In this latest video from John Teel, electronic components to avoid in a real product:
- USB Micro-B Connections → use USB-C instead
- Through-Hole Components → use SMD instead
- Barrel Jack Power Connections → use USB-C instead
- Note: 5.5 × 2.1 mm (5.5×2.1mm) is the common DC barrel jack size, 5.5 × 2.5 mm (5.5×2.5mm) is less common
- Unshielded DC-DC Converter Inductors → use shielded inductors instead
- Cheap No-Name Electrolytic Capacitors → buy from reputable brand instead, or, better, switch to ceramic or polymer aluminium capacitors
- If you want no surprises, stick to: Nichicon, Rubycon, Panasonic, Nippon Chemi-Con (aka United Chemi-Con), Elna
- For professional/industrial designs, also consider: KEMET, Vishay, TDK
- Bare Pin Headers as Production Connectors → use connectors rated for your application instead
- Mechanical Relays → use solid state instead, for DC consider MOSFET
- Single-Source or End-of-Life Components → use widely available components instead
- Counterfeit of Clone ICs → buy from authorized distributors instead:
- Hobby-Grade Sensors → look for higher grade instead with I2C or SPI digital interfaces