Petr Dvorak
@thatkicadguy.bsky.social
๐ #ThatKiCADguy :: Content creator :: HW designer :: ๐ค (He/Him)
๐ค Electricity is all about connections. ๐๐๐ญ'๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ญ!
๐ I am ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐พ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ช๐ฎ
๐ lab@idvorak.info
๐ค Electricity is all about connections. ๐๐๐ญ'๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ญ!
๐ I am ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐พ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ช๐ฎ
๐ lab@idvorak.info
I often write about easy-to-use devices.
I'm seeking them by intention.
The reason isn't that I can't connect more devices together.
The USB-PD controller+The Cycle+โข๏ธ+I2C
AD knows how to design. I believe in their skills more than in mine.
I'm seeking them by intention.
The reason isn't that I can't connect more devices together.
The USB-PD controller+The Cycle+โข๏ธ+I2C
AD knows how to design. I believe in their skills more than in mine.
January 9, 2026 at 6:06 AM
I often write about easy-to-use devices.
I'm seeking them by intention.
The reason isn't that I can't connect more devices together.
The USB-PD controller+The Cycle+โข๏ธ+I2C
AD knows how to design. I believe in their skills more than in mine.
I'm seeking them by intention.
The reason isn't that I can't connect more devices together.
The USB-PD controller+The Cycle+โข๏ธ+I2C
AD knows how to design. I believe in their skills more than in mine.
If you asked me what tool to use for HW design, the answer'd be KiCad. No doubt.
When I want to manufacture my Beny-devices Templates, I order only locally at @aisler.net.
โข Ordering directly from KiCad using ๐ฃ๐๐๐ต ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฅ plugin.
โข EU manufacturing
โข I love to support EU companies.
When I want to manufacture my Beny-devices Templates, I order only locally at @aisler.net.
โข Ordering directly from KiCad using ๐ฃ๐๐๐ต ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฅ plugin.
โข EU manufacturing
โข I love to support EU companies.
January 8, 2026 at 6:06 AM
If you asked me what tool to use for HW design, the answer'd be KiCad. No doubt.
When I want to manufacture my Beny-devices Templates, I order only locally at @aisler.net.
โข Ordering directly from KiCad using ๐ฃ๐๐๐ต ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฅ plugin.
โข EU manufacturing
โข I love to support EU companies.
When I want to manufacture my Beny-devices Templates, I order only locally at @aisler.net.
โข Ordering directly from KiCad using ๐ฃ๐๐๐ต ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฅ plugin.
โข EU manufacturing
โข I love to support EU companies.
A standalone liquid detector doesn't have to be complex.
Grab my project and reuse it.
The liquid detector Microchip Technology Inc., MTCH9010, has one unique advantage. It doesn't need a host controller.
It can run alone, clocking by its heartbeat signal, independently of any external logic.
Grab my project and reuse it.
The liquid detector Microchip Technology Inc., MTCH9010, has one unique advantage. It doesn't need a host controller.
It can run alone, clocking by its heartbeat signal, independently of any external logic.
MTCH9010 - A standalone liquid detector doesn't have to be complex.
Grab my project and reuse it.
The liquid detector Microchip Technology Inc., MTCH9010, has one unique advantage. It doesn't need a host controller.
It can run alone, clocking by its heartbeatโฆ
youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:06 AM
A standalone liquid detector doesn't have to be complex.
Grab my project and reuse it.
The liquid detector Microchip Technology Inc., MTCH9010, has one unique advantage. It doesn't need a host controller.
It can run alone, clocking by its heartbeat signal, independently of any external logic.
Grab my project and reuse it.
The liquid detector Microchip Technology Inc., MTCH9010, has one unique advantage. It doesn't need a host controller.
It can run alone, clocking by its heartbeat signal, independently of any external logic.
First steps with RPi in macOS, the simplest ones.
1. Install usbtool
> Why do we need it?
> To put the booting RPi into a USB memory device
2. Put RPi into boot mode
3. When in boot mode, run the rpiboot binary
4. Run the Raspberry Pi Imager app
5. Boot your RPi
1. Install usbtool
> Why do we need it?
> To put the booting RPi into a USB memory device
2. Put RPi into boot mode
3. When in boot mode, run the rpiboot binary
4. Run the Raspberry Pi Imager app
5. Boot your RPi
January 6, 2026 at 8:08 AM
First steps with RPi in macOS, the simplest ones.
1. Install usbtool
> Why do we need it?
> To put the booting RPi into a USB memory device
2. Put RPi into boot mode
3. When in boot mode, run the rpiboot binary
4. Run the Raspberry Pi Imager app
5. Boot your RPi
1. Install usbtool
> Why do we need it?
> To put the booting RPi into a USB memory device
2. Put RPi into boot mode
3. When in boot mode, run the rpiboot binary
4. Run the Raspberry Pi Imager app
5. Boot your RPi
If I were a piece of hardware, I'd be a Raspberry Pi Compute Module. Pls don't get me wrong.
The Compute Module is something I deeply admire.
It has its limits. It's not a ring that rules them all, but it's a gem.
I'm so happy that the origin of this device is in Europe. So happy.
The Compute Module is something I deeply admire.
It has its limits. It's not a ring that rules them all, but it's a gem.
I'm so happy that the origin of this device is in Europe. So happy.
January 5, 2026 at 6:29 AM
If I were a piece of hardware, I'd be a Raspberry Pi Compute Module. Pls don't get me wrong.
The Compute Module is something I deeply admire.
It has its limits. It's not a ring that rules them all, but it's a gem.
I'm so happy that the origin of this device is in Europe. So happy.
The Compute Module is something I deeply admire.
It has its limits. It's not a ring that rules them all, but it's a gem.
I'm so happy that the origin of this device is in Europe. So happy.
There are products that I love.
If one died, I'd buy it again without hesitation.
One of them is my Original Prusa i3 Mk3 printer.
What would you buy for yourself in no time again?
#showyourwork #hwidvorakinfo #thatkicadguy
If one died, I'd buy it again without hesitation.
One of them is my Original Prusa i3 Mk3 printer.
What would you buy for yourself in no time again?
#showyourwork #hwidvorakinfo #thatkicadguy
January 3, 2026 at 7:07 AM
There are products that I love.
If one died, I'd buy it again without hesitation.
One of them is my Original Prusa i3 Mk3 printer.
What would you buy for yourself in no time again?
#showyourwork #hwidvorakinfo #thatkicadguy
If one died, I'd buy it again without hesitation.
One of them is my Original Prusa i3 Mk3 printer.
What would you buy for yourself in no time again?
#showyourwork #hwidvorakinfo #thatkicadguy
I write about devices I love.
And I design things, hardware-like
Help companies worldwide with hardware design
If you don't have a HW team, I am here for you
Let's start slowly. I'll guide you.
Step by step
We'll grow together
I'm not an unreachable expert. I'm one of your's
And I design things, hardware-like
Help companies worldwide with hardware design
If you don't have a HW team, I am here for you
Let's start slowly. I'll guide you.
Step by step
We'll grow together
I'm not an unreachable expert. I'm one of your's
January 2, 2026 at 6:06 AM
I write about devices I love.
And I design things, hardware-like
Help companies worldwide with hardware design
If you don't have a HW team, I am here for you
Let's start slowly. I'll guide you.
Step by step
We'll grow together
I'm not an unreachable expert. I'm one of your's
And I design things, hardware-like
Help companies worldwide with hardware design
If you don't have a HW team, I am here for you
Let's start slowly. I'll guide you.
Step by step
We'll grow together
I'm not an unreachable expert. I'm one of your's
I wish you the best patience whenever you want it
Last year, I started working slowly. With the highest patience possible
I made a few mistakes and design errors. They come with everything new
I feel that the new, slower workflow and AI involved in my design process help me big time
Happy New Year
Last year, I started working slowly. With the highest patience possible
I made a few mistakes and design errors. They come with everything new
I feel that the new, slower workflow and AI involved in my design process help me big time
Happy New Year
January 1, 2026 at 6:06 AM
I wish you the best patience whenever you want it
Last year, I started working slowly. With the highest patience possible
I made a few mistakes and design errors. They come with everything new
I feel that the new, slower workflow and AI involved in my design process help me big time
Happy New Year
Last year, I started working slowly. With the highest patience possible
I made a few mistakes and design errors. They come with everything new
I feel that the new, slower workflow and AI involved in my design process help me big time
Happy New Year
What are you baking? Do you want it crispy?
I'm repairing a prototype, and I want to know when the PCB surface temperature reaches about 90ยฐC.
Then, I can use my hot air gun. The process is then completed quickly. It depends on multiple factors, but the surface temp is a good indicator to me.
I'm repairing a prototype, and I want to know when the PCB surface temperature reaches about 90ยฐC.
Then, I can use my hot air gun. The process is then completed quickly. It depends on multiple factors, but the surface temp is a good indicator to me.
December 31, 2025 at 6:06 AM
What are you baking? Do you want it crispy?
I'm repairing a prototype, and I want to know when the PCB surface temperature reaches about 90ยฐC.
Then, I can use my hot air gun. The process is then completed quickly. It depends on multiple factors, but the surface temp is a good indicator to me.
I'm repairing a prototype, and I want to know when the PCB surface temperature reaches about 90ยฐC.
Then, I can use my hot air gun. The process is then completed quickly. It depends on multiple factors, but the surface temp is a good indicator to me.
When even the largest MCU package isn't enough.
I go with the following IO Port expander, that:
>> Communicates over 4-wire SPI bus.
>> Talks high-speed up to 26 MHz.
>> Allows 2.25-5.5V operation.
>> Has 20 or 28 ports.
>> MAX7301.
What IO Port expander is your favourite?
I go with the following IO Port expander, that:
>> Communicates over 4-wire SPI bus.
>> Talks high-speed up to 26 MHz.
>> Allows 2.25-5.5V operation.
>> Has 20 or 28 ports.
>> MAX7301.
What IO Port expander is your favourite?
December 30, 2025 at 12:44 PM
When even the largest MCU package isn't enough.
I go with the following IO Port expander, that:
>> Communicates over 4-wire SPI bus.
>> Talks high-speed up to 26 MHz.
>> Allows 2.25-5.5V operation.
>> Has 20 or 28 ports.
>> MAX7301.
What IO Port expander is your favourite?
I go with the following IO Port expander, that:
>> Communicates over 4-wire SPI bus.
>> Talks high-speed up to 26 MHz.
>> Allows 2.25-5.5V operation.
>> Has 20 or 28 ports.
>> MAX7301.
What IO Port expander is your favourite?
The best gift is the one you choose for yourself.
So here is something you can give yourself before Christmas Eve.
fedevel.com/courses/kica...
So here is something you can give yourself before Christmas Eve.
fedevel.com/courses/kica...
KiCad for makers teaser
YouTube video by Petr Dvoลรกk
youtu.be
December 22, 2025 at 6:28 AM
The best gift is the one you choose for yourself.
So here is something you can give yourself before Christmas Eve.
fedevel.com/courses/kica...
So here is something you can give yourself before Christmas Eve.
fedevel.com/courses/kica...
Data read successfully. The best message I received today. The STM32CubeProgrammer made my day.
Every time after I check the power supplies, clocks and reset, I connect JTAG/SWD and try to read the MCU memory.
Happy designing!
Every time after I check the power supplies, clocks and reset, I connect JTAG/SWD and try to read the MCU memory.
Happy designing!
December 19, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Data read successfully. The best message I received today. The STM32CubeProgrammer made my day.
Every time after I check the power supplies, clocks and reset, I connect JTAG/SWD and try to read the MCU memory.
Happy designing!
Every time after I check the power supplies, clocks and reset, I connect JTAG/SWD and try to read the MCU memory.
Happy designing!
โข Ordering directly from KiCad using ๐ฃ๐๐๐ต ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฅ plugin.
โข EU manufacturing = short delivery distances.
โข I love to support EU companies.
Iโm grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net
โข EU manufacturing = short delivery distances.
โข I love to support EU companies.
Iโm grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net
December 18, 2025 at 4:27 PM
โข Ordering directly from KiCad using ๐ฃ๐๐๐ต ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฅ plugin.
โข EU manufacturing = short delivery distances.
โข I love to support EU companies.
Iโm grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net
โข EU manufacturing = short delivery distances.
โข I love to support EU companies.
Iโm grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net
I promised to measure load transients for this buck PCB
โข 3V โ 36Vin
โข Switching frequency configurable between 0.2 and 2 MHz
โข No-load current of 7 ยตA.
โข Low EMI converter.
If you are looking for a wide-input range, high-current buck converter, the TI LM61440 should be on your list.
โข 3V โ 36Vin
โข Switching frequency configurable between 0.2 and 2 MHz
โข No-load current of 7 ยตA.
โข Low EMI converter.
If you are looking for a wide-input range, high-current buck converter, the TI LM61440 should be on your list.
LM61440 Building a Buck Converterโฆ and Keeping My Promise to Measure It.
YouTube video by Petr Dvoลรกk
youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:15 AM
I promised to measure load transients for this buck PCB
โข 3V โ 36Vin
โข Switching frequency configurable between 0.2 and 2 MHz
โข No-load current of 7 ยตA.
โข Low EMI converter.
If you are looking for a wide-input range, high-current buck converter, the TI LM61440 should be on your list.
โข 3V โ 36Vin
โข Switching frequency configurable between 0.2 and 2 MHz
โข No-load current of 7 ยตA.
โข Low EMI converter.
If you are looking for a wide-input range, high-current buck converter, the TI LM61440 should be on your list.
A viewer of my Design Stream supposed that my KiCad must be advanced.
There isn't magic.
No. At all.
Only tricks and shortcuts are deeply embedded in my KiCad muscles.
Would you like to know more about them? Send me a DM, and I will tell you.
There isn't magic.
No. At all.
Only tricks and shortcuts are deeply embedded in my KiCad muscles.
Would you like to know more about them? Send me a DM, and I will tell you.
December 16, 2025 at 6:46 AM
A viewer of my Design Stream supposed that my KiCad must be advanced.
There isn't magic.
No. At all.
Only tricks and shortcuts are deeply embedded in my KiCad muscles.
Would you like to know more about them? Send me a DM, and I will tell you.
There isn't magic.
No. At all.
Only tricks and shortcuts are deeply embedded in my KiCad muscles.
Would you like to know more about them? Send me a DM, and I will tell you.
I want to ask you for your opinion and help.
How do you design negative cell pads?
I found this image on the Internet. I think it's an Adafruit design of a negative CR2032 cell.
How do you deal with it? How do you design it?
How do you design negative cell pads?
I found this image on the Internet. I think it's an Adafruit design of a negative CR2032 cell.
How do you deal with it? How do you design it?
December 15, 2025 at 6:23 AM
I want to ask you for your opinion and help.
How do you design negative cell pads?
I found this image on the Internet. I think it's an Adafruit design of a negative CR2032 cell.
How do you deal with it? How do you design it?
How do you design negative cell pads?
I found this image on the Internet. I think it's an Adafruit design of a negative CR2032 cell.
How do you deal with it? How do you design it?
Sometimes the fastest way to correct a DRC violation is to override it. I'll tell you why and how.
When you route in crowded spaces.
How? By dragging the track segment (shortcut D or G) and arranging the track. The magic part is to hold the Cmd or Ctrl key when confirming the move.
When you route in crowded spaces.
How? By dragging the track segment (shortcut D or G) and arranging the track. The magic part is to hold the Cmd or Ctrl key when confirming the move.
December 12, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Sometimes the fastest way to correct a DRC violation is to override it. I'll tell you why and how.
When you route in crowded spaces.
How? By dragging the track segment (shortcut D or G) and arranging the track. The magic part is to hold the Cmd or Ctrl key when confirming the move.
When you route in crowded spaces.
How? By dragging the track segment (shortcut D or G) and arranging the track. The magic part is to hold the Cmd or Ctrl key when confirming the move.
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 Dvoลรกk
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 Dvoลรกk
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 ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐น๐ฎ๐ฏ 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 doesnโt punish beginners.
The Red Pitaya ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐น๐ฎ๐ฏ 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 doesnโt punish beginners.
RedPitaya STEMLAB 125-14 PRO Gen 2
YouTube video by Petr Dvoลรกk
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 1:55 PM
A scientific workhorse is resting in this black box.
The Red Pitaya ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐น๐ฎ๐ฏ 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 doesnโt punish beginners.
The Red Pitaya ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐น๐ฎ๐ฏ 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 doesnโt punish beginners.