OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

Dive into the future of collaborative PCB design with Altium's latest feature, the PCB CoDesign tool in AD24! In this exciting episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, our host, Zach Peterson, sits down with Wojciech Łaś, Product Manager at Altium, to explore the ins and outs of this innovative tool. Discover how the PCB CoDesign tool allows multiple designers to work on the same PCB layout simultaneously, extending Altium's version control system. Learn about the compare and merge tool, a game-changer for detecting, comparing, and resolving conflicts in PCB layout files. Wojciech shares insights into the challenges of coordinating work among multiple designers and strategies to optimize the collaborative workflow. Get a sneak peek into the future roadmap, including upcoming features like merge requests and improved conflict prevention. Find out how Altium's approach differs from real-time collaboration tools and the advantages of asynchronous collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned Altium user or exploring the world of collaborative PCB design, this podcast provides valuable insights and a glimpse into the future of electronic design. Show highlights: PCB CoDesigner Overview Unique Features of the PCB CoDesigner Tool Strategies for Collaborative Design Layer-Stack Locking and Rules System Future Developments: Merge Requests and On-Premise Availability Links and Resources: Learn more about PCB CoDesign Coming Soon in Altium Designer 24

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, join host Zach Peterson as he sits down with Lorenzo Conti, Founder and Managing Director of Crover. Discover how Crover is making waves in agriculture with their pioneering locomotion technology in granular materials.  From swimming through bulk solids to monitoring grain storage conditions, Lorenzo sheds light on how Crover's robot is transforming the grain storage market. Learn about the social and environmental impact, reducing losses, preventing infestations, and improving the overall efficiency of the grain supply chain. If you're interested in the intersection of robotics, hardware, and agritech, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to explore the future of sustainable agriculture and the exciting innovations happening at Crover.  Watch this episode here Show Highlights: 0:00 Intro 0:59 What Crover Does 2:33 Background in Farming? 3:48 Why Pursue Robotics in This Area? 6:11 Bad Storage and Losses 7:50 Other Markets and Food Products 8:58 Huge Potential 9:26 Larger Items? 11:15 How Do Farmers Receive Data? 13:21 What the Data Attempts to Predict 15:04 How Farmers Use the Data 16:37 How Technical Do the Users Want the Data? 18:27 Smaller Farmers? 19:38 Farmers in Developing Countries? 21:36 Working with Government or Nonprofits? 22:39 Overall User and Investor Response? 24:23 Scaling Challenges 27:14 Investor Relations 30:09 Cost of Deploying in Developing Countries 32:48 Where Does Crover Go Next? 35:03 Outro

Join us on this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast as we sit down with David Schild, Executive Director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA). In this insightful conversation, David shares the mission of PCBAA, its role in advocating for domestic printed circuit board manufacturers, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the industry. Discover the fascinating world of printed circuit boards and substrates as David talks about the diverse members of PCBAA, ranging from woven glass producers to drilling equipment manufacturers. Get a glimpse into the innovative world of PCBAA through David's discussion of the association's impactful business cards and the importance of physical materials in conveying industry priorities. Explore the conversation about the state of the industry, workforce challenges, and the need for sustainable growth. David sheds light on the role of automation in manufacturing facilities and the vital connection between education, advocacy, and legislation in shaping the future of the electronics industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about the world of printed circuit boards, this podcast provides valuable insights into the heartbeat of modern electronics. Tune in to learn more about the industry's past, present, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion that brings the world of electronics to life. Watch the video on YouTube to see the impressive business cards and gain a visual understanding of the technology driving innovation in the electronics manufacturing sector. If you're passionate about technology, manufacturing, or simply intrigued by the inner workings of the devices we use every day, this podcast is a must-watch! Watch this episode here Show Highlights: Intro What David Does for PCBAA David's Background What Should the US Market Share in Microelectronics Manufacturing Be? Government Subsidies & a Race to the Bottom What Role Does Automation Play in Price Competition? Encouraging Young People to Get Into the Industry Electronics & Popular Awareness Is the Messaging Getting Through? How to Educate the Masses about Microelectronics PCB-7? It's Going to Take Time Impressions about PCB West Increased Visibility at Trade Shows Learn More about PCEA & PCBAA

In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, our host Zach Peterson sits down with Geoffrey Leeds, the founder of Leeds Engineering and Data Science. If you've ever wondered how production managers react to integrating data science into production operations, or if the term "data-driven decision-making" has piqued your interest, you're in for a treat. Geoffrey shares his journey from his time at Insulectro to venturing out to help companies embrace data science. The discussion dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of applying data science in manufacturing, with a focus on improving decision-making and efficiency. In a candid conversation, Geoffrey and Zach explore the misconceptions and hurdles faced by production managers when introduced to the world of data science. From the fear of complexity to concerns about cost and implementation, they tackle the real-world issues that arise when trying to bridge the gap between manufacturing and data science. Whether you're a seasoned professional in the field or just starting to explore the possibilities of data-driven decision-making, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives. Join Geoffrey Leeds and Zach Peterson as they navigate the intersections of manufacturing, data science, and the exciting potential for innovation in the industry. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast! Subscribe now and stay tuned for more discussions with industry leaders and innovators. Watch this episode here Show Highlights: Intro Return of Data Science Bad Data & Improper Recommendations Automated Process Solutions Capturing Data IIoT Onshoring & the Winds of Change A Plethora of Processes PCB Packaging 49:25 Manufacturing is Fun & Challenging Again 52:42 New Data Solutions   

Today we are joined by Mohamed Badawy, Founder & CEO of Scalvy Inc. He and Zach have a fascinating conversation about Modamed's company, Scalvy, and its innovative powertrain technology. As a part of this chat, the two cover how long it takes to introduce new concepts to the market, how Scalvy's tech works, AI integration, and much more. Watch this episode here 0:00 Intro 0:55 Mohamed & Scalvy's Background 2:35 Mohamed's Research 8:14 It Takes Time to Explain a Concept 10:47 Modularization & Competitive Advantage 13:41 Safety, Reliability, & Auto Makers 19:05 Automotive Powertrain Standardization? 22:27 Creating the Powertrain Standard 23:15 Maintenance Costs? 25:00 What Happens with the Powertrain 27:08 AI Integration? 30:33 Aerospace Industry 34:14 Marine and Agricultural Vehicles?

Today we are joined by Dan Beaulieu, founder and owner of Db Management Group. He and Zach chat about the PCB industry's broad marketing trends including how it's stuck in the past, the declining trade show industry, how sales reps can stay relevant, and much more. Watch this episode here 0:00 Intro to Dan Beaulieu 5:48 Sales & Marketing Stuck in the Past 9:14 Impacts of the Domestic PCB Base 12:59 Is the Trade Show Method Going Away? 16:45 How do Reps Stay Relevant? 19:27 Focusing on Younger Designers 24:30 How Manufacturers Stand Out from the Competition 28:42 Designers and Board Shop Conflicts 31:42 Importance of Touring Shops 33:36 Capital Investment and PCB Shops 38:51 Focus on the Customer's Need, Then Provide It  

Paul Durand-Estèbe, Lead Electronic Developer at Metyos, discusses Metyos's groundbreaking wearable glucose monitoring tech, the emergent wearables trend in the medical field, and challenges in scaling and manufacturing wearable medical devices.

In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we have a chat with Benjamin Dannan, a defense & aerospace contractor. We talk about power integrity, high amps, quality reports, vendor models, the importance of verification, and much more.  Watch this episode Episode Highlights: Intro Ben's Background Power Integrity Considerations Vendor Models Quality & Accuracy Trust & Verify File Density Challenges Die (integrated circuit) Models & Packages "It's Easy to Miss Things."  Lost in the Translation Ask for Quality Reports 2,000 Amp Challenges Links and Resources: Watch Recent Related Episodes PCB Packaging & the Future of Manufacturing The Impact of the Defense Sector in the Electronic Industry Ecosystem Read Related Articles: Designing for Military and Aerospace Embedded Systems Applications Advantages of Flexible Circuits for Space Applications Connect with Benjamin Dannan on LinkedIn EDI CON Online 2023

Today we have a fascinating conversation about PCB manufacturing, reshoring, testing, and much more with Cody Endlich, Head of Strategic Sourcing at MacroFab. He and Tech Consultant Zach Peterson discuss the latest trends in manufacturing, procurement, and supplier dynamics. This is a wonderful convo for anyone interested in the future of PCB sourcing and manufacturing. 1:00 Cody's Background 2:59 Internalizing the Broker Process 4:51 What's Different about MacroFab 8:25 Where Are MacroFab's Partners? 10:17 Reshoring Efforts 12:35 Copycats? 16:09 The Sourcing Picture 20:43 How MacroFab Tests 23:42 Bringing the Process In-House 26:16 Turning Heads 29:12 A Solid Supplier Relationship 34:54 Will Mexico's Trading Role Persist 38:13 MacroFab's Biggest Growth Area 39:32 Going Forward Links and Resources: Watch Related Episodes: Macrofab: Modern EMS Solutions in North AmericaRead Related Data Security, 5G and Onshore PCB Manufacturing with Dr. Rob Spalding Achieving Diversified Electronics Supply Chain Connect with Cody Endlich on LinkedIn Visit MacroFab website

Today we have a chat with Daniel Kagerbauer, CTO and co-founder at Inmox. This is a fascinating conversation regarding Inmox's aim to change how industrial maintenance is done and, while their initial focus is on gearboxes, the implications for their software and sensor developments may be broadly applicable across the entire industrial landscape. The two talk about monitoring industrial systems, materials challenges, industry-specific applications, and much more. If you're interested in advancements in the industrial space, this is the episode for you. Show Highlights: Introduction to Daniel Kagerbauer CTO and co-founder of Inmox. Inmox is part of the Altium startup program called Launchpad Inmox is currently developing industry ready prototype and moving towards heavy industrial applications Commercial automotive and even the racing industry is a better fit for Inmox’s gearbox monitoring system Daniel describes in detail what their product look like, from a sensor oil screw that can monitor the vehicle’s lubrication system, installing T-tube and wiring local ethernets Data are being collected where the wear particles are present, and the oil screw with the lubricant have quite good access to essential stuff that needs measuring Smaller systems are more automative focus while bigger systems are applicable for wind energy versions such as a helicopter, moreover safety is utmost important Certification challenges can involve finances, redesigns and weight optimization How does the real-time particle analysis works? Daniel talks more about distinguishing between ferromagnetic, non-ferromagnetic, and the good old electro magnetism Inmox is currently in negotiation with potential customers and doing interviews with mentors from different industries Body vibration monitoring is more precise and reliable Inmox longterm vision is to promote extended lifespan to machines and pushing mechanical engineering in a more sustainable path Links and Resources: Leap your start-up to the next level. Learn more about Altium Launchpad, a program designed to support early stage start-ups launch their product to the market, fast! Read related articles: PCB Manufacturing Startup Costs: Budget for Tests and Success The Startup's Guide to PCB Manufacturing Electronic Hardware Startup Tips: From Idea to Manufacturing How to Build a Hardware Startup: Beginning to Realize Your Electronics Dreams Visit Inmox website Connect with Daniel Kagerbauer on LinkedIn