could compromise the safety of the wrench and cause safety issues for users. Of course, this kind of breach could impact almost any company and its products, and so many topics were covered, including: “Actually, it’s Dr. Grand…”If you’re in...

This week Parker and Stephen welcome Kent Johnson to the show to discuss ethics in engineering. It’s a topic that has been alluded to over the course of Circuit Break, but this is the first time Parker and Stephen have delved into it with a real expert on the matter. Yes, most companies have standards and regulations and a moral code that guide them but, as Kent suggests, there are more ethical gray areas in the realm of engineering than we might realize. Topics covered here...

A recent Circuit Break Community thread about K-map design inspired a tangential conversation about how well certain subjects are taught in college. Parker and Stephen love a good tangent, thank you, and so they dug in by recalling their own experiences at school with excellent professors who clearly wanted electrical engineers to succeed, while other instructors and their teaching methods were challenging or else just downright bizarre. Other topics covered here include: How a terrible...

This week Parker and Stephen welcome James Lewis back to the show after a rather long absence! The occasion stems from James chiming in on a Circuit Break Community thread that Stephen started, asking all about component aging effects. Stephen posed questions like, “What happens to resistors over 5 years? How about 20 years? Are there rules of thumb or better yet, calculations for aging?” And helpful engineer that he is, James got in there and tried to provide some answers before agreeing to...

Not unlike Han Solo emerging from cryosleep, the annual MacroFab Star Wars Christmas Special is back! Parker and Stephen welcome Josh Rozier, Chris Kraft, and Hyr0n to Circuit Break for a wide-ranging discussion covering at least the following about the Star Wars universe: The Most Ingenious Pieces of Technology in Star WarsThe Most Underrated Characters Favorite (and Most Profound) Star Wars QuotesPersonal picks for cool lightsaber functionsDo Star Wars ships and vehicles ever need...

Parker and Stephen discuss a recent news story about how car manufacturers are increasing their focus on Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) which are cars that use more software instead of physical components to control vehicle functions. This prompted a comparison between SDVs and Drive-by-Wire or DbW technology in the automotive industry, which is the use of electronic or electro-mechanical systems in place of mechanical linkages that control driving functions, how DbW relates to Fly-by-Wire...