OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

Today we're chatting with Jeff De Serrano, President of the American Division of PCB Technologies. We had a fascinating conversation about the changing nature of the PCB Manufacturing industry, focusing on aerospace, automation, AI, education, and much more. This is a wonderful episode for anyone interested in manufacturing and where the industry might be headed. Watch this episode here. Show Highlights: Intro Intro to Jeff & PCB Technologies PCB Technology's Broad Reach in Aerospace Faster Packaging Times Packaging Advantages at PCB Technologies 2D, 2 ½D, or 3D? You Need the Know-How, Not Just People Broad Capability Won't Happen Overnight Semiconductor Companies Packaging? Workforce Challenges Automation Pipedream? Getting Students into Manufacturing Manufacturing is Totally Different Now AI Has a Long Way to Go Growth Areas in Electronics? Links and Resources: Check the recent related OnTrack Podcast episodes: PCB Manufacturing Reshoring, Automation, and Sustainability with Alun Morgan Plug and Play Industrial Automation? It's Only a Matter of Time Learn more about Altium 365®, Where the world designs electronics See how Octopart help you search for electronic parts. It is the most accurate and comprehensive electronic part data search engine right at your fingertips Connect with Jeff De Serrano on LinkedIn Visit PCB Technologies website

In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we are pleased to host a thought-provoking conversation between Tech Consultant Zach Peterson and Dr. Philip Voglewede, Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Marquette University and Director at the Omron Advanced Automation Lab. Zach and Phil have a very intriguing conversation about the role of automation in the current and future industrial landscape. Anyone interested in the current state of industrial automation, manufacturing, or labor trends won't want to miss Phil's insights, many of which are rooted in his work for the ground-breaking Omron Lab. Show Highlights: 0:00 Intro 1:03 Phil & Omron Advanced Automation Lab 2:13 Pushing to Fail 5:27 A Space to Play 7:28 Omron's Early Achievements 11:26 De-Siloing & Student Response 16:37 Companies Noticing Student Skills 17:47 Students Handling Complex Problems 19:39 Grappling with the Role of Automation 23:05 Where Do We Get ROI? 25:18 Management is Adapting 27:14 The TOTAL Dollar Amount of Manufacturing Costs 29:33 Industrial IoT is the Achilles Heel 33:22 Plug & Play is the Goal 35:24 Make It Like Starbucks 37:13 Who Will Lead the Needed Standardization? 39:06 Will the Big Manufacturers Cooperate to Standardize? 41:15 Standardization is Only a Matter of Time

There's a new workflow offering coming soon as a result of the collaboration between Altium and ANSYS. And today, we are joined by Joao Beck, Altium's Director of Enterprise Technical Marketing, to give us all the details. This new workflow is yet another step in Altium's quest toward a digital ecosystem, acting as an important bridge between ECAD and simulation Make sure to watch the entire episode so you can fully understand what's coming your way soon. Show Highlights: 0:00 Intro 0:50 Altium's New Workflow Offering 4:53 MCAD CoDesigner in Simulation? 7:28 A Full Suite of Capabilities 8:20 What the Workflow Looks Like 10:40 What's in the Revision History 12:47 The Report 14:14 Version Control & Rolling Back Simulations? 16:16 Simulation to Altium & Vice Versa 21:43 Mechanical Simulation? 23:00 The Digital Bridge Ecosystem 25:38 Broader Access? 26:42 Who's This For?

We're joined today by the Technology Ambassador at Ventec and President of the European Institute for the PCB Community (EIPC), Alun Morgan. He and host Zach Peterson have a broad, thoughtful conversation centered on PCB manufacturing. They chat about emerging manufacturing markets, potential for supplier buyouts, reshoring, automation, and much more. This is a fascinating conversation for anyone looking to get a current view on the international manufacturing market, as well as valuable insights into where it might be headed. Show Highlights: 0:00 Intro 0:40 Current Manufacturing Trends in Europe 9:20 Growth in Packaging 14:49 Producing at Scale 21:31 Up and Coming International Manufacturing Markets 23:52 Big Manufacturers Getting Bigger? 29:21 Return to Buying Out Suppliers? 31:36 Variable Costs, PCB Manufacturing, & Reshoring 34:30 Pricing Pressures & Automation 40:39 Automation: Prices, Reliability, & Sustainability 45:04 Wrap-Up Links and Resources: Watch more of Alun Morgan: Materials Science 101 with EIPC Chairman Alun Morgan Alun Morgan on the History of FR-4 Alun Morgan On PCB Base Materials Alun Morgan On Glass Fibre Production Connect with Alun Morgan on LinkedIn Visit Octopart.com, The electronic part search engine ‌

We have a very interesting topic today! The impact of the defense sector on the electronic industry. Our guest Nathan Edwards, an Executive Director, U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) will share with us what goes in a Defense Electronic Consortium (DEC) and how all of these impact the electronics eco-system. We will also touch a little about supply chain diversification and onshoring efforts here in the US. Watch through the end, this is a very special episode you don’t want to miss. We have a very interesting topic today! The impact of the defense sector on the electronic industry. Watch this episode here Show Highlights: Introduction to Nathan Edwards Nathan briefly share his background in the electronic industry in both government and commercial sector What is United States Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) and what is its involvement in the Defense Electronic Consortium (DEC)? Nathan explains what goes on DEC Small and medium size electronic companies could benefit in participating in the government ecosystem A study shows that 86% of 649 manufacturing firms receive less than 10% of their revenue from defense Electronics in the banking industry, from the tamper-proof electronics, security, authenticity, and some reliability and recovery Is something similar to the US Defense Electronics Consortium exist in different countries? Nathan discusses about the recent policy chain in the Defense Production Act, Title II Electronic supply chain diversification and onshoring in the United States A policy that will go in to effect in 2027 under the National Defense Authorization Act states that semiconductors, printed circuit boards and interconnects cannot be produced by some of the companies in China Nathans thoughts regarding production of electronic components in Latin America, especially Mexico Nathan volunteers to mentor emerging talents at his school district’s high school and middle school and get them involved in electronics sector The electronics industry requires a full depth of STEM from chemist, manufacturers, mathematician, designers and more Career Technical Education (CTE) offers biomedical tech, STEM, IT, and it is sponsored under the State Department of Educations as well as the Federal Department of Education Two critical things to a successful onshoring are reliable, skilled workforce, and capital to invest in the state-of-the-practice equipment Links and Resources: Reinventing the business of electronics. Nexar puts your business ahead of the curve, learn more here Watch related, previous episodes: The NEXAR Ecosystem Overcoming Technological Challenges in the PCB Industry The Emerging Role of Mexico in the Electronics Supply Chain Achieving Diversified Electronics Supply Chain Connect with Nathan Edwards via LinkedIn

We are very fortunate to have Dr. Eyal Weiss for today’s episode. He is the CTO and founder of Cybord, an AI tool for detecting counterfeit hardware and electrical components. This is a very exciting conversation. We will talk about a better, practical applications of AI in the electronics industry, outside of design. Watch through the end and make sure to check all the additional links and resources below. Watch the episode here. Show Highlights: Introduction to Dr. Eyal Weiss, CTO and founder of Cybord an AI tool for detecting counterfeit hardware and components Dr. Eyal Weiss's company is using AI-based component inspection services to detect counterfeits and ensure component quality. The system utilizes images of individual components taken during the placement process, leveraging big data and deep learning technology. The software integrates seamlessly with existing pick-and-place machines' internal vision systems, making it a plug-and-play solution. AI plays a crucial role in understanding and processing the vast diversity of component types, enabling accurate identification and fingerprinting of individual components. Most component failures are due to component-level issues, not board-level failures, making it crucial to focus on component quality. The traditional industry approach treats components as bulks, similar to handling grains, without addressing them individually. AI and big data technology now enable the ability to address components as individuals, allowing for better traceability and targeted recalls. Dr. Eyal Weiss's company uses AI and image analysis to examine individual components, providing detailed information about quality, authenticity, and potential defects. By analyzing individual components using AI-based inspection, manufacturers can conduct more targeted and efficient recalls based on specific fingerprint information. AI-driven analysis can also identify mismatches in traceability information, preventing wrong recalls and improving recall precision by targeting smaller groups of components. The AI system uses image recognition and natural language processing to interpret component markings and extract relevant data for traceability. The individual component level traceability is recommended in the latest IPC standard (IPC-1782B) and can provide the highest level of traceability with minimal additional cost. The AI system's feedback allows OEMs and CMs to improve their processes and make informed decisions on recalls, ensuring a win-win situation for both parties. Dr. Weiss wishes everyone success and a lifetime of no recalls ;) Links and Resources: Read related articles: The Path Forward for Embedded AI Bringing AI to Market the Easy Way Connect with Dr. Eyal Weiss on LinkedIn Visit Cybord website Learn more about the IPC-1782 Visit Octopart.com, the Electronic Parts Search Engine

Sustainability in electronics encompasses environmental, social, and corporate governance aspects, and IPC aims to make it easier for companies by providing standards, education, and advocacy to navigate these complex issues. In this episode, we are very pleased to have Kelly Scanlon of IPC to enlighten us about the importance of sustainability in the electronics industry and how you can contribute as a PCB designer. Watch this episode here. Show Highlights: Introduction to Kelly Scanlon, the Lead Sustainability Strategist at IPC Kelly talks about her role at IPC and her background before landing her current position Kelly explains that sustainability covers environmental, social, and corporate governance The European Union (EU) has been leaders in producing policies that have real opportunities for environmental change, in the space of sustainability What are the ways can companies prove their compliance to sustainability? Environmental sustainability in the electronics industry has well-defined processes and regulations, like the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) making it easier to manage and communicate compliance Social sustainability poses greater challenges as there is no clear process and requires multidimensional teams to address issues like worker health, labor practices, and corporate governance Vendor checklists and assessments are used to vet suppliers, but there is a need for increased transparency and honesty in supply chains Companies rely on policies and regulations to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain and are pushing for accountability and reliability from their suppliers Kelly Scanlon emphasizes the need for a strong community and collaboration to address environmental, social, and governance sustainability in the electronics industry. Designers play a crucial role in driving sustainable practices by incorporating conscientious and intentional lifecycle management in their design decisions, and by advocating to manufacturers to prioritize sustainability Designers can make their voices heard by reaching out to IPC and participating in workshops, case studies, and events focused on sustainability IPC formed its Sustainability for Electronics Leadership Council, a team with diverse geographic background and diverse supply chain background that come together sharing their insights and expertise Designers and manufacturers are encouraged to connect with Kelly, ask questions, contribute your expertise, and to actively advocate sustainability efforts in the electronics industry

Is there a need for a photonic iPhones and smartphones? We have a very interesting topic today with our guest Daniel Pérez López, the CTO and Co-Founder of iPRONICS, programmable photonics. “When we refer to programmable photonics, we are referring to the ability of first being able to integrate light signals into a semiconductor chip that is widely known as integrated photonics, integrated optics.” -Daniel Perez Lopez   Watch this episode here.   Show Highlights: Tune in now and watch through the end, you wouldn’t want to miss this! introduction to Daniel Perez Lopez Co-founder and CTO of iPronics What are programmable photonics? The photonic field or the integrated photonic field, is mainly limited to two key volume driven market segments that are transceivers and data centers One of the growing benefits of photonics is to ability to configure systems, real-timebases on the specific environmental condition and specific performance Photonics technology as a complimentary technology to electronics Daniel describes the structure of iPronics’s photonics processor and how it functions iPronics has figured out miniaturization, they believe that reducing the form factor is a way to open their product to the bigger market Is there a need for a photonic iPhones and smartphones with pure photonics processor? Daniel enumerates the various photonics applications including in RF systems Cointegration of lasers with with the photonics integrated circuits is no longer rocket science Enhanced technology, sooner than later; integrating high performance photo ejector in the chip is no longer a challenge Lasers sound cool, but miniaturization or focusing on the form factor and delivering high performing systems are more of a priority Is there any iPronics product currently available off the shelf for integration? iPronics is focusing on communications space for optical based communications and management for RF communications and the processing intra data center communications Links and Resources: Read Related Articles: Silicon Photonics Integration Challenges in PCB Design Quantum Computing Electronics vs. Photonics: New Chips Will Shift the Balance Optical Interconnects in PCB Design: Progress in 2020 and Beyond Connect with Daniel Pérez López on LinkedIn Visit iPronics website

We have a seasoned favorite guest in the podcast today. John Mitchell the President and CEO of IPC talks about his new book Firing Your Hiring Habits. This is a very insightful conversation! We tackled acquisition, retaining and upskilling talents in your team. PCB designers, aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders in any company will surely benefit from this discussion. Make sure to watch through the end and check the additional resources below. Watch this episode here. Show Highlights: Introduction to John Mitchell and his new book, Fire Your Hiring Habits John Mitchell shares his inspiration about writing the book and revealed who he wrote it for The two fundamental problems in building a team are one, acquiring the right talents, and second retaining them The key to retention is helping employees aspire for a career and providing them with a pathway to reach a higher goal “Upskilling” is also a significant factor to retaining employees especially now that we have AI’s that manage automated processes How is the rise of remote jobs affecting the job industry? A lot of people are going “hybrid” appropriate for specific positions, and found it to be very effective. Working from home 75% of the time and face to face for the rest have increased productivity and employee retention Human connection like in a team building can strengthen the team and can result to much better working relationships Does the challenges in employee turnover related to age? John has a very eye opening answer to this The longest chapter in John’s book talks about “company’s culture”. He explains in detail what makes a company’s culture and how sticking to principles can have a great impact to a company “There are always going to be limitations, but within the right limitations, there are freedoms you can afford by eliminating some things that it's just a matter of constantly asking yourself the question, "Why are we doing it this way? Why did this come about and does it still apply today?" If it does, great, we're going to keep doing it. That's an aspect we need to keep.” - John Mitchell Leadership loves people that brings answers John encourages everyone to learn from every experience, good and bad Talents leave, but they’ll come back to a company that matches their culture To sum it all up, John stresses the importance of knowing exactly the talents you need, and when you find them create an environment that works for them. Lastly, invest on them through trainings and give them room and path to grow “Fire your Hiring Habits” is available at Barnes & Noble. All proceeds goes to IPC Education Foundation Links and Resources: Watch Previous Podcast Episode with John Mitchell IPC CEO John Mitchell on the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act IPC CEO John Mitchell on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Electronics Supply Chain John Mitchell, CEO of IPC, Visits The White House to Participate in the Pledge to America’s Workers Read Related Articles: How to Hire the Right PCB Designer for Your Project in 2023 Costs of Hiring Your First Electronic Engineer Guide To Attracting Engineering Talent To Your Hardware Startup Connect with John Mitchell via LinkedIn Get the book Fire Your Hiring Habits by John Mitchell

Better thermal efficiency, how to do better power efficiency, how to reduce losses, how to help people handle those thermal losses? This episode is a real treat. Our guest Steven Schnier, Systems Engineer for Power Management at Texas Instruments generously shares the different strategies for designing better thermal and power efficient PCB. Watch through the end, this episode is sure have great tips and strategies that you don’t want to miss. Watch this episode here. Show Highlights: Introduction to Steven Schnier, Systems Engineer for Power Management at Texas Instruments Steven shares that Texas Instrument is currently focusing on better thermal efficiency, how to do better power efficiency, how to reduce losses, how to help people handle those thermal losses What is the best strategy in regulating the LDO? Eliminating the LDO to lower the noise, but keep in mind that LDO does not solve all the noise issues Steven briefly explains the difference between low noise, ripple, and EMI Using a ferrite bead filter is one of most common ways to suppress noise and switching frequency Steven dives in the details on the appropriate use of ferrites and shares about Texas Instrument’s integrated ferrite bead filter Where would you add damping in that pie circuit that you might be putting on the output of that buck converter? Steven shares a tip on how to reduce output voltage ripple Ferrite beads help with EMI concerns, crosstalk concerns, and transmission line effects, but ultimately to kill the noise and the output ripple Steven generously shares different strategies for designing for better thermal and power efficiency Various ADC (analogue-to-digital converter) products at Texas Instruments When does a multi-phase converter applicable to use? Steven talks about the Texas Instruments’ TPS series module equivalents BGA vs QFN, when to use what? Texas Instruments is going with higher power density, so expect more progress on that Links and Resources: Read Power Integrity related articles Read: The Beginner's Guide to PCB Power Integrity: From Board to Package Watch related videos: Ferrites in Power Delivery Networks - Part One Ferrites in Power Delivery Networks - Part Two LDOs Vs. Switching Regulators - Power Regulation in PCB Design: Part One LDO Deep Dive - Power Regulation in PCB Design: Part Two Connect with Steven Schnier via Linkedin Visit Texas Instrument Website