How QR Codes Became RF Filters
The Analog #140
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RF circuit design is often described as black magic, and recent developments aren't exactly dispelling that reputation now that generative models are designing filters that look like QR codes.
To set some context: RF filters are often built directly into PCBs using copper trace geometries like microstrip (signal trace over a ground plane) or stripline (signal trace sandwiched between two ground planes for better EMI shielding). These filters pass signals within a target frequency band—like low-pass, high-pass, or band-pass—and attenuate the rest. Designers define key specs such as response type, cutoff frequencies, order, and select standard topologies; then design tools like Marki Microstrip Filter Calculator can output geometry that match the filter specifications. PCB-based filters are widely used in Wi-Fi front ends, SDRs, and radar boards because they’re low-cost, layout-friendly, and easy to replicate once tuned.
Over the last few weeks, a generative diffusion model called DALL-EM from Princeton researchers has been all the rage after producing pixelated copper patterns that worked as RF filters. Like its namesake DALL-E, it uses a controlled diffusion process to generate RF layouts that match a target frequency response. By tuning entropy, it can output everything from maze-like traces to fully arbitrary geometries. The paper isn’t out yet, but the intent is clear: universalize the RF/RFIC design space, and help synthesize layouts in minutes that go far beyond human-designed templates. Some useful reference links below:
This is a great walkthrough of traditional PCB-based RF filters; it covers microstrip topologies, design flow, and tuning.
Two users on X took the filter layouts from the paper and did what every good peer reviewer does: TwoFiveSigma simulated a 'smoothed' version of the pixelated QR code filter with a similar frequency response, and Kuwahara82 actually fabricated the design to test performance.
A working map of deep tech companies, organized by domain. Most of the new entrants are clustered around a few key areas like space technology, energy generation, AI for hardware, and robotics. As we’ve been tracking them, one distinction has been especially helpful to understand the scope of work involved. Deep tech companies start with a fundamental science or physics breakthrough, often something that still needs to be proven in a lab (like quantum computing at PsiQuantum). Hard tech companies build on that foundation and take on the engineering, manufacturing, and product challenges required to bring it into the real world.
See also: our market maps for defense/aerospace, robotics, and climate.
Why do we love open-source tools? Because every so often, someone shares something so useful it becomes essential infrastructure. Gridfinity is a clever modular storage system built around a 42 × 42 mm grid of stackable, 3D-printable bins with hundreds of community-made designs for storage containers like caliper trays to custom tool holders. There’s even an online parametric generator built in OpenSCAD that lets you tweak bin size, add lids and label tabs, and generate 3D printed toolboxes. Also on our radar: a new startup called ToolTrace is abstracting tool organization one level further by generating custom shadowbox foam inserts from a single photo.
Nestled in Italy’s Carrara quarries, robotic sculpting is transforming marble artistry using industrial multi-axis robot arms for stone milling. We’re not here to critique art - just curious on how it comes together. The robotic arms used, usually from German Manufacturer KUKA, starts with a rough block called the resting model and follows toolpaths that update in real time as each layer is removed. Artists upload a 3D model of the final piece and a scan of the stone block, while software handles generating paths and machine code. Subscriptions start at $5K/year which mimic pricing for typical manufacturing CAM software. Highly detailed sculptures can still take over 20 months to complete, with final hand-finishing needed to capture subtleties like morbidezza—the illusion of soft, living flesh.
The PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) market was just $400M in 2022, but is projected to surpass $3.5B by 2032 as demand grows for GPS-independent alternatives. GPS works well in ideal conditions, but it’s easy to jam, spoof, or lose entirely. Startups like Xona, SpacePNT, and AstroNav are racing to deploy satellite constellations that offer “assured PNT,” a more resilient, redundant stack that defense and aerospace customers are starting to treat as critical infrastructure.
A couple fun links to round out the week:
After walking on the Moon, Neil Armstrong still had to declare “moon rock and moon dust samples” at US Customs.
Old-school artistry of a master glassblower shaping a pumpkin-shaped lamp.
We still have limited space for our SF Hardware Happy Hour in late August (8/28). Free foods, free drinks and good people to talk shop - check it out here.
Startup News 🚀
California Forever just announced the Solano Foundry: a 2,100-acre manufacturing site with plans for 40 million square feet of industrial space, making it the largest advanced manufacturing park in the country. Backed by $1B+ in funding for the broader city project, the site aims to integrate R&D, prototyping, and production capabilities for industries like advanced transportation, robotics, energy, and defense. Located near Travis AFB, it promises fast permitting (90 days), renewable power, and rail-linked logistics to bring manufacturing back to California.
Hadrian secured $260M in a funding round combining equity and debt to expand its automated factories for space and defense components. The financing structure includes equity led by Founders Fund and Lux Capital, with debt from Morgan Stanley specifically for factory buildouts, bringing total funding to nearly $500M. The capital will go toward a new Arizona site with 4x the machining capacity and expanded headquarters, accelerating production of high-precision components through CNC automation and dedicated customer capacity via its factories-as-a-service model.
Mine Vision Systems raised $11.5M in later-stage equity funding to scale its visual intelligence tools for mining. focusing on real-time 3D mapping and automation insights. The funding will grow the Pittsburgh team and support expansion into Australia and South America.
Pipedream Labs launched its first Rapid Fulfillment Center in Austin, designed to deliver goods via underground pipes in under two minutes. The warehouse integrates with Pipedream’s Otter robot, a 100 mph autonomous vehicle that moves standardized totes through 24-inch HDPE tubes. It’s the first step toward a full-scale “thing pipe” network that acts as an autonomous logistics layer with always-on infrastructure beneath the city.
Uber has committed $300M to a new robotaxi partnership with Lucid and autonomous driving startup Nuro. Over the next six years, Lucid will supply Uber with 20,000 purpose-built EVs, using Nuro’s Level 4 self-driving system. The first fleet will launch in a major U.S. city next year. Testing is already underway at Nuro’s proving grounds in Las Vegas ,and marks a pivot into the fleet market for Lucid and scaling beyond consumer EVs.
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It has been a great week for Autonomy, super excited to see the Nuro/Lucid/Uber partnership. They could catch-up with Waymo by having their Lidar integration directly in the production line. Also, with Rivian's announcement of an Autonomous Driving hub in London, good news all round.