Petr Dvorak
@thatkicadguy.bsky.social
🚀 #ThatKiCADguy :: Content creator :: HW designer :: 🤝 (He/Him)
🤝 Electricity is all about connections. 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭!
👉 I am 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙆𝙞𝘾𝘼𝘿 𝙜𝙪𝙮
🚀 [email protected]
🤝 Electricity is all about connections. 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭!
👉 I am 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙆𝙞𝘾𝘼𝘿 𝙜𝙪𝙮
🚀 [email protected]
Load transient measurement in action.
I'm testing and verifying the switch.
I use my signal generator to control both MOSFETs of the test rig.
The final setup will be different, but the test run was a success.
I'm testing and verifying the switch.
I use my signal generator to control both MOSFETs of the test rig.
The final setup will be different, but the test run was a success.
December 11, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Load transient measurement in action.
I'm testing and verifying the switch.
I use my signal generator to control both MOSFETs of the test rig.
The final setup will be different, but the test run was a success.
I'm testing and verifying the switch.
I use my signal generator to control both MOSFETs of the test rig.
The final setup will be different, but the test run was a success.
Massive FPGAs or CPUs, especially when running of the grid, from batteries, fall asleep and wake up quickly.
The fast load transient measurement can simulate these fast changes.
I will share everything about the DUT (LM61440 3.3V buck).
The fast load transient measurement can simulate these fast changes.
I will share everything about the DUT (LM61440 3.3V buck).
December 10, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Massive FPGAs or CPUs, especially when running of the grid, from batteries, fall asleep and wake up quickly.
The fast load transient measurement can simulate these fast changes.
I will share everything about the DUT (LM61440 3.3V buck).
The fast load transient measurement can simulate these fast changes.
I will share everything about the DUT (LM61440 3.3V buck).
This morning, I energised an unusual set of equipment.
The portable screen on the left handles a headless multi-instrument. The small screen on the right is my digital microscope.
This morning, I have to finish the manufacturing and test my newest Fast transient response switch.
The portable screen on the left handles a headless multi-instrument. The small screen on the right is my digital microscope.
This morning, I have to finish the manufacturing and test my newest Fast transient response switch.
December 4, 2025 at 6:15 AM
This morning, I energised an unusual set of equipment.
The portable screen on the left handles a headless multi-instrument. The small screen on the right is my digital microscope.
This morning, I have to finish the manufacturing and test my newest Fast transient response switch.
The portable screen on the left handles a headless multi-instrument. The small screen on the right is my digital microscope.
This morning, I have to finish the manufacturing and test my newest Fast transient response switch.
My first smart home Lightbulb device
No complicated setup. No drivers. Just one small board and the standard example code.
No complicated setup. No drivers. Just one small board and the standard example code.
My first smart home Lightbulb device
YouTube video by Petr Dvořák
youtube.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:14 AM
My first smart home Lightbulb device
No complicated setup. No drivers. Just one small board and the standard example code.
No complicated setup. No drivers. Just one small board and the standard example code.
Look what I've found by accident. Such a gem.
The only issue is the FR4 material...
The project seems to be manufacturing-ready. I'm not saying redesign ready because it was captured using Altium Designer (or a similar output file format tool).
github.com/jmwilson/osh...)
The only issue is the FR4 material...
The project seems to be manufacturing-ready. I'm not saying redesign ready because it was captured using Altium Designer (or a similar output file format tool).
github.com/jmwilson/osh...)
December 2, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Look what I've found by accident. Such a gem.
The only issue is the FR4 material...
The project seems to be manufacturing-ready. I'm not saying redesign ready because it was captured using Altium Designer (or a similar output file format tool).
github.com/jmwilson/osh...)
The only issue is the FR4 material...
The project seems to be manufacturing-ready. I'm not saying redesign ready because it was captured using Altium Designer (or a similar output file format tool).
github.com/jmwilson/osh...)
That'd be genius. But the fact is, many companies push open-source use, but use closed-source tools. Why?
When you push open-source use and incline to the open-source philosophy, please use open-source tools.
If you don't know how, send me a DM and I'll show you the fastest way.
#thatkicadguy
When you push open-source use and incline to the open-source philosophy, please use open-source tools.
If you don't know how, send me a DM and I'll show you the fastest way.
#thatkicadguy
December 1, 2025 at 6:24 AM
That'd be genius. But the fact is, many companies push open-source use, but use closed-source tools. Why?
When you push open-source use and incline to the open-source philosophy, please use open-source tools.
If you don't know how, send me a DM and I'll show you the fastest way.
#thatkicadguy
When you push open-source use and incline to the open-source philosophy, please use open-source tools.
If you don't know how, send me a DM and I'll show you the fastest way.
#thatkicadguy
It's unboxing time.
I found this envelope in the mailbox.
@aisler.net sent me my newly manufactured PCBs with steel stencils. It looked like there are two stencils but a single PCB only.
My bad.
There was one more PCB forgotten in the envelope.
Thank you for the support, AISLER
I found this envelope in the mailbox.
@aisler.net sent me my newly manufactured PCBs with steel stencils. It looked like there are two stencils but a single PCB only.
My bad.
There was one more PCB forgotten in the envelope.
Thank you for the support, AISLER
Aisler PCB delivery unboxing
YouTube video by Petr Dvořák
youtube.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:11 AM
It's unboxing time.
I found this envelope in the mailbox.
@aisler.net sent me my newly manufactured PCBs with steel stencils. It looked like there are two stencils but a single PCB only.
My bad.
There was one more PCB forgotten in the envelope.
Thank you for the support, AISLER
I found this envelope in the mailbox.
@aisler.net sent me my newly manufactured PCBs with steel stencils. It looked like there are two stencils but a single PCB only.
My bad.
There was one more PCB forgotten in the envelope.
Thank you for the support, AISLER
A scientific workhorse is resting in this black box.
The Red Pitaya 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗹𝗮𝗯 125-14 PRO Gen 2.
My goal today is to measure the load transient characteristics of a buck converter module.
What else do you need to get started? Just curiosity and a device that doesn’t punish beginners.
The Red Pitaya 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗹𝗮𝗯 125-14 PRO Gen 2.
My goal today is to measure the load transient characteristics of a buck converter module.
What else do you need to get started? Just curiosity and a device that doesn’t punish beginners.
RedPitaya STEMLAB 125-14 PRO Gen 2
YouTube video by Petr Dvořák
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 1:55 PM
A scientific workhorse is resting in this black box.
The Red Pitaya 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗹𝗮𝗯 125-14 PRO Gen 2.
My goal today is to measure the load transient characteristics of a buck converter module.
What else do you need to get started? Just curiosity and a device that doesn’t punish beginners.
The Red Pitaya 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗹𝗮𝗯 125-14 PRO Gen 2.
My goal today is to measure the load transient characteristics of a buck converter module.
What else do you need to get started? Just curiosity and a device that doesn’t punish beginners.
You asked me to measure the fast transient response of the newly developed LM61440 buck.
And I said yep.
Before I could measure these particular characteristics, I had to design a dual power switch, allowing me to measure them fast enough.
Will be released as a Hardware Design Template soon.
And I said yep.
Before I could measure these particular characteristics, I had to design a dual power switch, allowing me to measure them fast enough.
Will be released as a Hardware Design Template soon.
November 25, 2025 at 6:08 AM
You asked me to measure the fast transient response of the newly developed LM61440 buck.
And I said yep.
Before I could measure these particular characteristics, I had to design a dual power switch, allowing me to measure them fast enough.
Will be released as a Hardware Design Template soon.
And I said yep.
Before I could measure these particular characteristics, I had to design a dual power switch, allowing me to measure them fast enough.
Will be released as a Hardware Design Template soon.
Thank you for your patience. When I asked to wait for a little while, I didn't expect what happened...
More work, more schematics, less time.
This particular evaluation board tests Microchip Technology Inc. MTCH9010 sensor.
More work, more schematics, less time.
This particular evaluation board tests Microchip Technology Inc. MTCH9010 sensor.
November 24, 2025 at 6:15 AM
Thank you for your patience. When I asked to wait for a little while, I didn't expect what happened...
More work, more schematics, less time.
This particular evaluation board tests Microchip Technology Inc. MTCH9010 sensor.
More work, more schematics, less time.
This particular evaluation board tests Microchip Technology Inc. MTCH9010 sensor.
I am working on a device that overlaps my math skills.
The Analog Devices AD734 is an analog multiplier/divider IC.
Imagine you’re designing a piece of instrumentation, say a sensor frontend for measuring a signal amplitude that varies, and you want real-time analog control of gain or modulation.
The Analog Devices AD734 is an analog multiplier/divider IC.
Imagine you’re designing a piece of instrumentation, say a sensor frontend for measuring a signal amplitude that varies, and you want real-time analog control of gain or modulation.
November 21, 2025 at 7:55 AM
I am working on a device that overlaps my math skills.
The Analog Devices AD734 is an analog multiplier/divider IC.
Imagine you’re designing a piece of instrumentation, say a sensor frontend for measuring a signal amplitude that varies, and you want real-time analog control of gain or modulation.
The Analog Devices AD734 is an analog multiplier/divider IC.
Imagine you’re designing a piece of instrumentation, say a sensor frontend for measuring a signal amplitude that varies, and you want real-time analog control of gain or modulation.
• Ordering with 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗥 plugin
• Short delivery time
• EU company
The boards are usually on my desk within 10 days. The quality is always top-notch.
I’m grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net, whose 2-layer Beautiful Boards follow their name
Thank you for the support! 🫶🏻
• Short delivery time
• EU company
The boards are usually on my desk within 10 days. The quality is always top-notch.
I’m grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net, whose 2-layer Beautiful Boards follow their name
Thank you for the support! 🫶🏻
November 20, 2025 at 6:17 AM
• Ordering with 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗥 plugin
• Short delivery time
• EU company
The boards are usually on my desk within 10 days. The quality is always top-notch.
I’m grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net, whose 2-layer Beautiful Boards follow their name
Thank you for the support! 🫶🏻
• Short delivery time
• EU company
The boards are usually on my desk within 10 days. The quality is always top-notch.
I’m grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net, whose 2-layer Beautiful Boards follow their name
Thank you for the support! 🫶🏻
I need a simple I2C-compatible single-cell Battery charger with a power path.
That's the project summary. I came across the linear charger Texas Instruments BQ25186, and I believe that this device can be the IC that I am looking for.
youtube.com/shorts/IX_dw...
That's the project summary. I came across the linear charger Texas Instruments BQ25186, and I believe that this device can be the IC that I am looking for.
youtube.com/shorts/IX_dw...
A Simple I²C-Controlled Battery Charger That Just Works
YouTube video by Petr Dvořák
youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:15 AM
I need a simple I2C-compatible single-cell Battery charger with a power path.
That's the project summary. I came across the linear charger Texas Instruments BQ25186, and I believe that this device can be the IC that I am looking for.
youtube.com/shorts/IX_dw...
That's the project summary. I came across the linear charger Texas Instruments BQ25186, and I believe that this device can be the IC that I am looking for.
youtube.com/shorts/IX_dw...
I delivered what you've asked for, as always. I'm here to make electronics fun.
Dr. Christopher A. Tucker asked me to test the announced Beny-devices Hardware Design Template of the Texas Instruments linear charger BQ25186 with a 18650 3.7V cell
Dr. Christopher A. Tucker asked me to test the announced Beny-devices Hardware Design Template of the Texas Instruments linear charger BQ25186 with a 18650 3.7V cell
November 18, 2025 at 6:12 AM
I delivered what you've asked for, as always. I'm here to make electronics fun.
Dr. Christopher A. Tucker asked me to test the announced Beny-devices Hardware Design Template of the Texas Instruments linear charger BQ25186 with a 18650 3.7V cell
Dr. Christopher A. Tucker asked me to test the announced Beny-devices Hardware Design Template of the Texas Instruments linear charger BQ25186 with a 18650 3.7V cell
If you asked me what device to use for liquid detection, I'd say, "I don't know, but I will find out".
This particular evaluation board tests Microchip Tech Inc. MTCH9010 sensor.
The sensor detects liquids using two methods. A ~ conductive method. B ~ capacitive.
Please give me a little while.
This particular evaluation board tests Microchip Tech Inc. MTCH9010 sensor.
The sensor detects liquids using two methods. A ~ conductive method. B ~ capacitive.
Please give me a little while.
November 17, 2025 at 2:13 PM
If you asked me what device to use for liquid detection, I'd say, "I don't know, but I will find out".
This particular evaluation board tests Microchip Tech Inc. MTCH9010 sensor.
The sensor detects liquids using two methods. A ~ conductive method. B ~ capacitive.
Please give me a little while.
This particular evaluation board tests Microchip Tech Inc. MTCH9010 sensor.
The sensor detects liquids using two methods. A ~ conductive method. B ~ capacitive.
Please give me a little while.
These are my all-time favourite hook cables.
Banana to hook and hook to hook. I love all.
During my KiCad design live streams, I frequently mention that I want to place the THT soldering pads close to the board edge because I want to hook my hook cables there.
I love them.
Banana to hook and hook to hook. I love all.
During my KiCad design live streams, I frequently mention that I want to place the THT soldering pads close to the board edge because I want to hook my hook cables there.
I love them.
November 14, 2025 at 6:16 AM
These are my all-time favourite hook cables.
Banana to hook and hook to hook. I love all.
During my KiCad design live streams, I frequently mention that I want to place the THT soldering pads close to the board edge because I want to hook my hook cables there.
I love them.
Banana to hook and hook to hook. I love all.
During my KiCad design live streams, I frequently mention that I want to place the THT soldering pads close to the board edge because I want to hook my hook cables there.
I love them.
Every time I send prototypes with screw terminals, I mark them using my Dymo marker.
Each screw terminal must be marked. Especially those mains terminals in the picture. The prototype is incomplete without the proper terminal marking.
What marker do you use?
Each screw terminal must be marked. Especially those mains terminals in the picture. The prototype is incomplete without the proper terminal marking.
What marker do you use?
November 13, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Every time I send prototypes with screw terminals, I mark them using my Dymo marker.
Each screw terminal must be marked. Especially those mains terminals in the picture. The prototype is incomplete without the proper terminal marking.
What marker do you use?
Each screw terminal must be marked. Especially those mains terminals in the picture. The prototype is incomplete without the proper terminal marking.
What marker do you use?
I've been considering buying a new scope. I realised I need this maybe much sooner.
CP1003B is a current probe with an excellent 100 MHz bandwidth and dynamic range
20 mA to 5 Apk.
That's not a typical dynamic of a low-cost current clamp sensor. That's a genuine measuring range that matters.
CP1003B is a current probe with an excellent 100 MHz bandwidth and dynamic range
20 mA to 5 Apk.
That's not a typical dynamic of a low-cost current clamp sensor. That's a genuine measuring range that matters.
November 12, 2025 at 6:23 AM
I've been considering buying a new scope. I realised I need this maybe much sooner.
CP1003B is a current probe with an excellent 100 MHz bandwidth and dynamic range
20 mA to 5 Apk.
That's not a typical dynamic of a low-cost current clamp sensor. That's a genuine measuring range that matters.
CP1003B is a current probe with an excellent 100 MHz bandwidth and dynamic range
20 mA to 5 Apk.
That's not a typical dynamic of a low-cost current clamp sensor. That's a genuine measuring range that matters.
Let's play a game. I'll guess what you think about each EDA tool I list.
• Altium Designer. Too expensive.
• OrCAD. Weird.
• PADS. Ancient
• Expedition. Complicated.
... KiCad dominates since version 6.7
• Altium Designer. Too expensive.
• OrCAD. Weird.
• PADS. Ancient
• Expedition. Complicated.
... KiCad dominates since version 6.7
November 11, 2025 at 6:12 AM
Let's play a game. I'll guess what you think about each EDA tool I list.
• Altium Designer. Too expensive.
• OrCAD. Weird.
• PADS. Ancient
• Expedition. Complicated.
... KiCad dominates since version 6.7
• Altium Designer. Too expensive.
• OrCAD. Weird.
• PADS. Ancient
• Expedition. Complicated.
... KiCad dominates since version 6.7
This is my favourite ultra-low current accelerometer.
It's Bosch Sensortec BMA400. For continuous measurement, it draws as little as ~14.5 µA in the highest-performance mode. Typical use cases are much lower.
- step counter
- activity recognition
- orientation detection
- tap/double tap
- IRQs
It's Bosch Sensortec BMA400. For continuous measurement, it draws as little as ~14.5 µA in the highest-performance mode. Typical use cases are much lower.
- step counter
- activity recognition
- orientation detection
- tap/double tap
- IRQs
November 10, 2025 at 6:22 AM
This is my favourite ultra-low current accelerometer.
It's Bosch Sensortec BMA400. For continuous measurement, it draws as little as ~14.5 µA in the highest-performance mode. Typical use cases are much lower.
- step counter
- activity recognition
- orientation detection
- tap/double tap
- IRQs
It's Bosch Sensortec BMA400. For continuous measurement, it draws as little as ~14.5 µA in the highest-performance mode. Typical use cases are much lower.
- step counter
- activity recognition
- orientation detection
- tap/double tap
- IRQs
I need a simple I2C-compatible single-cell Battery charger with a power path.
This Texas Instruments BQ25186 can charge up to 1-Amp and supports 3 to 18V input voltage.
The Texas Instruments BQ25186 can be configured to charge currents from 5 mA to 1 A in 5-mA or 10-mA steps.
This Texas Instruments BQ25186 can charge up to 1-Amp and supports 3 to 18V input voltage.
The Texas Instruments BQ25186 can be configured to charge currents from 5 mA to 1 A in 5-mA or 10-mA steps.
November 7, 2025 at 6:52 AM
I need a simple I2C-compatible single-cell Battery charger with a power path.
This Texas Instruments BQ25186 can charge up to 1-Amp and supports 3 to 18V input voltage.
The Texas Instruments BQ25186 can be configured to charge currents from 5 mA to 1 A in 5-mA or 10-mA steps.
This Texas Instruments BQ25186 can charge up to 1-Amp and supports 3 to 18V input voltage.
The Texas Instruments BQ25186 can be configured to charge currents from 5 mA to 1 A in 5-mA or 10-mA steps.
You can be effective by switching off your phone, reusing verified HW blocks, or ordering your PCBs locally.
Well, it depends. I know.
When I want to manufacture my Beny-devices Hardware Design Templates, I order only locally at @aisler.net
Well, it depends. I know.
When I want to manufacture my Beny-devices Hardware Design Templates, I order only locally at @aisler.net
November 6, 2025 at 6:36 AM
You can be effective by switching off your phone, reusing verified HW blocks, or ordering your PCBs locally.
Well, it depends. I know.
When I want to manufacture my Beny-devices Hardware Design Templates, I order only locally at @aisler.net
Well, it depends. I know.
When I want to manufacture my Beny-devices Hardware Design Templates, I order only locally at @aisler.net
This little badge project started as an idea for one of my KiCad Live Design streams. The Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU has been on my list of dream devices for a long time.
The project goal was clear. I would design a fun badge with a few RGB LEDs and the powerhouse in the background will be RP2040.
The project goal was clear. I would design a fun badge with a few RGB LEDs and the powerhouse in the background will be RP2040.
A fun badge that makes you stand out.
YouTube video by Petr Dvořák
youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:38 AM
This little badge project started as an idea for one of my KiCad Live Design streams. The Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU has been on my list of dream devices for a long time.
The project goal was clear. I would design a fun badge with a few RGB LEDs and the powerhouse in the background will be RP2040.
The project goal was clear. I would design a fun badge with a few RGB LEDs and the powerhouse in the background will be RP2040.
I use the orthographic projection when I align connector models with footprints and when checking the component layout.
Otherwise, I use the more natural, perspective projection.
What about you?
Otherwise, I use the more natural, perspective projection.
What about you?
November 4, 2025 at 8:38 AM
I use the orthographic projection when I align connector models with footprints and when checking the component layout.
Otherwise, I use the more natural, perspective projection.
What about you?
Otherwise, I use the more natural, perspective projection.
What about you?
This funny badge is really fun.
It’s a fully Arduino-compatible device based on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU. I added a tiny boost converter so it works from a single 2032 cell down to 0.7V.
See you in the video SOON!
It’s a fully Arduino-compatible device based on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU. I added a tiny boost converter so it works from a single 2032 cell down to 0.7V.
See you in the video SOON!
November 3, 2025 at 7:31 AM
This funny badge is really fun.
It’s a fully Arduino-compatible device based on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU. I added a tiny boost converter so it works from a single 2032 cell down to 0.7V.
See you in the video SOON!
It’s a fully Arduino-compatible device based on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU. I added a tiny boost converter so it works from a single 2032 cell down to 0.7V.
See you in the video SOON!