OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson as he chats with Tony Lentz, Chemist and Field Application Engineer with FCT Assembly, about the latest innovations in solder paste for ultra-high density interconnects (UHDI) and the challenges of working with smaller solder powder sizes. The pair also discusses the role of AI in electronics manufacturing and the future of PCB assembly.

Tony brings his deep knowledge of materials science and the chemistry of electronics to this insightful discussion, providing valuable perspectives on industry trends and advanced packaging techniques. Tune in to learn about the exciting developments shaping the future of electronics manufacturing.

👉 Connect with Tony Lentz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lentz-a14a0b64/

👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy

Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content. 

👉 Watch this Episode on Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy

👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner
👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium 
👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/ 
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About Altium LLC
Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.

#UHDI #electronicsmanufacturing #AI 

Discover the ideas behind the next generation of electronics engineers and the groundbreaking innovations they are driving. From designing circuits for space exploration to tackling challenges in PCB manufacturing, this video explores the journey today's young engineers undergo as they attempt to make their mark on advanced electronics.

Join Paul Cooke, Director of Application Engineering at AGC Multi Materials, as he chats with host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson. Among other topics, the two explore:  
- Insights into the future of electronics design.  
- Workforce development challenges in the industry.  
- The role of cutting-edge materials in Ultra HDI (UHDI) manufacturing.  

**Key Takeaways:**  
- Why young engineers should be excited about the electronics industry.  
- The impact of innovation on industries like aerospace and AI.  
- Strategies to thrive as an engineer in a high-tech world.  

👉 Resources from this Episode:
- Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcooke1730/?originalSubdomain=ca
- Learn more about AGC Multi Materials: https://www.agc-multimaterial.com/

👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy

Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium content. 

👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner
👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium 
👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/ 
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/ 

About Altium LLC
Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.

#Altium #PCBdesign #techpodcast 

Explore the revolutionary advancements of Ultra HDI in PCB design and manufacturing. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Zach Peterson sits down with Tara Dunn, Director of Training and Education at SMTA, to discuss how UHDI is reshaping the PCB industry. 

Gain insights into its impact on design, fabrication, and assembly, and learn how to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.  

**Highlights**:  
- The future of Ultra HDI in PCB manufacturing  
- Challenges and opportunities for PCB designers  
- SMTA’s role in fostering innovation and collaboration  

👉 Resources from this Episode: 
- SMTA website: https://Smta.org
- SMTA Knowledge Base:  https://smta.org/page/technical
- SMTA Events:  https://smta.org/events/event_list.asp
- SMTA Conferences:  https://smta.org/events/event_list.asp?show=&group=&start=1%2F13%2F2025&end=&view=&cid=20781
- SMTA Chapter Expos:  https://smta.org/events/event_list.asp?show=&group=&start=1%2F13%2F2025&end=&view=&cid=20781
- SMTA Membership:  https://smta.org/page/membership
- Ultra HDI Symposium:  www.smta.org/uhdi

👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy

Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium content. 

👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner
👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium 
👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/ 
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/ 

About Altium LLC
Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.

#Altium #PCBdesign #Electronics 

Welcome to Altium's OnTrack Podcast! In this episode, host Zach Peterson speaks with Sean Kincaid, President of K & F Electronics, about the complex realities of reshoring electronics manufacturing. 

Explore why reshoring is about more than just production and delve into the challenges of materials, equipment, and supply chain dependencies. Sean shares his firsthand experience with PCB manufacturing and insights into America's manufacturing industry. 

🌟 Topics Covered:
- Why IC reshoring alone isn’t enough
- The critical role of materials like copper foil
- Challenges of competing with overseas markets
- Sean’s journey with K & F Electronics and adapting to changes
- Potential strategies to revitalize U.S. manufacturing

#USManufacturing #PCBDesign #techpodcast 

💡 Resources from this Episode: 
- Learn More about K & F Electronics: https://www.circuitboards.com/
- Connect with Sean Kincaid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/circuit-boards/
- Check out the D-Code Podcast: https://the-d-code.podbean.com/

👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy

Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content. 

👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner
👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium 
👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/ 
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/ 

About Altium LLC
Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Keith Hanna, an Independent Consultant in CAE/PLM, to discuss the evolution of cross-disciplinary integration in engineering software, focusing on CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) and EDA (Electronic Design Automation) industries. 

The conversation explores themes like AI's role in the future of engineering, recent trends in mergers and acquisitions, and the broader implications of these changes for engineers and developers. Keith shares his insights from decades of experience, providing a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities within these rapidly converging fields.

👉 Resources from this Episode:
- Connect with Keith Hanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-hanna-685b792/

👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy

Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium content. 

👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner
👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium 
👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/ 
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/ 

About Altium LLC
Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.

#Altium #PCBdesign #Podcast 

How does Denpaflux simplify EMC testing? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson interviews Reinhard Neureiter, CEO of Denpaflux, to explore their groundbreaking AI-powered tools for tackling EMI and EMC challenges. Learn why 70% (or maybe more) of designs fail EMC testing and how Denpaflux helps engineers fix critical issues faster, from optimizing board stackups to pinpointing high-priority EMI risks.

Discover how this platform combines human expertise with AI to make EMC consulting accessible, effective, and efficient. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out, Denpaflux offers insights and tools to streamline your workflow and reduce costly delays.

Don't miss this deep dive into the future of EMI/EMC solutions and the innovative technologies reshaping PCB design.

Component Sense is tackling the e-waste crisis head-on by redistributing excess, unused stock from major companies before it becomes waste.

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, we talk with Kenny McGee, founder and CEO of Component Sense, about the hidden issues of electronic component disposal. Discover what happens to stockpiled electronics, why companies over-purchase components, and the innovative solutions that companies like Component Sense are implementing to reduce e-waste.

Kenny shares insights from years in the electronics distribution market, the challenges of moving unused inventory, and the environmental impacts of traditional disposal methods. This conversation highlights the importance of responsible component management and the potential to create a sustainable future in electronics. Tune in to learn more about the environmental and ethical implications of e-waste, and see how you can contribute to positive change in the industry.

In this special episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, filmed live at PCB West 2024, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson chats PCB design and manufacturing challenges with Neil Chamberlain, Product Specialist at Polar Instruments. Neil shares his expert insights into the evolving landscape of PCB design, discussing critical topics like substitute materials, copper roughness, and the benefits of using tools that bridge the communication gap between designers and fabricators.

Discover how Polar Instruments has been leading the way for almost 50 years, and learn valuable tips to optimize your PCB designs.

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson and Phillip Gulley, co-founder of ‪@cofactr‬ chat about the critical topics of counterfeit detection and supply chain risks in the electronics industry. Recorded live at PCB West 2024, Phillip shares Cofactr’s approach to managing procurement, logistics, and ensuring the authenticity of electronic components.

Discover how Cofactr is helping companies tackle supply chain vulnerabilities by implementing rigorous counterfeit inspection methods, kitting solutions, and seamless integration with Altium 365.

Unlock the power of Altium 365 with automated requirements management! In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Louise Linblad, VP of Product for Systems Engineering, and Gonçalo Ivo, Head of Product for Requirements & Systems Portal, to explore the revolutionary new tool for automating requirements within the Altium ecosystem.

Discover how the Requirements & Systems Portal is designed to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and bring innovative solutions to life faster than ever before. Learn about the seamless integration of Valispace, and how this new feature is helping engineers connect requirements directly to CAD tools, enhancing collaboration and design accuracy.

Whether you're a product manager, system engineer, or electronic engineer, this episode is packed with insights on boosting your engineering efficiency with Altium 365.

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Mike Tucker explores the world of HDI and manufacturing clashes and shares invaluable insights from his years of experience as Director of Engineering and Technology at Millennium Circuits. If you’re a PCB designer facing challenges with HDI design, manufacturing processes, or transitioning your prototypes to high-volume production, this video is packed with expert advice just for you!

Mike and host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson discuss the most common clashes between HDI design and manufacturing, how to avoid costly errors, and why understanding fabrication processes is crucial for your PCB success. Whether you're dealing with Class 2, Class 3, or beyond, Mike Tucker offers practical solutions to streamline your design-to-production journey.

Design for AI is at the forefront of the PCB design education revolution, driving a new era of innovation in how we approach electronics. In this episode of the Altium "OnTrack" podcast, Technical Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with John Watson, Altium's technical engineer and professor at Palomar Community College, to explore how AI is transforming the landscape of PCB design.

Discover how partnerships, like the one between Altium and Mouser, are playing a pivotal role in educating a new generation of PCB designers across the globe. John and Zach discuss the integration of AI into PCB design education, its impact on students and professionals alike, and what the future holds for the industry.

Explore how Altium Education is empowering the next generation of hardware designers in India and across the globe. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores scholarship opportunities, free training programs, and the partnership with Mouser Electronics to support students, particularly women, in the field of PCB design.

Guests in this Episode:

Rea Callendar, VP of Education at Altium, is a highly motivated results-oriented executive with an extensive background in educational leadership, strategic corporate development, and a passion for driving innovation in the education sector. 

Connect with Rea here: recallender

Watch Rea's Previous Episode:  Master the Basics of PCB Electronics

Megha Kurup, HR VP for Asia-Pacific at Mouser, is a results-oriented professional with high productivity and strong desire for success with broad regional and global HR experience to help support Organizations expanding business across Asia-Pacific.

Resources from this Episode:

- Altium Student Labs: https://www.altium.com/education/students

- Altium Education Center: https://www.altium.com/education/educators

- India Student Page: https://www.altium.com/in/education/students

Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access:

https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy

Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson in this interview with Kris Moyer, an esteemed IPC instructor and seasoned PCB design expert. The pair cover a wide range of topics including IPC courses, PCB design practices, and advanced materials. Discover how IPC courses can elevate your PCB design skills, learn about best practices in high-speed digital design (as well as a few other types of design), and explore the challenges of working with advanced materials in the PCB industry.

Key Topics Covered:

- The importance of IPC courses for PCB designers

- Best practices in PCB design and signal integrity

- Overcoming challenges with high-speed digital design

- Understanding and utilizing advanced materials in PCB manufacturing

- Kris Moyer's career journey and industry insights

#PCBDesign #IPC #signalintegrity

Join us on the Altium OnTrack podcast as Zach Peterson sits down with Eliyahu Davis, the lead engineer at Deepview AI. The two explore the future of AI vision systems in manufacturing. Discover how Deepview AI is revolutionizing factory automation with advanced deep-learning cameras.

Key Takeaways:

-The role of sci-fi-inspired vision systems in manufacturing.

- Insights into Deepview AI’s groundbreaking products.

- The impact of AI on factory automation and efficiency.

- Eliyahu Davis’s background and contributions to the field.

#FactoryAutomation #DeepLearning #ComputerVision

Discover how software-defined vehicles are revolutionizing the automotive industry!

Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson in this episode of the OnTrack Podcast as he chats with Lenora Clark, Director of Autonomous Driving and Safety Technology at MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. The pair explore the latest advancements in autonomous driving, advanced automotive electronics, and the incredible technologies that are shaping the future of cars. From human-machine interfaces to EV charging infrastructure, this interview covers it all!

Key Topics:

- The evolution of software-defined vehicles

- Autonomous driving technology

- Integration of advanced electronics in modern cars

- The future of automotive innovations

Welcome to the Altium "OnTrack Podcast," hosted by Zach Peterson. In this episode, we're joined by Joost Brilman, an EMC consultant and creator of the EMI Buster weekly email. Joost and Zach discuss the common pitfalls in electronics design, particularly with pre-certified modules, and how they can lead to EMI issues. Joost shares valuable tips for troubleshooting and preventing EMI problems, as well as insights into a career in EMC consulting.

Key Topics:

- Why pre-certified modules might not be foolproof workarounds for ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE.

- Common EMI PITFALLS in electronics design

- Practical EMI TIPS for EMC COMPLIANCE

- EMI CAREERS and career advice for aspiring EMC consultants

About Joost Brilman: Joost is an EMI buster. He reduces and prevents electronic interference as EMC consultant. He assists many hardware development companies in passing EMC requirements. Previously active as an electronics developer with a background in Power Electronics, causing a lot of EMI.

#EMIPitfalls #EMCTips #ElectronicsDesign #EMCConsultant #JoostBrilman

Welcome to the Altium OnTrack Podcast! Today, we are joined by Ethan Pierce, founder of Dodec Labs. He and host Zach Peterson explore the intricacies of thermal management in PCB design. If you’ve ever faced issues with overheating PCBs or want to enhance your PCB thermal design skills, this episode is a must-watch!

Episode Highlights:

• Importance of early thermal problem identification
• Effective PCB THERMAL DESIGN and simulation techniques
• Real-world examples and lessons from PCB East
• Strategies for optimal heat dissipation and management
• THERMAL DESIGN OPTIMIZATION Insights from industry experts

Don't miss out on these valuable tips and tricks to ensure your PCB designs run cool and efficiently. 

Explore the fascinating evolution of signal integrity in PCB design with industry expert Donald Telian. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, Donald delves into the differences between modern and old school signal integrity, sharing invaluable insights from his illustrious career. Learn about IBIS modeling, high-speed design, and the critical advancements that have shaped the industry.

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores the fascinating world of Edge AI and how Large Language Models (LLMs) fit into the picture with Jan Jongboom, co-founder of Edge Impulse. The two discuss the evolution from GPT-2 to GPT-4, the importance of edge computing, and the hardware requirements for running AI on edge devices. Discover how reducing the size of LLMs enables efficient deployment on edge devices, gain insights into the practical applications of AI in various industries, and learn about EDGE IMPULSE.

More resources:

• Getting started w/ Edge Impulse on Renesas platforms
• Connect with Jan on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Edge Impulse
• Check out a recent video from Edge Impulse: Using GPT-4o to train a 2,000,000x smaller model (that runs directly on device)
• Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access