
OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast
The PCB Design Podcast features conversations on all facets of PCB Design and Hardware Development
Latest episodes

Dec 16, 2024 • 43min
How Denpaflux Simplifies EMC Testing
How does Denpaflux simplify EMC testing? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson interviews Reinhard Neureiter, CEO of Denpaflux, to explore their groundbreaking AI-powered tools for tackling EMI and EMC challenges. Learn why 70% (or maybe more) of designs fail EMC testing and how Denpaflux helps engineers fix critical issues faster, from optimizing board stackups to pinpointing high-priority EMI risks.
Discover how this platform combines human expertise with AI to make EMC consulting accessible, effective, and efficient. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out, Denpaflux offers insights and tools to streamline your workflow and reduce costly delays.
Don't miss this deep dive into the future of EMI/EMC solutions and the innovative technologies reshaping PCB design.

Nov 13, 2024 • 53min
E-Waste Crisis: How Component Sense is Making a Difference
Component Sense is tackling the e-waste crisis head-on by redistributing excess, unused stock from major companies before it becomes waste.
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, we talk with Kenny McGee, founder and CEO of Component Sense, about the hidden issues of electronic component disposal. Discover what happens to stockpiled electronics, why companies over-purchase components, and the innovative solutions that companies like Component Sense are implementing to reduce e-waste.
Kenny shares insights from years in the electronics distribution market, the challenges of moving unused inventory, and the environmental impacts of traditional disposal methods. This conversation highlights the importance of responsible component management and the potential to create a sustainable future in electronics. Tune in to learn more about the environmental and ethical implications of e-waste, and see how you can contribute to positive change in the industry.

Nov 2, 2024 • 11min
PCB West: PCB Design Tips with Neil Chamberlain of Polar Instruments
In this special episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, filmed live at PCB West 2024, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson chats PCB design and manufacturing challenges with Neil Chamberlain, Product Specialist at Polar Instruments. Neil shares his expert insights into the evolving landscape of PCB design, discussing critical topics like substitute materials, copper roughness, and the benefits of using tools that bridge the communication gap between designers and fabricators.
Discover how Polar Instruments has been leading the way for almost 50 years, and learn valuable tips to optimize your PCB designs.

Oct 31, 2024 • 14min
Counterfeit Detection & Supply Chain Risks with Cofactr
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson and Phillip Gulley, co-founder of @cofactr chat about the critical topics of counterfeit detection and supply chain risks in the electronics industry. Recorded live at PCB West 2024, Phillip shares Cofactr’s approach to managing procurement, logistics, and ensuring the authenticity of electronic components.
Discover how Cofactr is helping companies tackle supply chain vulnerabilities by implementing rigorous counterfeit inspection methods, kitting solutions, and seamless integration with Altium 365.

Oct 16, 2024 • 31min
Automating Requirements: How Altium 365 is Changing Engineering
Unlock the power of Altium 365 with automated requirements management! In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Louise Linblad, VP of Product for Systems Engineering, and Gonçalo Ivo, Head of Product for Requirements & Systems Portal, to explore the revolutionary new tool for automating requirements within the Altium ecosystem.
Discover how the Requirements & Systems Portal is designed to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and bring innovative solutions to life faster than ever before. Learn about the seamless integration of Valispace, and how this new feature is helping engineers connect requirements directly to CAD tools, enhancing collaboration and design accuracy.
Whether you're a product manager, system engineer, or electronic engineer, this episode is packed with insights on boosting your engineering efficiency with Altium 365.

Oct 13, 2024 • 35min
HDI, Manufacturing Clashes, and More with Mike Tucker
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Mike Tucker explores the world of HDI and manufacturing clashes and shares invaluable insights from his years of experience as Director of Engineering and Technology at Millennium Circuits. If you’re a PCB designer facing challenges with HDI design, manufacturing processes, or transitioning your prototypes to high-volume production, this video is packed with expert advice just for you!
Mike and host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson discuss the most common clashes between HDI design and manufacturing, how to avoid costly errors, and why understanding fabrication processes is crucial for your PCB success. Whether you're dealing with Class 2, Class 3, or beyond, Mike Tucker offers practical solutions to streamline your design-to-production journey.

Oct 10, 2024 • 36min
Design for AI & the PCB Design Education Revolution w/ John Watson
Design for AI is at the forefront of the PCB design education revolution, driving a new era of innovation in how we approach electronics. In this episode of the Altium "OnTrack" podcast, Technical Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with John Watson, Altium's technical engineer and professor at Palomar Community College, to explore how AI is transforming the landscape of PCB design.
Discover how partnerships, like the one between Altium and Mouser, are playing a pivotal role in educating a new generation of PCB designers across the globe. John and Zach discuss the integration of AI into PCB design education, its impact on students and professionals alike, and what the future holds for the industry.

Sep 19, 2024 • 33min
Unpacking Altium Education's Student Initiatives in India & Beyond
Explore how Altium Education is empowering the next generation of hardware designers in India and across the globe. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores scholarship opportunities, free training programs, and the partnership with Mouser Electronics to support students, particularly women, in the field of PCB design.
Guests in this Episode:
Rea Callendar, VP of Education at Altium, is a highly motivated results-oriented executive with an extensive background in educational leadership, strategic corporate development, and a passion for driving innovation in the education sector.
Connect with Rea here: recallender
Watch Rea's Previous Episode: Master the Basics of PCB Electronics
Megha Kurup, HR VP for Asia-Pacific at Mouser, is a results-oriented professional with high productivity and strong desire for success with broad regional and global HR experience to help support Organizations expanding business across Asia-Pacific.
Resources from this Episode:
- Altium Student Labs: https://www.altium.com/education/students
- Altium Education Center: https://www.altium.com/education/educators
- India Student Page: https://www.altium.com/in/education/students
Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access:
https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy

Jul 30, 2024 • 43min
IPC Courses, PCB Design Practices & Advanced Materials with Kris Moyer
Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson in this interview with Kris Moyer, an esteemed IPC instructor and seasoned PCB design expert. The pair cover a wide range of topics including IPC courses, PCB design practices, and advanced materials. Discover how IPC courses can elevate your PCB design skills, learn about best practices in high-speed digital design (as well as a few other types of design), and explore the challenges of working with advanced materials in the PCB industry.
Key Topics Covered:
- The importance of IPC courses for PCB designers
- Best practices in PCB design and signal integrity
- Overcoming challenges with high-speed digital design
- Understanding and utilizing advanced materials in PCB manufacturing
- Kris Moyer's career journey and industry insights
#PCBDesign #IPC #signalintegrity

Jul 30, 2024 • 47min
AI Vision Systems in Manufacturing with Deepview's Eliyahu Davis
Join us on the Altium OnTrack podcast as Zach Peterson sits down with Eliyahu Davis, the lead engineer at Deepview AI. The two explore the future of AI vision systems in manufacturing. Discover how Deepview AI is revolutionizing factory automation with advanced deep-learning cameras.
Key Takeaways:
-The role of sci-fi-inspired vision systems in manufacturing.
- Insights into Deepview AI’s groundbreaking products.
- The impact of AI on factory automation and efficiency.
- Eliyahu Davis’s background and contributions to the field.
#FactoryAutomation #DeepLearning #ComputerVision