Welcome to The Printed Circuit, a Siemens Podcast. Hosted by Stephen Chavez, each episode will focus on trends, challenges, and opportunities across the printed circuit engineering industry. Topics range from achieving supply chain resilience, to learning PCB design best practices.
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Recorded conversations and interviews on electronics design and manufacturing with the editors of PCD&F/Circuits Assembly, brought to you by the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA)
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Dive into the electrifying world of electrical engineering with Circuit Break, a MacroFab podcast hosted by Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig. This dynamic duo, armed with practical experience and a palpable passion for tech, explores the latest innovations, industry news, and practical challenges in the field. From DIY project hurdles to deep dives with industry experts, Parker and Stephen's real-world insights provide an engaging learning experience that bridges theory and practice for eng ...
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Chris Banton of EMA Design Automation on Board Optimization
9:48
9:48
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9:48Chris Banton of EMA Design Automation joins Matt Leary, Geoffrey Hazelett and Mike Buetow to talk about how the EDA vendor's helps printed circuit board designers optimize their designs. Recorded live on the show floor at PCB East 2025.By PCEA
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PCB Chat 143: Frank Mullaney and Emma Hudson of iNEMI
33:40
33:40
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33:40For early 30 years, the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (INEMI), has been the go-to consortium for many leading OEMs companies and their suppliers to identify and develop next-generation technology, and then help deploy it for high-volume manufacturing. Frank Mullaney, director of roadmapping, and Emma Hudson, new project manager…
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Tom Britton and Nataliia Matsiuk on an AI Solution for PCB Manufacturing
11:45
11:45
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11:45Tom Britton and Nataliia Matsiuk join Geoffrey Hazelett of FreedomCAD, Matt Leary of Newgrange Design and Mike Buetow of PCEA to share work on a Department of Energy program that pair scientists with real-world industry problems. In particular, Britton and Matsiuk are focused on developing an AI solution for the PCB manufacturing industry. Among th…
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Robert Bryne, director of marketing at Allspice.io, joins Geoffrey Hazelett of FreedomCAD, Matt Leary of Newgrange Design and Mike Buetow of PCEA to talk about the five-year-old company's GIT hardware platform that helps hardware and electrical engineers streamline hardware design reviews. We discuss the ECAD formats that Allspice engages with, the…
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From Chaos to Control: How PLM Integration is Transforming PCB Design
30:06
30:06
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30:06What happens when you fabricate the wrong version of a board because someone skipped the process? It’s a nightmare scenario—and it’s more common than you think. But there’s a solution: PLM integration. In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez is joined by Scott Claes, Senior Technical Marketing Engineer at Siemens, to explo…
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RM 167: Meet the Press: A Conversation with PCEA President Mike Buetow
56:18
56:18
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56:18Today, we’re diving deep into the world of electronics manufacturing from a unique vantage point—that of the press. Mike Konrad's guest is someone who has spent decades at the forefront of reporting on the electronics manufacturing industry. Mike Buetow, president of the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA), has covered everything from th…
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PCB Chat 142: The Latest PCB Design Software Market Trends
12:27
12:27
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12:27Wally Rhines, spokesperson for the ESD Alliance, which is part of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, joins Mike Buetow to share the latest electronic design automation data. Rhines details highlights from the fourth quarter 2024, which was another record-setting period for PCB design tool sales as well as the other major EDA segme…
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RM 166: Electronics: Down Memory Lane and a Vision for the Future
39:38
39:38
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39:38This episode is a little different in two ways. First, host Mike Konrad recorded it not in his studio but at the SMTA Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium, affectionately known as PanPac, in beautiful Maui, Hawaii. Each year, Mike records a Reliability Matters podcast at PanPac. Normally, the format of the show is to ask questions and the gu…
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PCB Chat 141: Integrated Library Management and Component Procurement
28:42
28:42
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28:42Supply chain management looms over everything we do, but it has been more pronounced than ever over the past five years as the Covid pandemic steered so much attention to how we procure and inventory parts. About a month ago, DigiKey, one of the largest distributors of electronic components in the world, and EMA Design Automation announced the inte…
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How AI is Changing PCB Design Forever (And What It Means for You)
28:22
28:22
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28:22Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, but what does it mean for PCB design? Will AI replace engineers, or will it be the ultimate tool for enhancing productivity and innovation? In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez sits down with André Alcalde, co-founder of CELUS, to explore the role of AI in PCB design and the broade…
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RM 163: Sebastian Schaal of Luminovo on Supply Chain Management
57:36
57:36
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57:36Today, we're tackling a topic that has become increasingly vital in recent years: supply chain management. With global supply chains recently under immense pressure from disruptions, shortages, and growing complexity, the need for smarter, more efficient solutions has never been greater. And what better way to explore this than by discussing the cu…
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RM 162: Battery Selection and Safety Best Practices with Alex Norman
1:02:08
1:02:08
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1:02:08Today we’re diving into a critical yet sometimes overlooked component that powers so many of the devices we rely on: batteries. Batteries are the heartbeat of countless electronic products, from medical devices and electric vehicles to consumer gadgets and industrial systems. Choosing the right battery is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requir…
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PCB Chat 140: Kenny McGee on Component Circularity
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45:45
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45:45Today’s guest intersects two key areas for electronics manufacturers: circularity and inventory management. "The cost of a component isn't just the cost of a component. It's the cost to the planet." That's what Kenny McGee, chief executive of Component Sense, says. Component Sense is an Edinburgh, Scotland-based company that leads electronic manufa…
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RM 161: AI-Based Inspection Technologies with Priyansha Bagaria
1:03:45
1:03:45
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1:03:45Today, we’re exploring a transformative topic: AI-based inspection technologies. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we detect, analyze, and address defects in the electronics assembly process, combining precision with unparalleled speed to unlock new possibilities for efficiency and reliability. Our guest today is a leading innovator …
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The Semiconductor/Packaging/PCB Technology Stack
17:10
17:10
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17:10This is Part 2 of a new podcast in which guest Geoffrey Leeds of Leeds AI joins Matt Leary (Newgrange Design), Geoffrey Hazelett (FreedomCAD) and Mike Buetow (PCEA) to discuss the semiconductor/packaging/PCB technology stack and what over the next two to five years will have the biggest impact on the industry at the board level. The conversation co…
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The Electronics Supply Chain and How Companies Can Adapt
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20:37
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20:37Supply chain issues are rearing their ugly heads -- again -- with the latest blow the decision by Nippon Denkai to close and liquidate its copper foil manufacturing plant in Georgia, the last such factory in the United States. In Part 1 of a two part podcast, Geoffrey Leeds of Leeds AI joins Matt Leary (Newgrange Design), Geoffrey Hazelett (Freedom…
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Get New Engineers on Board Faster and Increase PCB Design Productivity by 30% with intuitive software
14:46
14:46
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14:46What does the changing workforce mean for the future of PCB design? How can intuitive software bridge the gap between retiring experts and incoming engineers? In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez welcomes Jerry Suiter, Chief Architect at Siemens, to discuss the evolution of PCB design tools. As the industry faces a gene…
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RM 160: Opportunities and Challenges within the EV Industry
1:10:49
1:10:49
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1:10:49Today, we’re diving into one of the most transformative innovations of our time: electric vehicles and the vast infrastructure needed to support their growth. Joining host Mike Konrad is Brian O’Leary, global head of of e-Mobility & Infrastructure at Indium Corporation, a leading expert with deep insights into the electronic assembly industry and i…
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PCB Chat 139: PCB Design Software Market Analysis with Wally Rhines
13:55
13:55
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13:55Sales of software for printed circuit board and multichip module design rose to a record $450 million in the third quarter ended in October, extending a growth streak that has seen only three down quarters in the past nine years, the ESD Alliance announced today. Our guest Wally Rhines offers the latest data and analysis of the electronic design ma…
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PCB Chat 138: A Look at PCB Industry Legislation in 2025 with David Schild of the PCBAA
30:39
30:39
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30:39Questions about over how the new administration and Congress coming in January will approach government investment in capital projects, workforce development and other incentives to build back the domestic electronics supply chain. David Schild, executive director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, joins Mike Buetow to discuss wha…
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The hosts of the D-Code podcast are a dynamic trio of young professionals making waves in the electronics manufacturing industry. With experience rooted in contract manufacturing and stencil fabrication for electronics assemblies, they bring a fresh perspective to the table. Although they’re at the start of their podcasting journey, D-Code has alre…
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Harnessing AI in PCB Design - A Conversation with CELUS
33:30
33:30
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33:30How is AI reshaping the PCB design landscape? What challenges are engineers and small businesses facing today, and how can advanced tools provide solutions? In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez from Siemens speaks with Antonio Becerra Esteban, Head of Customer Success at CELUS, about the transformative role of AI in PCB…
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RM 156: An Introduction to Flexible Circuits with Joseph Fjelstad
1:04:35
1:04:35
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1:04:35On today’s episode, we’re turning our focus to a pivotal innovation that has transformed design and manufacturing processes: flexible circuits. Flexible circuits have emerged as a game-changer in the manufacturing and design of electronic assemblies. With their unique ability to bend, twist, and conform to complex shapes, they offer unparalleled ad…
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The Good, Bad, and Brilliance of Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi)
21:03
21:03
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21:03What 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 H…
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RM 155: Ultra HDI Panel Discussion - Recorded Live at SMTAI
42:28
42:28
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42:28Today's podcast comes from the Surface Mount Technology Association SMTAI trade show. As the demand for smaller, faster, and more powerful devices grows, the need for innovative solutions in circuit design has never been greater. UHDI's represent a significant leap forward, allowing for more connections in a smaller space, pushing the boundaries of…
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RM 154: Thermal Profiling Best Practices
1:00:38
1:00:38
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1:00:38One of the most critical aspects of manufacturing high-reliability circuit assemblies is thermal profiling during the reflow process. Whether you're designing, engineering, or troubleshooting circuit assemblies, understanding how temperatures during the reflow process influences the quality and performance of your assemblies is essential. In this e…
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Enhancing PCB design with AWS-enabled cloud solutions
16:12
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16:12Can 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 El…
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RM 153: Contract Manufacturing Best Practices with Adrian Leal
52:01
52:01
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52:01If you're part of the electronics landscape, you've likely encountered the role contract manufacturers play — and it's a critical one. These specialized partners bridge the gap between design innovation and full-scale production, bringing efficiency, expertise, and flexibility to the table. As companies seek to meet growing demand for advanced elec…
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PCB Chat 137: The Q2 PCB Design Software Market
12:42
12:42
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12:42Sales of software for printed circuit board and multichip module design surged 8.2% to $399 million in the second quarter ended in July, continuing a long recovery, the ESD Alliance announced today. Our guest Wally Rhines offers his typical informed assessment of the latest market numbers, noting the particular strength in core areas such as analys…
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PCB Chat 136: Jim Rathburn on UDHI Using LCPs
29:23
29:23
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29:23Jim Rathburn may not be a household name in the printed circuit industry, but maybe he should be. A self-styled serial technologist and innovator, Rathburn holds more than 80 patents covering the gamut of high-density printed circuits, materials and semiconductors. As founder and president of Precision Circuit Technologies, Rathburn helps commercia…
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RM 152: High-Reliability Solder Paste Selection Best Practices
47:49
47:49
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47:49As the demand for more durable and dependable electronics continues to rise across industries, the choice of soldering materials, such as solder paste, plays a pivotal role in determining the reliability of these devices. We'll discuss how selecting the right solder paste can influence performance and longevity, and we'll hear from an industry expe…
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Breaking Barriers: How Two Women Are Redefining PCB Design Through ECAD/MCAD Collaboration
25:05
25:05
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25:05Can 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 s…
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JITX is a San Jose-based developer of PCB design automation tools. The company's novel platform takes design concepts and convert them into schematics, circuit design, and component placement, among other features. Duncan Haldane, CEO and cofounder, talks with Mike Buetow about the JITX platform, which proposes to rethink and simplify the way elect…
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RM 151: Optical Inspection System Best Practices
59:29
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59:29Two episodes ago, in RM 149, we talked all about automated optical inspection. Today we're exploring the impact of less automated inspection Technology, that being optical microscopes. From commercial, class 1 electronics to high-reliability class 3 electronics, the intricate electronic devices we rely on daily are assembled with astonishing precis…
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RM 149: AOI and X-Ray Best Practices
1:14:47
1:14:47
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1:14:47In today's episode, we're exploring automated optical inspection (AOI) and x-ray inspection technology within the electronics assembly industry. Joining Mike Konrad are two experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Joel Scutchfield is general manager of SMT and Semicon business operations & director of sales at Koh Young,…
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In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the fascinating and somewhat humorous topic of hot dog conductivity. They explore an in-depth study conducted by Seth Jenkins, Neil LaTourette, and Brendan Liverman on how boiling time affects hot dog conductivity. The hosts also discuss the historical Presto Hot Dogger,…
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PCB Chat 134: Zachary Feuerstein on Supply Chain Management
23:39
23:39
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23:39Zachary Feuerstein founded his latest venture in 2022 after running into problems purchasing basic white goods and consumer electronics due to the post-Covid supply chain disruptions. That company, Breadboard, was officially launched with the very modest goal of revolutionizing the electronics supply chain management industry. Designed to automate …
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EP#442: Wanting To Be A Wizard - Matt Brown
56:28
56:28
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56:28In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig are joined by Matt Brown, an inventive engineer and YouTube content creator renowned for his electrifying DIY projects and creative automotive builds. The trio delves into the concept of "good enough engineering," where Matt shares insights from his career, including his experience…
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Just like the famous line from the 1984 film, The Terminator, “I’ll be back,” SMTAI is back. Back to the Chicago area. We’re back in Rosemont, co-located with the Assembly Show, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, October 20-24. Between SMTAI and the Assembly Show, there will be thousands of engineers and industry professionals in attendan…
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EP#441: Exploring the Arctic Through Art and Technology with Cy Keener
1:04:16
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1:04:16In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig chat with Cy Keener, an interdisciplinary artist who merges art and technology to document and visualize the natural world. Cy discusses his journey from architecture to creating custom instruments and sensors for scientific research in the Arctic. He explains how his work helps visualize complex p…
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This episode of Reliability Matters features three interviews including: • Kimberly Fagan from PVA • Taylor Wagan from CETEC ERP • Neil Hubble from Akrometrix Recorded live in Anaheim, CA, during IPC Apex Expo.By PCEA
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In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig dive deep into the concept of HMLV (High Mix Low Volume) PCB manufacturing. They discuss the challenges and advantages of HMLV, contrasting it with high volume manufacturing methods used by giants like Apple and Foxconn. They also share personal project updates, including Parker's …
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PCB Chat 133: Wally Rhines on the PCB Design Software Market
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11:27
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11:27Wally Rhines returns to give the latest data and analysis on the printed circuit board and MCM design software market, and the broader electronic design automation market. Rhines comments on the quarterly data released by the ESD Alliance, shifts in demand from India and China, seasonal buying trends, employment and more. This episode is sponsored …
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PCB Chat 132: David Schild of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America
21:25
21:25
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21:25The CHIPS Act has hogged much of the oxygen in the tech industry for the past few years, but the industry trade group known as the Printed Circuit Board Association of America is trying to build on that momentum by relentlessly pointing out that the board industry needs love too, or as they put it, chips don't float. With us today is David Schild, …
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EP#439: The Nuts and Bolts of Quantum Computing - Rick Altherr
1:08:44
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1:08:44In this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Rick Altherr, a full stack engineer, to discuss the intricacies of quantum computing. Rick shares insights into the working of quantum processors, particularly the trapped ion approach used by IonQ, and delves into the technical challenges and potential future applica…
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