Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
Dive into the dynamic world of printed circuit board manufacturing with Mike Buetow, President of PCEA, in this exclusive, final interview from PCB West 2025. Discover the latest trends, the growing diversity of the industry, and the exciting influx of young talent reshaping the technological landscape.
👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Watch all of our PCB West 2025 Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3aaAq2OJU5HRgjqtXCsbyHdbHn_SdWGa
- Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-buetow-a373401/
- Learn More about PCB West: https://pcbwest.com/
- Learn More about PCB East: https://pcbeast.com/
- Learn More about PCEA: https://pcea.net/
- Learn More about FPGA Horizons: https://www.fpgahorizons.com/
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#PCBManufacturing #TechInnovation #ElectronicDesign

Thursday Oct 30, 2025
CELUS: Simplifying Circuit Design with AI
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Join Mohammad Matin, Technical Sales Solution Architect at CELUS, as he reveals a groundbreaking approach to electronic design that leverages AI to streamline circuit development. Discover how CELUS is transforming the PCB design process by reducing complexity and empowering engineers to prototype faster.
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Learn how AI can help you quickly create block diagrams, generate schematics, and minimize manual design work. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or a curious innovator, this interview provides insights into the future of electronic design automation.
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Resources from this Episode:Â
- Watch all of our PCB West 2025 Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3aaAq2OJU5HRgjqtXCsbyHdbHn_SdWGa
- Connect with Mohammad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-matin/
- Learn More about CELUS: https://www.celus.io/
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#CELUS #AIDesign #PCBDesign

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Overcoming Global Supply Chain Obstacles in Electronics
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Dive deep into the world of international PCB manufacturing with Tristan Ren from TapRen Solutions. Learn how innovative companies are navigating complex global supply chain challenges, from tariffs to international production logistics. Discover insider strategies for securing high-quality, cost-effective electronic manufacturing across borders.
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In this exclusive interview, Zach Peterson sits down with TapRen's director of operations to unpack the intricacies of overseas PCB production. Uncover the secrets to managing international manufacturing, understanding export controls, and delivering zero-defect products with lightning-fast turnaround times.
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👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Connect with Tristan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristan-ren-a50322279/
- Learn More about TapRen: https://www.tapren.com/
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💡 Stay Connected: Â
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Altium Develop: Returning to Our Roots
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
In this first installment of our interview series live from the floor of PCB West, 2025, we are joined by Lawrence Romine, who reveals Altium's exciting new approach to product development with Altium Develop. Discover how this innovative solution brings the company back to its core mission of serving individual engineers and small teams. Learn about the strategic thinking behind creating a product that balances accessibility, functionality, and user-friendly design.Â
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👉 Resources from this video:Â
- Learn more about Altium Develop: https://www.altium.com/develop
- Learn more about PCB West: https://pcbwest.com/
- Learn more about PCB East: https://pcbeast.com/
- Connect with Lawrence: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-romine-2808544/
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Thursday Oct 23, 2025
From Block Diagram to Schematic in Minutes
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Discover how Circuit Mind is revolutionizing electronic design with AI-powered automation that transforms block diagrams into fully functional schematics in record time. Learn how engineers can dramatically reduce design complexity and accelerate their development process with this groundbreaking platform.
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Join Tomide Adesanmi, CEO of Circuit Mind, live from the floor of PCB West 2025, as he reveals how their innovative technology helps engineers optimize circuit design, handle complex constraints, and generate schematic designs with unprecedented speed and precision.Â
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👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Connect with Tomide: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomide-adesanmi-6394b8105/?originalSubdomain=uk
- Learn more about Circuit Mind: https://www.circuitmind.io/
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💡 Stay Connected: Â
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! Â
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content. Â
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#PCBDesign #AIEngineering #ElectronicDesign

Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
PCB Design Tools for Every Team Size: Altium's New Approach
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Discover how Altium is revolutionizing PCB design software with solutions tailored to teams of all sizes. In this exclusive interview from PCB West 2025, Justin Sears breaks down the key differences between Altium Develop and Altium Agile, helping you choose the perfect design platform for your organization.
Learn how these innovative solutions can streamline your PCB design process, enhance collaboration, and unlock new possibilities for electrical and mechanical engineers. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, Altium has a solution that fits your unique needs.
👉 Resources from this Episode:
- Learn more about Altium Develop: https://www.altium.com/develop
- Learn more about Altium Agile: https://www.altium.com/agile
- Connect with Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsears
💡 Stay Connected:
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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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
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#PCBDesign #Altium #EngineeringTools

Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Programmable Logic Made Easy: GreenPAK Tutorial with Dima Mymrikov
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Discover how Renesas GreenPAK revolutionizes mixed-signal design by combining analog and digital blocks into a single programmable IC. In this comprehensive tutorial from the OnTrack Podcast, Dima Mymrikov demonstrates how to design, simulate, and program custom logic circuits in minutes using the intuitive Go Configure software—no coding required.
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Learn how GreenPAK replaces multiple discrete components with one tiny, low-cost chip. From window comparators and power sequencing to level shifters and I²C expanders, see real-world examples of consolidating complex circuits into a 2x3mm package. This is the perfect solution for engineers looking to reduce board space, lower power consumption, and accelerate prototyping without the million-dollar investment of traditional ASIC development.
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👉 Resources from this Episode:
- Watch the Demo on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2b4TWE5zlB4
- Learn More about GreenPAK: https://www.renesas.com/en/products/programmable-logic/greenpak-programmable-mixed-signal-products
- Connect with Dima: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dima-mymrikov-88133431/
- Check out Octopart: https://octopart.com/
- Go Configure Software Hub: https://www.renesas.com/en/software-tool/go-configure-software-hub
💡 **Stay Connected:**
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
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👉 **Follow Altium on LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/
👉 **Follow Altium on Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/
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**The Altium Academy** is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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**About Altium LLC**
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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.
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#GreenPAK #ProgrammableLogic #MixedSignalDesign

Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Inside Component Testing: Fighting Fakes in the Electronics Industry
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Dive deep into the hidden world of counterfeit electronic components with Elijah Miller, VP of Operations at The Lab Worldwide (TLW) in this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, hosted by Tech Consultant Zach Peterson. This comprehensive discussion reveals the sophisticated methods counterfeiters use to infiltrate the electronics supply chain, from remarked chips and harvested components to elaborate re-topping schemes. Learn how third-party testing laboratories authenticate components, the difference between franchise distributors and gray market sources, and the critical testing procedures that protect mission-critical applications. Whether you're a design engineer, procurement professional, or electronics enthusiast, this conversation provides invaluable insights into component authentication, quality assurance, and supply chain risk mitigation strategies.
Discover the shocking truth about component counterfeiting rates, the role of testing standards like AS6171 and AS6081, and advanced detection methods including C-SAM imaging and Raman spectroscopy. Elijah shares real-world examples of counterfeit incidents, explains how legitimate parts end up on the gray market, and offers practical advice for protecting your projects from fake components. This episode is essential viewing for anyone involved in electronics design, manufacturing, or procurement who wants to understand the realities of component authentication in today's complex supply chain.
👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Connect with Elijah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wwepdo/
- Learn More about The Lab Worldwide: https://thelabww.com/
💡 Stay Connected:
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
👉 Follow Altium on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1
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👉 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/
The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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.
#ComponentTesting #Electronics #SupplyChain

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
New PCB Assembly Method Promises Higher Reliability & Lower Cost
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Discover The Occam Group's process, a revolutionary approach to PCB assembly that eliminates solder while improving reliability, reducing costs, and simplifying manufacturing. Ray Rasmussen, Managing Partner at The Occam Group, explains how this innovative methodology embeds components and builds copper-to-copper connections using existing fabrication equipment—no massive capital investment required.
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Learn how the Occam opportunity could transform electronics manufacturing by offering embedded components, superior signal integrity, and a pathway for US fabricators to compete globally. From DoD testing to potential applications in high-density interconnect and semiconductor packaging, this conversation explores the future of PCB assembly and why industry leaders are taking notice.
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👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Connect with Raymond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-rasmussen-7b98b08/
- Learn More about The Occam Group: https://theoccamgroup.com/
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💡 Stay Connected:
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
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👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner
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👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/
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The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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About Altium LLC
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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.
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#PCBAssembly #Occam #ElectronicsManufacturing

Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Supply Chain Cost Modeling with Tset's Data-Driven Platform
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Join Zach Peterson as he speaks with Sasan Hashemi, founder and CEO of Tset, about revolutionizing product cost management in electronics manufacturing. Discover how modern companies are moving beyond Excel spreadsheets to sophisticated data-driven platforms that integrate technical, commercial, and market data for comprehensive total cost of ownership analysis.
In this insightful conversation, Sasan explains how Tset's platform combines internal data from PLM and ERP systems with external market intelligence from partners like Nexar to provide a complete 360-degree view of product costs. Learn about the challenges of managing carbon footprint calculations, supply chain risk quantification, and the future of AI-powered cost analysis in manufacturing.
👉 Resources from this episode:Â
- Connect with Sasan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasan-hashemi/
- Learn More about Tset: https://tset.com/
- AI-Powered PCB Supply Chain Management with Luminovo's Timon Ruban: https://youtu.be/F6SzF8kZBpE
💡 Stay Connected: Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
👉 Follow Altium on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1
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👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/
The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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.
#SupplyChain #CostManagement #Manufacturing
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Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Students Tackle PCB Design Challenge: From Schematic to Robot
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
University of Minnesota students share their journey designing custom PCBs for the Bright Manufacturing Challenge. Watch as electrical and mechanical engineering students Ethan Chung, Kevin Vo, and Alexander Wan discuss their line-following robot project, from initial schematics to flex-rigid PCB manufacturing. This inspiring episode of the OnTrack Podcast reveals how young engineers learn PCB design through hands-on competition experience.
Discover the challenges these students faced when transitioning from theoretical schematics to real-world printed circuit board layouts. Learn about their innovative flex-rigid PCB solution for encoder positioning, power management strategies, and the valuable lessons learned from their first manufacturing attempt. Their story demonstrates that diving into PCB design with determination and the right resources can lead to impressive engineering achievements.
💡 Stay Connected:
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
👉 Follow Altium on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1
👉 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/
The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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.
#PCBDesign #electronicsengineering  #engineeringstudentÂ

Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
PCB Industry Evolution: From Mom & Pop Shops to Consolidation
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Join host Zach Peterson as he sits down with industry veteran Dan Beaulieu, founder and president of DB Management Group, to explore the dramatic transformation of the PCB manufacturing landscape. With over 30 years of experience working with hundreds of companies, Dan provides unique insights into how the industry has evolved from 1,300 North American PCB shops in 2005 to just 130 today, with 90 of them under $5 million in revenue.
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In this compelling discussion, Dan shares his perspective on the consolidation wave reshaping the industry, the challenges facing smaller "mom and pop" PCB shops, and the critical role of venture capital in driving growth and technological advancement. He also delves into emerging opportunities in substrate manufacturing and microelectronics, the importance of superior customer service as a competitive differentiator, and strategies for attracting and training the next generation of PCB professionals.
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👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Dan's I-Connect article: https://iconnect007.com/article/146612/lessons-from-a-thousand-columns-dan-beaulieu-on-writing-selling-and-staying-the-course/146609/pcb
- Connect with Dan on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbbeaulieu/
- Learn More about DB Management Group: https://www.dbmanagementgroup.com/
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💡 Stay Connected: Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
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👉 Follow Altium on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1
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👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/
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The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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About Altium LLC
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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.
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#PCBManufacturing #ElectronicsIndustry #PCBDesign

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
High Power PCB Design: Pushing the Limits with Caleb Buck
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Join host Zach Peterson on this episode of the OnTrack Podcast as he speaks with Caleb Buck, PCB Design Electronics Engineer at Nidec Aerospace, about the critical considerations for high power PCB design. From guitar pedal prototypes etched in his kitchen to aerospace systems handling 500+ amps, Caleb shares his journey and expertise in designing life-critical electronics. Learn about voltage isolation requirements, current distribution challenges, thermal management strategies, and the pitfalls that can lead to melting connectors and component failures.
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Discover practical approaches to high power design including IPC 2221 vs IPC 2152 standards, material selection for reliability, and how PCB layout dramatically affects current distribution in parallel switching circuits. Whether you're designing power electronics for automotive, aerospace, or industrial applications, this conversation provides valuable insights for pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a PCB.
👉 Resources from this episode:Â
- Connect with Caleb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-buck-809b6a256/
- Learn More about PCB West: https://pcbwest.com/
💡 Stay Connected: Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
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👉 Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1
👉 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/
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The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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About Altium LLC
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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.
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#ElectronicsDesign #PCBDesign #PowerElectronics

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Chemical-Free PCB Production: How uFab is Changing Everything
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Join host Zach Peterson on the Altium OnTrack Podcast as he interviews Tyler Richards, founder of uFab, who is revolutionizing PCB manufacturing with chemical-free production technology. Discover how Tyler's innovative PCBee system can print multi-layer circuit boards in just 4 hours without using traditional chemical etchants like ferric chloride or cupric chloride.
From his early days as a high school freelancer on Upwork to founding a company that's changing desktop PCB fabrication, Tyler shares his journey and the technology behind uFab's game-changing approach. Learn about their laser-based manufacturing process that supports everything from FR-4 to flex materials, Rogers substrates, and even ceramic boards - all with feature sizes down to 2 mil and via sizes as small as 7-8 mil.
💡 Stay Connected: Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
👉 Follow Altium on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1
👉 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/
The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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.
#PCBManufacturing #PCBPrototyping #ElectronicsManufacturing

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Signal Integrity, Thermal & DFM: PCB West Preview with Keven
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Join Zach Peterson as he sits down with Keven Coates, Senior Electrical Engineer at Novium Designs, for an in-depth preview of his upcoming PCB West presentations. This conversation covers essential topics every PCB designer needs to master, from signal integrity fundamentals to thermal management and design for manufacturing best practices.
Discover why silicon company data sheets shouldn't be taken as gospel, learn about common assembly pitfalls that can kill first-run yields, and understand the critical importance of working with your fabrication and assembly partners early in the design process. Keven shares decades of experience from his time at Texas Instruments and offers practical insights that can save you months of rework and costly mistakes.
👉 Resources from this episode:Â
- Connect with Keven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keven-coates-tamu/
- Learn more about PCB West: https://pcbwest.com/
💡 Stay Connected: Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
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The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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.
#PCBDesign #SignalIntegrity #ThermalManagement

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
18-Year-Old Founder: Why America Needs Its Own Drone Industry
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Meet Tom Rein, the youngest entrepreneur ever featured on the Altium OnTrack podcast and founder of Tom's Aerial Vehicles. At just 18 years old, Tom is revolutionizing American drone manufacturing with AI-powered development processes and proprietary hardware designs. In this compelling interview, discover how this young innovator is building police drones "for Americans, by Americans" while addressing critical national security concerns and manufacturing gaps.
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Tom shares his remarkable journey from collecting light bulbs as a child to building a six-figure speaker company, and now developing modular drone systems that could reshape the industry. Learn how AI has reduced his development costs from $10 million and 25 engineers to a $30 ChatGPT subscription, and why American manufacturing needs to catch up to China's ecosystem advantages. This episode explores the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and national security in the rapidly evolving drone industry.
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👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Find Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrein1/
- Find Tom on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomReinYT
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💡 Stay Connected: Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
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👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/
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The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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About Altium LLC
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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.
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#AmericanManufacturing #DroneIndustry #YoungEntrepreneur

Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Inside PCBAA's Fight for American Circuit Board Manufacturing
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Join host Zach Peterson as he sits down with David Schild, Executive Director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA), fresh from their annual Washington D.C. meeting. Discover how the organization is advocating for critical legislation like H.R.3597, the Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act, and why American PCB manufacturing dropped from 30% to just 4% of global production. Learn about the workforce challenges, private investment opportunities, and the strategic importance of domestic microelectronics manufacturing for everything from F-150s to F-35s.
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This in-depth episode of the OnTrack Podcast unpacks the policy battles happening behind the scenes as PCBAA works to secure tax incentives and federal support for American PCB manufacturers. David shares insights from their recent congressional meetings, explains why major OEMs like RTX (Raytheon) are joining the fight, and discusses the organization's mission to educate lawmakers about the critical role circuit boards play in national security and commercial applications.
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👉 Resources from this episode:Â
- H.R.3597: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3597
- PCBAA: https://www.pcbaa.org/
- David Schild: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschild/
- "Chip War" by Chris Miller: https://a.co/d/7CDUpI2
- Forbes Article about US Manufacturing: https://shorturl.at/psnwM
- Happy Holden OnTrack Episode: https://youtu.be/exh5p4G6cy8Â
- Blake Moore OnTrack Episode: https://youtu.be/xU80guGtMWc
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💡 Stay Connected: Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
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👉 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/
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The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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About Altium LLC
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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.
#PCBManufacturing #AmericanManufacturing #PCBDesign

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
AI-Powered PLM: The Future of Hardware Product Lifecycle Management
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems in this insightful conversation with Michael Corr, CEO and founder of Duro. From eliminating PLM horror stories to streamlining hardware development workflows, learn how modern cloud-based PLM platforms are revolutionizing the way engineering teams manage data from design through manufacturing.
Michael shares his journey from electrical engineer to PLM innovator, revealing the critical pain points that plague traditional PLM systems and how AI-powered solutions are solving decades-old data management challenges. Explore how intelligent automation is reducing manual processes, improving supply chain integration, and enabling hardware teams to focus on what they do best - designing innovative products.
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👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgcorr/
- Get Duro: https://durolabs.co/
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💡 Stay Connected:  Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! Â
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content. Â Â
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👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner Â
👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium  Â
👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/  Â
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/  Â
The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!Â
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.
#PLM #HardwareDesign #ArtificialIntelligence
0:00 Intro
0:56 Â Introduction to Michael Corr and Duro PLM
3:16 Why PLM over other software solutions?
5:03 What is PLM and why do hardware teams need it?
7:42 PLM horror stories and configuration challenges
12:39 Duro's approach to simplifying PLM complexity
22:37 Simplifying PLM onboarding and configuration
24:16 I integration in PLM systems
27:57 AI opportunities in DFM and hardware optimization
30:00 Nexar and Octopart integration benefits
33:40 PCB procurement and vendor integration
37:30 Future features and manufacturing expansion

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
AI-Powered PCB Supply Chain Management with Luminovo's Timon Ruban
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing PCB supply chain management in this fascinating conversation with Timon Ruban, founder and managing director of Luminovo in this episode of the OnTrack Podcast. From his electrical engineering background at Stanford to building Europe's leading electronic supply chain platform, Timon shares insights on solving complex procurement challenges, automating PCB quoting, and the future of AI in electronics manufacturing.
Learn how Luminovo helps contract manufacturers and OEMs streamline their sourcing processes, manage supply chain risks, and get instant PCB quotes through advanced Gerber file analysis. Timon discusses the evolution from manual Excel-based workflows to AI-powered automation, strategic supplier management, and the exciting roadmap ahead including LLM integration for data ingestion and decision support.
👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Email Timon: timon@luminovo.com
- Timon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timon-ruban/?originalSubdomain=de
- Luminovo's Site: https://luminovo.com/
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💡 Stay Connected: Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.
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👉 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/
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The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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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.
#SupplyChainManagement #PCBManufacturing #PCBDesignÂ

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Supply Chain Challenges in Medical Device Manufacturing
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Dive deep into the complex world of medical device supply chains with supply chain executive Simon Hinds. This comprehensive episode of the OnTrack Podcast explores the unique challenges of bringing life sciences products from development to market, including regulatory compliance, global sourcing strategies, and risk management in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
From tier-one to tier-three supplier relationships to the critical importance of traceability in medical manufacturing, Simon shares real-world insights on how companies navigate everything from tariff risks to pandemic-induced disruptions. Learn about the stark differences between pharmaceutical supply chains and other industries like automotive and consumer electronics, and discover why medical device companies face uniquely high barriers to entry when implementing global assembly strategies.
👉 Resources from this Episode:Â
- Read Simon's Content on the Altium Blog: https://resources.altium.com/experts/simon-hinds
- Connect with Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-hinds-7b7a2315/?originalSubdomain=au
👉 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
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👉 Ready to try the industry's best-in-class design experience yourself? Download it today and get started! https://www.altium.com/downloads?
utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=yt-sponsor&utm_content=altium-academy
The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!
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.
#SupplyChain #MedicalDevices #LifeSciencesÂ

