Circuit Break Podcast #386

When Will AI Replace Podcast Hosts?

Related Topics
PoE - Phantom over Ethernet

Parker and Stephen discuss the Cloudlifter mechanism in use to help enhance the sound of this podcast, what phantom power is and what it actually does.

DFS: Design for Snackey

This special episode is recorded at DEF CON, the annual hacker community gathering in Las Vegas.

Taking Pictures with Magnetic Flux

Two major topics this week! Major Box Truck updates and a flashback when Parker was introduced to digital photography through the Sony MVC-FD5.

Other Resources

Circuit Break Podcast
Webinars
Videos
Tour MacroFab's ITAR-Compliant Facility

July 14, 2023, Episode #386

Delve into the world of AI in chip design, exploring the limitations and benefits of AI, its impact on productivity and the labor market, and the future of this technology. We also join Parker on another exciting installment of his Box Truck project as he converts a truck into an RV. We discuss the limitations of warranties and power systems for conversions. Tune in for a captivating conversation!

AI Can't Design Chips Without People 🤖

  • Advancements and challenges in AI's role in chip design, optimizing performance, layouts, and quality control
  • The hybrid human-machine approach, leveraging AI while valuing design engineers' expertise and creativity
  • Exploring AI applications in art, music, and the context of derivative and non-derivative works
  • Examining the role of AI in increasing productivity and discussing labor implications in chip design and other disciplines

Box Truck: Parker Project Status Update

  • Parker's ongoing conversion of a Box Truck into an RV
  • Encountering a challenge: engine won't start 🤦‍♂️
  • Costly towing bill due to a faulty fuel module replacement
  • Dive into discussions on power systems, wiring, battery technology, and power management complexities
  • Catch up on the Box Truck saga in previous Episodes 376, 378, and 379

Summary/Takeaways:

  • Reflections on the importance of the human element in collaboration with AI to achieve optimal results
  • Consider the challenges and complexities involved in converting a Box Truck into an RV, from engine issues to power system considerations

About the Hosts

Parker Dillmann
  Parker Dillmann

Parker is an Electrical Engineer with backgrounds in Embedded System Design and Digital Signal Processing. He got his start in 2005 by hacking Nintendo consoles into portable gaming units. The following year he designed and produced an Atari 2600 video mod to allow the Atari to display a crisp, RF fuzz free picture on newer TVs. Over a thousand Atari video mods where produced by Parker from 2006 to 2011 and the mod is still made by other enthusiasts in the Atari community.

In 2006, Parker enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin as a Petroleum Engineer. After realizing electronics was his passion he switched majors in 2007 to Electrical and Computer Engineering. Following his previous background in making the Atari 2600 video mod, Parker decided to take more board layout classes and circuit design classes. Other areas of study include robotics, microcontroller theory and design, FPGA development with VHDL and Verilog, and image and signal processing with DSPs. In 2010, Parker won a Ti sponsored Launchpad programming and design contest that was held by the IEEE CS chapter at the University. Parker graduated with a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Spring of 2012.

In the Summer of 2012, Parker was hired on as an Electrical Engineer at Dynamic Perception to design and prototype new electronic products. Here, Parker learned about full product development cycles and honed his board layout skills. Seeing the difficulties in managing operations and FCC/CE compliance testing, Parker thought there had to be a better way for small electronic companies to get their product out in customer's hands.

Parker also runs the blog, longhornengineer.com, where he posts his personal projects, technical guides, and appnotes about board layout design and components.

Stephen Kraig
  Stephen Kraig

Stephen Kraig is a component engineer working in the aerospace industry. He has applied his electrical engineering knowledge in a variety of contexts previously, including oil and gas, contract manufacturing, audio electronic repair, and synthesizer design. A graduate of Texas A&M, Stephen has lived his adult life in the Houston, TX, and Denver, CO, areas.

Stephen has never said no to a project. From building guitar amps (starting when he was 17) to designing and building his own CNC table to fine-tuning the mineral composition of the water he uses to brew beer, he thrives on testing, experimentation, and problem-solving. Tune into the podcast to learn more about the wacky stuff Stephen gets up to.

Related Podcasts

Crawfish conundrum

Crawfish Conundrum

We discuss the different seasoning, boil and soak times, and building an inexpensive boil pot from materials and supplies Stephen already has.

Taking pictures with magnetic flux

Taking Pictures with Magnetic Flux

Two major topics this week! Major Box Truck updates and a flashback when Parker was introduced to digital photography through the Sony MVC-FD5.

Estimating effort

Estimating Effort

Why is estimating a projects completion time feel like it takes more work then the actual project? Estimating Project Time, the quest of management.

Starting from the beginning

Starting From The Beginning

When did you start listening to the podcast? Have a favorite episode? Let Stephen and Parker know which is your favorite.

Dfs design for snackey

DFS: Design for Snackey

This special episode is recorded at DEF CON, the annual hacker community gathering in Las Vegas.

Phantom over ethernet

PoE - Phantom over Ethernet

Parker and Stephen discuss the Cloudlifter mechanism in use to help enhance the sound of this podcast, what phantom power is and what it actually does.

About MacroFab

MacroFab offers comprehensive manufacturing solutions, from your smallest prototyping orders to your largest production needs. Our factory network locations are strategically located across North America, ensuring that we have the flexibility to provide capacity when and where you need it most.

Experience the future of EMS manufacturing with our state-of-the-art technology platform and cutting-edge digital supply chain solutions. At MacroFab, we ensure that your electronics are produced faster, more efficiently, and with fewer logistic problems than ever before.

Take advantage of AI-enabled sourcing opportunities and employ expert teams who are connected through a user-friendly technology platform. Discover how streamlined electronics manufacturing can benefit your business by contacting us today.