MEP EP#285: Let The Robots Do It

• Finally real engineering… follow up
  • What is the most computational intensive work you have had to do on the job?
    • Mixed Integer Non Linear Optimization problem
      • Apopt solver
      • Pyomo
    • SK -2d polynomial matrix...thing
  • Email from a listener!
    • Our “assessment that it is uncommon for engineers to need this is quite biased since both of you work in manufacturing”
    • Clarification of point
    • Most of Stephen's time has been split manufacturing and design
    • Theory classes do reinforce your “gut check” and “rules of thumbs”
• Python SCPI Test Development
  • Recap of Saturday
  • Stephen’s Bias Test Board
  • Issue with devices resetting/losing communication
• Bias test board
  • Finding the right A/D kind of sucks
    • It is never just resolution
    • Lots of variables to juggle
      • Resolution
      • Speed
      • Cost
      • Accuracy
      • Package
      • Features
      • Not so features
      • PGA
      • Digital filtering
  • Caddock 1776-C681 resistive divider
    • 0.05% tolerance
    • Convenient 1/n division
    • 0 to 1000V down to 0 to 1V
  • Settled on ADS1256IDBTG4
    • All the bells and whistles
  • Opamp constant current driver to push 1mA
    • Resistance range = 100R to 2.2k so 100mV to 2.2V
• Joe biden and right to repair
  • July 9 executive order includes wording for right to repair
    • To address persistent and recurrent practices that inhibit competition, the Chair of the FTC, in the Chair’s discretion, is also encouraged to consider working with the rest of the Commission to exercise the FTC’s statutory rulemaking authority, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, in areas such as
    • Unfair anticompetitive restrictions on third-party repair or self-repair of items, such as the restrictions imposed by powerful manufacturers that prevent farmers from repairing their own equipment
  • Federal trade commission released “Nixing the Fix” May 2021