#681 – Compact High Speed Design with Lukas Henkel
Oct 31, 2024
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Lukas Henkel, CEO of OV Tech GmbH and co-founder of PCB Arts, brings his expertise in high-speed design and miniaturization to the discussion. He dives into the challenges of fitting powerful computing into small form factors, addressing price constraints and the use of standard PCB technology. Lukas reveals insights on System-in-Package (SIP) designs and shares an upcoming Crowd Supply campaign for a new IoT module. He also emphasizes the role of visualizations in understanding signal integrity and the importance of community-driven innovation in electronics.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of compact high-speed designs, showcasing efforts to maximize computational power within limited physical spaces through advanced module designs.
Open-source initiatives are highlighted as crucial for fostering community involvement and innovation, enabling real-time input and collaboration in product development.
The exploration of standard PCB technologies serves to balance design sophistication with cost-effectiveness, addressing challenges in miniaturization while adapting to changing market demands.
Deep dives
High-Speed and Compact Design Innovations
Compact and high-speed designs are central to the work being done, focusing on miniaturization and embedded Linux-capable devices. The goal is to maximize computational power within limited physical space, exemplified by projects that utilize a single chip package design. For instance, creating an SD card-sized module that offers enhanced compute capabilities showcases the ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of traditional form factors. This drive towards compactness is matched with the need for practical solutions, indicating that the future of design lies in striking a balance between efficiency and performance.
Open Source Projects and Community Engagement
The significance of open-source initiatives is highlighted as a means to foster community involvement and innovation. A noteworthy project under development is a Raspberry Pi compatible module, which aims to bring flexibility and customization to users. By openly sharing design files and receiving input from the community, the organization can iterate and improve upon its designs in real-time. This collaborative approach not only nurtures a vibrant developer ecosystem but also empowers users by granting them ownership over the technology they utilize.
Challenges of Miniaturization
Miniaturization presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly concerning manufacturing processes and costs. The current exploration into using standard PCB technology aims to keep production costs manageable while maintaining a high level of sophistication in design. However, as the complexity of projects increases, so does the importance of utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques to achieve next-level miniaturization and component embedding. Thus, the discussion surrounding the balance between achievable design goals and the financial feasibility of advanced projects remains pivotal.
Market Demand and Strategic Development
Understanding market demand plays a crucial role in guiding product development, as seen in the transition from bespoke design services to creating standardized modules. A strategic decision to develop an open-source System in Package (SIP) arose from client requests and community interest, indicating a responsive approach to emerging needs. This focus not only caters to specific industries like IoT and industrial vision applications but also leaves room for other innovative use cases. By recognizing changing demands, the organization can pivot effectively and deliver versatile solutions to a broad audience.
Advancing PCB Design Techniques
The evolution of PCB design technologies, such as using Any Layer stack-ups and HDI (High-Density Interconnector) techniques, reflects the industry’s push for higher performance boards. The discussion emphasizes how advanced design practices allow for more efficient use of space and better routing options while enhancing overall flexibility. As costs for complicated manufacturing drop, more designers can explore sophisticated designs without prohibitive expenses. Ultimately, leveraging innovative PCB technologies is essential to meet the increasingly complex demands of modern electronic systems.