Accomplished
This week, progress on the physical device was mainly on the fabrication side. Ethan completed an initial template NMOS iteration but the batch did not work out, so the team is restarting the fab run. In parallel, since we are far from creating the final oscillator to test/measure yet, I continued my own schedule in advancing the first draft of the test/measurement infrastructure PCB design for the full oscillator. This is specifically targeted towards bring-up and characterization when the final oscillator is fabricated. Note that for measuring and characterizing the NMOS template, the Hackerfab internal tools suffice by themselves.
Progress/Schedule
We are still on schedule overall. Despite having to restart, the fab timeline is still feasible referring to the Feb. 19 latest completion date set during the 2/7 team status report. Ethan is projecting to finish another batch before that, so this fabrication reset is possible. For my schedule, my PCB work is proceeding in parallel as I have already completed a rough first draft of the design. There is no pressure/rush on my end for now given the emphasis on fabricating and in-house characterizing the NMOS, but I do need to update and keep the PCB design flexible/modular so we can quickly incorporate any new constraints and updates from the fabrication process.
Upcoming Deliverables
Next week, I will refine the PCB draft into a more complete first-pass plan and align the PCB interfaces for any updates and new constraints reported from the fabrication process. In addition, since the fabrication for the template NMOS is projected to be done soon, I will have to go to Hackerfab and help bring-up and characterize the NMOS and help the team plan for the next iteration.