Friday, September 22, 2023

[HIRING]: Staff DevOps and K8s engineers

Position Company Location Salary
Staff DevOps Engineer Achieve Arizona $160k - $190k
CNO Platform Engineer ManTech Remote $108k - $180k
Staff Engineer LeafLink Remote $200k - $230k
Senior Software Golang Kubernetes Engineer NVIDIA Florida $176k - $333k
Developer Success Engineer Temporal Technologies Remote $130k - $180k

The highest salary listing of the past week goes to NVIDIA with $333k!

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Why did I blow my L6219 Stepper Driver?

Hi all. I've been developing a circuit with bipolar stepper motor driving a gear system on a mount. The gearing shaft doesn't have full 360 degrees range so gets "caught" on the mount itself on both sides. I managed to get my code working to control it, but mistakenly set my delay time way too short, and the motor quickly caught on the mount and stalled. Shortly after the magic smoke came out of the L6219. This might be a basic question, but I just want to 100% confirm the reason for the driver blowing so it doesn't happen again.

According to its datasheet, the L6219 is current-controlled (I set it to 500 mA max), and also has thermal shutdown. Given that, I would have expected the thermal protection to kick in. However it also says it has a peak current of 1A. I'm guessing the very sudden stalling of the motor caused it's back EMF to vanish, thereby shorting the driver's output before it had a chance to implement protection and shut off the outputs? I think I initially assumed current-controlled also meant current-limiting, but I'm guessing now that's not true at all?

Then, as a side question, how would I be able to safely rotate the motor until it catches on the mount (so that I know where its starting position is)? Would I have to do this very slowly and use a current-sensing resistor? Or is there another way?

Why did I blow my L6219 Stepper Driver?

Hi all. I've been developing a circuit with bipolar stepper motor driving a gear system on a mount. The gearing shaft doesn't have full 360 degrees range so gets "caught" on the mount itself on both sides. I managed to get my code working to control it, but mistakenly set my delay time way too short, and the motor quickly caught on the mount and stalled. Shortly after the magic smoke came out of the L6219. This might be a basic question, but I just want to 100% confirm the reason for the driver blowing so it doesn't happen again.

According to its datasheet, the L6219 is current-controlled (I set it to 500 mA max), and also has thermal shutdown. Given that, I would have expected the thermal protection to kick in. However it also says it has a peak current of 1A. I'm guessing the very sudden stalling of the motor caused it's back EMF to vanish, thereby shorting the driver's output before it had a chance to implement protection and shut off the outputs? I think I initially assumed current-controlled also meant current-limiting, but I'm guessing now that's not true at all?

Then, as a side question, how would I be able to safely rotate the motor until it catches on the mount (so that I know where its starting position is)? Would I have to do this very slowly and use a current-sensing resistor? Or is there another way?

Friday, August 18, 2023

here

virtual graduation ceremony this afternoon starting at 2:30 PM. Zoom Link below:
https://mantech.zoomgov.com/j/1602625324?pwd=WXY0aUN1Sk13d1JFeTNBNk5DNC9uZz09
Meeting ID: 160 262 5324
Passcode: 581189

Thursday, August 10, 2023

“Precision at the Heart of Industry: Unveiling the Legacy and Innovations of Honeywell Kromschroder by Mantech”.

Honeywell Kromschroder is a renowned name in the field of industrial combustion and control systems. With a legacy spanning several decades, the company has established itself as a global leader in providing innovative solutions for managing heat and energy processes in various industrial applications. Kromschroder’s expertise lies in creating cutting-edge products like burners, valves, regulators, and ignition systems, which are essential components in industrial furnaces, boilers, and other combustion-driven equipment.

One of the standout features of Kromschroder’s offerings is its commitment to precision and efficiency. Their products are designed to optimize combustion processes, enhancing energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. With a focus on safety and reliability, Kromschroder’s solutions ensure smooth operations across industries such as heating, power generation, and manufacturing. Overall, Kromschroder’s dedication to technological advancement and its ability to adapt to evolving industrial needs have solidified its position as a go-to provider for businesses seeking top-notch combustion and control solutions.

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

“Guardians of Safety: The Vital Role of Gas Leak Detectors in Protecting Lives and Property”.

Gas leak detectors are indispensable safety tools that protect lives, property, and the environment from the devastating consequences of gas leaks. Whether in homes, commercial spaces, or industrial facilities, these devices serve as early warning systems, giving occupants crucial time to respond to potential hazards. Regular maintenance and periodic calibration ensure their optimal performance, offering peace of mind and fostering a safer living and working environment for everyone.

Gas leaks can be silent and odorless, making them particularly dangerous. Without a reliable gas leak detector, these leaks could go undetected until it’s too late. These detectors utilize advanced sensing technologies to swiftly identify the presence of gas and trigger timely alerts. Their swift response enables people to evacuate, shut off gas supply, and call for help, mitigating potential disasters.

To uphold their efficiency, periodic maintenance is essential. Routine checks guarantee that the detectors remain in peak condition, minimizing false alarms and maximizing their accuracy. Additionally, regular calibration enhances sensitivity and ensures they meet safety standards. This diligence reinforces trust in these devices, encouraging individuals to embrace a safety-conscious mindset.

In conclusion, gas detectors are critical safety assets that protect lives and property. Through consistent maintenance and calibration, they function optimally, empowering people to respond effectively to gas leaks, promoting a secure and harmonious environment for all