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Tour MacroFab's ITAR-Compliant Facility
July 19, 2024, Episode #440
In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig dive deep into the concept of HMLV (High Mix Low Volume) PCB manufacturing. They discuss the challenges and advantages of HMLV, contrasting it with high volume manufacturing methods used by giants like Apple and Foxconn. They also share personal project updates, including Parker's PWM fan controller and Stephen's work on LED matrix driving. The episode wraps up with insights into MacroFab's latest platform updates and the creation of an ultimate glossary of electronics and PCBA terms.
Key Discussion Points
- Introduction to HMLV: What does High Mix Low Volume mean?
- Differences between HMLV and high volume manufacturing.
- Flexibility and specialized equipment required for HMLV.
- The importance of a skilled workforce in HMLV environments.
- Personal project updates: Cyclone Pulse Wrangler and LED Matrix driving.
- The significance of proper inventory management in HMLV.
- Insights into MacroFab’s platform updates and their new glossary of electronics terms.
- Real-world examples of companies utilizing HMLV in their manufacturing processes.
- The role of HMLV in prototyping and early design cycles.
- Discussion on the transition points between low volume and high volume production.
- Challenges faced with parts handling in HMLV.
- The necessity of adaptability in both workforce and equipment for HMLV.
- Parker’s PWM fan controller circuit review and schematic discussion.
- The impact of battery voltage on digital inputs in automotive systems.
- Analog inputs and thermistor readings for temperature measurements.
- Push-pull current drivers and the need for logic gates to prevent run-through situations.
Relevant Links
Community Questions
- What are your thoughts on HMLV manufacturing? Have you encountered any specific challenges or advantages in your projects?
- How do you manage inventory in a high mix low volume production environment?
- What strategies do you use to transition from low volume prototyping to higher volume manufacturing?
- Have you implemented any interesting circuits or solutions in your personal projects? Share your experiences!
MacroFab
This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.
We Want to Hear From You!
Subscribe to Circuit Break wherever you get your podcasts! And join our online discussion hub at forum.macrofab.com to keep the conversation going with electrical engineering experts and experimenters! You can also email us at podcast@macrofab.com.
About the Hosts
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 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.
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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.