Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast MacroFab, Inc.

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 Points:
Introduction to the topic of U.S. funding for 'digital twin' chips research and its comparison to other large expenditures.Overview of the CHIPS Act, its budget, and its place in the broader U.S. budget context.Discussion on the price and subscription models of various EDA tools, from entry-level to high-end industry standards.Analysis of the impact of EDA tool pricing on small businesses versus large corporations.Parker's personal project update: success with his first KiCad PCB.The hosts reflect on the social dynamics of Twitter and its impact on public discourse and political polarization.Discussion about the complexities of U.S. political funding and its transparency.Comparison of software subscription models and their financial implications for users.Reflections on the interaction between engineering, politics, and social media.Relevant Links:
Prevent Prototype Delays: Your Essential PCBA Pre-Order ChecklistUS plans $285 million in funding for ‘digital twin’ chips researchCommunity Questions:
What are your thoughts on the use of 'digital twin' technology in chip manufacturing?How do you think the costs associated with EDA tools affect startups and small businesses?Do you have any personal experiences with the challenges of using subscription-based vs. perpetual license software?MacroFab:
This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing, and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.
We Want to Hear From You!
Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

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 markets, focusing on exclusionary practices that hinder competition.Examination of how Apple's ecosystem locks in users, making it difficult to switch to competitor products like Android.Discussion on the ethical considerations of business practices that degrade competitor's product functionality.Reflections on personal and societal impacts of technology choices, including the social implications of being labeled by the type of device one uses.Relevant Links:
Justice Department Sues Apple: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-apple-monopolizing-smartphone-marketsC-NET Article on Apple Lawsuit: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/the-us-lawsuit-against-apple-raises-questions-about-iphone-and-androids-future/YouTube - Merrick B. Garland Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQk-EhuQdLg&t=278s&ab_channel=C-SPANCommunity Questions:
How do Apple’s business practices affect your choice of technology and perception of non-Apple products?Do you think Apple’s ecosystem exclusivity is just good business, or does it cross ethical boundaries?Have you experienced or noticed any social implications based on the type of mobile device you or others use?MacroFab:
This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

We Want to Hear From You!
Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

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 updates.
Discussion Highlights: 
Launch of MacroFab's enhanced inventory management system, improving component tracking and project management.The survival and repair techniques of GM's '80s digital displays, highlighting the challenges and techniques involved in maintaining legacy technology.Discussion on designing long-lasting electronic components and the importance of planning for product lifecycle and reliability.Exploring the impact of technology on product longevity and the potential of modern tools to extend the life of electronic devices.Relevant links:
MacroFab Inventory Management Update: https://www.macrofab.com/blog/inventory-features-streamline-management/Article on GM’s Futuristic '80s Digital Displays: https://www.theautopian.com/gms-futuristic-80s-digital-displays-are-dying-but-this-man-is-fighting-to-keep-them-alive/Community Questions:
How do you approach maintaining or repairing older technological devices to extend their lifespan?What are your thoughts on balancing modern design with the need for longevity in electronics?Have you worked on any projects that involve updating or maintaining older technology? Share your experiences!MacroFab:
This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

We Want to Hear From You!
Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

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 with reviews. There is also a brief discussion about if PCB assembly drawings are still relevant.
Discussion Highlights:
Introduction of "Breakers" as a nickname for the podcast listeners.Discussion of the podcast's high listener engagement stats.Introduction of an email notification system for new podcast episodes.Results and highlights from the Food Device Design DerbyThird place: Pizza PouchSecond place: JavAquaFirst place: BarBuddyCircuit Break Favorite: h0t_d0gThe importance and challenges of creating accurate assembly and fabrication drawings for PCBs and PCAs.Discussion on potential improvements in EDA tools for automating assembly and fabrication drawings.Relevant Links:
h0t_d0g Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-challenge-h0t-d0g/218JavAqua Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-design-derby-challenge-javaqua/225Pizza Pouch Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-challenge-pizza-pouch-the-keeper-for-your-to-go-pizza/224BarBuddy Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/food-device-challenge-barbuddy/216PocketFryer Contest Page: https://circuit-break.macrofab.com/t/fdd-challenge-pocketfryer/196Community Questions:
What new innovations or devices would you like to see in future contests?Have you ever had a DIY project that you turned into a functional everyday tool? Tell us about it!What are your thoughts on the need for more automation in EDA tools for producing assembly and fabrication drawings?

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 episode 426 – your prototype's new best friend!

Discussion Highlights: 
Debug Headers: Taking inspiration from James Lewis’s Apple Mega 2 project, we discuss the importance of embedding debug headers directly onto the PCB. We also highlight the Tag Connect's footprint as a space-saving, connector-free debugging interface. Test Pads for Production Testing: Crucial for measuring signals ensuring that potential circuit issues are not overlooked. This measure is crucial for validating the prototype’s performance. Jumper Headers in Series on Power Rails: This method allows for the quick disconnection of subsystems for individual testing, enhancing the diagnostic process without the need for circuit alterations.Easy ways to hook up test equipment: By integrating connectors and test points specifically designed for easy attachment of debugging and testing tools, such as multimeters or oscilloscopes, engineers can streamline the troubleshooting process. Signal Integrity Testing Points: To monitor and adjust signal quality proactively, supporting the prototype’s overall integrity.Thermal Management: Managing component temperatures is a critical aspect often overlooked in the early stages of prototyping. The discussion includes practical strategies for thermal management, even in challenging environments like aerospace.Prioritizing Function Over Form: Make the prototype whatever shape it needs to be to be accessible for testing and debugging, even if it means starting with a larger form factor.Early Inclusion of Fiducials and Mounting Holes: The significance of adding fiducials and mechanical mounting holes at the onset of the design process aids in component placement, assembly, and effective heat dissipation.Adding Pass-Through Holes: For unforeseen modifications or component additions post-design, showcasing the flexibility this can provide to a prototype.Poll Discussion: When connecting two chips, each with their own TX and RX lines, should TX be connected to TX, or does TX connect to RX? Relevant links:
EP#420: The Mega IIe: A Vintage Computing Adventure with James LewisMacroFab:
This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

We Want to Hear From You!
Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.

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 platform facilitates these processes. The episode provides insights into MacroFab's efforts to make PCB manufacturing more accessible and efficient for their customers.
Discussion Highlights:
Introduction of ITAR compliance and its significance for MacroFab's platform and users.Enhancements in PCB design file uploads, including support for additional file types and improved user interface.The role and benefits of customer-furnished material options in the ordering process.Discussions on intelligent overage logic for parts ordering and the impact on manufacturing efficiency.The introduction of completed board photo updates for quality assurance and customer verification.Preview of upcoming features and improvements, focusing on user interface enhancements, bomb management tools, and expanded quoting capabilities.Relevant Links:
MacroFab Platform UpdateCommunity Questions:
Have you used MacroFab's platform for your PCB manufacturing needs? Share your experiences and any features you'd love to see in the future.What challenges have you faced in PCB design and ordering, and how do you think platforms like MacroFab can solve them?How important is ITAR compliance for your projects, and what has been your experience dealing with ITAR-compliant manufacturers?What features would you like to see added to the MacroFab platform to improve your experience?About MacroFab:
This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements. 

We Want to Hear From You! 
Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online Discourse discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.