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
🚀 lab@idvorak.info
🤝 Electricity is all about connections. 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭!
👉 I am 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙆𝙞𝘾𝘼𝘿 𝙜𝙪𝙮
🚀 lab@idvorak.info
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!
It was fast. I replaced my reflow oven with the portable screen I'd used solely for travelling.
Last year, I bought a lovely small 16" 2.5k portable monitor. I'd used it solely for my trips.
Why can this gem not be placed on the side of the main screen regularly?
I love them. Both.
Last year, I bought a lovely small 16" 2.5k portable monitor. I'd used it solely for my trips.
Why can this gem not be placed on the side of the main screen regularly?
I love them. Both.
October 31, 2025 at 6:06 AM
It was fast. I replaced my reflow oven with the portable screen I'd used solely for travelling.
Last year, I bought a lovely small 16" 2.5k portable monitor. I'd used it solely for my trips.
Why can this gem not be placed on the side of the main screen regularly?
I love them. Both.
Last year, I bought a lovely small 16" 2.5k portable monitor. I'd used it solely for my trips.
Why can this gem not be placed on the side of the main screen regularly?
I love them. Both.
I learned a big lesson because I forgot the biggest truth I've learned.
What is the biggest truth I've forgotten? Absolute maximum mistakes can be discovered using only optical methods.
If I spent some time under the microscope, I could save my time soldering the IC.
Always use your microscope!
What is the biggest truth I've forgotten? Absolute maximum mistakes can be discovered using only optical methods.
If I spent some time under the microscope, I could save my time soldering the IC.
Always use your microscope!
October 30, 2025 at 8:14 AM
I learned a big lesson because I forgot the biggest truth I've learned.
What is the biggest truth I've forgotten? Absolute maximum mistakes can be discovered using only optical methods.
If I spent some time under the microscope, I could save my time soldering the IC.
Always use your microscope!
What is the biggest truth I've forgotten? Absolute maximum mistakes can be discovered using only optical methods.
If I spent some time under the microscope, I could save my time soldering the IC.
Always use your microscope!
For renumbering pads, go to Edit / Renumber Pads…, edit Prefix, First number, numbering step and GO for it!
October 29, 2025 at 6:26 AM
For renumbering pads, go to Edit / Renumber Pads…, edit Prefix, First number, numbering step and GO for it!
You will fall in love with this 1-Cell linear battery charger. I designed this device during a KiCad live stream in April this year
If you want an easy-to-use and FULLY configurable battery charger, here it is
_charging current in 10 mA steps
_a configurable power path
_a battery voltage follower
If you want an easy-to-use and FULLY configurable battery charger, here it is
_charging current in 10 mA steps
_a configurable power path
_a battery voltage follower
October 28, 2025 at 6:27 AM
You will fall in love with this 1-Cell linear battery charger. I designed this device during a KiCad live stream in April this year
If you want an easy-to-use and FULLY configurable battery charger, here it is
_charging current in 10 mA steps
_a configurable power path
_a battery voltage follower
If you want an easy-to-use and FULLY configurable battery charger, here it is
_charging current in 10 mA steps
_a configurable power path
_a battery voltage follower
This print makes my day. I am super happy when everything clicks. And here it did.
The surface of the CR2032 cell retainer seems to be out of focus. And it is because I focused on the surface of the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller.
Regarding the manufacturing, it really clicked today.
The surface of the CR2032 cell retainer seems to be out of focus. And it is because I focused on the surface of the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller.
Regarding the manufacturing, it really clicked today.
October 27, 2025 at 8:39 AM
This print makes my day. I am super happy when everything clicks. And here it did.
The surface of the CR2032 cell retainer seems to be out of focus. And it is because I focused on the surface of the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller.
Regarding the manufacturing, it really clicked today.
The surface of the CR2032 cell retainer seems to be out of focus. And it is because I focused on the surface of the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller.
Regarding the manufacturing, it really clicked today.
It isn't costly to be special. Today, I spent the entire morning playing with this mini Arduino gadget.
It's mini. The dimensions are 50 x 33 mm.
I discussed with ChatGPT what I want the code to do, and the machine gave me my lines. I started with a simple rainbow effect.
It's mini. The dimensions are 50 x 33 mm.
I discussed with ChatGPT what I want the code to do, and the machine gave me my lines. I started with a simple rainbow effect.
October 24, 2025 at 6:17 AM
It isn't costly to be special. Today, I spent the entire morning playing with this mini Arduino gadget.
It's mini. The dimensions are 50 x 33 mm.
I discussed with ChatGPT what I want the code to do, and the machine gave me my lines. I started with a simple rainbow effect.
It's mini. The dimensions are 50 x 33 mm.
I discussed with ChatGPT what I want the code to do, and the machine gave me my lines. I started with a simple rainbow effect.
The current comparator device based on INA214 was presented yesterday.
I’m grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net
As always, the boards arrived quickly and were of top-notch quality. The EU quality with EU delivery time.
Thank You for the Support!
I’m grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net
As always, the boards arrived quickly and were of top-notch quality. The EU quality with EU delivery time.
Thank You for the Support!
October 23, 2025 at 5:59 AM
The current comparator device based on INA214 was presented yesterday.
I’m grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net
As always, the boards arrived quickly and were of top-notch quality. The EU quality with EU delivery time.
Thank You for the Support!
I’m grateful for the generous support from @aisler.net
As always, the boards arrived quickly and were of top-notch quality. The EU quality with EU delivery time.
Thank You for the Support!
I needed a way to classify idle, nominal, and excessive currents.
I had to design a current comparator with two LEDs. The comparator must recognise three states.
When the current is below an idle limit. A normal range current. An excessive current.
INA214 from TI.
youtube.com/shorts/bWGFZ...
I had to design a current comparator with two LEDs. The comparator must recognise three states.
When the current is below an idle limit. A normal range current. An excessive current.
INA214 from TI.
youtube.com/shorts/bWGFZ...
INA214 I needed a way to classify idle, nominal, and excessive currents.
YouTube video by Petr Dvořák
youtube.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:07 AM
I needed a way to classify idle, nominal, and excessive currents.
I had to design a current comparator with two LEDs. The comparator must recognise three states.
When the current is below an idle limit. A normal range current. An excessive current.
INA214 from TI.
youtube.com/shorts/bWGFZ...
I had to design a current comparator with two LEDs. The comparator must recognise three states.
When the current is below an idle limit. A normal range current. An excessive current.
INA214 from TI.
youtube.com/shorts/bWGFZ...
When I designed the device below, I took the following into account
The device will be collecting data. The device must have at least one universal sensor input. I added three more.
The device will be sending data to the Internet. I added a universal M.2 interface for various communication boards.
The device will be collecting data. The device must have at least one universal sensor input. I added three more.
The device will be sending data to the Internet. I added a universal M.2 interface for various communication boards.
October 20, 2025 at 5:24 AM
When I designed the device below, I took the following into account
The device will be collecting data. The device must have at least one universal sensor input. I added three more.
The device will be sending data to the Internet. I added a universal M.2 interface for various communication boards.
The device will be collecting data. The device must have at least one universal sensor input. I added three more.
The device will be sending data to the Internet. I added a universal M.2 interface for various communication boards.
See, you can't just sit down and start working on a big, complex project from scratch. Well, you can but...
It's always easier and much faster to start from verified blocks.
If you want to check what I've created and shared, take a look at www.beny-devices.eu
It's always easier and much faster to start from verified blocks.
If you want to check what I've created and shared, take a look at www.beny-devices.eu
October 17, 2025 at 9:03 AM
See, you can't just sit down and start working on a big, complex project from scratch. Well, you can but...
It's always easier and much faster to start from verified blocks.
If you want to check what I've created and shared, take a look at www.beny-devices.eu
It's always easier and much faster to start from verified blocks.
If you want to check what I've created and shared, take a look at www.beny-devices.eu
I involved AI in my workflow because I had to.
My customers AI-review my design
Yes, it is the norm today. My customers let AI review my designs because they want to be sure that I did a good job.
Should I be scared? No. I implemented AI into my workflow right away, just like that.
My customers AI-review my design
Yes, it is the norm today. My customers let AI review my designs because they want to be sure that I did a good job.
Should I be scared? No. I implemented AI into my workflow right away, just like that.
October 16, 2025 at 6:05 AM
I involved AI in my workflow because I had to.
My customers AI-review my design
Yes, it is the norm today. My customers let AI review my designs because they want to be sure that I did a good job.
Should I be scared? No. I implemented AI into my workflow right away, just like that.
My customers AI-review my design
Yes, it is the norm today. My customers let AI review my designs because they want to be sure that I did a good job.
Should I be scared? No. I implemented AI into my workflow right away, just like that.
I love this device so much that I find myself writing about it frequently. I'm sorry about it.
I designed, manufactured and tested this device twice. I designed the 1st version for CELUS and Blues. The second one, the completely redesigned version, was designed for my course, _KiCad for Makers_.
I designed, manufactured and tested this device twice. I designed the 1st version for CELUS and Blues. The second one, the completely redesigned version, was designed for my course, _KiCad for Makers_.
October 15, 2025 at 5:20 AM
I love this device so much that I find myself writing about it frequently. I'm sorry about it.
I designed, manufactured and tested this device twice. I designed the 1st version for CELUS and Blues. The second one, the completely redesigned version, was designed for my course, _KiCad for Makers_.
I designed, manufactured and tested this device twice. I designed the 1st version for CELUS and Blues. The second one, the completely redesigned version, was designed for my course, _KiCad for Makers_.
You ordered. I delivered. A complete buck converter design.
During my two KiCad Live streams, I designed a PCB with a buck converter:
Circuit design with component calculations
Schematic design with uncovered details
1:10 hr + 1:10 hr
Today, I manufactured the BOARD and I love it.
During my two KiCad Live streams, I designed a PCB with a buck converter:
Circuit design with component calculations
Schematic design with uncovered details
1:10 hr + 1:10 hr
Today, I manufactured the BOARD and I love it.
October 14, 2025 at 5:19 AM
You ordered. I delivered. A complete buck converter design.
During my two KiCad Live streams, I designed a PCB with a buck converter:
Circuit design with component calculations
Schematic design with uncovered details
1:10 hr + 1:10 hr
Today, I manufactured the BOARD and I love it.
During my two KiCad Live streams, I designed a PCB with a buck converter:
Circuit design with component calculations
Schematic design with uncovered details
1:10 hr + 1:10 hr
Today, I manufactured the BOARD and I love it.
My customer ordered the design of this RTU. I almost failed to deliver 10 prototypes.
had to design the connector board between the base board and the display board twice.
Why?
I traditionally mirrored signals on connectors.
had to design the connector board between the base board and the display board twice.
Why?
I traditionally mirrored signals on connectors.
October 13, 2025 at 5:17 AM
My customer ordered the design of this RTU. I almost failed to deliver 10 prototypes.
had to design the connector board between the base board and the display board twice.
Why?
I traditionally mirrored signals on connectors.
had to design the connector board between the base board and the display board twice.
Why?
I traditionally mirrored signals on connectors.
0.645 x 0.645 mm is the size of this LDO!
It's half the size of the 0402.
Low Quiescent Current is here 340 nA
The Dropout Voltage of 140 mV and 300 mA output current isn't so important. An ultra-low current switching regulator would work too, but this LDO has a significantly lower PCB footprint.
It's half the size of the 0402.
Low Quiescent Current is here 340 nA
The Dropout Voltage of 140 mV and 300 mA output current isn't so important. An ultra-low current switching regulator would work too, but this LDO has a significantly lower PCB footprint.
October 10, 2025 at 5:10 AM
0.645 x 0.645 mm is the size of this LDO!
It's half the size of the 0402.
Low Quiescent Current is here 340 nA
The Dropout Voltage of 140 mV and 300 mA output current isn't so important. An ultra-low current switching regulator would work too, but this LDO has a significantly lower PCB footprint.
It's half the size of the 0402.
Low Quiescent Current is here 340 nA
The Dropout Voltage of 140 mV and 300 mA output current isn't so important. An ultra-low current switching regulator would work too, but this LDO has a significantly lower PCB footprint.
Redesigned 555, called MIC155x, was aired yesterday.
Creating the PCB layout using #KiCad is a breeze. I've been using the 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗥 plugin. The PCB manufacturing order is then a task that takes 30 seconds.
Thank You for the support, @aisler.net
Creating the PCB layout using #KiCad is a breeze. I've been using the 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗥 plugin. The PCB manufacturing order is then a task that takes 30 seconds.
Thank You for the support, @aisler.net
October 9, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Redesigned 555, called MIC155x, was aired yesterday.
Creating the PCB layout using #KiCad is a breeze. I've been using the 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗥 plugin. The PCB manufacturing order is then a task that takes 30 seconds.
Thank You for the support, @aisler.net
Creating the PCB layout using #KiCad is a breeze. I've been using the 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗥 plugin. The PCB manufacturing order is then a task that takes 30 seconds.
Thank You for the support, @aisler.net
What happens when you shrink the classic 555 into a SOT-23-5 package?
Can they beat the 555?
Supply range: 2.7 V–18 V
Active current: ~200 µA at 3 V
Shutdown current less than 1 µA
Output drive: less than 15 Ω resistance
Excellent stability: better than 0.005%/°C
youtube.com/shorts/-wmvQ...
Can they beat the 555?
Supply range: 2.7 V–18 V
Active current: ~200 µA at 3 V
Shutdown current less than 1 µA
Output drive: less than 15 Ω resistance
Excellent stability: better than 0.005%/°C
youtube.com/shorts/-wmvQ...
MIC155x What happens when you shrink the classic 555 into a SOT-23-5 package?
YouTube video by Petr Dvořák
youtube.com
October 8, 2025 at 6:22 AM
What happens when you shrink the classic 555 into a SOT-23-5 package?
Can they beat the 555?
Supply range: 2.7 V–18 V
Active current: ~200 µA at 3 V
Shutdown current less than 1 µA
Output drive: less than 15 Ω resistance
Excellent stability: better than 0.005%/°C
youtube.com/shorts/-wmvQ...
Can they beat the 555?
Supply range: 2.7 V–18 V
Active current: ~200 µA at 3 V
Shutdown current less than 1 µA
Output drive: less than 15 Ω resistance
Excellent stability: better than 0.005%/°C
youtube.com/shorts/-wmvQ...