RM: Electronics 166: Down Memory Lane And A Vision For The Future PCB Chat podcast

56:18

Today, 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 the latest technological advancements to the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today. If there’s a major trend shaping the industry, you can bet Mike has written about it, analyzed it, and spoken with the experts behind it. In this episode, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing, from supply chain disruptions and AI-driven automation to the future of ultra-high-density interconnects and the real impact of reshoring efforts. We’ll also get an inside look at what it takes to cover this ever-changing industry—how stories are chosen, what topics are making waves, and what challenges lie ahead. 00:00:00 Insights from Electronics Manufacturing Journalism 00:03:45 The Role of Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) 00:05:00 Acquisition by PCA and Leadership Changes 00:07:17 Enhancing Careers in Circuit Board Design and Engineering 00:09:36 Collaboration in Electronics Design and Assembly 00:11:47 Unique Challenges in Board Fabrication and Design 00:14:58 The Challenges of Consistency in CM (Contract Manufacturing) 00:16:17 Diverse Strategies in Electronics Manufacturing 00:18:41 The Future of Complex Component Design 00:21:08 Understanding Moore's Law and Its Implications 00:23:39 The Impact of Tariffs on Manufacturing and Consumer Costs 00:26:09 Challenges in Relocating Manufacturing Operations 00:28:26 Challenges in Building State-of-the-Art Semiconductor Fabs 00:30:47 Supply Chain Challenges and Resiliency 00:33:15 Supply Chain Vulnerabilities in Military Manufacturing 00:35:48 Impact of Trade Wars on Manufacturing Industries 00:38:12 The Role of AI in Data Analysis and Assembly 00:40:40 The Evolution of Memory Chips and Data Collection 00:43:25 AI in Pattern Recognition Across Industries 00:45:55 The Concept of Engineer Residuals: A New Incentive in Technology Adoption 00:48:33 Advice for Young Professionals in a Rapidly Evolving Industry 00:50:54 The Role of Naivety in Revolution and Evolution 00:53:15 Networking Opportunities at PCB Trade Shows…

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PCB Chat 164: The Latest PCB Design Software Market Trends 12:27

20 days ago12:27

12:27

Wally 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 segments. And he notes that while historically EDA does well in the first few quarters of industry downturns, there are concerns for what the looming tariff battles will bring down the road.…

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RM: Electronics 166: Down Memory Lane and a Vision for the Future 39:38

25 days ago39:38

39:38

This 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 guests provide answers. On this episode however, the guests do all the talking. The theme of this episode is Electronics: Down Memory Lane and a Vision for the Future. The guests on this episode share their view of the history of electronics from three different perspectives: Dr. Ron Lasky, Dartmouth College Dr. John Evans, Auburn University Dr. Tom Duval, Auburn University. They share their perspectives on the history of the electronics industry in presentation format. This episode contains three short PowerPoint presentations, which can be viewed in the video version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlDYgZ6Hv6w…

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PCB Chat 141: Integrated Library Management and Component Procurement 28:42

26 days ago28:42

28:42

Supply 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 integration of DigiKey's myLists tool with EMA UItra Librarian's UltraBOM bill of materials management software. The benefit, they say, is that designers and engineers will have access to DigiKey's parts within their OrCAD Capture environment and can then seamlessly send a bill of materials to DigiKey. Gopu Achath, vice president of technology at EMA Design Automation, and Cody Walseth, digital product owner at DigiKey, join Mike Buetow to discuss the new collaboration.…

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RM 163: Sebastian Schaal of Luminovo on Supply Chain Management 57:36

7 weeks ago57:36

57:36

Today, 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 cutting-edge role of AI-powered supply chain management software. Mike Konrad's guest is Sebastian Schaal, the founder and CEO of Luminovo, a company at the forefront of transforming how supply chains are managed in the electronics industry. Sebastian Schaal is the founder of Luminovo, a leading software provider revolutionizing the electronics supply chain. He holds two master's degrees—one in electrical and computer engineering from the Technical University of Munich and another from Stanford University, where he was a Fulbright scholar focusing on management and computer science. Before founding Luminovo, Schaal gained diverse industry experience, working on AI algorithms for signal processing and computer vision at Intel and robotics companies NavVis and Magazino. Additionally, he served as a consultant at McKinsey, advising on data strategy. Sebastian and his team are leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and future-proof supply chain operations. In this episode, we'll explore how AI is reshaping supply chain management, the unique challenges facing the electronics industry, and what companies can do to stay ahead in an ever-changing global landscape. This conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about the innovations that are revolutionizing supply chains worldwide.…

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RM 162: Battery Selection and Safety Best Practices with Alex Norman 1:02:08

10 weeks ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Today 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 requires a keen understanding of the application, performance needs, and environmental demands. The right selection can make the difference between a product that excels in reliability and one that, quite literally, fails to deliver. But there’s more to batteries than just selecting the right chemistry or capacity. Safety is paramount. Poor battery selection, design, or management can lead to performance issues, overheating, or catastrophic failures. As we’ve all seen in headlines, battery malfunctions can result in recalls, damage to brand reputation, or, worse, safety hazards for users. To shed light on this vital topic, we’re joined by an expert in the field of battery technology. Alex Norman is a Battery Management System Designer at Pro Technologies, a well-established and trusted custom battery pack manufacturer, providing engineering capabilities from concept through production. Their leading-edge manufacturing facility and headquarters is based in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. Alex has deep experience in Printed Circuit Board Design, Product Development, Battery Management Systems and more. Alex is also a content creator, focusing mostly on electronics, battery, and BMS content available on his LinkedIn page and YouTube channel. Today, we’re going to explore how to choose the right battery for your assembly, best practices for integration, and how to mitigate potential safety risks. So, if you care about keeping your products powered, reliable, and safe, don’t bolt just yet – this podcast on batteries is positively charged with insights! Stick around and top off your battery knowledge! Chapters: 00:00:00 Choosing the Right Battery for Electronic Assemblies 00:02:44 Exploring Battery Technology and Safety Concerns 00:05:21 Starting a YouTube Channel: Journey and Growth 00:07:55 Performance and Safety: Alkaline vs. Lithium-Based Batteries 00:10:28 The Future of Sodium-Ion Batteries vs. Lithium-Ion 00:13:12 Causes of Samsung Phone Battery Fires 00:16:01 Advancements in Solid State Battery Technology 00:18:44 Dangers of Swollen Lithium Batteries and Battery Safety 00:21:19 Battery Charging Myths and Optimization Techniques 00:24:04 Importance of Battery Management Systems (BMS) 00:26:51 Primary vs. Secondary Batteries Explained 00:29:28 Comparing Performance: Alkaline vs Rechargeable Batteries 00:32:11 Impact of Temperature on Battery Performance 00:34:51 Optimizing Battery Performance in Extreme Cold 00:37:28 Lead Acid vs. Lithium Iron Phosphate: Battery Safety and Advancements 00:39:56 Optimizing Battery Performance in Electric Cars 00:42:36 Advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate Cells 00:45:24 Battery Regulations Impact and Safety Standards 00:48:05 Battery Safety and Standards in Consumer Electronics 00:50:49 Quality and Safety in Consumer Vs. Industrial Battery Cells 00:53:25 The Importance of Proper Battery Recycling 00:56:05 Lithium Iron Phosphate vs. Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries 00:59:51 Humor and Technology: Creating Engaging Content…

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PCB Chat 140: Kenny McGee on Component Circularity 45:45

12 weeks ago45:45

45:45

Today’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 manufacturers toward zero waste. It takes brand-new, perfectly good excess components and redistributes them to other manufacturers for use. We talk about the market for recycled electronics, how major OEMs are circumventing European Union reuse and recycling laws, what companies can do with excess stock, and the horrific conditions at a reclaim dump in Agbogbloshie, Ghana, that inspired him to make a documentary .…

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RM 161: AI-Based Inspection Technologies with Priyansha Bagaria 1:03:45

13 weeks ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Today, 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 in this field. Priyansha Bagaria is the founder and CEO of Loopr AI, a company at the forefront of AI-powered solutions for manufacturing inspection. She holds an MBA in International business and global management, a bachelor's of engineering degree in computer Science, and she held a fellowship in data science at Cornell University. Her academic background, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, has positioned her as a trailblazer in applying AI to manufacturing processes. In this episode, we’ll explore the advancements Loopr AI is spearheading, how AI inspection technologies are reshaping traditional methods, and the tangible benefits AI offers to manufacturers striving for excellence.…

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The Semiconductor/Packaging/PCB Technology Stack 17:10

14 weeks ago17:10

17:10

This 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 covers heterogeneous packaging, interposers, the density scale equation, silicon to systems, die desgregation, and photonics, among others. Part 1 discusses the supply chain situation and how the industry can adapt.…

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The Electronics Supply Chain and How Companies Can Adapt 20:37

14 weeks ago20:37

20:37

Supply 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 ( FreedomCAD ) and Mike Buetow (PCEA) to discuss the supply chain situation and how the industry can adapt. Part 2 covers the semiconductor/packaging/PCB technology stack.…

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RM 160: Opportunities and Challenges within the EV Industry 1:10:49

15 weeks ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Today, 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 its critical role in the EV revolution. As electric vehicles continue to redefine the future of transportation, the reliability and scalability of the infrastructure that powers them—particularly public EV charging stations—have become pivotal challenges. The electronics assembly industry is at the heart of these systems, from the semiconductors enabling fast charging to the sensors ensuring safe and efficient operation. However, with nearly 26% of public EV charging stations estimated to be nonfunctional at any given time, reliability remains a significant hurdle. This episode will explore the major reliability issues plaguing public EV charging stations, including power instability, component failures, and environmental challenges. How innovations in electronics design and assembly can address these challenges, from improving thermal management to leveraging advanced materials like those developed by soldering materials manufacturers. The exciting opportunities for the electronics industry to lead the charge in building a more resilient, reliable, and efficient EV infrastructure. Brian O’Leary brings a wealth of knowledge on how advanced materials, smart assembly techniques, and innovative designs can solve these pressing issues and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. Together, we’ll review the technical challenges, explore solutions, and look ahead to the bright future of electric mobility. Chapters: 00:00:00 The Future of Transportation with Electric Vehicles 00:02:48 Fascination with Electric Vehicles 00:06:03 The Dilemma of Electric Vehicles: A Personal Story 00:09:12 Global Automotive Industry Trends 00:12:22 The Simplicity of EV Design vs. Combustion Engines 00:15:25 Notorious Tech Launch Strategies 00:18:22 Stress on Electric Vehicle Components 00:21:34 Differences in EV Charging Technology 00:24:23 Optimal Conditions for EV Battery Performance 00:27:15 Safety Debate: Lithium-ion Batteries vs. Gasoline Engines 00:30:28 The Evolution of Safer Battery Chemistries 00:33:45 Challenges with EV Charging Infrastructure 00:37:22 EV Charging Station Failures: Understanding the 26% Rate 00:40:30 Environmental Challenges for Electronics in Unusual Locations 00:43:32 Quality Control in Electronics Manufacturing 00:46:29 Tesla Charging Stations: Reliability and Self-Reporting 00:49:30 Challenges with Remote EV Charging Stations 00:52:35 Adoption of Tesla's Charging Standard in North America 00:55:41 Evolution of High-Reliability Alloys in Automotive 00:58:44 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles in Traffic Management 01:01:39 Future of Autonomous Transportation 01:04:42 Localization Trends in EV Manufacturing 01:07:43 The Promise of Flying Cars and Exponential Tech Growth 01:10:36 Introduction to Reliability Matters Podcast…

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PCB Chat 139: PCB Design Software Market Analysis with Wally Rhines 13:55

16 weeks ago13:55

13:55

Sales 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 market, which saw strength in the Americas and Europe offsetting dips in Asia and Japan. He also offers comments on how the latest merger announcements (Synopsys-Ansys, Renesas-Altium, Siemens-Altair) might impact the data trends. And he discusses how funds from the Chips Act may (or may not) show up in future EDA sales.…

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PCB Chat 138: A Look at PCB Industry Legislation in 2025 with David Schild of the PCBAA 30:39

20 weeks ago30:39

30:39

Questions 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 what the expected priorities of the incoming administration, how they align with the goals of PCBAA’s members, their strategy for continuing the progress on tax benefits and other financial incentives within the US Congress, and the need for a bipartisan approach for global industrial policy.…

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RM 158: D-Code Podcast Interview 1:03:04

21 weeks ago1:03:04

1:03:04

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 already begun to attract attention, tackling industry insights with a unique lens that up-and-coming voices can uniquely offer. Mike Konrad's guests are Daniel Stanphill, SMT process engineer at Aurora Boardworks, a contract assembler located in Aurora, Nebraska; Sean Kincaid, president of K & F Electronics, located in Fraser, Michigan, also a contract manufacturer; and Elias Malfavon, president of Metal Etch Services, a SMT stencil fabricator located in San Marcos, California. Mike asks them about their experiences, challenges, and how they’re setting out to decode the world of electronics manufacturing. Chapters: 00:00:00 Introducing the Hosts of Decode Podcast 00:02:37 Key Factors in Choosing a Contract Manufacturer 00:05:53 Evolution of Contract Manufacturers 00:06:20 00:08:03 Evolution of Manufacturing Technology and Job Dynamics 00:10:34 Challenges with Stencil Rigidity 00:13:19 Challenges in Contract Manufacturing for High-Requirement Industries 00:15:57 Advanced Techniques in Moisture Sensitive Electronics 00:18:31 Advantages of Board Fabrication and Design Knowledge in Contract Assembly 00:21:18 Improving PCB Design for Manufacturing Efficiency 00:24:04 Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges with PCB Finishes 00:26:52 Debate on Gloss vs. Matte in PCB Soldering 00:29:31 Advances in SMT Stencil Materials and Technologies 00:32:26 The Challenges of Stencil Printing 00:35:15 The Idea Behind the Podcast 00:37:42 Insights from PCB Manufacturing Experts 00:40:19 Collaborating in Competitive Spaces 00:42:54 Starting a Podcast: Challenges and Solutions 00:45:38 Overcoming Podcast Challenges 00:48:26 The Shift from In-Person Networking to Digital Collaboration 00:51:18 The Evolution of Networking and Conferences 00:54:05 Career Opportunities in Engineering 00:56:37 The Value of IPC Certifications in SMT Production 00:59:37 Influencers in the Electronic Assembly Industry 01:02:12 How to Engage with Reliability Matters Podcast…

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RM 156: An Introduction to Flexible Circuits with Joseph Fjelstad 1:04:35

25 weeks ago1:04:35