The hottest Electronics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

How Batteries Are Making the Electrical Grid More Reliable

Construction Physics • 18999 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
đź•ą Technology Energy Electronics Sustainability Renewables Infrastructure
  1. Batteries help keep the electrical grid stable by balancing the supply and demand of electricity. They can quickly charge and discharge, making it easier to match electricity use with what power plants produce.
  2. The use of batteries in places like California and Texas has grown a lot, making them a key part of the power grid. They help prevent outages and reduce electricity costs by storing cheap energy for when it's needed later.
  3. Batteries can also improve grid reliability by providing fast response to sudden changes in power demand. This is done using advanced technology that allows them to stabilize electricity flow without relying on traditional power plants.

But good sir, what is electricity?

lcamtuf’s thing • 18977 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🔬 Science Electricity Physics Chemistry Electronics Materials
  1. Electricity is about how electrons interact with atoms. Electrons can move from one place to another, creating electric current in conductive materials like metals.
  2. Conductors, like metals, allow electrons to flow freely, while insulators hold onto their electrons tightly. This difference determines how well materials conduct electricity.
  3. The movement of electrons in a wire is what allows us to use electricity for various tasks. It can be quick, but individual electrons move slowly compared to the speed at which electrical signals travel.

Deep dive in hybrid battery packs

Intercalation Station • 159 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
đź•ą Technology Batteries Energy Electronics Automotive Innovation
  1. Hybrid battery packs mix different battery chemistries to improve performance. This allows for better energy management and potentially raises the accuracy of state-of-charge readings.
  2. These new packs can perform better in low temperatures and support faster charging. By combining different cell types, they can work more efficiently across different conditions.
  3. While hybrid batteries have advantages, they can also be more expensive and heavier. This extra cost might make them less appealing for some applications, though prices for certain battery types are dropping.

PCBs, ground planes, and you

lcamtuf’s thing • 7142 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Electronics Circuit Design Hobbies
  1. Copper pours on PCBs help improve signal quality by providing better pathways for electrical currents. They make it easier for circuits to work well at high speeds.
  2. These copper areas also help reduce radio frequency interference to meet certain regulations. This is important for keeping devices running smoothly and within legal limits.
  3. While using copper pours can make PCB design easier, it's essential to be careful. Poorly executed layouts can create problems, especially in high-speed projects.

How We Got the Lithium-Ion Battery

Construction Physics • 49690 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
đź•ą Technology Energy Storage Battery technology Research & Development Electronics
  1. The lithium-ion battery is key to many modern technologies like smartphones and electric vehicles. Its high energy density and rechargeable nature make it very useful.
  2. The battery's development took many years and involved multiple researchers from around the world. Many discoveries were made by chance, not through a clear, straight path.
  3. Advancements have made lithium-ion batteries much cheaper and more efficient over time. Innovations in materials and manufacturing have helped lower costs and boost production.
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Working with OLEDs: SSD1353 & SSD1333

lcamtuf’s thing • 1836 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Microcontrollers Programming Electronics Game design
  1. OLED displays are generally better for microcontroller projects than traditional LCDs. They are easier to use and deliver better performance and visuals.
  2. For projects with limited RAM or CPU, smaller OLED displays like the SSD1353 and SSD1333 can be effective. They are simple to set up with basic connections.
  3. Setting up these OLED displays involves a few key commands and configurations, making it manageable even for beginners. Once connected, getting them to display graphics is straightforward.

Apple Mobile Processors Are Now Made in the USA. By TSMC

Tim Culpan’s Position • 880 HN points • 17 Sep 24
đź•ą Technology Semiconductors Manufacturing Electronics Innovation Supply Chain
  1. TSMC is now making Apple's mobile processors in Arizona, marking a big shift for tech manufacturing in the U.S.
  2. The A16 chip, which was first used in the iPhone 14 Pro, will be the first product produced at this new facility.
  3. This move shows Apple and TSMC's commitment to making advanced chips domestically, which is a key part of the U.S. government's efforts to boost local tech production.

Choosing an op-amp for your project

lcamtuf’s thing • 4081 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Electronics Engineering Circuit Design Hardware Signal Processing
  1. When selecting op-amps for projects, avoid using older models like LM741 and LM324, as modern options perform much better and are easier to use.
  2. Look for op-amps with rail-to-rail input and output capabilities, which allow for better voltage range handling and simplify your circuit design.
  3. Focus on key parameters like bandwidth, output current, and noise specifications, but remember that many modern op-amps have decent performance that meets the needs of most hobby projects.

Weekend projects: Sketchy Sketch

lcamtuf’s thing • 3060 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Electronics Hardware Programming DIY Projects Software
  1. A new version of the Etch-A-Sketch toy, called Sketchy Sketch, was created to be more user-friendly and modern. It uses digital controls for drawing and animating, unlike the old mechanical version.
  2. The Sketchy Sketch is built using a microcontroller and a display, allowing kids to create pixel art easily. It has a simple menu system and saves multiple images.
  3. The project shows that it's fun and rewarding to build something from scratch. The creator shares the parts and code online, encouraging others to try similar projects.

Against the hydraulic analogy

lcamtuf’s thing • 4081 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Education Engineering Analogies Learning
  1. The hydraulic analogy, which compares electrical circuits to water systems, is often misleading. It can create confusion, especially when learning complex components like semiconductors.
  2. While analogies can aid in understanding, they need to remain accurate as you learn more advanced concepts. The hydraulic analogy can break down and lead to misunderstandings.
  3. When students encounter flaws in the hydraulic analogy, it may cause them to forget the basics and start over, making the learning process harder than it needs to be.

The marvelous disappearing capacitor

lcamtuf’s thing • 4285 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Engineering Physics Signal Processing Innovation
  1. Bootstrapping can significantly improve photodiode amplifier performance by minimizing the impact of parasitic capacitance. This helps in amplifying fast-changing signals better.
  2. A voltage follower in the circuit helps keep the photodiode at the same voltage, preventing internal charging and making it act like an ideal current source.
  3. While bootstrapping boosts performance, real-life limitations exist, like bandwidth and impedance, which need to be considered for accurate designs.

An Introduction to Arduino

wavesandcode • 99 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Microcontrollers Hardware Prototyping Education
  1. Arduino is a beginner-friendly microcontroller that lets you create electronic projects. It's easy to replace if you make mistakes.
  2. Basic components like breadboards, jumper wires, and LEDs are essential for building circuits. They help you connect and test your ideas quickly.
  3. Starting with simple projects is a great way to learn. Using resources like the Arduino Projects Book can guide you in building fun circuits.

More fun and games with high voltage...

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
đź•ą Technology Electronics Engineering Hardware Innovation DIY
  1. High voltage projects can be tricky but also fun. You can get some wild voltages and sparks, which makes experimenting exciting.
  2. Sometimes, your equipment might not work as expected. Issues like voltage ripple can affect how things like LEDs operate.
  3. Finding the right tools is important. Some boards are better for driving specific loads, like nixie tubes, and can work smoothly with other components.

Lies, damned lies, and photodiodes

lcamtuf’s thing • 2040 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Engineering Optics Sensors Measurement
  1. Photodiodes can have a wide range of response speeds, and the advertised specs often don't tell the whole story. It's important to understand how they are tested, as this can affect their performance.
  2. When building precise measurement devices with photodiodes, two types of currents play a role. One is fast, while the other can take much longer to settle down, impacting the overall signal quality.
  3. Using techniques like reverse bias can improve performance, but some effects are inherent to the photodiodes themselves. Understanding these limitations is key for achieving accurate measurements.

Now Fix Those Drooping DAC and ADC Responses

filterwizard • 39 implied HN points • 27 Sep 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Audio engineering
  1. DACs and ADCs can have droopy frequency responses, especially delta-sigma ADCs, which can cause issues in applications like audio and communications. Understanding this is important for fixing any drop in quality.
  2. To correct the droop, you can use digital filters to adjust the frequency response, either by adding new zeros with the zero-adding method or altering existing filters with the zero-shifting method.
  3. It's essential to consider both input and output sides of the system separately when addressing droop issues to ensure accurate data transmission and playback.

A Capacitor Will Stop That... Right?

filterwizard • 19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 24
đź•ą Technology Engineering Electronics Innovation Research Education
  1. Capacitors are used to manage electrical noise and improve stability in circuits. They help smooth out fluctuations in voltage.
  2. Understanding electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) can prevent interference between electronic devices. This is important for maintaining performance and reliability.
  3. Decoupling is a key technique in design to isolate different circuit parts. It helps reduce noise and improves the overall functionality of the system.

The Chronicles of GND, Part 1

filterwizard • 39 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Engineering Innovation Simulation
  1. Voltage is always measured between two points, not at a single point. You need to connect both leads of a voltmeter correctly to get accurate readings.
  2. Kirchhoff's Madness refers to thinking you can measure voltage with just one lead, leading to misunderstandings in circuits. Always define where both leads are connected.
  3. Current doesn't just disappear when it flows to ground; it travels in a closed loop. Misunderstanding this can cause problems in circuit design and analysis.

Where Was RDNA4 at AMD’s Keynote?

More Than Moore • 326 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Hardware Software Gaming Electronics Artificial Intelligence
  1. AMD didn't announce RDNA4 at the CES keynote because they felt a short presentation wouldn't do it justice. They want to provide detailed information rather than leave people with questions.
  2. AMD plans to share more about RDNA4 through partners at CES, but a dedicated event will follow for an in-depth reveal. They are close to launch but wanted to wait for the right time.
  3. The naming scheme for new graphics cards will be clearer to help users make better comparisons. AMD aims to improve performance in key gaming areas and ensure good value for consumers.

Optical Conversion of CMOS <> Superconducting Signals

Tapa’s Substack • 119 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
đź•ą Technology Quantum Computing Electronics Optics Signal Processing
  1. There's a new idea to use light to switch superconducting signals with CMOS circuits. This could help in areas like quantum computing and sensors.
  2. Using light for this switching can provide thermal isolation, which is a big advantage. It makes the connection between different technologies safer and more efficient.
  3. Two methods to switch are discussed: thermal and non-thermal. Non-thermal switching might be better because it's more efficient, using light directly instead of heating things up.

The Technological Revolution that could Supercharge the World's Batteries

Material World • 1783 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Batteries Innovation Electronics Materials Engineering
  1. Silicon carbon batteries are exciting because they can store more energy and charge faster than regular graphite batteries. This means better battery life for smartphones and even electric cars.
  2. The challenge with silicon anodes is that they swell a lot when charging, which can damage the battery. Scientists are working to find ways to manage this problem.
  3. While silicon is promising, it's still a new technology and can be expensive. For now, it's often used alongside traditional materials to improve battery performance.

The Chronicles of GND, Part 2

filterwizard • 19 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24
đź•ą Technology Engineering Electronics Design Innovation Systems
  1. In modern circuits, many designs operate on a single supply instead of a split supply. This means they only use a positive voltage and treat ground as the reference point, which changes how we think about electrical connections.
  2. It's important to create separate nets for ground and a '0V' reference in circuit layouts. Mixing currents from both can lead to problems, even if they seem similar in potential.
  3. Using a low-impedance ground plane isn’t always the best solution. In sensitive systems, small voltage drops and current flow can significantly affect performance, so careful design is essential.

4.3.3 Cross Coupling

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 31 Jul 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Telecommunications Music technology Signal Processing History
  1. Thaddeus Cahill invented an early electronic music system called the Telharmonium in 1897, aiming to broadcast music through telephone lines. However, his venture failed because the music interrupted phone calls, causing complaints from users.
  2. Cahill's difficulties were largely due to a problem called cross coupling, where signals from one line affect nearby lines. This was common back in the day when many phone lines ran close together.
  3. The situation shows that electrical signals can spread beyond their wires, not just following what we'd think of as direct paths. This understanding is important in telecommunications and electrical engineering.

4.3.1 Skin Depth & Litz Wire

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Engineering Physics Energy
  1. Skin depth refers to how electric current mainly flows close to the surface of a wire, especially at high frequencies. This means most of the current doesn't penetrate deep into the conductor.
  2. Litz wire is made up of many fine strands that help reduce resistance by allowing current to flow through a larger area. This is especially useful at high frequencies where skin depth is very small.
  3. Using litz wire not only reduces energy loss due to resistance but also makes wires more flexible and less likely to fail mechanically compared to solid wires.

How Sony Mastered the Transistor

The Asianometry Newsletter • 1607 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Innovation Manufacturing History Engineering
  1. Sony started from nothing after World War II, but two determined founders, Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka, worked together to create innovative products like radios using new technology.
  2. They took a big risk by licensing transistor technology from Western Electric, believing it could change the way they made electronics, especially portable radios.
  3. Through trial and error, they learned how to produce reliable transistors and eventually created one of the first successful transistor radios, leading to the company's iconic brand name, Sony.

5 Sony Devices That Never Left Japan

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
đź•ą Technology Gadgets Innovation Electronics
  1. Sony created some really cool gadgets that were only sold in Japan. These devices show how innovative and unique their technology is.
  2. One notable device is the KW-3600HD, a heavy and expensive TV that was the first to support high-definition back in 1990.
  3. Another interesting gadget is the D-901NV Discman from 1995, which had a built-in TV tuner and GPS, combining several cool features.

When the mask slips - a cautionary (if ancient) tale of IC quality

filterwizard • 59 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
đź•ą Technology Audio engineering Circuit Design Signal Processing Electronics
  1. Don't assume that all ICs perform the same, even if they look similar. Small changes in production can lead to big differences in quality.
  2. Working with audio equipment requires attention to detail in filtering processes. It's essential to ensure that all components meet specific performance standards.
  3. When using older components, always check for changes in manufacturing. Even slight variations can drastically affect audio quality, as seen with the NE5532 op-amps.

Electronic Chopsticks!

atomic14 • 519 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Gadgets Tools Electronics DIY Reviews
  1. The HT140 Solder Tweezers are versatile and can be powered by both a DC jack and USB-C, making them convenient to use. They heat up quickly, which is great for soldering and desoldering tasks.
  2. The tweezers come with useful accessories like a flexible USB cable, a 65W power supply, and a stand, ensuring everything is organized and easy to set up.
  3. They work well for both small and larger components, but using flux can help improve heat transfer. It's a handy tool for electronics projects, especially if you need to fix or modify boards.

That's a wrap!

atomic14 • 692 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Products Innovation Development Community
  1. The speaker has had a busy year filled with exciting projects, including working on small tech boards and experimenting with new materials.
  2. They recently launched the ESP32 Rainbow project, which is fully funded and aimed to be a product soon, with interesting development challenges along the way.
  3. The speaker thanks their supporters, including Patreons, and looks forward to sharing more content and projects in the new year.

Creative Computing Magazine Interviews Clive Sinclair (1980)

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
đź•ą Technology Computers Electronics History Interviews
  1. Clive Sinclair started his electronics career in 1962 and created several groundbreaking products, including the first mass pocket calculator and the ZX-80 computer.
  2. The ZX-80 was designed to help people learn about computers at a low cost, and it was expandable with additional features like a more professional version of Basic programming.
  3. Sinclair's company aimed to lead in technology with innovations like flat screen TVs and portable systems, focusing on making their products reliable and affordable.

Maker News - May 2025 Round Up

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 31 May 25
đź•ą Technology Hardware Open Source DIY Projects Electronics Innovation
  1. There are innovative DIY projects that show how creativity can lead to amazing results, like a cheap instant camera made with basic parts and clever wiring.
  2. Some makers are pushing the boundaries of technology, like transmitting data over long distances or programming DIY CPUs to run games in unique ways.
  3. Community projects, such as open-source hardware and hackable devices, encourage sharing knowledge and tools, making it easier for anyone to get involved in building cool stuff.

Resistors are out to get ya

lcamtuf’s thing • 2652 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🔬 Science Electronics Components Circuits Amplifiers
  1. Some components in electronics, like resistors, may not behave exactly as expected especially at high frequencies.
  2. Parasitic impedance and capacitance in resistors can affect circuit performance, especially in applications like feedback loops for operational amplifiers.
  3. Using a two-stage amplifier can help mitigate issues caused by resistor parasitics and ensure better signal integrity.

DACs and ADCs, or there and back again

lcamtuf’s thing • 1836 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Microcontrollers
  1. Digital circuits often require digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters to interface with the physical world.
  2. For digital-to-analog conversion, architectures like binary-weighted DACs and R-2R DACs are commonly used, but the latter addresses practical issues with resistor values.
  3. Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) can be complex, involving methods like flash ADCs and slope-based ADCs, which use principles like comparison, integration, and sigma-delta modulation for accurate voltage readings.

The State of Photonic Computing<2025>

State of the Future • 57 implied HN points • 16 Apr 25
đź•ą Technology Computing Networking Innovation Electronics
  1. Light is much faster than electricity and creates less heat, which is great for computers. However, using light instead of electricity in all parts of computers is really hard to do.
  2. One big challenge is that we don't have good ways to store information using only light yet. Current storage methods wear out too quickly, making them less reliable.
  3. Companies are focusing more on using light for connecting computers instead of for thinking tasks. This shift allows them to sell products now while working on more complex uses in the future.

Impedance, part 2: why do LCR meters exist?

lcamtuf’s thing • 1224 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🔬 Science Electronics Measurement Components Instruments
  1. Impedance can be divided into resistance, capacitive reactance, and inductive reactance.
  2. Digital multimeters measure resistors, capacitors, and inductors by applying different methods.
  3. LCR meters, despite their limited features, provide valuable insights into impedance through scalar impedance and phase offset measurements.

Why does the frequency response of my DAC droop?

filterwizard • 19 implied HN points • 31 Aug 24
đź•ą Technology Electronics Signal Processing Engineering
  1. A DAC's output might not represent the input signal accurately because it holds samples longer than expected. This can result in a drooping frequency response instead of a flat line.
  2. The output is shaped by a sinc function, where certain frequencies lose energy and create unwanted noise, making the signal less clear.
  3. Modern DACs, like sigma-delta types, don't have this droop problem. They use faster processes and digital filtering to provide a smoother, more accurate sound.

MCU land, part 9: ST7789, the final frontier

lcamtuf’s thing • 1836 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
đź•ą Technology Microcontrollers Graphics Programming Electronics Embedded Systems
  1. Driving a 2.8" 240x320 IPS panel with a Microchip SAM S70 Cortex-M7 MCU can be surprisingly simple.
  2. The steps to set up the ST7789 display controller involve minimal and straightforward commands like hardware reset and configuration for color mode.
  3. Generating image data for the display in 16 bpp RGB565 color mode is achievable through tools like ImageMagick.

Building a decent microphone amplifier

lcamtuf’s thing • 2856 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
đź•ą Technology Electronics Amplifiers Circuit Design
  1. Building a good far-field microphone kit requires attention to microphone sensitivity and selecting a suitable op-amp.
  2. Creating a basic but effective circuit architecture for a microphone amplifier involves understanding current-to-voltage conversion and noise reduction techniques.
  3. To avoid issues like over-amplification and background noise, solutions such as manual gain control and automatic gain control (AGC) can be implemented in microphone amplifier circuits.