OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

In this enlightening episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with Jordan Danko, founder of FC Design Services, to explore the challenges and strategies of growing an electronics design consultancy. 

Jordan shares his journey from electrical engineer to business owner, revealing how he transitioned from corporate employment to entrepreneurship and the lessons learned while scaling his team. Discover valuable insights on managing client relationships, balancing design work with business development, and adapting to supply chain disruptions.

👉 Resources from this episode: 
- Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-danko-5148b5125/
- Learn More about FC Design Services: https://fcdesignservices.com/

👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy  
        
💡 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!  
        
👉 Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1  
        
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/   
        
👉 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.

#ElectronicsDesign #PCBDesign #Engineering

0:00 Intro
1:19 From mechanical to electrical engineering career path
3:03 Starting and growing FC Design Services
6:50 Challenges of selling PCB design services
9:02 Moving beyond just PCB design to full product solutions
12:55 The impacts of AI on the engineering field
16:11 Advice for young engineers wanting to start a business
22:20 Challenges of Scaling
25:41 Supply chain issues and tariffs affecting the industry
31:30 Undercutting & Markup Challenges
39:52 IP protection concerns with overseas manufacturing
44:48 Final thoughts and contact information

Dive into the cutting-edge world of high-current power distribution networks with Ben Dannan, founder of Signal Edge Solutions and DesignCon's Engineer of the Year. Ben shares invaluable insights on designing, modeling, and validating 2,000 amp power supplies for data center applications, exploring the challenges of current density requirements exceeding 100 amps per square centimeter, and the industry debate between vertical versus horizontal power delivery approaches.

 

Learn how package design, embedded capacitance solutions, and accurate modeling are revolutionizing power integrity for today's demanding AI processors and data center ASICs. Ben also reveals his upcoming measurement-based model library that promises to transform large-signal simulation capabilities for PDN design.

 

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

 

👉  Resources from this Episode:

- Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-dannan/ or info@signaledgesolutions.com

- NVIDIA Blackwell Platform Arrives to Power a New Era of Computing: https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-blackwell-platform-arrives-to-power-a-new-era-of-computing

- Signal Edge Solutions: signaledgesolutions.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.   

        

👉 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/   

        

👉 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.  

#PowerIntegrity #electronicsdesign  #PCBDesign

In this insightful OnTrack Podcast episode, Zach Peterson sits down with Kristen Aguiar, Training Developer at Altium, to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in PCB design: component libraries. Discover practical approaches to library management, learn about common pitfalls in footprint creation, and gain valuable insights on standardization from Kristen's extensive industry experience.

 

From the complexities of managing library data to implementing effective processes and handling the "people problem," this conversation offers invaluable guidance for designers and engineers struggling with CAD libraries. Kristen also shares her thoughts on third-party CAD sources and her upcoming presentations at PCB East.

 

👉 Resources from this episode: 

- Connect with Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-aguiar-b3867527/

- Learn more about PCB East: https://pcbeast.com/

 

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

    

💡 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 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/   

    

👉 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.

#PCBDesign #Altium #ComponentManagement

 

Discover how to design innovative 3D structural electronics using Altium Designer with product manager Jack Henriques. Learn about printed electronics, 3D-MIDs, functional surfaces, and how to create circuits on three-dimensional substrates beyond traditional flat PCBs.

 

Explore the toolset that lets you place components on curved surfaces, route traces along contours while maintaining consistent width, and develop complex multi-layer printed electronics. This episode of the OnTrack podcast demonstrates how Altium Designer enables revolutionary form factors for next-generation electronic devices.

 

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

        

💡 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 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/   

        

👉 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.

 

#StructuralElectronics #AltiumDesigner #3DPCB

Inconsistent PCB libraries can lead to costly manufacturing errors and project delays. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, our guest Elizabeth Bustamante shares her expertise on PCB library standardization challenges and practical solutions for design teams.

 

Join host Zach Peterson as he discusses with Elizabeth the importance of understanding library standards, verification processes, and how to properly evaluate third-party library sources. Learn valuable insights for maintaining consistency across your PCB design libraries.

 

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

    

💡 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 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/   

    

👉 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.

#PCBDesign #ElectronicsEngineering #AltiumDesigner

Discover the complex landscape of PCB manufacturing in this insightful interview from the OnTrack Podcast with Greg Papandrew, Managing Director of DirectPCB. Learn how recent tariff changes are impacting the industry, why balancing cost and quality remains critical, and what options exist beyond China for PCB sourcing. 

 

Greg shares valuable strategies for navigating global supply chains and offers practical advice for designers looking to optimize their PCB designs for better manufacturing outcomes.

 

This episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast explores the evolving PCB manufacturing ecosystem, examining how geopolitical factors are reshaping where and how circuit boards are produced. 

 

👉 Resources from this episode: 

- Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-papandrew-5025834/

- Learn More about DirectPCB: https://www.directpcb.com/

 

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

    

💡 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 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/   

    

👉 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.

#PCBManufacturing #ElectronicsSupplyChain #PCBDesign

Discover how the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) is revolutionizing electronics education through innovative training programs and university partnerships. In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Host Zach Peterson interviews PCEA President Mike Buetow shares insights on their mission to bridge the skills gap in PCB design, their partnership with Wayne State University, and the launch of the new PCB Detroit show. 

 

Learn about PCEA's certified training curriculum, their vision for AI in PCB design, and how they're preparing the next generation of designers. This enlightening conversation reveals how PCEA is making PCB design knowledge more accessible through chapter-based local communities, professional certifications, and university collaborations. Mike also discusses the challenges of integrating AI into the design process and shares his perspective on the future of PCB design tools and education.

 

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

 

👉 Connect with Mike Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-buetow-a373401/

    

💡 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 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/   

    

👉 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.

#PCBDesign #ElectronicsEducation #PCEA 

IPC APEX 2025 is bringing unprecedented opportunities for electronics industry professionals to shape the future of manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, IPC President & CEO Dr. John Mitchell reveals how this event combines standards development, technical innovation, and powerful networking opportunities under one roof. Learn why both seasoned professionals and emerging engineers should attend this transformative industry gathering.

 

From evolving workforce development initiatives to cutting-edge technical sessions on AI, advanced packaging, and EV power electronics, discover how IPC APEX 2025 is addressing the industry's most pressing challenges. Dr. Mitchell shares insights on new features like the Learning Lounge and explains how attendees can maximize their experience across standards meetings, professional development courses, and the exhibition floor.

 

📚 Related content mentioned in this episode:

- Watch our previous conversations with Dr. Mitchell: https://youtu.be/CW9E3kYy4vU

- Learn more about "Fire Your Hiring Habits" by Dr. John Mitchell: https://www.ipc.org/news-release/ipc-president-and-ceo-dr-john-w-mitchell-releases-new-book-fire-your-hiring-habits

- Learn More about IPC: https://www.ipc.org/

- Register for IPC Expo: https://www.ipcapexexpo.org/

- Connect with Dr. Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwmitchell/

 

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

 

💡 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!  

 

👉 Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1  

 

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/   

 

👉 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.

#ElectronicsManufacturing #IPCAPEX2025 #PCBDesign

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/ 
👉 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.

#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.