Silicon ChipSemiconductor shortages are becoming serious / The right to repair - June 2021 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Semiconductor shortages are becoming serious / The right to repair
  4. Feature: The Right to Repair (and Modify) by Dr David Maddison
  5. Project: Advanced GPS Computer - Part 1 by Tim Blythman
  6. Feature: The History of USB by Jim Rowe
  7. Project: Recreating Arcade Pong by Dr Hugo Holden
  8. Feature: The History of Videotape – Camcorders and Digital Video by Ian Batty, Andre Switzer & Rod Humphris
  9. Project: PIC Programming Helper by Tim Blythman
  10. Review: The New Arduino IDE 2.0 by Tim Blythman
  11. Project: Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply with WiFi – Part 2 by Richard Palmer
  12. Review: Weller T0053298599 Soldering Station by Tim Blythman
  13. Product Showcase
  14. Serviceman's Log: Trying to fix unbranded, generic equipment is frustrating by Dave Thompson
  15. PartShop
  16. Vintage Radio: 1940 RME Model 69 communications receiver by Fred Lever
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Notes & Errata: Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply with WiFi, May 2021; Arduino-based Power Supply, February 2021; DIY Reflow Oven Controller, April-May 2020; Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse, July 2017
  20. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the June 2021 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 37 of the 112 pages in the full issue, including the advertisments.

For full access, purchase the issue for $10.00 or subscribe for access to the latest issues.

Items relevant to "Advanced GPS Computer - Part 1":
  • Advanced GPS Computer PCB [05102211] (AUD $7.50)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the Advanced GPS Computer [0510221A.hex] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • DS3231 real-time clock IC (SOIC-16) (Component, AUD $6.50)
  • VK2828U7G5LF TTL GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO module with antenna and cable (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • MCP4251-502E/P dual 5kΩ digital potentiometer (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack V3 complete kit (Component, AUD $75.00)
  • Matte/Gloss Black UB3 Lid for Advanced GPS Computer (BackPack V3) or Pico BackPack (PCB, AUD $5.00)
  • Firmware for the Advanced GPS Computer [0510221A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Advanced GPS Computer PCB pattern (PDF download) [05102211] (Free)
  • Advanced GPS Computer box cutting diagram and lid dimensions (Panel Artwork, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Advanced GPS Computer - Part 1 (June 2021)
  • Advanced GPS Computer - Part 1 (June 2021)
  • Advanced GPS Computer – Part 2 (July 2021)
  • Advanced GPS Computer – Part 2 (July 2021)
Articles in this series:
  • The History of USB (June 2021)
  • The History of USB (June 2021)
  • How USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) works (July 2021)
  • How USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) works (July 2021)
Items relevant to "Recreating Arcade Pong":
  • Mini Arcade Pong PCB [08105211] (AUD $27.50)
  • Pair of Signetics NE555Ns (Component, AUD $12.50)
Articles in this series:
  • The History of Videotape – Quadruplex (March 2021)
  • The History of Videotape – Quadruplex (March 2021)
  • The History of Videotape - Helical Scan (April 2021)
  • The History of Videotape - Helical Scan (April 2021)
  • The History of Videotape – Cassette Systems (May 2021)
  • The History of Videotape – Cassette Systems (May 2021)
  • The History of Videotape – Camcorders and Digital Video (June 2021)
  • The History of Videotape – Camcorders and Digital Video (June 2021)
Items relevant to "PIC Programming Helper":
  • 8-pin PIC Programming Helper PCB [24106211] (AUD $5.00)
  • 8/14/20-pin PIC Programming Helper PCB [24106212] (AUD $7.50)
  • Relay - 1A DPDT 5V DC coil (EA2-5NU) (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • PIC Programming Helper PCB patterns (PDF download) [24106211-2] (Free)
Items relevant to "Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply with WiFi – Part 2":
  • WiFi-Controlled DC Electronic Load control PCB [18104212] (AUD $10.00)
  • Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply Control Panel PCB [18104211] (AUD $10.00)
  • Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply Regulator Module PCB [18104212] (AUD $7.50)
  • 2.8-inch TFT Touchscreen LCD module with SD card socket (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • ESP32 DevKitC microcontroller module with WiFi and Bluetooth (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • Software, manuals and laser templates for the Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply (Free)
  • Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply Control Panel PCB pattern (PDF download) [18104211] (Free)
  • Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply Regulator PCB pattern (PDF download) [18104212] (Free)
  • Drilling/cutting diagrams and front panel artwork for the Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply with WiFi – Part 1 (May 2021)
  • Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply with WiFi – Part 1 (May 2021)
  • Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply with WiFi – Part 2 (June 2021)
  • Programmable Hybrid Lab Supply with WiFi – Part 2 (June 2021)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

SILICON SILIC CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Publisher/Editor Nicholas Vinen Technical Editor John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Technical Staff Jim Rowe, B.A., B.Sc. Bao Smith, B.Sc. Tim Blythman, B.E., B.Sc. Nicolas Hannekum, Dip. Elec. Tech. Technical Contributor Duraid Madina, B.Sc, M.Sc, PhD Reader Services Rhonda Blythman, BSc, LLB, GDLP Advertising Enquiries Glyn Smith Phone (02) 9939 3295 Mobile 0431 792 293 glyn<at>siliconchip.com.au Regular Contributors Dave Thompson David Maddison B.App.Sc. (Hons 1), PhD, Grad.Dip.Entr.Innov. Geoff Graham Associate Professor Graham Parslow Ian Batty Cartoonist Brendan Akhurst Founding Editor (retired) Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD Staff (retired) Ross Tester Ann Morris Greg Swain, B. Sc. (Hons.) Silicon Chip is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 626 922 870. ABN 20 880 526 923. All material is copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Semiconductor shortages are becoming serious When the news of COVID-19 hit, it was evident that there would be widespread effects on industry from factory shutdowns, reduced capacity due to mitigation efforts, etc. It was almost a miracle that so many sectors seemed to be marching on throughout 2020 and early 2021, somewhat unaffected. There was plenty of talk about semiconductor shortages, but that mainly seemed to be related to desktop CPUs and graphics processors, many of which have been essentially unobtainable for the past year. But now we are noticing many ICs being out of stock and with very long lead times. The worst-hit appear to be microcontrollers, more-or-less across the board. Many PICs are out of stock at all major retailers, as are micros from NXP, ST Micro and many others. To get an idea of how bad it is getting, at the time of writing Digi-Key lists 91,292 different microcontrollers on their website, but only 21,176 or 23.2% are in stock. And many of those listed have single-digit quantity in stock. During better times, I would expect that figure to be closer to 50%. It isn’t just microcontrollers, either. We’re having trouble getting some of the other semis that we sell in our kits, such as regulators and Mosfets. For those parts which are out of stock, the wait for the next batch can be very long indeed. Some parts are showing expected delivery dates in 2022! I don’t know why the situation has degraded recently, but it has. There’s no easy way to tell how long it will continue, but I suspect it won’t be resolved anytime soon, or even this year. So don’t be surprised if you have difficulty sourcing specific components required for some of our designs (or perhaps your own). For devices like Mosfets, it is sometimes possible to find an equivalent device. But often, we are finding that most or all of the compatible devices are also out of stock. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a shortage of many consumer electronics lines in the next few months, due to the manufacturers finding it impossible to get all the parts they need. The right to repair Printing and Distribution: It should not come as a surprise that we are generally supportive of the efforts of many people to secure the legal ‘right to repair’. We see this as a way to push back against companies that deliberately (or perhaps through incompetence) make it difficult or overly expensive for people to repair their possessions when they go wrong. Given that automobiles are one of the most expensive (and often troublesome) purchases that an individual can make, it’s no surprise that some of the earliest (and strictest) right to repair legislation has involved that sector (back in 2012, in the USA). New laws, proposed to come into effect in Australia from the 1st of July next year (assuming they are legislated), will require car-makers to provide service and repair information to independent repairers. This is a step in the right direction, as manufacturer-authorised dealers can be costly. And despite this expense, in my experience, they can provide worse service than a good independent mechanic. More on this at: http://consumersfederation.org.au/morrison-government-levels-theplaying-field-for-independent-repairers/ 24-26 Lilian Fowler Pl, Marrickville 2204 Cover Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/C1r9pODhfQ4 Subscription rates (Australia only): 12 issues (1 year): $105, post paid 24 issues (2 years): $202, post paid For overseas rates, see our website or email silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Recommended & maximum price only. Editorial office: Unit 1 (up ramp), 234 Harbord Rd, Brookvale, NSW 2100. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9939 3295. ISSN 1030-2662 2 Editorial Viewpoint Silicon Chip by Nicholas Vinen Australia’s electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au