The hottest Electronics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Making Hard PCBs At Home?

atomic14 • 2 HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology DIY Electronics Experiments Home
  1. DIY nickel plating on PCBs can be a surprisingly simple process, but attention to detail is crucial for successful results.
  2. Using a hard wearing coating like nickel plating on copper PCBs can improve durability and scratch resistance.
  3. Experimenting with electroplating at home requires careful setup, attention to details like cleanliness and voltage, and may lead to interesting results and improvements in PCB toughness.

Russia’s Nesting Satellite Problems

Ill-Defined Space • 1 HN point • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science Space Satellites Electronics Funding Technology
  1. Russia's space industry faces challenges in meeting satellite production goals due to financial losses, lack of imported electronics, unclear strategies, resource obstacles, and conflicting priorities from top officials.
  2. Russian satellite manufacturers struggle with access to modern electronics, impacting their ability to scale up production and meet industry goals, possibly leading to prioritization of military satellite programs over commercial or civil ones.
  3. Plans for conveyor production to increase satellite output face obstacles such as scarcity of space-rated electronics, conflicting objectives between government wishes for a space station and the need for smallsat production expansion, and funding issues.

Silicon Carbide: A Power Electronics Revolution

The Asianometry Newsletter • 3 HN points • 29 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Electronics Semiconductors Manufacturing Innovation Applications
  1. Silicon carbide is a powerful semiconductor with unique properties like wide bandgap and high temperature tolerance.
  2. Silicon carbide-based power electronics are revolutionizing the industry by enabling higher voltages and frequencies with lower power loss.
  3. Challenges in producing silicon carbide wafers have limited its adoption, but recent advancements are making it more commercially viable.
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Children of the Geissler Tube

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 1 HN point • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Physics Lighting Electronics Computers Discovery
  1. Heinrich Geissler invented the Geissler tube, a crucial technology that led to the development of modern world technologies.
  2. Geissler tubes were originally sold as novelty items before becoming important for lighting, including fluorescent and neon lights.
  3. The Geissler tube's descendants include the cathode-ray tube used in TVs, computers with vacuum tubes, transistors, and even diodes, impacting numerous aspects of our daily lives.

iPhone 16 Lineup to Feature Same A18 Chip, Leaked Backend Code Indicates

Apple Wire • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Mobile devices Electronics Gadgets Software
  1. All iPhone 16 models will use the same A18 chip, which is different from past versions where higher-end models had better processors.
  2. While they share the same chip, the performance might still vary due to differences in cores or other specifications.
  3. This change suggests Apple is focusing on better overall performance across all models, especially for features related to Apple Intelligence.

Measurement noise: when 1000*1000 isn't a million

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Engineering Measurement Data Analysis Signal Processing
  1. Measurement noise can make it seem like you need very high accuracy to get correct results, but you might actually need less than you think.
  2. For measuring small signals accurately, the required dynamic range isn't as extreme as multiplying the signal by itself; practical calculations can simplify this.
  3. For specific accuracy requirements in noisy environments, using embedded microcontroller ADCs can be a good solution to achieve realistic signal-to-noise ratios.

The Chronicles of GND, Part 3

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Engineering Semiconductors Signal Processing
  1. Opamps have three important terminals: positive supply, negative supply, and output, and the total current flowing into them should always equal zero.
  2. The output stage of an opamp affects how it behaves, especially whether it's in class A, B, or AB, which changes the current it draws from the power supply.
  3. Designing a circuit properly means understanding how to connect power supplies without causing distortion in the output, especially if you're working on high-quality audio projects.

How to turn linear phase into truly linear phase

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 17 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Signal Processing Filters Digital Design Electronics
  1. FIR filters can have phase jumps that can affect signal quality. To fix this, one method is to use two filters in series, which cancels out unwanted phase jumps.
  2. Another approach involves tweaking the filter's impulse response to eliminate negative values in the Fourier transform. This ensures a smoother phase response without major changes to the filter's function.
  3. It's important to over-design the filter's stopband due to the adjustments made. This way, the overall performance remains reliable and avoids distortion in the filtered signals.

Fainting in Coils

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 11 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics Design Innovation Software
  1. Sometimes, a passive filter design can outperform active ones, especially when power constraints are tight. Using simpler components might lead to better results without requiring advanced technology.
  2. It's important to match expectations with available resources when designing systems. If you need high performance but have a low budget, you'll have to find creative solutions.
  3. Inductors, often overlooked in modern designs, can be valuable in filter circuits. They might be larger and more expensive initially, but they can save power and meet specific design needs.

Yet More On Decoupling, Part 6 – steering in the right direction

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics Simulation Circuit Design Components
  1. The choices you make on power supply and decoupling components can significantly affect how accurately an op-amp performs. It's important to choose components wisely.
  2. Using larger decoupling capacitors generally leads to better performance by reducing fluctuations in the power supply that can affect the output of the amplifier.
  3. Don't assume low ESR capacitors are always best; sometimes, adding a bit of resistance can actually improve performance by helping to manage fluctuations in power.

Yet More On Decoupling, Part 5 – When Harry Regulator Met Sally Op-Amp

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Engineering Simulation Circuit Design Hardware
  1. Choosing the right decoupling and regulator output capacitors is important. These choices can affect how well your op-amp circuits work.
  2. Temporary signals on an op-amp's supply pins can impact its output. This can be critical if your system needs to be very accurate.
  3. Using too much of a certain type of capacitor can lead to unexpected issues. It's better to choose components that match the recommendations from manufacturers.

Yet More On Decoupling, Part 4 – Don’t Get Into A Macromuddle!

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Simulation Circuit Design Modeling Amplifiers
  1. Many op-amp simulation models don’t accurately show how they react to power supply changes. This makes it hard to trust the results from these models.
  2. Just because an op-amp is high quality doesn't mean its simulation model will behave well in tests. It's important to check each model individually.
  3. Finding a reliable op-amp model for testing took a lot of effort. Even after trying many, only a few performed as expected.

Yet More On Decoupling, Part 3 – Some gain, some pain

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics Design Simulation
  1. Op-amps can't perfectly reject power supply noise because their output always depends on the voltage at their power pins. If the supply voltage changes, the output will too.
  2. Unlike some other components, op-amps don't have a ground connection, meaning their performance can be affected by how the power supply is treated in circuit designs.
  3. It's important to understand that variations in supply voltage will be reflected at the op-amp's output, contrary to what some datasheets might imply.

Yet More On Decoupling, Part 2: ring the changes, change the rings

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Engineering Audio Simulation Design
  1. Using high-ESR capacitors helps control unwanted signals in power supplies, making circuits work better at high frequencies.
  2. Smaller decoupling capacitors can cause bigger voltage spikes when the load changes, which can affect circuit performance.
  3. In audio circuits, having a bump in regulator impedance can affect sound quality, and simply adding larger capacitors may not fix the issue.

Yet More On Decoupling, Part 1: The Regulator’s Interaction with capacitors

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics Simulation Circuit Design
  1. Using Y5V capacitors can be tricky. Always check how the DC voltage affects their capacitance because it can drop much lower than expected.
  2. Linear dropout regulators (LDOs) can have increasing output inductance when the load current decreases. This can cause unexpected peaks in impedance, so adding a bypass capacitor can help smooth things out.
  3. Simulating circuits before building them is really helpful. It helps catch problems early and saves time in the long run.

Speaker Quality Compared

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Audio Gadgets Reviews Consumer
  1. The best speaker tested is a TV, which surprised me because I thought TV speakers would be bad.
  2. The laptop actually sounds better than the Echo Dot, which shows that not all small devices perform poorly.
  3. When buying small speakers, focus on the overall sound quality instead of stereo features, as separation doesn't matter much in that size.

NextSeq 550 Image Sensor Pinout

ASeq Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Electronics Imaging Engineering Hardware
  1. The NextSeq 550 has a specific image sensor design that is being explored in detail. Understanding its components can help improve its use.
  2. Previous experiments with LEDs and dyes have provided insights into the image sensor's capabilities. Learning from these tests can enhance the device's performance.
  3. There are various posts that contain helpful observations about the NextSeq 550's imaging and fluidic systems. These notes can serve as valuable references for users and researchers.

December 2024 Round up - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Maker News • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing Electronics 3D Printing Programming DIY Projects
  1. The newsletter has grown to 660 subscribers since it started in 2022, showing a positive response from readers.
  2. There are many creative projects shared, like 3D printing PCBs and building custom operating systems, that highlight innovation in the maker community.
  3. Overall, 2024 was a great year for makers, with lots of exciting projects and a hopeful outlook for even more in 2025.

Plus Post: Radio Shack Tandy 600

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Computing Gadgets History Innovation Electronics
  1. The Radio Shack Tandy 600 was an important step in making computers portable and powerful. It showed how technology could fit into people's lives more easily.
  2. Radio Shack has a rich history in the computer market, evolving with the technology over the years. Their products have influenced how we use computers today.
  3. This post provides a glimpse into vintage computer ads, highlighting how marketing reflected the excitement around new tech back in the day. It's fun to see how far we've come!

Tata Curvv EV: Too Many Flaws Ruin a Great Foundation

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Electronics Reviews Innovation Consumer
  1. The Tata Curvv EV has good core features but is ruined by many design flaws. From cramped spaces to annoying design choices, these issues add up and make the car less enjoyable.
  2. Comfort is an issue with the Curvv, as it has poor legroom and headroom, making it hard for taller people to feel relaxed while driving or riding it.
  3. The driving experience is mostly positive with smooth acceleration and a good handling feel. However, buyers should test the car's range under worst-case conditions to ensure it meets their needs.

Arducam Mira220 CMOS Camera

Everyday Thing • 0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets Software Hardware Electronics Innovation
  1. The Arducam Mira220 is a special camera sensor that works really well with infrared light and connects to a Raspberry Pi.
  2. A cool feature is that it has a monochrome look and can actually be modified for better performance by changing the lens.
  3. There's also a plan to build a custom enclosure for this camera to keep it safe and functional during experiments.

An HDMI to USBC Display Port Converter

Everyday Thing • 0 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Electronics Hardware Software Open Source AR/VR
  1. An HDMI to USB-C display port converter is useful for connecting devices like AR glasses to other tech, like a Raspberry Pi. It can help you create cool projects that blend technology and fun.
  2. Exploring the inside of tech gadgets, like the converter, can reveal the chips and designs used in them. This knowledge can inspire new ideas or even lead to creating your own versions.
  3. There are helpful resources available, such as open source designs using the chips from devices like the converter. These can guide you in making or improving your own tech projects.

How I Set up My Denon Receiver

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics Configuration Networking
  1. Using a surge protector is important for your Denon receiver. It helps protect against power surges and keeps your setup safe.
  2. Ensure your TV is set to send PCM audio to the receiver for the best sound quality. This is especially important for apps like YouTube that might otherwise not play sound.
  3. To enjoy the best video quality, invest in a high-quality HDMI cable that supports 4K HDR and other features. A good cable can make a big difference in your viewing experience.

Hitachi Router Line Card

Everyday Thing • 0 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Networking Hardware Semiconductors Computing Electronics
  1. Content Addressable Memory (CAM) chips are used in routers to make quick searches based on data content instead of addresses. This helps manage MAC address tables efficiently.
  2. The post includes photos of a Hitachi Router line card and its components after being treated in acid. This process reveals more details about the chips used inside.
  3. Understanding how these chips work is crucial for networking, and they enhance the speed of data processing in devices like routers.

Illumination Controller - 中央精機株式会社

Everyday Thing • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics Design Innovation Manufacturing
  1. The illumination controller is a simple device made mostly of a transformer and a variable resistor to control light bulbs. It's not very complicated, just does its job well.
  2. It probably dates back to the 1980s but is based on designs from older decades, showing the timelessness of good design.
  3. The assembly appears to be done by hand, and everything is neat and well executed, which adds to its charm.

Project Tempest

Barn Lab • 0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Security Software Hardware Data Privacy Electronics
  1. Project Tempest originated during the Cold War for protecting electronic equipment from eavesdropping and intercepting enemy electromagnetic emissions.
  2. The concept has evolved into current-day Air-Gap Attacks, where data is transported from secure locations without network use.
  3. Through tools like TempestSDR, capturing unintentionally emitted RF signals can allow eavesdropping on computer screens.

May 2023

Maker News • 0 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🕹 Technology Innovation DIY Electronics Coding Automation
  1. May edition includes delightful projects, videos, and articles to explore.
  2. Featured projects highlight creative tech endeavors from various content creators.
  3. Newsletter encourages sharing with others to spread the excitement of technology innovations.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 24, 2022

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 24 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repair Electronics EVs Legislation Sustainability
  1. Apple's Self Service Repair program reveals prices for MacBook parts, ranging from generous to expensive, like a logic board costing $4,222.
  2. Tesla customers face challenges with service including long wait times and parts availability, despite the simplified maintenance of electric vehicles.
  3. Community initiatives like 'The Repair Revolution' in New Zealand aim to reduce waste by fixing broken items, highlighting the benefits of repair over replacement.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 3, 2022

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Electronics Repair Legislation E-Waste Standardization
  1. Electronics are designed with hidden 'death dates' and often lack longevity, urging users to demand longer-lasting products.
  2. Samsung and iFixit have collaborated to offer genuine parts and repair programs for Galaxy devices, enabling users to conduct self-repairs.
  3. The Right to Repair legislation, if passed, would require electronics manufacturers to provide repair information to independent repair providers, potentially fostering innovation and sustainability in the industry.

The Week in Repair: Dec 6-12

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Electronics Environmental Impact Circular Economy
  1. Activists worldwide are pushing for the 'right to repair' movement to combat expensive and environmentally damaging obsolescence of electronics and appliances.
  2. Big companies like John Deere and Facebook are being called out for restricting repair options, while others like Microsoft and iFixit are working to make repair tools more accessible.
  3. Efforts are being made to make products more repairable, reduce e-waste, and shift towards a circular economy model for environmental, financial, and supply chain benefits.

Right to Repair: Taking it to the Streets with Louis Rossmann

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 30 Apr 21
🕹 Technology Tech news Electronics Repair Innovation Online Activism
  1. Louis Rossmann is a significant figure in the right to repair movement with over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers. He sheds light on how manufacturers create challenges in repairing devices independently.
  2. Louis Rossmann is actively advocating for the right to repair and has initiated efforts like a GoFundMe campaign to make right to repair laws.
  3. Louis Rossmann emphasizes the importance of pushing for the right to repair to combat manufacturers' monopolies on parts and services.