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

Jul 30, 2024 • 42min
The Rise of Software-Defined Vehicles
Discover how software-defined vehicles are revolutionizing the automotive industry!
Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson in this episode of the OnTrack Podcast as he chats with Lenora Clark, Director of Autonomous Driving and Safety Technology at MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. The pair explore the latest advancements in autonomous driving, advanced automotive electronics, and the incredible technologies that are shaping the future of cars. From human-machine interfaces to EV charging infrastructure, this interview covers it all!
Key Topics:
- The evolution of software-defined vehicles
- Autonomous driving technology
- Integration of advanced electronics in modern cars
- The future of automotive innovations

Jul 25, 2024 • 40min
EMI Pitfalls, Tips and Careers with Joost Brilman
Welcome to the Altium "OnTrack Podcast," hosted by Zach Peterson. In this episode, we're joined by Joost Brilman, an EMC consultant and creator of the EMI Buster weekly email. Joost and Zach discuss the common pitfalls in electronics design, particularly with pre-certified modules, and how they can lead to EMI issues. Joost shares valuable tips for troubleshooting and preventing EMI problems, as well as insights into a career in EMC consulting.
Key Topics:
- Why pre-certified modules might not be foolproof workarounds for ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE.
- Common EMI PITFALLS in electronics design
- Practical EMI TIPS for EMC COMPLIANCE
- EMI CAREERS and career advice for aspiring EMC consultants
About Joost Brilman: Joost is an EMI buster. He reduces and prevents electronic interference as EMC consultant. He assists many hardware development companies in passing EMC requirements. Previously active as an electronics developer with a background in Power Electronics, causing a lot of EMI.
#EMIPitfalls #EMCTips #ElectronicsDesign #EMCConsultant #JoostBrilman

Jun 26, 2024 • 41min
PCB Thermal Design Deep Dive with Ethan Pierce
Welcome to the Altium OnTrack Podcast! Today, we are joined by Ethan Pierce, founder of Dodec Labs. He and host Zach Peterson explore the intricacies of thermal management in PCB design. If you’ve ever faced issues with overheating PCBs or want to enhance your PCB thermal design skills, this episode is a must-watch!
Episode Highlights:
Importance of early thermal problem identification
Effective PCB THERMAL DESIGN and simulation techniques
Real-world examples and lessons from PCB East
Strategies for optimal heat dissipation and management
THERMAL DESIGN OPTIMIZATION Insights from industry experts
Don't miss out on these valuable tips and tricks to ensure your PCB designs run cool and efficiently.

Jun 20, 2024 • 48min
Modern vs. Old School Signal Integrity w/ Donald Telian
Explore the fascinating evolution of signal integrity in PCB design with industry expert Donald Telian. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, Donald delves into the differences between modern and old school signal integrity, sharing invaluable insights from his illustrious career. Learn about IBIS modeling, high-speed design, and the critical advancements that have shaped the industry.

4 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 42min
Edge Devices and LLMs: What's Ahead for AI
Jan Jongboom, co-founder of Edge Impulse, discusses the evolution of GPT models, importance of edge computing, reducing LLM sizes for deployment on edge devices, practical AI applications, and challenges of running large language models on GPUs in this informative podcast.

Jun 4, 2024 • 58min
Talking Signal Integrity & PCB Laminates w/ Bert Simonovich
Learn about the complexities of dielectric anisotropy and its implications for high-speed PCB designs in this week’s OnTrack podcast episode. Don't miss this engaging and informative discussion.
Key Takeaways:
Learn about the different dielectric constants in PCB materials.
Discover how anisotropic properties affect transmission line modeling in PCB LAMINATES.
Gain practical knowledge for achieving better signal integrity in your PCB designs
The critical aspects of signal integrity in modern electronics
More Resources:
Lansim Enterprises: http://www.lamsimenterprises.com/
Connect with Bert on LinkedIn
Check out this article the importance of Signal Integrity for High Speed Designs
Check out this article about PCB Material Selection

May 29, 2024 • 43min
Open Source Projects Overview: Laptop and Raspberry Pi CM4 Module
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Lukas Henkel from Open Visions Technology to explore two groundbreaking open source projects: an open source laptop and an alternative to the Raspberry Pi CM4 module.
Discover the latest advancements in OPEN SOURCE hardware and learn how these innovative projects are pushing the boundaries of DIY computing.
Episode Highlights:
Webcam Design: challenges and innovations in designing an open-source webcam for laptops.
Laptop Design Challenges: key obstacles faced during the development of an open-source laptop.
Lessons Learned from Laptop Project: insights and takeaways from working on the open-source laptop project.
Advice for Taking On This Kind of Project: recommendations and guidance for individuals looking to start similar projects.
Open Source Raspberry Pi Overview and Demo: overview and demonstration of using Raspberry Pi in open-source projects.
More Resources:
Check out our previous podcast episode with Lukas Henkel
Open Source Laptop Project
Pi.MX8 Project
Follow Lukas on LinkedIn
Follow Open Visions on LinkedIn
Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access

May 21, 2024 • 34min
Making Electronics Culture Cool Again: The Circuit Pulse Show
Welcome to the OnTrack Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the vibrant electronics culture with special guests Inga Woods-Waight and Joel Higgins from the Circuit Pulse Show. Discover how they are making ELECTRONICS CULTURE and tech fun and accessible, engaging younger audiences, and revolutionizing educational content in the electronics industry. If you're passionate about electronics design and want to stay updated on industry trends, this episode is a must-watch!
Key Takeaways:
• PCB design insights and tips
• Engaging content for the electronics community
• The rise of educational electronics videos
• Inga and Joel's journey and success stories
More Resources:
Follow Inga Woods-Waight on LinkedIn
Octopart's YouTube Channel
Check Out Full Episodes of the Circuit Pulse Show
Interested in the topic of electronics culture? Check out this past episode of OnTrack on the topic of microelectronics.
Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access

May 14, 2024 • 55min
Envisioning an Energy Efficient Tech Future
Join host Zach Peterson on The OnTrack Podcast as he has a fascinating conversation with Greg Bailey, President of GreenArrays, Inc. Discover the innovative ways technology is advancing towards a more energy-efficient future. In this episode, we explore the impact of IoT and AI on energy consumption, the challenges of power management in tech, and the solutions that are shaping a sustainable world.
Episode Highlights:
The role of IoT in leading toward an ENERGY EFFICIENT TECH FUTURE.
Insights into AI's impact on power usage across industries.
Greg Bailey's expert take on supervisory control systems and their benefits.
Strategies for reducing energy waste in everyday tech applications.
More Resources:
Learn More about GreenArrays, Inc
Learn More about Charles Moore
Connect with Greg Bailey: greg@greenarraychips.com
Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access:

May 7, 2024 • 42min
EMC Troubleshooter Min Zhang on Measuring Ground w/ Voltage & Current
Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson on this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast where EMC troubleshooting expert Min Zhang explores the complexities of measuring ground in electronic systems using both voltage and current methods. With his profound expertise and practical insights, Min provides a comprehensive breakdown of the techniques and tools necessary for accurate measurements, especially in high-power applications.
Episode Highlights:
In this episode you'll learn:
The impact of frequency on the cost and selection of multi-gigahertz probes.
Detailed explanations of VOLTAGE TESTING and MEASURING GROUND techniques in EMC applications.
Insights into the challenges and solutions for measuring high-frequency transient events.
What the technical challenges are in measuring GROUNDING SYSTEMS using differences between circuit points.
The importance of selecting the right probe based on voltage levels and measurement environment.
Techniques to minimize noise and ensure accurate readings in noisy industrial environments.
Further Resources:
Connect with Min Zhang on LinkedIn
EMC and Compliance International is the UK's premier independent trade show specializing in every facet of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and compliance. It features exhibitors from a variety of sectors such as electronics, electrical, industrial, aerospace, medical, and military. Check out their website here.
Information on EMC and Compliance International's Training Program
Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access