The hottest Electronics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Conway's Game of Life, in real life

lcamtuf’s thing • 7958 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. A physical Game of Life was built as a 17×17 grid of illuminated mechanical switches driven by an AVR microcontroller, using row/column multiplexing and transistor drivers to handle the LEDs.
  2. Row scanning gives each LED a low duty cycle, so the design uses high peak currents, series resistors, MOSFETs/P-channel transistors, and firmware safeguards like a blackout window and watchdog to avoid thermal or software-induced damage.
  3. Mechanical switches provide a tactile, editable playfield with an analog speed knob, but they are the main cost driver; cheaper or fancier options (touchscreens, flip-dots) trade off price, feel, and complexity.

I Thought SOT666 Was a Standard - It Isn’t.

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 22 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. SOT666 is often assumed to be a standard footprint, but it isn’t — different parts can have different pad sizes and pin spacing.
  2. Manufacturers and vendors interpret SOT666 differently, so using the wrong footprint can cause misalignment, soldering issues, or assembly failures.
  3. Always check the component’s datasheet and recommended land pattern (and, if possible, verify with samples or 3D models) before finalizing a PCB footprint.

Deep dive in hybrid battery packs

Intercalation Station • 159 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

The Surprisingly Long Life of the Vacuum Tube

Construction Physics • 27350 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Vacuum tubes were the foundational electronic devices before transistors, used to control electron flow for amplification and switching. They powered radios, TVs, telephone systems, and early computers and enabled things like displays, X-rays, and microwave sources.
  2. The vacuum tube was not a single gadget but a whole family of related devices — gas-discharge tubes, triodes, tetrodes, CRTs, magnetrons, klystrons, and more. Each type evolved on its own path and found different practical uses.
  3. Semiconductors replaced tubes in most everyday electronics, but many tube technologies remain essential for high-power, high-frequency, or specialized scientific work. Examples include magnetrons in microwaves, klystrons and gyrotrons in accelerators and fusion experiments, and vacuum X-ray tubes in imaging.

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

Tim Culpan’s Position • 880 HN points • 17 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.
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Plus Post: IMSAI 8048 Single Board Computer

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. IMSAI was founded in 1973 by William Millard and the name stands for Information Management Services Association Incorporated.
  2. Millard had a background in finance and industry, worked on data storage and briefly at IBM, and earlier started a software company called System Dynamics that closed after running out of money.
  3. IMSAI began as Millard’s one-person consulting and engineering firm run from his home, then added staff and expanded from software contracts into hardware work as projects grew.

It's hard to build an oscillator

lcamtuf’s thing • 7958 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Building a reliable oscillator is tough because it needs gain to work. Without gain, any oscillation will die out quickly.
  2. Using a Schmitt trigger can help create an oscillator with no stable midpoint. This means the circuit will keep switching back and forth, creating consistent oscillations.
  3. Different methods exist to build oscillators, like using op-amps or creating resonance with phase shifts. Each has its own way of generating oscillation, but they all need a careful balance of components.

Cursed circuits #4: PLL frequency multiplier

lcamtuf’s thing • 4081 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Latches and clocked D flip-flops store single bits and let signals be sampled on clock edges, providing the basic timing building blocks for digital circuits.
  2. A digital phase detector uses flip-flops to see which clock edge arrives first and produces pulses that indicate whether a tested clock is running too fast or too slow.
  3. A PLL closes the loop by using that detector to steer a VCO, and by inserting a divider in the feedback the VCO will lock at an integer multiple of the reference frequency, turning a low-frequency clock into a higher-frequency, phase-aligned clock.

Cursed circuits #3: true mathematics

lcamtuf’s thing • 3877 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. An op-amp simply amplifies the voltage difference between its inputs by a huge factor, and with feedback you force its inputs to be nearly equal so passive parts (resistors, diodes, caps) can be arranged to perform math instead of just gain.
  2. Addition and subtraction are straightforward: resistor networks can average or sum signals and a non‑inverting amplifier scales them to produce a true sum, while difference amplifiers give Vout ≈ VA − VB and can be biased to work on a single supply.
  3. Harder operations are possible too: multiplication/division can be done with log/antilog converters that use the diode’s exponential V–I curve plus a summing stage, and integration is implemented by charging a capacitor with a controlled current to produce precise ramps, though these analog tricks need careful biasing and have practical limits (rails, linearity, noise).

An Introduction to Arduino

wavesandcode • 99 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Cursed circuits: charge pump voltage halver

lcamtuf’s thing • 4693 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Charge pumps are efficient circuits that can double voltage using capacitors. They work by transferring charge between capacitors to create a higher voltage output.
  2. Unlike standard voltage dividers, a specific charge pump design can halve voltage. This is done by using capacitors in series and moving a 'flying' capacitor to balance the voltages.
  3. The charge transfer stabilizes the output voltage at half the supply, which is different from typical voltage dividers since it doesn't depend on the size of the capacitors.

How Batteries Are Making the Electrical Grid More Reliable

Construction Physics • 18999 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

How We Got the Lithium-Ion Battery

Construction Physics • 49690 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🕹 Technology 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.

Cursed circuits #2: switched capacitor lowpass

lcamtuf’s thing • 3265 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. You can build a lowpass filter using just capacitors and a switch instead of resistors. This method is simpler and can lead to interesting circuit designs.
  2. The switch in this setup changes the connection of the capacitors, allowing them to charge and affect the signal based on their voltages. This simulates resistor-like behavior, even though no resistors are used.
  3. By adjusting the frequency of the switching, you can control how the filter responds to different input signals. This gives you flexibility in analog signal processing.

But good sir, what is electricity?

lcamtuf’s thing • 18977 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🔬 Science Electronics
  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.

Now Fix Those Drooping DAC and ADC Responses

filterwizard • 39 implied HN points • 27 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Train Surgery

atomic14 • 692 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Four AA batteries were replaced with a single 18650 Li‑ion cell plus a charger/protection/boost module set to about 5.5 V, making the train rechargeable.
  2. A potentiometer was put in series with one speaker lead to act as a simple volume control, and a homemade knob was added so the control is accessible from outside.
  3. The conversion achieves rechargeable power and adjustable volume, but the drivetrain’s plastic gears still make loud mechanical clatter at low volume.

The Chronicles of GND, Part 1

filterwizard • 39 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Optical Conversion of CMOS <> Superconducting Signals

Tapa’s Substack • 119 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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 Chronicles of GND, Part 2

filterwizard • 19 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

PCBs, ground planes, and you

lcamtuf’s thing • 7142 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

4.3.3 Cross Coupling

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 31 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

5 Sony Devices That Never Left Japan

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🕹 Technology 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
🕹 Technology 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.

Crowdfunding Success - Was it worth it?

atomic14 • 1385 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. The ESP32 Rainbow project was successfully funded through crowdfunding. Many people found the product appealing enough to support it.
  2. The project features a colorful Sinclair Spectrum recreation with modern technology like a display and speaker.
  3. The creator is reflecting on whether the success of crowdfunding was worth it in the long run.

Choosing an op-amp for your project

lcamtuf’s thing • 4081 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Against the hydraulic analogy

lcamtuf’s thing • 4081 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

ESP32 Rainbow QA - A tale of three boards

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Minor assembly or soldering faults—like lifted pads, poorly seated ICs, or cold joints—can cause big failures such as no sound, no USB, or nonworking keys.
  2. Simple bench debugging (microscope inspection, continuity checks) plus basic rework (reflowing solder, nudging parts, retouching pins) can fix many issues, though some damaged boards are only fit for spare parts.
  3. Outsourcing PCB fabrication and partial assembly is fine, but final in‑house assembly and thorough QA are essential to catch subtle manufacturing problems before shipping.

Your Computer Interviewed Chris Curry (1981)

Computer Ads from the Past • 1152 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Chris Curry helped develop the Acorn Atom, a popular computer in Britain, and was involved in the BBC's computer literacy project. This project helped shape computer education in the UK.
  2. Acorn computers focused on creating reliable and speedy products, highlighting the importance of quality in their designs. Their computers, like the Atom and Proton, gained traction due to good production and design.
  3. Collaboration and the need for standardization were key themes, especially when developing programming languages like Basic. Acorn aimed to create a version of Basic that combined the best aspects of existing languages, which could become widely adopted.

That was 2025!

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. One person can design, crowdfund, and ship a real hardware product worldwide, but production costs, certification, tariffs, and shipping logistics make margins very tight.
  2. Building an audience before launch, using AI tooling, and embracing open source helped make the product possible and created a supportive community.
  3. Hands-on experiments with high-voltage gear, tiny RISC‑V chips, and better debugging drove learning, and sharing both successes and failures proved more valuable than chasing big profits.

Real Roche Chips!

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Clear images of Roche SBX chips from AGBT have surfaced and are being shared on Discord.
  2. The photos use colored 'party' lighting and lack a neutral background or scale, which makes careful inspection harder.
  3. A 2.54 mm pitch SIL header visible in the picture is being used as a scale to de-skew the image and estimate PCB dimensions, while fuller measurements and analysis are in a paid subscriber post.

Weekend projects: Sketchy Sketch

lcamtuf’s thing • 3060 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

A $5,600 tail light repair?

Archedelia • 1493 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Complexity can lead to cascading failures in car repairs
  2. Modern cars have a high level of electronic complexity with multiple control units
  3. Increased complexity in automobiles has led to the need for systems like Control Area Network (CAN) for coordination

Working with OLEDs: SSD1353 & SSD1333

lcamtuf’s thing • 1836 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

The Technological Revolution that could Supercharge the World's Batteries

Material World • 1783 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Lies, damned lies, and photodiodes

lcamtuf’s thing • 2040 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

MakerNews - January 2026

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Investing in the right bench tools and setups makes everyday electronics work faster, safer, and more reliable.
  2. Creative hardware hacking and reverse engineering often reveal far more capability than expected, from PID‑controlled glue guns to running DOOM on a smart pressure cooker.
  3. Open source projects and detailed writeups turn experiments into shared learning, helping others reproduce fixes, learn tapeout and PCB tricks, and build fun projects like 1D Pong or a lock‑picking robot.