Episodios

  • 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 m
  • 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 m
  • 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 m
  • EMI and EMC in Circuit Board Design

    EMI and EMC in Circuit Board Design
    Feb 2 2024
    Neglecting EMC compliance during PCB design might cause days of distress during re-design, delaying other important product development milestones. However, by incorporating some straightforward checks and best practices, PCBs have a greater chance of meeting expensive EMC compliance standards in a minimum number of tests. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, and here to join me is John Kraemer, an electromagnetic compatibility engineer with extensive experience. Today we will cover various aspects of EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), SI (Signal Integrity), and PI (Power Integrity) in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design, including their importance, design tools, and processes recommended for success. In this episode, you will learn about employing appropriate tools and processes to ensure reliable products that meet electromagnetic compatibility standards. You will also hear about PCB design tools including pre-layout and post-layout tools like HyperLynx SI and HyperLynx PI, as well as advanced electromagnetic field solvers when necessary. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: EMI, EMC, SI, and PI in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design. (01:47) PCB design for EMI control and signal integrity. (7:14) Recommended PCB design tools for SI and PI success. (12:15) EMI control and EMC compliance in PCB design. (17:56) Connect with John Kraemer: LinkedIn  Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn
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    23 m
  • The Power of PCB Design Automation

    The Power of PCB Design Automation
    Nov 21 2023
    Simply put, when it comes to PCB design software, design automation is the automation of specific tasks throughout your PCB design process. There are many functions or processes within PCB design that can be automated. But as much as benefits, there are typical roadblocks that you’ll see when moving toward design automation, such as having less control of the design and PCB designers being unfamiliar with the automated functions available within their PCB design tool.  I’m your host, Steph Chavez. This is officially the first episode of Season Three of the Printed Circuit Podcast. For the first episode of this season, we'll focus on Design Automation. And here to join me in this discussion is John Medina, owner of High-Speed Design Services.  In this episode, you will learn about the necessity of automation in the design process, especially for repetitive tasks. You will also hear more about how automation aids in planning and executing complex tasks, such as high pin count BGA (Ball Grid Array) breakout and routing. In addition, the conversation also highlights the importance of planning and visualization in PCB design, which automation tools greatly facilitate. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Design automation tools for PCB and package engineering (07:11) Automation in PCB design, balancing quality and speed (16:29) The importance of embracing automation and staying aware of new techniques and best practices (19:47) The importance of understanding materials and fabrication in PCB design(25:36) Connect with John Medina: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn
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    31 m
  • Lessons From a PCB Designer

    Lessons From a PCB Designer
    Nov 14 2023
    In the ever-evolving landscape of IoT, the design of printed circuit boards stands as a cornerstone of innovation and a testament to the need for continuous learning and adaptation in this dynamic field.  I’m your host, Steph Chavez, and here to join me is Robert Turzo, principal hardware PCB designer for Pleora Technologies. Today, Robert Turzo shares his extensive experience in electronics design, highlighting his journey from his early days in Canada to his proficiency with Siemens tools. In this episode, you will learn the importance of collaborating with PCB fabricators, determining the optimal stack-up and materials, and using constraint management and simulation tools like HyperLynx for design optimization. You will also hear more about a complex multi-board design for an armored vehicle, which won the Siemens Xcelerator Technology Innovation Award for multi-board design.  What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The importance of collaborating with PCB fabricators (06:37) PCB design best practices and digital twin collaboration (09:43) PCB design flow and HyperLynx in Xpedition (13:41) The significance of real-time design checking to avoid errors (17:53) Words of advice for new PCB Designers and Engineers (18:49) Connect with Robert Turzo: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn
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    22 m
  • The Power of FPGA/PCB Co-Design

    The Power of FPGA/PCB Co-Design
    Oct 17 2023
    When it comes to multi-discipline integration, simply designing FPGAs and handing them over to PCB engineers isn't simply effective! it’s key to make sure that you're doing what you can to mitigate any redundant back-and-forth handoffs. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. And here to join me is Gary Lameris, Technical Marketing Engineer with Siemens. He will help us understand the importance of FPGA/PCB co-design in the electronics industry. In this episode, you’ll learn about the crucial role of FPGA/PCB co-design in modern electronics engineering and the importance of collaborative efforts between FPGA engineers and PCB designers. You will also hear more about tools like IO Optimizer and Xpedition Schematic Analysis, which are recommended to automate and streamline the co-design process, ultimately saving time and enhancing efficiency. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The need for collaboration between FPGA engineers and PCB teams. (01:11) Best practices for FPGA/PCB co-design (02:00) Tools like IO Optimizer and Xpedition Schematic Analysis to automate and streamline the co-design process (7:16) Roadblocks to implementing these best practices (09:16) The implementation of automation and AI  (12:12) Connect with Gary Lameris LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn
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    16 m
  • Electrical/Electronic Co-design

    Electrical/Electronic Co-design
    Sep 19 2023
    Electrical/electronic co-design can enhance your end product but changes in the design process can be difficult for many people, and organizations often face resistance when implementing new processes or technologies. I’m your host, Steph Chavez. And here to join me is Erica Van Berkum, leader in product management with Siemens. Today, we will discuss the challenges and best practices in implementing electrical/electronic co-design, particularly in the context of cable and harness design in industries like automotive and aerospace. In this episode, you will learn the imperative need for organizations to leverage digital tools for better collaboration and efficiency. You will also hear more about the resistance often encountered when implementing change, highlighting the need to address concerns about funding and the reluctance to depart from established processes. In addition, the conversation also underscores the shift towards automation and a generative approach to design, where organizations are harnessing technology to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.  What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Key challenges for electrical or electronic designers who are working together (01:42) Roadblocks of change in tech (9:58) The importance of establishing a strong digital thread (11:33) The best practices when it comes to cable and harness design (13:27) The shift towards automation and a generative approach to design in industries like automotive and aerospace (15:56) Connect with Erica Van Berkum: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn
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    19 m