Printed Circuit

Siemens Digital Industries Software

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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September 16 · 35 min
Dear designer: A wish list from the factory floor
What if the fabricator could write a letter to every PCB designer — and the first line was "please call us before it's too late"? What you’ll learn… (00:12) Why a design that looks perfect in CAD can fall apart on the factory floor (02:01) John Johnson's 48 years in the industry, from laminate R&D chemist to PCB company owner to ASC's advanced technology lead (04:34) Wish #1: Get the fabricator involved early and often, especially with today's material shortages and long lead times (07:57) Wish #2: Why designing to the top of a capability list makes your board the most expensive one in the shop (11:55) Wish #3: What solder mask actually does, and the mask-defined vs. copper-defined pad trap that catches new designers (15:54) Wish #4: The true cost of complexity — how every stacked microvia and sequential lamination adds weeks to your build (21:01) Wish #5: What a clean data package looks like (ODB++, consistent layer naming) versus the boilerplate fab notes that put jobs on hold (24:32) Wish #6: The power of the why — how explaining your RF, thermal, or mechanical intent lets the fabricator save your design (28:02) Wish #7: Your job competes for floor time with 70 to 100 others, and poorly designed boards wait the longest (31:42) The one-sentence takeaway: call us, email us, text me — and choose materials that are actually available More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez sits down with John Johnson, Director of Quality and Advanced Technology at American Standard Circuits (ASC). John has spent 48 years in the industry, moving from laminate R&D chemist through process engineering and technical sales to co-owning a Milwaukee-area PCB shop for two decades, before landing at ASC, where he's now chasing 10-micron lines and spaces, embedded components, and IC substrates. Framed as a wish list from the factory floor, the conversation walks through seven things fabricators wish every designer understood: involving manufacturing before the design is final, resisting the urge to spec the finest feature on a capability list, respecting what solder mask does in ultra-HDI layouts, recognizing how stacked microvias and sequential laminations push lead times past 20 weeks, delivering a clean, consistently labeled data package, explaining the why behind critical specs, and understanding that a badly designed job waits behind 100 others. John's theme throughout: in a market of 13-week material lead times, a fabricator is a partner, not a vendor, and the earlier the conversation starts, the faster and cheaper the boards get built. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with John Johnson: LinkedIn
July 14 · 46 min
Proactive BOM Analysis: Turning Supply Chain Risk Into Competitive Advantage
What if the part you approved in five minutes ends up costing your company ten million dollars down the line? What you’ll learn… (00:12) Why the Bill of Materials is quietly one of the biggest risk factors in electronics engineering (02:23) Eric Rimkeit's path from semiconductor procurement to HP commodity management to SupplyFrame (03:15) Ryan Chan's 20 years in supply chain strategy — and how SupplyFrame joined Siemens (04:24) A day in the life of an engineer buried under vintage charts, build checkpoints, and redesign requests (09:06) The real cost curve of a bad part: $1,000 to swap it on paper vs. $10 million once it's in the field (16:24) Why engineering and procurement don't talk — and who ends up "picking up the tab" (20:29) The unauthorized-parts-swap story from an overseas contract manufacturer (22:46) The lead-fishing-weight-and-ivy stunt Eric used to shake a team out of denial (29:43) Real results: 14,000 engineering hours saved a month, and $14 million recovered on tail-end parts (38:20) The three AI shifts reshaping BOM analysis: AI fabric, AI as a design partner, and agentic automation (43:40) The crawl-walk-run approach to actually getting a resiliency program off the ground More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez sits down with Eric Rimkeit, Director of Marketing at SupplyFrame, and Ryan Chan, Vice President of Solutions Consulting at SupplyFrame — a Siemens company focused on Bill of Materials risk. Eric spent his career in procurement, from a semiconductor fab through commodity management at HP; Ryan spent two decades guiding companies through supply chain strategy before joining SupplyFrame. The conversation traces what happens when a design gets released without accounting for what's coming downstream: part proliferation, geopolitical disruption, tariffs, and shifting compliance standards that can turn a thousand-dollar swap into a ten-million-dollar redesign. Eric and Ryan unpack why engineering and procurement talk past each other, and share real stories — from an unauthorized parts swap caught on a factory floor to a homemade stunt involving a lead fishing weight and fake ivy — that show what's at stake when teams don't share visibility into risk. They close on where AI is headed next: not replacing engineers, but becoming a design partner that folds supply chain context directly into part selection. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Eric Rimkeit: LinkedIn Supplyframe Website Connect with Ryan Chan: LinkedIn
June 30 · 43 min
Communication, Trust, Process: The Three Pillars Every Co-Design Team Must Get Right
What you’ll learn… (00:46) Charlene and Terrie's origin story: a teacher, a career-changer, and 45 years of PCB experience (02:29) What concurrent design actually means — and the "chasing the sun" shift model (04:10) Why communication is the foundation of co-design — and what happens when it breaks down (05:57) The trust factor: building confidence in a teammate's work to hand it straight to the customer (10:06) Where concurrent design goes south in real organizations (11:31) Version control without PLM software: the date-letter-initials convention (15:52) Partitioning a complex motherboard without enterprise software — and who holds the master (21:38) Upfront setup essentials: Gerber outputs, stackup lock-in, and avoiding the rework avalanche (27:40) Treating co-design like a scientist: test revisions and never saying "it won't work" (32:41) The CAM2 success story: world-standard connector, half the typical timeline (37:03) AI in PCB design: a tool for experienced designers — and the lesson from the taping-board era More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez sits down with Charlene McCauley, Senior PCB Designer and owner of McCauley Design Group LLC, and Terrie Duffy, Principal Electrical Engineer of AI Automation at Dell Technologies. Charlene brings 45 years of industry experience, including server planer design at Dell and PCB instruction at Austin Community College — where Terrie was her student, worked alongside her for nine years, and now teaches the course herself. The conversation is a practical look at what concurrent and co-design require beyond the tooling: master file ownership, cross-discipline communication, and version control discipline. Real war stories — wrong revisions loaded, external teams deviating from specs — illustrate where co-design breaks down. The CAM2/DDR5 connector project anchors the episode: a world-standard achievement completed in four to five years by a small, tightly coordinated team. The episode closes on AI — not a threat to experienced designers, but a tool that rewards those willing to learn it. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Charlene McCauley: LinkedIn McCauley Design Group Website Connect with Terrie Duffy: LinkedIn
June 23 · 44 min
The Library Is the Foundation: Why Design Reuse Is Energy Conservation
What you’ll learn… (00:12) Why design reuse is energy conservation — and IP management is energy management (05:15) How the shift from physical tape-ups to CAD opened the door to reusable design data (08:09) The electric car analogy: charging cheap vs. designing under pressure (11:32) War stories from the field: reverse-engineering an F-14 Tomcat board and the square-pin-in-a-round-hole disaster (17:07) What happens when every designer controls their own library — and why that's a nightmare (21:33) Family trees, variants, and the art of tracking design history across decades (25:47) Why even great processes break down — and the role of the resident expert in keeping libraries honest (30:26) The designer as cross-pollinator: bridging mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing worlds (38:19) AI as a routing engine: from overnight Cadnetics autorouting to Tesla autopilot — and what both teach us about human oversight More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez welcomes Paul Fleming, Senior Printed Circuit Board Consultant and IPC-certified design instructor — a 45-year industry veteran who built his own PCB service bureau in San Diego before spending two decades as an application engineer across Cadnetics, Cadence, Mentor Graphics, and Siemens, and becoming an educator through the IPC Designer Council. The conversation tackles why design reuse and IP management are the hidden levers behind every fast, cost-efficient hardware program — and why neglecting them is a tax companies keep paying long after the original engineer has left. Paul frames it simply: decisions are energy, and every design artifact is either stored potential or future debt. War stories from a reverse-engineered F-14 Tomcat board to a connector library defect that cascaded across hundreds of shipped units make the stakes concrete. Paul also addresses the human side: the self-preservation instinct that fragments shared libraries, the management–engineering gap that lets bad habits compound, and why the PCB designer — bridging mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing domains — holds more organizational leverage than almost any other role on the product team. The episode closes with a candid take on AI: powerful when an experienced engineer is watching the road, dangerous when they're not. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Paul Fleming: LinkedIn PCEA Website
June 16 · 30 min
Trust Is Good, Control Is Better: Designing Hardware Faster Without Betting It All on AI
What if the biggest bottleneck in hardware design isn't your engineer's skill — it's the sheer volume of manual work standing between a great idea and a working schematic? And once you decide to embrace AI-assisted design, how do you make sure the output is actually trustworthy enough to build from? What you’ll learn… (00:12) Why fragmented workflows hit SMB hardware teams hardest (02:39) The real cost of going from requirements to prototype without specialist support (07:33) How functional block-level design changes early decisions — including when a SOM beats building from scratch (12:04) Why system-level abstraction catches wrong-path decisions before they reach the schematic (14:39) The "rubber duck debugging" effect: how AI clarifies requirements before they become costly mistakes (17:54) The biggest AI misconception in hardware design — and why the engineer must own every decision (20:30) How CELUS's NXP collaboration delivers manufacturer-validated, human-in-the-loop solutions (25:05) Why abstraction-first tools help SMBs take on projects that would otherwise be out of reach (28:19) The CELUS Success Program: high-touch onboarding for SMBs on the Siemens instance More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez welcomes back Antonio Becerra Esteban, VP of Customer Success at CELUS — a physicist-turned-engineer with experience at Infineon and Altium who now leads the team ensuring customers extract real value from the platform. The conversation tackles the fragmented, manual journey from requirements to schematic that burdens small hardware teams. Antonio explains how CELUS's functional block-level design approach lets engineers define system architectures, navigate component trade-offs with an AI assistant, and output fully-interconnected schematics — illustrating the point with a Linux-based HMI example where the right abstraction layer turns a complex MPU build into a simple SOM selection. On the trust question, Antonio is direct: the engineer must own every decision. CELUS backs this up with manufacturer-validated design blocks, transparent sourcing, and a human-in-the-loop process — putting engineers in the driving seat rather than asking them to ship whatever the model produces. SMBs can join CELUS' Success Program by sending an email to cs@celus.io. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Antonio Becerra Esteban: LinkedIn CELUS Website
March 20 · 30 min
Drop It in the River: The Surprisingly Simple Philosophy Behind Manufacturing 2,000+ Circuit Boards with a Tiny Team
What if the wrong click turned out to be the right one? And once you’re in the industry, how do you build a process that lets a lean team of 15 manage more than 2,000 unique circuit board products without it all falling apart? What you’ll learn… (00:50) Are Halvorsen’s role at Microchip and his team’s mission building eval boards and EVKs for new silicon products (04:00) How Microchip’s Trondheim team manages high-mix, low-volume production of 2,000+ PCB products using contracted manufacturers and a PCB broker (07:35) Why DFM must be built into the design from day one and what it means to truly know your CM’s capabilities (11:45) Test point strategy: when full net coverage makes sense versus targeted functional testing for complex, constrained boards (16:25) Gerber vs. ODB++ vs. IPC-2581—where the industry actually stands today (17:20) Scaling design processes across global teams: lessons learned from early Atmel days to Microchip’s current operations (23:00) The “river” philosophy: a self-service, no-blockers approach that lets designs flow from concept to warehouse (24:45) What Are is looking forward to with Siemens EDA—integrated toolchains, browser-based design review, and automatic lifecycle traceability (29:05) Final thoughts: constant change, AI, data centers, and the endless possibilities ahead for PCB engineers More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez welcomes Are Halvorsen, Principal Design Engineer at Microchip Technology's Trondheim office in Norway. Are's path into engineering is anything but conventional — starting as a teenage electrician-in-training, pivoting through an oil-drilling master's program, and ultimately landing in electronics after accidentally clicking the wrong course in an online portal. The conversation dives into Microchip's high-mix, low-volume production model, where a team of 15 operations professionals manages over 2,000 unique PCB products through contracted manufacturers. Are walks through their layered quality approach — AOI, MDA, and a Python-based functional test framework — and explains how remote debugging through test logs lets him pinpoint issues without ever touching the hardware. Are also reflects on the lessons learned scaling these processes across global teams, championing a self-service "river" philosophy where well-prepared design packages flow from creation to warehouse with minimal friction — but without sacrificing accountability. The episode closes with his vision for a fully integrated EDA toolchain that frees engineers to focus on what they do best: designing great hardware. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Are Halvorsen: LinkedIn Website
Dec 12, 2025 · 30 min
Defense-Grade Design: Mentorship, Reliability, and the Next Wave of PCB Innovation
How do you train the next generation of PCB engineers when the veterans are retiring faster than they can be replaced? And what happens when the lessons learned in the Marine Corps become the blueprint for building defense-grade electronics? What you’ll learn… (00:40) Tim’s journey from Marine Corps captain to CEO of Timberwolf Tech LLC (02:30) The state of U.S. defense electronics and why skills shortages threaten national security (04:50) The education gap: how academia is falling behind in practical PCB training (06:30) Why mentorship, not just tools, is key to building the next generation of engineers (09:40) Expedition EDA tools and how the right software accelerates defense-grade design (12:50) High-speed design challenges: DDR4, 25 Gbps lanes, and the limits of board density (13:50) How to handle “72-hour-turnaround” boards and design under battle conditions (19:00) Power-delivery, signal-integrity, and the forgotten fundamentals of quality design (22:00) The role of AI in EDA—and why it will never replace human engineering judgment (25:30) How investment, mentorship, and collaboration will close the PCB talent gap More about the episode… In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez welcomes Tim, former Marine Corps ISR pilot and current CEO of Timberwolf Tech LLC, a defense-electronics design firm tackling some of the most demanding high-speed, high-reliability PCB projects in the industry. Drawing from his experience on the battlefield and in the boardroom, Tim shares how precision, reliability, and mentorship define both military and engineering excellence. He explains how the skills gap across the electronics industry has become a national-security issue, as veteran designers retire faster than they can be replaced. Tim highlights why today’s engineering education often misses the mark—focusing on theory instead of hands-on application—and calls for renewed investment in academic-industry collaboration. He also discusses his preferred EDA ecosystem, Siemens Expedition, and why modern defense boards demand tools capable of managing 25 Gbps signals, DDR4 layouts, and extreme reliability requirements. The conversation dives deep into mentorship, AI in EDA, and real-world design pressure, from 72-hour emergency turnarounds to projects where a single mis-routed trace could mean mission failure. Tim’s passion for teaching and his pragmatic outlook make this a must-listen episode for anyone invested in the future of printed-circuit engineering. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website
Oct 14, 2025 · 28 min
The Future of Scalable PCB Design From Complexity to Clarity
How do you keep pace with rising PCB complexity while ensuring scalability and innovation? What you’ll learn… (00:40) David Haboud’s career journey and what drew him to Siemens (02:50) Aligning personal vision with Siemens mission of digital transformation and sustainability (04:50) The role of a technical audience manager in amplifying customer voices (07:00) Why integrated ecosystems outperform siloed toolchains (08:40) Today’s biggest challenges in PCB design: complexity, time-to-market, and supply chain volatility (10:50) What is the true cost of the decisions you make and how they impact downstream? (13:10) Hidden costs in component libraries and the case for smarter automation (15:31) How automation has always been part of EDA—and what’s next (18:40) Scalability of Xpedition Standard and what it means for engineers and SMBs (23:30) The future of PCB design: AI integration, sustainability, and smarter business-driven design More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez welcomes Siemens newest co-host, David Haboud, Senior Technical Audience Manager at Siemens EDA. With over a decade of experience spanning embedded software and hardware product marketing, David shares how his career has been shaped by bridging gaps between domains and amplifying the user’s voice in product development. Together, Steph and David explore how Siemens fully integrated digital thread transforms the way products move from concept to manufacturing—eliminating translation errors, reducing wasted time, and enabling true digital twins. They discuss the hidden costs of component selection, how scalability in solutions like Xpedition Standard empowers both startups and enterprises, and why automation and AI are key to unlocking engineers’ full potential. The conversation also dives into the challenges facing modern PCB designers: supply chain volatility, increasing design complexity, and time-to-market pressure. Steph and David emphasize the importance of training the next generation of engineers, academia collaboration, and adopting scalable ecosystems that grow with business needs. This episode is ideal for PCB designers, electrical engineers, design managers, SMBs, and enterprises who want to harness scalability, digital transformation, and smarter automation in their workflows. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with David Haboud LinkedIn Website
Aug 14, 2025 · 19 min
Secure, Remote, and Collaborative: The Future of PCB Design
How do you enable seamless PCB design collaboration for globally distributed teams without sacrificing security or IP control? What you’ll learn… How cloud connectivity supports asynchronous design reviews across time zones Why web-based 2D/3D visualization is a game changer for non-EDA stakeholders How BOM integration and real-time supply chain data reduce redesign risk Best practices for balancing accessibility with security in PCB design The role of AI in future PCB collaboration and design review workflows Where you’ll find it… (01:00) How has cloud connectivity transformed PCB design collaboration in recent years? (02:20) How web-based 2D 3D visualization works in practice? (03:30) What specific features enable remote design reviews to be as effective as in-person reviews? (05:35) How does the bill of materials factor into the design review process? (07:00) How do you balance accessibility with security in cloud-connected design? (08:25) What measures are in place to protect intellectual property during collaboration? (10:25) Layers of access control in secure cloud environments (16:00) The future of cloud-connected PCB design and AI’s role More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Tinkham speaks with Paul Welch, Product Manager at Siemens EDA, about how secure, cloud-connected solutions are transforming PCB design collaboration. Paul explains how centralized, cloud-based environments enable asynchronous design reviews, bringing together global teams while maintaining full traceability of feedback and design changes. He dives into the advantages of web-based 2D and 3D visualization for stakeholders without direct EDA tool access, and how integrating BOM insights with live supply chain data helps avoid late-stage redesigns. The conversation also covers Siemens’ secure-by-design approach, the multiple layers of access control that protect intellectual property, and where AI will fit into future PCB workflows, from prioritizing design review feedback to streamlining issue management. Ideal for PCB designers, electrical engineers, design managers, supply chain teams, and anyone involved in collaborative, multi-location PCB projects. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Paul Welch LinkedIn Website
Apr 29, 2025 · 30 min
From Chaos to Control: How PLM Integration is Transforming PCB Design
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
Mar 25, 2025 · 28 min
How AI is Changing PCB Design Forever (And What It Means for You)
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
Jan 23, 2025 · 14 min
Get New Engineers on Board Faster and Increase PCB Design Productivity by 30% with intuitive software
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
Dec 10, 2024 · 33 min
Harnessing AI in PCB Design - A Conversation with CELUS
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
Nov 12, 2024 · 21 min
The Good, Bad, and Brilliance of Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi)
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
Oct 29, 2024 · 16 min
Enhancing PCB design with AWS-enabled cloud solutions
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
Sep 26, 2024 · 25 min
Breaking Barriers: How Two Women Are Redefining PCB Design Through ECAD/MCAD Collaboration
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
Jun 25, 2024 · 30 min
A Journey Through Reuse Methodologies
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
May 30, 2024 · 22 min
Exploring RF PCB Design
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
May 7, 2024 · 48 min
Power Integrity and Efficient PDN Design
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
Apr 16, 2024 · 21 min
Exploring Rigid-Flex PCB Design
Traditional printed circuit board (PCB) designs frequently encounter constraints in space optimization and weight reduction, particularly in compact electronic devices. However, by seamlessly integrating rigid and flexible PCB elements into a unified entity, Rigid-Flex PCB design presents a revolutionary solution for electronic system architecture. I'm your host, Steph Chavez, and today, we dive deep into the fascinating realm of Rigid-Flex PCB design. Joining me is Tara Dunn, Director of Training and Education for SMTA. Together, we'll unpack the intricacies, challenges, and opportunities surrounding Rigid-Flex PCB design. In this episode, you will learn about the transformative potential of Rigid-Flex design in optimizing space, reducing weight, and enhancing overall system performance in electronic devices. Additionally, you'll discover key insights into cost considerations, practical implementation strategies, and the importance of continuous learning and networking in mastering Rigid-Flex engineering. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The challenges and best practices for designing flex and Rigid-Flex PCBs. (3:17) Rigid Flex vs. standard connectors in electronics design. (7:13) The importance of intentional learning for printed circuit engineers to develop their Rigid-Flex design skills. (13:10) The value of building professional networks and connecting with industry experts. (15:47) Connect with Tara Dunn: LinkedIn Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn

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