📺 Building a PCB Fabrication Machine: Challenges and Breakthroughs

The project focuses on creating a desktop machine capable of fabricating circuit boards automatically, akin to 3D printing's speed and convenience. Unlike traditional methods that involve complex chemical processes, this innovation aims to simplify and speed up the production of circuit boards in-house.

The key challenge lies in developing a viable method for creating vias (connections between board layers) without using corrosive chemicals, which is crucial for enabling rapid prototyping. By eliminating chemical baths and exploring alternative techniques like conductive ink and novel electroplating approaches, the project aims to revolutionize PCB fabrication, potentially paving the way for faster and more accessible electronics prototyping on a small scale.

⛓ https://youtu.be/0vtCyUHz1Mo

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🤦‍♂️ Write Better Code with Block Diagrams and Flowcharts

This article explores how software developers can enhance their coding processes using block diagrams and flowcharts. You will learn how these graphical aids can clarify problem-solving, improve modular design, and facilitate understanding of complex systems. The article also highlights tools like Mermaid and PlantUML, providing practical tips for integrating these techniques into coding workflows to make code easier to write, debug, and comprehend.

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📺 Embedded Software Engineering Interview Questions & Answers

The YouTube video discusses top 10 embedded software engineering interview questions, providing detailed explanations for each. It covers fundamental concepts like SBI interfaces, DMA operations, semaphores vs. mutexes, data synchronization across sensors, use cases for volatile keyword, MCU power consumption optimization, benefits of real-time operating systems, and tips for writing interrupt service routines. The content is valuable as it not only prepares viewers for technical interviews but also emphasizes practical applications and optimization strategies crucial for embedded systems development.

⛓ https://youtu.be/-7pfWTp_FsU

#video #interview

©️ Writing a simple pool allocator in C

This article provides a detailed guide on writing a simple pool allocator in C, a memory management technique that offers faster allocation and deallocation compared to traditional malloc by using fixed-size memory chunks.

This technique is especially useful when writing embedded firmware where the RAM is limited and you need to save resources. New readers will learn how to implement a basic pool allocator, including creating, expanding, and managing memory pools, as well as optimizing performance with constant-time operations.

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©️ Fixing C strings

This article explores an alternative to traditional null-terminated C strings, which are notorious for being error-prone and unsafe.

The author introduces a safer string implementation using two structures: struct str (for immutable strings) and struct str_buf (for mutable string buffers). These structures store both the string data and its length, eliminating common issues like buffer overflows and off-by-one errors.

The article provides practical examples of how to create, manipulate, and use these strings, emphasizing readability, correctness, and safety.

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🐟 How to Run DeepSeek R1 on Raspberry Pi 5

DeepSeek R1 can run on the 🍓 Raspberry Pi 5, enabling local AI experimentation without cloud reliance. Setting it up is simple, making it accessible even for beginners. However, running the model on the Pi 5 comes with limitations, requiring creative workarounds for better performance.

Features of this approach:
➡️Optimized distilled LLM for Raspberry Pi 5’s 8GB RAM.
➡️No AI acceleration; external GPU possible via PCIe.
➡️Simple setup using ollama’s installation script.
➡️Much slower than desktop GPUs, with noticeable latency.

This guide is perfect for AI enthusiasts and developers exploring LLMs on low-cost hardware. While the Pi 5 can handle basic tasks, serious AI work requires more powerful setups. Still, it’s an interesting experiment for those curious about running AI on compact devices.

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#deepseek #tutorials #raspberry #artificial_intelligence

👉 OpenHeat – Open-Source Smart Heating Pad

The OpenHeat project is a smart, open-source heating pad designed for PCB reflow soldering. It boasts a sleek design and powerful functionality, potentially making it one of the most visually appealing and feature-rich heating pads available.

Key features of the device:
➡️A sleek, compact design.
➡️High power and temperature capabilities (200W, up to 300°C).
➡️Bluetooth connectivity for future mobile app integration.
➡️Aluminum substrate PCB for efficient heat dissipation.
➡️Customizable firmware for advanced temperature control.

This project is ideal for electronics enthusiasts looking for a cost-effective, high-performance heating pad with a modern design. The creator plans to release additional resources, such as 3D printing files and complete firmware, in the future.

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👩‍💻 Free YouTube Course: Developing a Linux Driver

This tutorial series is a practical guide to writing Linux kernel modules and drivers, with a focus on hardware access. It starts with an introduction to the Linux kernel, explaining its role as a hardware abstraction layer and its monolithic nature.

The series emphasizes Loadable Kernel Modules (LKMs), which allow dynamic driver loading to keep the kernel lightweight and flexible.

Key topics covered include:
➡️Kernel basics – Process management, resource allocation, and system calls.
➡️LKMs – How to write and load kernel modules dynamically.
➡️Essential mechanisms – Linked lists, mutexes, memory management, and logging.
➡️User-space interfaces – Working with /proc, /sys, and device files.
➡️Hardware interfacing – GPIOs, I²C, SPI, timers, and more.
➡️Device Tree – Adding and probing devices dynamically.

The tutorials use 🍓 Raspberry Pi for hands-on development due to its affordability, GPIO support, and ease of configuration. The series is continuously updated to reflect kernel API changes, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to master Linux driver development.

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#courses #programming #linux #raspberry

💻 The Rise of Chiplets: Opportunities and Challenges in Next-Gen Semiconductor Design

The shift from monolithic SoCs to chiplet-based architectures is making semiconductor design more complex but also more flexible. Chiplets allow companies to mix and match different components, optimizing performance and cost by using different process nodes for different functions.

This approach is crucial for AI and high-performance computing, where demands for bandwidth, power efficiency, and speed continue to rise. By 2025, an estimated 50% of high-performance computing systems and nearly all AI chips will be multi-die, signaling a major industry-wide transformation.

However, integrating third-party chiplets brings challenges like standardization, signal integrity, and power distribution. Engineers must address thermal issues and ensure interoperability through standards like UCIe. Different industries also have unique requirements, from durability in automotive applications to power efficiency in data centers.

Despite these obstacles, chiplets offer customization, cost savings, and faster development. Companies like 〽️ Intel and 🧿 AMD are embracing this shift, and future advancements in integration and interconnect technology will be key to unlocking their full potential.

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🇨🇳 Undocumented Backdoor Found in Popular ESP32 Bluetooth Chip, Raising Security Concerns

Researchers have discovered an undocumented backdoor in the ESP32 chip, used in over a billion devices worldwide. This vulnerability could allow attackers to access data, spoof devices, and infiltrate networks.

Spanish security experts found 29 hidden commands in the chip’s Bluetooth firmware. These commands enable memory manipulation, MAC address spoofing, and advanced Bluetooth attacks. Hackers could potentially exploit these functions to take full control of affected devices and move laterally within networks.

If exploited, this backdoor could enable long-term persistence and spread to other devices. The lack of public documentation from Espressif raises concerns about security risks and potential misuse.

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#news #esp32 #security

📠 ClockworkPi PicoCalc - Modular Open-Source Calculator

ClockworkPi PicoCalc is an open-source, modular device that resembles a scientific calculator but functions as a powerful microcontroller development platform. It features a QWERTY keyboard and a 🍓 Raspberry Pi Pico carrier board, making it ideal for customization.

Features of the project:
➡️Compatible with multiple Raspberry Pi Pico models.
➡️4-inch IPS screen, SD card slot, speakers, and 8MB PSRAM.
➡️Runs on two 18650 batteries with USB-C charging.
➡️Open-source firmware and hardware for easy modifications.
➡️QWERTY layout with backlight, connected via I2C.

By digging into PicoCalc, users can explore hardware design, firmware development, and embedded programming. The open-source nature provides an excellent opportunity to study schematics, experiment with software, and even create custom enclosures using 3D printing or CNC machining.

This project is perfect for electronics enthusiasts, programmers, and makers who enjoy building and customizing their own devices. Whether for learning, prototyping, or developing unique applications, PicoCalc offers a hands-on experience in open-source hardware and embedded systems.

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