Revolutionizing Power Module Design Printed Circuit podcast

30:06

What 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 explore how Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems can revolutionize PCB design workflows. With nearly two decades of experience integrating ECAD data with PLM systems, Scott offers practical insights into how PLM enhances design control, collaboration, and efficiency across global teams. The discussion covers the real-world problems PCB designers face when managing data, from version confusion to design reuse challenges, and how a properly implemented PLM system solves them. Whether you’re navigating compliance needs like ITAR and HIPAA, or trying to bridge the gap between ECAD and MCAD, this episode provides a clear roadmap for leveraging PLM in your design ecosystem. This conversation is essential for PCB designers, electrical engineers, CAD admins, and product teams looking to streamline their design process and avoid costly mistakes. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What does a PLM system do? (1:35) How does PLM integration enhance rather than restrict design freedom? (4:55) How PLM enables easy reuse of previously released designs. (6:35) Avoiding Costly Errors: How PLM prevents versioning mix-ups and fabrication mistakes (8:15) How PLM supports ECAD/MCAD integration and complex designs like flex and rigid-flex (11:55) Learning Curve & Workflow Impact: What PCB designers can expect when adapting to PLM (13:30) Behind the Scenes of Integration: How PLM connectors automate design data management and bill of materials comparisons (16:55) Library Management & Synchronization: What to push, what not to, and where EDM fits in (21:10) How PLM supports ITAR, HIPAA, and team-based permission management (24:40) Why learning PLM early can boost your career and prevent process bottlenecks (26:55) What’s next for ECAD-to-PLM flows and supplier integration (28:10) Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Scott Claes LinkedIn Website…

Printed Circuit

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How AI is Changing PCB Design Forever (And What It Means for You) 28:22

10 weeks ago28:22

28:22

Artificial 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 broader electronics engineering landscape. As someone with a deep background in hardware design, André shares his unique perspective on how AI can optimize workflows, reduce design iteration time, and future-proof engineering careers. The conversation delves into AI’s ability to automate aspects of PCB design, the risks and rewards of adopting AI-driven solutions, and how engineers can best adapt to the rapid evolution of technology. With data security and intellectual property protection concerns, how can companies safely implement AI while keeping their designs secure? This episode is a must-listen for PCB designers, electronics engineers, and technology leaders looking to understand how AI is reshaping the design process. Whether you're a seasoned professional adapting to new tools or an industry newcomer eager to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of AI-driven automation in PCB design. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: AI in PCB Design: Fad or Here to Stay? (1:55) Automation vs. Manual Workflows: To what extent can AI take over PCB design, and what tasks will remain in human hands? (2:50) How companies can ensure data privacy and protect their intellectual property when using AI tools (7:10) The Changing Skillset for Engineers: How AI is shifting the role of PCB designers from execution to problem-solving and validation (12:10) Job Market Impact: Will AI reduce or increase opportunities in the PCB design field? (15:50) The Reluctance to Adopt AI: Why some companies are still hesitant and how expectations influence adoption (17:50) Speeding Up Time to Market: How AI-driven automation can significantly improve design iteration cycles (20:50) The Risks vs. Rewards of AI in PCB Design: Balancing automation, creativity, and human oversight (23:40) Closing thoughts on AI and innovation in PCB design: (25:50) Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with André Alcalde: LinkedIn Website…

Printed Circuit

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Get New Engineers on Board Faster and Increase PCB Design Productivity by 30% with intuitive software 14:46

19 weeks ago14:46

14:46

What 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 generational shift, Siemens is at the forefront of creating intuitive user experiences that cater to both power users and first-time engineers. Jerry shares his decades of insights into the challenges of modern PCB design, the critical need for tools that accelerate productivity, and the role of AI-driven customization in enhancing the user experience. From addressing workforce dynamics to developing AI-powered design aids, this conversation highlights how Siemens is preparing the next wave of engineers to be creative and productive from day one. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The key challenges of a retiring PCB workforce and the rise of multi-skilled engineers ( 1:30 ) How intuitive software tools accelerate productivity for infrequent users ( 3:55 ) The role of AI in modern PCB design—from predictive commands to customization ( 5:30 ) Insights from five beta programs and the surprising results of A/B testing ( 10:35 ) How Siemens tools deliver a 30% productivity boost for new PCB engineers ( 11:20 ) Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Jerry Suiter Website…

Printed Circuit

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Harnessing AI in PCB Design - A Conversation with CELUS 33:30

25 weeks ago33:30

33:30

How 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 design. They explore how AI tools, like the CELUS platform, help engineers move from requirements to prototypes with unparalleled speed and efficiency while addressing challenges like the growing knowledge gap in hardware engineering and supply chain constraints. Antonio shares insights into CELUS' innovative AI assistant, CUBOt , and how it simplifies design processes, enhances decision-making, and minimizes errors. He discusses real-world success stories of how AI-powered solutions have enabled engineers to overcome barriers and help small businesses remain competitive in the fast-evolving PCB market. Listeners will also get a glimpse into the partnership between CELUS and Siemens EDA, which combines the power of AI with cutting-edge PCB design tools to create an integrated, efficient workflow. If you're an engineer, designer, or small business owner searching to learn more about leveraging AI to streamline your PCB design process and stay competitive in the ever-evolving electronics industry, this episode is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: • What does CELUS do, and how was it founded? (00:40) • Biggest challenges engineers and small businesses face in PCB design (04:40) • How is AI specifically transforming the field of PCB design (09:30) • What benefits can engineers gain from using AI in PCB design workflows? (12:24) • How integrating CELUS AI with Siemens design tools will benefit users in the SMB market (22:56) • What to Expect from the CELUS-Siemens Fully Integrated Product in March 2025 (27:55) • Advice for you engineers starting out in PCB design (30:40) Connect with Steph Chavez: ● LinkedIn ● Website Connect with Antonio Becerra Esteban ● LinkedIn ● Website…

Printed Circuit

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The Good, Bad, and Brilliance of Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi) 21:03

29 weeks ago21:03

21:03

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…

Printed Circuit

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Enhancing PCB design with AWS-enabled cloud solutions 16:12

31 weeks ago16:12

16:12

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…

Printed Circuit

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Breaking Barriers: How Two Women Are Redefining PCB Design Through ECAD/MCAD Collaboration 25:05

36 weeks ago25:05

25:05

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…

Printed Circuit

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A Journey Through Reuse Methodologies 30:26

49 weeks ago30:26

30:26

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…

Printed Circuit

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Exploring RF PCB Design 22:18

1 year ago22:18

22:18

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…

Printed Circuit

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Power Integrity and Efficient PDN Design 48:21

1 year ago48:21

48:21

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…

Printed Circuit

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Exploring Rigid-Flex PCB Design 21:25

1 year ago21:25

21:25

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…

Printed Circuit

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The Impact of Manufacturing-Driven Design on PCB Development 34:10

1 year ago34:10

34:10

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…

Printed Circuit

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EMI and EMC in Circuit Board Design 23:21

1 year ago23:21

23:21

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…

Printed Circuit

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The Power of PCB Design Automation 31:15

2 years ago31:15

31:15

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…

Printed Circuit

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Lessons From a PCB Designer 22:20

2 years ago22:20

22:20

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…

Printed Circuit

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The Power of FPGA/PCB Co-Design 15:40

2 years ago15:40

15:40

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…

Printed Circuit

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Electrical/Electronic Co-design 18:56

2 years ago18:56

18:56

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…

Printed Circuit

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Optimizing Multi-Board Design 29:25

2 years ago29:25

29:25

As the benefits of a model-based systems approach become evident through improved design quality, reduced errors, and enhanced collaboration, there are also challenges and roadblocks that need to be considered. I’m your host, Steph Chavez. And here to join me is Chris Young, owner and lead engineer at Young Engineering Services. Today we will discuss the challenges and best practices associated with designing complex systems comprised of multiple interconnected printed circuit boards (PCBs) In this episode, you will learn about the various aspects of multi-board design, including the importance of an integrated systems approach, challenges in communication among different design teams, potential errors and problems arising from individual design silos, and the impact of signal integrity and compatibility issues. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The benefits of building a robust toolchain (5:12) The keys to successful concurrent design (11:23) Two major roadblocks to implementing best practices: cultural resistance and learned helplessness (13:07) Ways to overcome these roadblocks (22:04) The importance of testing artifacts (23:49) Best practices when it comes to multi-board design and ways to make the design process more efficient (26:30) Connect with Chris Young: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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Revolutionizing Power Module Design 39:19

2 years ago39:19

39:19

In the dynamic realm of power electronics, the intricacies of power module design are paramount for driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Power module design extends beyond conventional boundaries, delving into thermal, mechanical, and electrical intricacies. I'm your host, Steph Chavez, and today, I'm joined by Rod Dudzinski, Market Development Manager in the Siemens EDA division, and Wilfried Wessel, an expert in Siemens EDA software for over a decade. In this episode, you will get valuable insights into the complexities of power module design, the need for efficient workflows, and the potential benefits of a streamlined solution to address these challenges in the industry. You will also hear about Siemens EDA's resolutions and how they address current challenges and contribute to sustainable and reliable product development. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Power modules and their applications (1:51) The role of power modules in various industries (9:57) The complexity of power module design and the challenges faced by the sector (15:05) Tools required for power module design (19:36) The innovative approach offered by Siemens EDA's power module integrated flow. (28:37) Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn Connect with Rod Dudzinski LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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The Power of Simulation in PCB Design 47:52

2 years ago47:52

47:52

The growing complexity of printed circuit boards and multi-board products has rendered traditional design analysis and verification techniques obsolete. Reliance on experts for all design analysis creates bottlenecks that delay project schedules. It takes a modern, automated verification approach to catch schematic errors at the source. I'm your host, Steph Chavez, and today, I'm joined by David Wiens, a PCB design expert, and Todd Westerhoff, an expert in modeling and simulation for digital systems. We will discuss our third pillar of the PCB design best practices, which is digital prototype-driven verification. In this episode, you will get valuable insights into the role of verification and analysis in PCB design, highlighting the benefits of proactive and systematic approaches. You will also hear more about the need to balance accuracy, time, and expertise while leveraging automation and standardization to make verification more accessible and efficient. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The problem with project delays (1:52) The challenges with routing vendor guidelines. (9:58) The skill sets required for signal integrity and power integrity analysis (16:36) The role of Design Rule Checking (DRC) (22:17) The initial steps in the post-route verification process (24:57) Compliance analysis and its benefits (33:41) Progressive verification (36:51) Connect with David Wiens LinkedIn Connect with Todd Westerhoff LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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Supply Chain Resilience in PCB Design 17:02

2 years ago17:02

17:02

System design companies always want to deliver a successful product, so they rely heavily on their supply chains during product development. But over the last few years, supply chains have become very distributed, complex, and quite frankly, more unpredictable, resulting in many supply chain volatility and disruptions. I’m your host, Steph Chavez. And here to join me, for the second time, is Matt Walsh, a Product Marketing Manager with Siemens EDA. Today, Matt will help us understand the importance of supply chain resilience in the product lifecycle and how Siemens' Xpedition EDM product can help achieve it. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of supply chain resilience in PCB design and the need for collaborative and cross-functional decision-making throughout the product lifecycle. You’ll also hear how Siemens' acquisition of Supplyframe has allowed them to offer their customers a complete end-to-end supply chain resilient solution. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The importance of supply chain resilience for OEMs (02:02) Deep market supply chain and components sourcing knowledge at the part level (3:52) Part intelligence (7:57) Need for supply chain resilience to span the complete product lifecycle (13:13) Siemens' Xpedition EDM product (14:51) Connect with Matt Walsh: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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PCB Design and the Future of Advanced Technologies 26:14

2 years ago26:14

26:14

PCBs today are tiny, multilayered, complex systems; produced at a much higher and more efficient rate than ever before thanks to sophisticated design software and manufacturing processes. But as the technology and consumer demand grow and develops, so must PCBs. And this is why PCBs are now under a lot of pressure as they are the basis of all electronic devices. I'm your host, Steph Chavez. And today I am joined by Anaya Vardya, CEO of American Standard Circuits, also known as ASC. He will help us understand the challenges and best practices for designing advanced printed circuit boards (PCBs). In this episode, you will learn about the importance of involving manufacturers early in the design process of PCBs. You’ll also hear why end requirements should drive the need for applying newer technologies. Additionally, you will find out about the best practices for advanced PCB designs. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What doesn’t work today when it comes to rigid-flex and HDi (2:37) The importance of communication with your supplier from the beginning (6:33) Hdi technology in the US (13:28) Best ways to get customers to adopt newer technologies in their design (16:55) Roadblocks to implementing these technologies (20:10) Connect with Anaya Vardya: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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The Importance of Implementing Design Constraints in Circuit Design 26:02

2 years ago26:02

26:02

Constraints play a critical role in PCB design by ensuring the design meets the requirements and specifications of the project. Without constraints, there is a high risk of failure, and the project might not meet its goals. But it is very essential to understand how the constraint management system works to help rather than hinder the design process. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Scott Decker, a technical lead designer at one of the largest and industry-leading companies, Mil-Aero. He will help us understand the importance of implementing constraints properly in PCB designs. In this episode, you will learn how constraints help to ensure designs meet their requirements. You will also see how the constraint management system works. In addition, you will hear more about the importance of constraint editing systems in helping designers be successful in their designs and the best practices. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How constraints play a critical role in ensuring that the design meets the requirements and specifications (7:03) The best practices for PCB designers (7:52) The importance of constraint editing systems (10:56) The roadblocks that prevent companies from implementing best practices (20:50) Connect with Scott Decker LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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Implementing Design Reuse 20:24

2 years ago20:24

20:24

Design reuse can be one of the most important factors of success an organization can leverage, and if implemented correctly, it can save a lot of time. However, there are several reasons why companies are still resistant to adopting it – one being inconsistent libraries and limited access to previous design requirements. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Carlos Gazca, Application Developer Engineer at L3Harris. He’ll help us understand why implementing design reuse is beneficial to organizations and what the biggest roadblocks are in doing so. In this episode, you’ll find out why engineers are hesitant to use someone else’s work, and how organizations are currently approaching design. Additionally, you’ll learn the best practices for implementing design reuse and the biggest roadblocks to adopting it. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The reasons design reuse isn't fully implemented in some organizations (01:31) Best practices designers should implement for design reuse (05:07) The roadblocks that get in the way of implementing design reuse (13:11) How to overcome these roadblocks within your organization (17:34) Connect with Carlos Gazca: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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The Benefits of Concurrent Design 30:41

2 years ago30:41

30:41

One of the biggest challenges in PCB board design is efficiencies caused by limited collaboration. The level of detail and complexity of PCB design means that a change in one component necessitates changes in other areas. Adopting a concurrent design approach creates efficiency in that process by enabling seamless and timely communication of changes. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Chris Young, owner and lead engineer of Young Engineering services. He’ll help us understand what concurrent design entails. In this episode, you’ll learn about what true concurrent design is and the benefits that come with it. You’ll also learn about some of the best practices to follow when implementing it in your organization. Additionally, you’ll learn about the biggest roadblocks to its adoption in the design field. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What concurrent design involves (02:00) An example of concurrent design (05:28) The best practices to follow when implementing concurrency in design (12:27) The roadblocks to implementing concurrency (22:50) Connect with Chris Young Website Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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ECAD MCAD Collaboration 31:56

2 years ago31:56

31:56

Manufacturers are looking to minimize the cost of production, the time to market, and the number of respins for their PCBs. While introducing powerful design and testing tools makes a real difference, they aren’t as successful in silos. To properly harness the power of the latest technology, manufacturers have to be intentional with ECAD-MCAD collaboration. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by David Walker, Senior Technical Software Product Manager at Siemens, responsible for defining the direction of the Siemens NX software. And Greg Arnot, Product Marketing Manager Siemens NX. They’ll help us understand the current state of ECAD-MCAD collaboration. In this episode, you’ll learn about the current trends happening in the electronic design field. You’ll also learn about what ECAD-MCAD collaboration entails and the benefits that it offers manufacturers. Additionally, you’ll learn about the consequences of not implementing collaboration between these two important teams. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The most important trend in electronic design (02:45) The meaning of ECAD-MCAD collaboration (11:34) Signs that ECAD-MCAD collaboration can be improved (15:51) What is needed for successful ECAD-MCAD collaboration (18:08) Connect with Greg Arnot LinkedIn Connect with David Walker LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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PCB Design and Manufacturing Collaboration 27:12

2 years ago27:12

27:12

When designers work in isolation, they increase the chances of the designs being sent back for non-compliance. They should try their best to read through the IPC standards before they start designing their boards. This will ensure that they consider compliance from the start of the design process to the end. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Gerry Partida, Vice President of Technology at Summit Interconnect. Out of his 38 years in the industry, he spent the last 27 fabricating PCBs. In this episode, you’ll learn about the difficulties in collaboration between PCB designers and manufacturers. You’ll hear about the best practices that designers should follow to reduce the risk of their design being rejected. Additionally, you’ll find out some of the rules that designers should follow to increase their board yield. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What doesn't work today in PCB design and manufacturing collaboration (01:53) Best practices that PCB designers should implement (07:36) An example of how following rules can save eliminate manufacturing delays (11:51) What design teams can do to improve efficiency (18:10) Connect with Gerry Partida LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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Design Automation Best Practices 34:50

2 years ago34:50

34:50

Today, companies are striving to minimize the time to market to maintain a competitive advantage. One of the strategies that make this possible in the PCB industry is the automation of the design process. Automation has helped eliminate repetitive tasks and freed designers to focus on creating more powerful boards. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by two Senior Application Engineers from Siemens Digital Industries Software - Ray Macias and Gregory Beers. They’ll help us understand the current state of PCB design automation. In this episode, you’ll learn about some design strategies that no longer work in today’s digitalized environment. You’ll learn about some of design automation's best practices and the benefits that come with them. Additionally, you’ll learn about the challenges hindering the implementation of design best practices. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The design automation strategies that don't work today (01:42) Best practices that PCB designers should implement (03:15) How to avoid boards re-spins (10:32) The meaning of shift left PCB design (12:29) Why good placement of parts increases the chances of successful routing (18:45) The roadblocks to best practices in design automation (26:25) Connect with Ray Macias LinkedIn Connect with Gregory Beers LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn…

Printed Circuit

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Improving Design Data Management 21:35

2 years ago21:35

21:35

A big challenge that PCB designers face is the lack of organization of the data on which they need to make critical decisions. Sometimes, the data will be available but in a different unusable format, and other times, they simply can’t get it despite knowing their organization has it. That is why it is important to develop a standardized way of naming, formatting, and storing PCB-related data. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Andre Mosley, Marketing Development Specialist with Siemens. Today, he’ll help us understand what the industry is doing to simplify access to critical design data. In this episode, you’ll learn about the challenges that PCB designers face when it comes to the library and design data management. You’ll also hear why Siemens is advocating for design data management standards. Additionally, you’ll find out the roadblocks that are hindering best practices such as standardization. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Challenges that come with library and design data management (02:40) The solution PCB designers should implement to solve the library problem (05:49) How we can solve the data management problem (10:15) Roadblocks stopping the use of best practices in design data management (15:54) Connect with Andre Mosley LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Printed Circuit

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Improving ECAD/MCAD Collaboration with IDX 17:00

2 years ago17:00

17:00

ECAD/MCAD collaboration is important for companies that need to create powerful products fast and efficiently. However, challenges such as their siloed nature and different data formats make it difficult for the two to work together seamlessly. This leads to a loss of time and resources as the company is forced to undertake multiple respins necessitated by avoidable errors. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Alex Grange, Technical Marketing Engineer for the Electronic Board Division at Siemens, focusing on electromechanical collaboration, and is currently the leader of the ECAD/MCAD Implementer Forum developing the IDX standard. He’ll help us understand what is being done to improve ECAD/MCAD collaboration. In this episode, you’ll learn about the challenges that ECAD/MCAD collaboration faces and how it impacts companies. You’ll also hear about the impact of the IDX standard on the industry’s ability to collaborate. Additionally, you’ll hear about PCB design best practices and how IDX fits in with them. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What doesn’t work today when it comes to ECAD/MCAD co-design collaboration (01:02) The challenges presented by older data formats in ECAD/MCAD collaboration (04:16) How IDX format benefits electromechanical exchange today (06:14) Best practices that PCB designers should implement (08:25) Connect with Alex Grange LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Printed Circuit

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Optimization And Supply Chain Resilience 18:12

2 years ago18:12

18:12

For the last 25 years, costs have been the driver for most businesses. As the supply chain was a stable space, choosing a supplier was about reducing costs and picking a product based on the design already created. However, geopolitical reasons and the COVID-19 pandemic redesigned the supply chain landscape; it transformed it into a brittle, flaky, and very unstable terrain. I'm your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I'm glad to be joined by Matt Bromley, Vice President of Product Strategy and Technology with Siemens. Today, he'll help us understand Siemens' approach to optimization in the supply chain and how that applies to designing for supply chain resilience. In this episode, you'll hear about how to deal with supply chain instability, why engineering, procurement, and NPI, are no longer operating in silos, and the new way of looking at single components trust. Additionally, you'll learn about what's being done in the components authenticity realm and what is being done to identify threats in the supply chain. What You'll Learn in this Episode: What has changed in the supply chain, how that affects the market, and how it operates (2:06) How to evaluate if we are having a data resiliency problem (5:51) How does a trusted supply chain affect optimization (8:51) What is the value of knowing where a component is used (14:41) How's the Root of Trust principle being applied to components' authenticity (15:31) Connect with Matt Bromley LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Printed Circuit

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Using Intelligence to Build a Resilient Supply Chain 20:47

2 years ago20:47

20:47

For the industry to continue being profitable and innovative, they have to create resilient supply chains. The high cost of redesigning parts and the delays in delivery due to unreasonable lead times are not sustainable. One of the ways of solving this problem is arming the design teams with supply chain intelligence. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Andre Mosley, Marketing Development Specialist with Siemens. Today, he’ll help us understand how arming designers with supply chain intelligence can help create a resilient supply chain. In this episode, you’ll learn what has caused supply chain problems in the printed circuit board industry. You’ll also hear about how manufacturers are responding to supply chain problems. Additionally, you’ll hear about some of the strategies that can help in building a resilient supply chain. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How intelligence enables supply chain resilience at the point of design (01:13) How the supply chain challenges have evolved over time (03:58) The impact that supply chain issues are having on manufacturers (07:30) What the industry needs to do to create supply chain resilience (12:29) Connect with Andre Mosley LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Printed Circuit

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Building a Resilient Supply Chain 17:20

3 years ago17:20

17:20

For manufacturers to maximize profits from new products, they need to shorten their time to market. This requires production systems to be ready as soon as the design gets its final approval. For most companies, this has been made impossible by supply chain disruptions which have increased the lead time for most components. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Matt Walsh, a Product Marketing Manager with Siemens EDA. He is responsible for all of their cloud solutions. Today, he’ll help us understand what manufacturers must do to build resilient supply chains. In this episode, you’ll learn about the supply chain challenges brought on by siloed systems. You’ll also learn how empowering engineers with sourcing intelligence can help them create viable designs faster, and you'll find out what is needed to create resilient supply chain systems. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The capabilities of a fully integrated supply chain solution (02:03) The advantages of a fully integrated supply chain solution (04:19) The key components that will help in building a resilient supply chain (07:52) The impact of supply chain disruption (12:07) Connect with Matt Walsh LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Printed Circuit

1
Trends Across The Printed Circuit Engineering Industry 26:08

3 years ago26:08

26:08

The changes in the last three years have made companies rethink how they design and manufacture their products. While the remote working problem has been solved, the supply chain problem is getting bigger. To survive this new reality, businesses need to build resilient supply chains and empower their design engineers with supply chain intelligence. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Richard Barnett, Chief Marketing Officer with Supplyframe – a company that leads the Design-to-Source Intelligence platform for the global electronics value chain, with solutions that interpret billions of intent, demand, supply, and risk signals to deliver insights through the design-to-market product lifecycle. Today, he’ll help us understand the trends, challenges, and opportunities across the printed circuit engineering industry. In this episode, you’ll hear about the challenges that OEMs are facing as they digitalize their processes. You’ll also find out why companies need to empower design engineers with supply chain knowledge. Additionally, you’ll learn about the impact that parts supply lead time increases on manufacturers. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How existing organizational infrastructure is limiting the industry (00:41) The impact of eliminating silos without a tested alternative (06:47) Why engineers need to be empowered with supply chain knowledge (11:01) How increased materials lead times are affecting manufacturers (20:03) Connect with Richard Barnett LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Printed Circuit

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Analyzing the Supply Chain Problems 17:24

3 years ago17:24

17:24

COVID might have slowed down, but its impact on the engineering field is still being felt through continued supply chain challenges. Organizations, big and small, have been forced to redesign, delay, and sometimes cancel profitable projects simply because they couldn’t find the necessary materials. Many companies are now overhauling their entire sourcing systems to create more resilient systems. I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. I’m glad to be joined by Chad Jackson, Chief Analyst and CEO of Lifecycle Insights, a company delivering research and thought leadership guidance to engineering executives. Chad leads the company’s research and thought leadership programs, attends and speaks at industry events, and reviews emerging technology solutions. In this episode, you’ll hear about the factors that have contributed to the disruption of supply chain systems over the last few years. You’ll also hear about what engineering teams are doing to navigate the new reality. Additionally, you’ll learn about the impact that supply chain problems are having on both small and big companies. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Factors that are causing supply chain problems (02:39) The negative impact of siloed initiatives within the same organization (04:15) How supply chain challenges are impacting design processes (07:33) Why the smaller companies suffer more due to supply chain problems (11:57) Connect with Chad Jackson LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Printed Circuit

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Introducing: Printed Circuit - A Siemens Podcast 1:29

3 years ago1:29