Embedded System Architecture for Hardware Products: From Requirements to KiCad
A practical framework for turning hardware product requirements into power, compute, interface, firmware, and KiCad schematic architecture.
Blog
MAX30102 Sensor Circuit: Schematic, Pinout, Power, and PCB Checklist
Review a bare MAX30102 sensor circuit before PCB layout, including its power rails, I2C, interrupt, grounding, optics, footprint, and testing.
Snubber Circuit Design: RC Calculation, Placement, and Testing
Calculate starting RC snubber values from measured ringing, then review component stress, PCB placement, oscilloscope tuning, thermal loss, and EMI.
ESP32-S31 Hardware Design Guide: Power, Boot, USB, Ethernet, and RF
Review an ESP32-S31 schematic before PCB layout, including power, reset, boot pins, flash, clocks, USB, Ethernet PHY, RF, and module selection.
LED Current-Limiting Resistor: Formula, Values, and Power Rating
Calculate an LED current-limiting resistor, choose a standard value and power rating, and verify GPIO, PWM, and parallel-LED behavior.
Decoupling Capacitor: Values, Placement, and PCB Layout Checklist
Choose decoupling capacitor values, place them at IC power pins, and review bypass-capacitor current loops before PCB layout.
Flyback Diode: Polarity, Placement, and Sizing Guide
Learn flyback diode polarity, placement, sizing, and clamp choices for relays, solenoids, and motors before PCB layout.
CAN Bus Termination Resistor: 120Ω Placement and Testing
Learn where to place CAN bus termination resistors, why two 120Ω endpoints measure about 60Ω, and how to review standard, split, and selectable termination.
I2C Pull-Up Resistor Values: Calculation and PCB Design Checklist
Calculate I2C pull-up resistor values, compare 100 kHz and 400 kHz examples, and review a real KiCad bus before PCB layout.