Zephyr and MCUBoot
Project setup, build configuration, and testing of MCUBoot on Zephyr using the Renode emulator and an nrf52
Category: Article
Shuffling Strategies in War
Monte-Carlo simulation for exploring how shuffling strategies affect outcomes in the game of War
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Bare-metal MCUBoot Port on Renode
Setting up a bare-metal port of MCUBoot on an nrf52 and simulating in Renode
Renode Docker Setup on Ubuntu 24.04
Emulating and debugging a Cortex-M4 MCU with Docker + VSCode + OpenOCD + GDB + Renode
SCPI for Embedded Systems
Guide to integrating the SCPI-Parser library into embedded projects
Ceramic Capacitor Characteristics: Pay attention to C(V)
Explanation of C(V) and a list of resources for designing
Method for Reading Thermistors
A fast, efficient, and accurate method to use thermistors in embedded systems.
Pulse Transitions Library
A Python library for analyzing step and pulse responses, inspired by Matlab’s pulse and transition metrics.
Enforcing Type Safety in C++
Libraries and Custom Strong Types
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Improving Python CLIs with Pydantic and Dataclasses
Effortless CLI options and config management using Pydantic and Dataclasses.
Using Kicad With Docker to Manage and Upgrade Release Versions
Reproducible and reliable KiCad environments using Docker
Optimal SMA Launch Layout
Using ATLC2 to improve launch conditions
Tuning PI Controllers for Thermoelectric Coolers
SIMC tuning and why TECs are great
Ordering From Macrofab with KiCad
Quick guide to using KiCad, kicad-xyrs, and kicad-make with MacroFab for PCB assembly.
Semantic Versioning for Electronics Design
Semantic Versioning for Electronics Design
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OpenEMS Optimizing Simulator
Parametric Electro-Magnetic Optimization Workflow with OpenEMS, Docker, and Python
Managing Openscad Projects
How to structure OpenSCAD projects for reuse and scalability, using OPENSCADPATH, Makefiles, and modular design to manage complexity.
Tariff Math for Two-Layer Prototype PCBs: OshPark vs Imported Fabs
A comparative analysis of total pricing for small-run PCBs from OshPark, PCBWay, and JLCPCB, with a quick overview of U.S. electronics tariffs.
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Installing OpenEMS on Linux
Guide to installing and using OpenEMS FDTD simulator on Ubuntu with Docker
System Diagrams / Schematics
Comparison of tools for generating descriptive timing diagrams
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Device Control GUI and Binary Distribution
How to wrap a Python CLI in a basic GUI and package it as a standalone Windows executable for firmware updating and field diagnostics.
KiCad Coordinate System
Understanding KiCad’s origin and axis settings for scripting, plugins, and file exports
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KiCad Testpoints Plugin
The KiCad Testpoints PCM plugin generates test point reports directly from KiCad — filling a gap that most EDA tools handle poorly or not at all.
Photoreceiver Testing
How ElectroOptical Innovations approaches photoreceiver testing and characterization, with a walkthrough of the AN-1 testing methodology.
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KiCad Custom DRC Rules
How to write a custom KiCad DRC rule to enforce JLCPCB’s minimum trace spacing requirement for boards with low copper coverage.
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Pin 1 Markings and PCB Assembly
Why pin 1 markings matter for PCB assembly, and how assembly layers and silkscreen reference designator placement reduce pick-and-place errors.
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Rectangle Packaging Problem / Efficient 2D Packing
Solving the 2D rectangle packing problem in Python using the rectpack library, with OpenSCAD for visualizing layouts and generating CNC tool paths.
Object Oriented OpenSCAD
Using vectors as pseudo-objects in OpenSCAD to write polymorphic, generic algorithms — a practical pattern for more maintainable parametric designs.
Preparing Laser Cutting Files from SVGs
A practical approach to preparing SVG files exported from OpenSCAD for laser cutting, including direct XML manipulation to fix common export issues.
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MCU Driver Development that Doesn't Suck
Hard-won lessons for writing reliable MCU device drivers — the setup process, debugging methodology, and habits that prevent time-wasting bring-up mistakes.
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Setting Up Multiple FTDI Devices
How to reliably identify multiple identical FTDI USB-to-serial adapters in a test jig using udev rules and device serial numbers.
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Scripting FreeCAD from an AppImage
How to use FreeCAD’s Python scripting interface from an AppImage installation, including setting up the environment to call FreeCAD functions from outside the GUI.
Semantic Versioning for Hardware
Applying semantic versioning principles to hardware design to communicate revision scope, signal compatibility changes, and manage manufacturing releases.
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Fixed Point Python Libraries
Evaluating the best library for fixed point algorithm development & testing
Reusing PCB Design Elements
How to accelerate new hardware revisions by treating PCB designs as modular, reusing layout sections, schematics, and form factors across product generations.
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Building an Automated Test Jig: Hardware
Part 2 of a series on automated test jig design, covering fixtures, probe hardware, and sourcing off-the-shelf components for electronics testing.
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Building an Automated Test Jig: Requirements & References
Requirements, design goals, and resource guide for building standardized automated electronics test jigs for low-to-medium production volumes.
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Timing Diagrams
An Exploration of Timing Diagram Tools
Sigrok + $10 Logic Analyzer
Getting useful I2C and SPI debug capability from a $10 FX2 logic analyzer using Sigrok — a portable option when away from the lab.
KiCad PCBNew Scripting: Basic scripting beyond the built in terminal
How to use the KiCad PCBNew scripting API outside the built-in terminal, loading boards with LoadBoard and enabling proper unit tests for PCB plugins.
KiCad PCBNew Scripting: Removing Ref Des From Silk Screen
When to move reference designators off the silkscreen onto the fabrication layer in tight KiCad designs, with a Python script to automate the cleanup.
Jupyter Notebooks & Photon Budgets
Why Jupyter notebooks are the right tool for photon budgets and optical feasibility analyses, with a practical silicon thermopile measurement example.
Jupyter Notebook Tools & Setup
Generating Beautiful Jupyter Notebook Reports
Article: Device Control
Overview of device control approaches for embedded systems, covering Python-based hardware interfaces and design patterns.
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Article: Device Control Dashboard
A device control dashboard for embedded systems, bringing together Python UI tools for hardware monitoring and control.
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Article: Building a Functional Teststand
A functional teststand design overview — how to structure automated electronics testing for embedded systems.
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Article: Embedded Directory Setup
Recommended directory structure and setup for embedded firmware projects, with an example layout for clean organization.
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Why You Should Use Latex
A case for using LaTeX for technical documents — what it is, why physicists swear by it, and how to get started writing structured reports.