Episodes

  • The Good, Bad, and Brilliance of Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi)

    The Good, Bad, and Brilliance of Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi)
    Nov 12 2024
    What is Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi) technology, and why is it critical for modern PCB designs? How does collaboration between designers and fabricators ensure the success of UHDi boards? In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez from Siemens talks with Anaya Vardya, CEO of American Standard Circuits, about Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi) technology and its growing importance in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices. Anaya explains how UHDi enables smaller, higher-performance PCBs through advanced techniques like microvias and optimized layouts. He also discusses the key challenges in manufacturing these complex boards, such as sequential builds and specialized equipment. Listeners will learn about the importance of early collaboration between designers and fabricators to avoid costly mistakes and delays. Anaya and Steph also touch on the future of PCB technology and the increasing need for advanced solutions like UHDi. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What is UHDi technology? (3:15) Feedback from the SMTA International Electronics Manufacturing Conference (5:00) What are the design advantages of using UHDi? (6:35) What are the disadvantages of using UHDi? (9:35) What are some typical applications where UHDi would be implemented? (12:25) What are the manufacturing challenges of UHDi technology? (14:15) Where can designers or engineers learn more about UHDi technology? (19:20) Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Anaya Vardya: LinkedIn Website
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    21 mins
  • Enhancing PCB design with AWS-enabled cloud solutions

    Enhancing PCB design with AWS-enabled cloud solutions
    Oct 29 2024
    Can cloud technologies revolutionize how we approach electronics and PCB design? What role does AWS play in shaping the future of collaboration, security, and performance in this industry? I’m your guest host, Matthew Walsh, filling in for Steph Chavez this week, and in this episode, we sit down with Adam Cabler, Chief Cloud Architect at Siemens Electronic Board Systems. Adam shares his extensive experience with EDA software development and dives into how Siemens is leveraging AWS to enhance PCB design tools. We explore the journey of integrating cloud capabilities into Siemens’ design tools, the specific challenges they’ve faced, and the transformative cloud-enabled features that are enhancing collaboration for design teams worldwide. This episode offers key insights for engineers, IT professionals, and anyone curious about the intersection of cloud technology and electronics design. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The driving forces behind Siemens’ adoption of AWS for PCB design (02:15) Advanced ECAD visualization and how the cloud enhances user experience (03:05) How cloud collaboration is changing teamwork for global design teams (05:05) Siemens' approach to security and compliance in the cloud (06:25) Real-world examples of improved time-to-market with AWS (9:25) Future capabilities and the role of AI in PCB design (10:30) The impact of AI and Machine Learning (ML) of the future of PCB design (11:50) Adam’s advice for companies considering cloud integration (13:20) Connect with Matthew Walsh: LinkedIn Website  Connect with Adam Cabler LinkedIn Website
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    16 mins
  • Breaking Barriers: How Two Women Are Redefining PCB Design Through ECAD/MCAD Collaboration

    Breaking Barriers: How Two Women Are Redefining PCB Design Through ECAD/MCAD Collaboration
    Sep 26 2024
    Can seamless ECAD/MCAD collaboration revolutionize your PCB designs? How can women in engineering shape this bright future and lead the charge in challenging industry norms? I’m your host, Steph Chavez, and in this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of ECAD/MCAD collaboration with industry experts Charlene McCauley and Terrie Duffy. They share their vast experience working on complex PCB designs for major companies like Dell, highlighting the importance of seamless integration between electrical and mechanical design. Charlene and Terrie also reflect on their journeys as women in the traditionally male-dominated field of engineering. They talk about their efforts to mentor the next generation of engineers, and they emphasize the growing opportunities for women in PCB design and engineering. This episode is packed with insights on overcoming design challenges, the evolution of collaboration tools, and inspiring stories about breaking barriers in the engineering world. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The importance of communication in PCB design (06:05) Deciding to integrate ECAD/MCAD in PCB design (06:40) Is PCB design possible without MCAD collaboration? (09:55) Examples of how ECAD/MCAD collaboration improved the design cycle (12:20) The types of data exchange formats that are used, i.e., IDX, DXF IDF, EMN (14:45) Advice to the new generation of engineers, especially women (17:50) Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Charlene McCauley LinkedIn Website Connect with Terrie Duffy LinkedIn Website
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    25 mins
  • A Journey Through Reuse Methodologies

    A Journey Through Reuse Methodologies
    Jun 25 2024
    Design reuse in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) involves leveraging existing designs to speed up development, reduce risks, and ensure quality. By reusing proven circuitry and IP, engineers save time, lower costs, and maintain high standards across projects. I’m your host, Steph Chavez. In this episode, we will explore design reuse methodologies in EDA. I’m thrilled to have my dear friends, Andre Mosley, a Marketing Development Specialist at Siemens EDA, and Carlos Gazca, a Senior Technical Marketing Engineer at Siemens EDA, join me for this insightful discussion. In this episode, you will learn about the crucial concept of design reuse in EDA, including its benefits, challenges, and best practices. You will also discover how leveraging existing designs can enhance efficiency, reduce time-to-market, and maintain high-quality standards in electronic product development. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The importance of reuse technologies in the EDA industry. (04:25) Challenges with data management and version control in circuit design. (06:23) Reuse methodologies in electronics design, including planning and database management. (19:38) Security concerns in design reuse, export control, and ITAR regulations. (22:40) Connect with Andre Mosley: LinkedIn Connect with Carlos Gazca: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn
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    30 mins
  • Exploring RF PCB Design

    Exploring RF PCB Design
    May 30 2024
    RF PCB design involves the creation of printed circuit boards that manage high-frequency signals for radio frequency and microwave applications, ensuring optimal performance and minimal interference. I’m your host, Steph Chavez. Today, we're delving into the fascinating world of RF PCB design with our guest Per Viklund, Director of IC Packaging and RF Product Lines at Siemens. In this episode, you will learn about the unique challenges of RF PCB design, the importance of integrating RF, analog, and digital components, and the effective use of modern design tools like Siemens' Xpedition Layout and PADS Pro Tools. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: RF design challenges and how to overcome them through co-design and continuous education. (4:35) PCB design conferences, tools for RF design integration. (10:31) RF PCB design fundamentals and tools for efficient design. (15:48) Advice for the new generation just getting started in their careers on how to approach RF PCB design. (18:25) Connect with Per Viklund: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn
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    22 mins
  • Power Integrity and Efficient PDN Design

    Power Integrity and Efficient PDN Design
    May 7 2024
    From voltage droops that threaten system stability to electromagnetic interference that disrupts signal integrity, engineers face countless obstacles in their quest for optimal Power Distribution Network (PDN) performance. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, today, we're diving into power integrity and designing Power Distribution Networks (PDNs) with our guest, Daniel Beeker. From his transformative journey under industry giants like Richard Hartley and Ralph Morrison to his current role as a technical director at NXP, Daniel is on a mission to empower engineers with insights into energy management and PDN design. In this episode, you will learn about the foundational importance of power distribution in electronic design and uncover common challenges and pitfalls encountered in PDN design. You will also gain valuable insights into practical strategies for ensuring stable and efficient power delivery. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Power integrity and its impact on electronic systems. (5:15) Traditional power supply design approaches and their limitations. (11:13) PCB layout fundamentals and the "billion dollar mistake." (16:58) Engineering education, PCB design, and EMC requirements. (28:18) Challenges in designing small transistors for faster performance. (32:38) Designing electronic circuits using triplets for efficient signal transmission. (37:38) Connect with Daniel Beeker: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn
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    48 mins
  • Exploring Rigid-Flex PCB Design

    Exploring Rigid-Flex PCB Design
    Apr 16 2024
    Traditional printed circuit board (PCB) designs frequently encounter constraints in space optimization and weight reduction, particularly in compact electronic devices. However, by seamlessly integrating rigid and flexible PCB elements into a unified entity, Rigid-Flex PCB design presents a revolutionary solution for electronic system architecture. I'm your host, Steph Chavez, and today, we dive deep into the fascinating realm of Rigid-Flex PCB design. Joining me is Tara Dunn, Director of Training and Education for SMTA. Together, we'll unpack the intricacies, challenges, and opportunities surrounding Rigid-Flex PCB design. In this episode, you will learn about the transformative potential of Rigid-Flex design in optimizing space, reducing weight, and enhancing overall system performance in electronic devices. Additionally, you'll discover key insights into cost considerations, practical implementation strategies, and the importance of continuous learning and networking in mastering Rigid-Flex engineering. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The challenges and best practices for designing flex and Rigid-Flex PCBs. (3:17) Rigid Flex vs. standard connectors in electronics design. (7:13) The importance of intentional learning for printed circuit engineers to develop their Rigid-Flex design skills. (13:10) The value of building professional networks and connecting with industry experts. (15:47) Connect with Tara Dunn: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn
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    21 mins
  • The Impact of Manufacturing-Driven Design on PCB Development

    The Impact of Manufacturing-Driven Design on PCB Development
    Mar 6 2024
    The concept of Manufacturing-Driven Design (MDD) represents a shift towards validating manufacturing requirements during the design phase, empowering designers to ensure both electrical and manufacturing needs are met. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, and for this episode, I have two industry experts: Max Clark, Product Strategy and Technology Director at Siemens, and Gerry Partida, Vice President of Technology at Summit Interconnect. Today, we will delve into the evolution of design and manufacturing processes within the printed circuit engineering industry, emphasizing collaboration, data-driven decision-making, achieving higher quality, and efficiency In this episode, you will learn the utilization of digital twins for multi-disciplinary integration, and the importance of collecting and analyzing data for validation. You will also hear more about tools like PCBFlow, offering tool-agnostic solutions, and enabling designers to validate their designs against industry standards early on. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The Evolution of DRC (Design Rule Checking) in the PCB Industry. (05:00) The importance of applying industry-accepted rules to PCB design to improve yields. (07:12) Real-world issues with PCB Design, and the importance of Design for Manufacturability. (09:25) Design for Manufacturability and risk management in chip production. (11:20) Design for Manufacturability and collaboration between designers and manufacturers. (15:46) PCB design and manufacturing issues. (23:20) MDD shifts DFM validation to designers for real-time design process validation. (29:07) Connect with Max Clark: LinkedIn Connect with Gerry Partida: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn
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    34 mins