Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast

MEP EP#331: The PCB PlagueNeutrik EtherCON Ruggedized RJ45

Lockable RJ45 cable within an XLR style housing
Also come in a sealed version that offers IP65 rating

Interesting PCB failures

“The Plague”
Black Pad
Very poor to no solderability

Effect of Moon Phase on Tombstoning

Many factors play a role in the overall outcome of PCB assembly, especially when very small components are involved. Broadly speaking, tombstoning is a problem with very small 2-pin components (0201 caps and such) and we've filtered out the following challenges:
- proper paste application
- component placement
- designing for "good" thermal properties of the PCB with regard to tombstoning
- moon phase

Stretching Stainless Stencils? Oddity Today

Interesting manufacturing defect surfacing
Stencil “stretches” ever couple panels or so
Anyone ever seen or experienced this before?
Solutions? Next Steps?

Project: SNACKEY

Hacking a USI/Vendnet/FSI 3159
Theory of how a snack machine works
Interesting Parts

UCN5890A
UCN5842A
SC529136CFN2
M48T18-100PC1

What I am doing to hack it

Motor control

High/Low side transistors
Might change this to mosfets to reduce voltage drop

Arduino all the things
Current sensing

INA219 High side sensing

Show Notes

MEP EP#331: The PCB Plague

Neutrik EtherCON Ruggedized RJ45

  • Lockable RJ45 cable within an XLR style housing
  • Also come in a sealed version that offers IP65 rating

Interesting PCB failures

Effect of Moon Phase on Tombstoning

  • Many factors play a role in the overall outcome of PCB assembly, especially when very small components are involved. Broadly speaking, tombstoning is a problem with very small 2-pin components (0201 caps and such) and we've filtered out the following challenges:
  • - proper paste application
  • - component placement
  • - designing for "good" thermal properties of the PCB with regard to tombstoning
  • - moon phase

Stretching Stainless Stencils? Oddity Today

  • Interesting manufacturing defect surfacing
  • Stencil “stretches” ever couple panels or so
  • Anyone ever seen or experienced this before?
  • Solutions? Next Steps?

Project: SNACKEY

  • Hacking a USI/Vendnet/FSI 3159
  • Theory of how a snack machine works
  • Interesting Parts
    • UCN5890A
    • UCN5842A
    • SC529136CFN2
    • M48T18-100PC1
  • What I am doing to hack it
    • Motor control
      • High/Low side transistors
      • Might change this to mosfets to reduce voltage drop
    • Arduino all the things
    • Current sensing
      • INA219 High side sensing

Creators & Guests

Host
Parker Dillmann
A Founder @MacroFab.Builds Electronics, Cars, & Jeeps.
Host
Stephen Kraig
EE
Producer
Chris Martin

What is 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.

Presented by MacroFab, a leader in electronics manufacturing services, Circuit Break connects listeners directly to the forefront of PCB design, assembly, and innovation. MacroFab's platform exemplifies the seamless integration of design and manufacturing, catering to a broad audience from hobbyists to professionals.

About the hosts: Parker, an expert in Embedded System Design and DSP, and Stephen, an aficionado of audio electronics and brewing tech, bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the show. Their backgrounds in engineering and hands-on projects make each episode a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and practical advice.

Join the conversation and community at our online engineering forum, where we delve deeper into each episode's content, gather your feedback, and explore the topics you're curious about. Subscribe to Circuit Break on your favorite podcast platform and become part of our journey through the fascinating world of electrical engineering.