SCPI for Embedded Systems
Guide to integrating the SCPI-Parser library into embedded projects
Tag: Software
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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Antmicro Kmake
A KiCad build tool with some surprising features
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Hugo Comments With Docsy and Giscus
Integrate comments into a static site using Giscus and Github Discussions
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Making an Appimage
Building an Appimage for Qt Application
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Electromagnetic Simulators List
List of primarily FDTD simulators with some resources and notes.
Managing Openscad Projects
How to structure OpenSCAD projects for reuse and scalability, using OPENSCADPATH, Makefiles, and modular design to manage complexity.
FreeCAD Make
Automate FreeCAD project exports with Makefiles using the freecad-make tool—ideal for multi-version mechanical assemblies and clean project organization.
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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 8 Makefile
Improvements to the PCBA build environment
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KiCad 8 Contributor Shirt
A quick note on contributing to KiCad 8, the improvements in the new release, and the contributor shirt that arrived to mark the occasion.
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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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Spreadsheet Wrangler
spreadsheet-wrangler is a command-line Python tool for merging, filtering, and transforming spreadsheet data — useful for BOM management and flat data processing.
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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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pyetest: Electronics Testing Tool & Method
pyetest is a Python library for pass/fail electronics test scripting, using spreadsheets as test definitions to reduce custom code and simplify automated test setups.
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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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Fixed Point Python Libraries
Evaluating the best library for fixed point algorithm development & testing
kicad-parts-placer
kicad-parts-placer automates exact batch placement of components in KiCad layouts using centroid files — ideal for test fixture pogo pins and mounting holes.
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Timing Diagrams
An Exploration of Timing Diagram Tools
Tool: object-symbols-parser
object-symbols-parser is a CLI tool for analysing ELF symbol tables, helping identify what’s causing section size overruns in embedded firmware builds.
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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.
Text Formatting In the Terminal
An introduction to the Rich Python library for terminal output — tables, live displays, and clean formatting that makes scripts easier to use.
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Jupyter Notebook Tools & Setup
Generating Beautiful Jupyter Notebook Reports
Blogs & News Sites
A curated list of technical blogs, news sites, and RSS feeds covering analog design, embedded systems, optics, PCB, and software engineering.
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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: Embedded Directory Setup
Recommended directory structure and setup for embedded firmware projects, with an example layout for clean organization.
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ISP Programming
In-System Programming Library for NXP M0s