OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

In this insightful episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Kirsch Mackey, founder of HaSofu, to explore the evolving landscape of PCB design education. Kirsch reveals how his educational platform bridges the critical gap between academic theory and industry requirements, sharing his unique journey from physics enthusiast to electronics education innovator.    Discover how HaSofu is revolutionizing hardware design education and learn about the potential and limitations of AI in PCB design workflows.   👉 Resources from this Episode:  - Connect with Kirsch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knmackey/ - The 8051 Microcontrollers & Embedded Systems: https://www.amazon.com/8051-Microcontrollers-Embedded-Systems/dp/8131710262/ref=sr_1_1 - STM32 Arm Programming for Embedded Systems: https://www.amazon.com/STM32-Arm-Programming-Embedded-Systems/dp/0997925949   👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy        💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!        👉 Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1        Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.         👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/         👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy     The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!         About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #PCBDesign #ElectronicsEducation #HardwareDesign 0:00 Intro 1:2 Kirsch's background and journey into electronics 4:25 Evolution of AI and machine learning in engineering 6:15 Realistic expectations for AI in PCB design 9:30 Introduction to HaSofu educational platform 11:41 Topics covered at HaSofu's electronics courses 16:53 Bridging academic-industry knowledge gaps 29:32 Future of AI in hardware design education 32:29 Edge computing and hardware development trends 37:49 Future plans for HaSofu courses 40:22 Critical warning about AI in hardware design 50:17 Closing remarks

Explore PCB East 2025 with Zach Peterson and Ethan Pierce as they break down this year's conference highlights, technical sessions, and emerging AI trends in PCB design. Discover why this industry event provides unparalleled networking opportunities with vendors, fabricators, and industry leaders that can transform your career in electronics design. PCB East offers something for everyone in the electronics industry - from design engineers to operations personnel. Learn about the latest AI tools on display, how fabricators are handling tariff challenges, and why attending specialized conferences can provide valuable face time with executives that larger shows simply can't match. 👉 From this episode: - PCB East: https://pcbeast.com/ - Connect with Ethan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierceethan 👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy        💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy   Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!          Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.         👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/         👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy   The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!         About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #PCBEast #ElectronicsDesign #PCBDesign   

In this enlightening episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with Jordan Danko, founder of FC Design Services, to explore the challenges and strategies of growing an electronics design consultancy.  Jordan shares his journey from electrical engineer to business owner, revealing how he transitioned from corporate employment to entrepreneurship and the lessons learned while scaling his team. Discover valuable insights on managing client relationships, balancing design work with business development, and adapting to supply chain disruptions. 👉 Resources from this episode:  - Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-danko-5148b5125/ - Learn More about FC Design Services: https://fcdesignservices.com/ 👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy            💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!            👉 Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1            Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.             👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/             👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy   The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!             About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #ElectronicsDesign #PCBDesign #Engineering 0:00 Intro 1:19 From mechanical to electrical engineering career path 3:03 Starting and growing FC Design Services 6:50 Challenges of selling PCB design services 9:02 Moving beyond just PCB design to full product solutions 12:55 The impacts of AI on the engineering field 16:11 Advice for young engineers wanting to start a business 22:20 Challenges of Scaling 25:41 Supply chain issues and tariffs affecting the industry 31:30 Undercutting & Markup Challenges 39:52 IP protection concerns with overseas manufacturing 44:48 Final thoughts and contact information

Dive into the cutting-edge world of high-current power distribution networks with Ben Dannan, founder of Signal Edge Solutions and DesignCon's Engineer of the Year. Ben shares invaluable insights on designing, modeling, and validating 2,000 amp power supplies for data center applications, exploring the challenges of current density requirements exceeding 100 amps per square centimeter, and the industry debate between vertical versus horizontal power delivery approaches.   Learn how package design, embedded capacitance solutions, and accurate modeling are revolutionizing power integrity for today's demanding AI processors and data center ASICs. Ben also reveals his upcoming measurement-based model library that promises to transform large-signal simulation capabilities for PDN design.   👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy     👉  Resources from this Episode: - Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-dannan/ or info@signaledgesolutions.com - NVIDIA Blackwell Platform Arrives to Power a New Era of Computing: https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-blackwell-platform-arrives-to-power-a-new-era-of-computing - Signal Edge Solutions: signaledgesolutions.com          💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!            Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.             👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/             👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy     The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!             About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.   #PowerIntegrity #electronicsdesign  #PCBDesign

In this insightful OnTrack Podcast episode, Zach Peterson sits down with Kristen Aguiar, Training Developer at Altium, to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in PCB design: component libraries. Discover practical approaches to library management, learn about common pitfalls in footprint creation, and gain valuable insights on standardization from Kristen's extensive industry experience.   From the complexities of managing library data to implementing effective processes and handling the "people problem," this conversation offers invaluable guidance for designers and engineers struggling with CAD libraries. Kristen also shares her thoughts on third-party CAD sources and her upcoming presentations at PCB East.   👉 Resources from this episode:  - Connect with Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-aguiar-b3867527/ - Learn more about PCB East: https://pcbeast.com/   👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy        💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!        Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.         👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/         👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy     The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!         About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #PCBDesign #Altium #ComponentManagement  

Discover how to design innovative 3D structural electronics using Altium Designer with product manager Jack Henriques. Learn about printed electronics, 3D-MIDs, functional surfaces, and how to create circuits on three-dimensional substrates beyond traditional flat PCBs.   Explore the toolset that lets you place components on curved surfaces, route traces along contours while maintaining consistent width, and develop complex multi-layer printed electronics. This episode of the OnTrack podcast demonstrates how Altium Designer enables revolutionary form factors for next-generation electronic devices.   👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy            💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!       Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.             👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/             👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy     The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!             About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.   #StructuralElectronics #AltiumDesigner #3DPCB

Inconsistent PCB libraries can lead to costly manufacturing errors and project delays. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, our guest Elizabeth Bustamante shares her expertise on PCB library standardization challenges and practical solutions for design teams.   Join host Zach Peterson as he discusses with Elizabeth the importance of understanding library standards, verification processes, and how to properly evaluate third-party library sources. Learn valuable insights for maintaining consistency across your PCB design libraries.   👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy        💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!        Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.         👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/         👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy     The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!         About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #PCBDesign #ElectronicsEngineering #AltiumDesigner

Discover the complex landscape of PCB manufacturing in this insightful interview from the OnTrack Podcast with Greg Papandrew, Managing Director of DirectPCB. Learn how recent tariff changes are impacting the industry, why balancing cost and quality remains critical, and what options exist beyond China for PCB sourcing.    Greg shares valuable strategies for navigating global supply chains and offers practical advice for designers looking to optimize their PCB designs for better manufacturing outcomes.   This episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast explores the evolving PCB manufacturing ecosystem, examining how geopolitical factors are reshaping where and how circuit boards are produced.    👉 Resources from this episode:  - Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-papandrew-5025834/ - Learn More about DirectPCB: https://www.directpcb.com/   👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy        💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!        Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.         👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/         👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy     The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!         About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #PCBManufacturing #ElectronicsSupplyChain #PCBDesign

Discover how the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) is revolutionizing electronics education through innovative training programs and university partnerships. In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Host Zach Peterson interviews PCEA President Mike Buetow shares insights on their mission to bridge the skills gap in PCB design, their partnership with Wayne State University, and the launch of the new PCB Detroit show.    Learn about PCEA's certified training curriculum, their vision for AI in PCB design, and how they're preparing the next generation of designers. This enlightening conversation reveals how PCEA is making PCB design knowledge more accessible through chapter-based local communities, professional certifications, and university collaborations. Mike also discusses the challenges of integrating AI into the design process and shares his perspective on the future of PCB design tools and education.   👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy     👉 Connect with Mike Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-buetow-a373401/      💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!        Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.         👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/         👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy     The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!         About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #PCBDesign #ElectronicsEducation #PCEA 

IPC APEX 2025 is bringing unprecedented opportunities for electronics industry professionals to shape the future of manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, IPC President & CEO Dr. John Mitchell reveals how this event combines standards development, technical innovation, and powerful networking opportunities under one roof. Learn why both seasoned professionals and emerging engineers should attend this transformative industry gathering.   From evolving workforce development initiatives to cutting-edge technical sessions on AI, advanced packaging, and EV power electronics, discover how IPC APEX 2025 is addressing the industry's most pressing challenges. Dr. Mitchell shares insights on new features like the Learning Lounge and explains how attendees can maximize their experience across standards meetings, professional development courses, and the exhibition floor.   📚 Related content mentioned in this episode: - Watch our previous conversations with Dr. Mitchell: https://youtu.be/CW9E3kYy4vU - Learn more about "Fire Your Hiring Habits" by Dr. John Mitchell: https://www.ipc.org/news-release/ipc-president-and-ceo-dr-john-w-mitchell-releases-new-book-fire-your-hiring-habits - Learn More about IPC: https://www.ipc.org/ - Register for IPC Expo: https://www.ipcapexexpo.org/ - Connect with Dr. Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwmitchell/   👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy     💡 Stay Connected:   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!     👉 Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1     Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.      👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium    👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/    👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/      👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy     The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!      About Altium LLC   Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #ElectronicsManufacturing #IPCAPEX2025 #PCBDesign