libgen tool update

We have updated the libgen tool now with the following features:

• Automatic file name for .lib files using input XML file name
• Generator for .dcm file using updated 'description' and 'keyword' attributes
• Better checking for format errors in XML file

Next we are working on the Tk based GUI to generate the XML files instead of writing them.
This would make it worthwhile for any one to be able to make the component even without knowing the XML format supported.
Keep posting your suggestions and contribute to help us develop this tool better.

Kicad Schematics Library generator in Python

As we stated earlier that we have taken up the task of moving to Kicad, this is our first step. We have successfully created a tool called libgen for creating Eeschema Libary components.

This tool is based on Python and can generate one Component from a XML file.This tool in multiple ways emulates the Quick KICAD Library Component Builder online tool for generating the symbols.
However since its standalone it becomes easier to edit and customize. Another important feature is the XML based component generation. This makes it easy to customize the pins in text rather than selecting again and again. All the Pins can be Named using the XML file and there EType as per the Kicad norms can also be set.

Moving to Kicad

We have taken the decision to move to Kicad for good reasons.

 We were using the Hobbyist version of Eagle and had the following limitations:

• Multi-layer not possible
• Board Size Limitations

Although our Eagle library was functional with every day components, still we struggled when we had to introduce new components. And most of the OSS hardware supporters were using Eagle, so we kept working with it. However recently the board size needed was much bigger and we could not fit the schematics in one page. We were circumventing this disadvantage using multiple boards but it was still a handicap. Thus we turned towards completely open source solution!

We had evaluated Kicad back in 2010 but were not satisfied. However as time passed Kicad became considerably better and much more stable. Then we started noticing many people are developing libraries for this tool. This is active and updated FAQ for this tool. This tool is Multi-platform which makes it even more advantageous. Although Eagle supported the same feature but you need to buy one more license if there are 2 PC using the tool.

Thus in all support for Kicad has grown and it made perfect sense for the future developments. It would be one time effort of porting and creating libraries. We would try to document the process so that more people can use this wonderful tool.

Here are a few links that help you to get resources on Kicad:
Download Link: http://kicad.sourceforge.net/wiki/Downloads
Home Page: http://kicad.sourceforge.net/wiki/Main_Page
Libraries : http://www.kicadlib.org/
Schematics Library Generator: http://kicad.rohrbacher.net/quicklib.php

We are presently working on making an easy to use Module & Library generator for Kicad using Python. We would be posting on that development soon.

Independence Day for Bharat 2012

हम 'इलेक्ट्रोनिक्स भारत के लिय ' यह प्रण लेते है की हम अपने देश के स्वाभीमान को सर्वोच स्थान देंगे |

हम सब अपने रचनात्मक कार्यो को इस लक्ष्य पर केन्द्रीत क़रेगे |

| वन्दे मातरम |

Bus-Pirate broke down

We were disabled recently as our trusty tool the Bus-Pirate just broke down.

Possibly it was wrong voltage levels that took it out. Now we cant get the Supply command 'W' working.
Most of development uses this nice little device. Now we have to order a new Bus-pirate to continue our projects. Mostly repair work for this one would take more time which we are always short of. Well we would post an update once we are back with a new one.

Nanoscale wires defy quantum predictions

Atomic-scale electronics follow classical, not quantum, rules.

B. WEBBER

Atomic electrical components conduct just like conventional wires, giving a new lease of life to Moore's law. - Nature

Microchips could keep on getting smaller and more powerful for years to come. Research shows that wires just a few nanometres wide conduct electricity in the same way as the much larger components of existing devices, rather than being adversely affected by quantum mechanics.

As manufacturing technology improves and costs fall, the number of transistors that can be squeezed onto an integrated circuit roughly doubles every two years. This trend, known as Moore's law, was first observed in the 1960s by Gordon Moore, the co-founder of chip manufacturer Intel, based in Santa Clara, California. But transistors have now become so small that scientists have predicted that it may not be long before their performance is compromised by unpredictable quantum effects.

Resistivity, a measure of how much a material opposes the flow of electrical current, has previously been shown to increase exponentially as the width of a wire decreases below 10 nanometres, which would impede the performance of devices with atomic-scale components.

News via Adafruit blog.