OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

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.

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

In a captivating 2023 year-end review, Zach Peterson hosts a compelling discussion with Gene Weiner, President of Weiner International Associates, exploring the dynamic landscapes of manufacturing in Mexico, India, and the burgeoning field of Ultra High-Density Interconnects (UHDI). Discover the nuances of electronics manufacturing in China, where resources seamlessly integrate into the supply chain, contrasted with Mexico's DIY approach and India's promising advancements fueled by resolutions and government backing, ultimately surpassing Mexico in certain aspects.

Key Highlights:

• Insights into Trade and Manufacturing in Mexico: Delve into the intricate details of Mexico's manufacturing landscape, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities in this key region.
• Exploring Broader Trends in India: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving trends shaping the electronics manufacturing sector in India, highlighting key developments and advancements.
• Comparing India's Model to Chinese and Mexican Approaches: Analyze the positioning of India in the global manufacturing landscape, drawing parallels and distinctions between the Chinese and Mexican models.
• Unraveling the Challenges Faced by Chinese PCB Countries: Investigate the factors contributing to the challenges faced by Chinese PCB countries and the implications for the broader electronics manufacturing industry.
• Insights into M&A Activity and Future Trends: Explore the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) sector, with a forward-looking perspective on continued consolidation and vertical integration in the industry.

Listen to the latest episode of OnTrack to hear a round up of the key PCB design trends from 2023. Explore themes such as evolving manufacturing dynamics, including shifts closer to the United States and Europe, influencing future innovations. Dive into the world of packaging design advancements and emerging trends such as robotic vision and new tools shaping the future of PCB design and the broader electronics market.

In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, our host Zach Peterson sits down with Geoffrey Leeds, the founder of Leeds Engineering and Data Science. If you've ever wondered how production managers react to integrating data science into production operations, or if the term "data-driven decision-making" has piqued your interest, you're in for a treat.

Geoffrey shares his journey from his time at Insulectro to venturing out to help companies embrace data science. The discussion dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of applying data science in manufacturing, with a focus on improving decision-making and efficiency.

In a candid conversation, Geoffrey and Zach explore the misconceptions and hurdles faced by production managers when introduced to the world of data science. From the fear of complexity to concerns about cost and implementation, they tackle the real-world issues that arise when trying to bridge the gap between manufacturing and data science.

Whether you're a seasoned professional in the field or just starting to explore the possibilities of data-driven decision-making, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives. Join Geoffrey Leeds and Zach Peterson as they navigate the intersections of manufacturing, data science, and the exciting potential for innovation in the industry.

Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast! Subscribe now and stay tuned for more discussions with industry leaders and innovators.

Watch this episode here

Show Highlights:

• Intro
• Return of Data Science
• Bad Data & Improper Recommendations
• Automated Process Solutions
• Capturing Data
• IIoT
• Onshoring & the Winds of Change
• A Plethora of Processes
• PCB Packaging
• 49:25 Manufacturing is Fun & Challenging Again
• 52:42 New Data Solutions 

Today we are joined by Dan Beaulieu, founder and owner of Db Management Group. He and Zach chat about the PCB industry's broad marketing trends including how it's stuck in the past, the declining trade show industry, how sales reps can stay relevant, and much more.

Watch this episode here

• 0:00 Intro to Dan Beaulieu
• 5:48 Sales & Marketing Stuck in the Past
• 9:14 Impacts of the Domestic PCB Base
• 12:59 Is the Trade Show Method Going Away?
• 16:45 How do Reps Stay Relevant?
• 19:27 Focusing on Younger Designers
• 24:30 How Manufacturers Stand Out from the Competition
• 28:42 Designers and Board Shop Conflicts
• 31:42 Importance of Touring Shops
• 33:36 Capital Investment and PCB Shops
• 38:51 Focus on the Customer's Need, Then Provide It

Today we have a fascinating conversation about PCB manufacturing, reshoring, testing, and much more with Cody Endlich, Head of Strategic Sourcing at MacroFab. He and Tech Consultant Zach Peterson discuss the latest trends in manufacturing, procurement, and supplier dynamics. This is a wonderful convo for anyone interested in the future of PCB sourcing and manufacturing.

• 1:00 Cody's Background
• 2:59 Internalizing the Broker Process
• 4:51 What's Different about MacroFab
• 8:25 Where Are MacroFab's Partners?
• 10:17 Reshoring Efforts
• 12:35 Copycats?
• 16:09 The Sourcing Picture
• 20:43 How MacroFab Tests
• 23:42 Bringing the Process In-House
• 26:16 Turning Heads
• 29:12 A Solid Supplier Relationship
• 34:54 Will Mexico's Trading Role Persist
• 38:13 MacroFab's Biggest Growth Area
• 39:32 Going Forward

Links and Resources:

• Watch Related Episodes:
  • Macrofab: Modern EMS Solutions in North AmericaRead Related
  • Data Security, 5G and Onshore PCB Manufacturing with Dr. Rob Spalding
  • Achieving Diversified Electronics Supply Chain
• Connect with Cody Endlich on LinkedIn
• Visit MacroFab website

Today we're chatting with Jeff De Serrano, President of the American Division of PCB Technologies. We had a fascinating conversation about the changing nature of the PCB Manufacturing industry, focusing on aerospace, automation, AI, education, and much more. This is a wonderful episode for anyone interested in manufacturing and where the industry might be headed.

Watch this episode here.

Show Highlights:

• Intro
• Intro to Jeff & PCB Technologies
• PCB Technology's Broad Reach in Aerospace
• Faster Packaging Times
• Packaging Advantages at PCB Technologies
• 2D, 2 ½D, or 3D?
• You Need the Know-How, Not Just People
• Broad Capability Won't Happen Overnight
• Semiconductor Companies Packaging?
• Workforce Challenges
• Automation Pipedream?
• Getting Students into Manufacturing
• Manufacturing is Totally Different Now
• AI Has a Long Way to Go
• Growth Areas in Electronics?

Links and Resources:

• Check the recent related OnTrack Podcast episodes:

  • PCB Manufacturing Reshoring, Automation, and Sustainability with Alun Morgan

  • Plug and Play Industrial Automation? It's Only a Matter of Time

• Learn more about Altium 365®, Where the world designs electronics

• See how Octopart help you search for electronic parts. It is the most accurate and comprehensive electronic part data search engine right at your fingertips

• Connect with Jeff De Serrano on LinkedIn

• Visit PCB Technologies website

We're joined today by the Technology Ambassador at Ventec and President of the European Institute for the PCB Community (EIPC), Alun Morgan. He and host Zach Peterson have a broad, thoughtful conversation centered on PCB manufacturing.

They chat about emerging manufacturing markets, potential for supplier buyouts, reshoring, automation, and much more. This is a fascinating conversation for anyone looking to get a current view on the international manufacturing market, as well as valuable insights into where it might be headed.

Show Highlights:

0:00 Intro

0:40 Current Manufacturing Trends in Europe

9:20 Growth in Packaging

14:49 Producing at Scale

21:31 Up and Coming International Manufacturing Markets

23:52 Big Manufacturers Getting Bigger?

29:21 Return to Buying Out Suppliers?

31:36 Variable Costs, PCB Manufacturing, & Reshoring

34:30 Pricing Pressures & Automation

40:39 Automation: Prices, Reliability, & Sustainability

45:04 Wrap-Up

Links and Resources:

• Watch more of Alun Morgan:
  • Materials Science 101 with EIPC Chairman Alun Morgan
  • Alun Morgan on the History of FR-4
  • Alun Morgan On PCB Base Materials
  • Alun Morgan On Glass Fibre Production
• Connect with Alun Morgan on LinkedIn
• Visit Octopart.com, The electronic part search engine

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Let’s walk down memory lane and discover how circuit boards are being manufactured back in the 50s.

In this episode, we have the pleasure to have Gene Weiner, a true gem in the industry! This is a rare opportunity to learn from an expert who has helped shape the electronics industry for more than 60 years now.

Watch through the end, and make sure to check out the show notes and additional resources below.

Watch this Episode.

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• Introduction to Gene Weiner and a glimpse of his illustrious career in the electronics industry beginning in 1956
• Gene retrospects vividly how they used to do 3D printing and additive back in the 50s
• What would interest a young man to go down the path of electronics manufacturing back in the 50’s? Gene shares his career experience and what sparked his interest in electronics
• 1975 marked the beginning of electronic manufacturing automation development outside the US
• Captive operations versus outsourcing — a lot of electronics companies chose cost reduction over maintaining their own manufacturing operations
• Gene gives his insight about moving some manufacturing facilities to Latin American countries  like Mexico and Columbia
• What does it take to bring manufacturing back to the US?
• Just building chips in America without building the rest of the supply chain here just lengthen the supply chain. Gene stresses that volume, demand, incentives, and continuous government programs are necessary to make anchoring a success
• Gene suggests that partnering is better than hiring. Partner with talents who share a mutual vision with the company, and share benefits together

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Gene Weiner on LinkedIn
• Visit Weiner International Associates' website
• Watch the related OnTrack episodes
  • A Lookback to the Evolution of the PCB Industry with Happy Holde
  • Achieving Diversified Electronics Supply Chain
  • Overcoming Technological Challenges in the PCB Industry

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In this episode, we continue the discussion on diversifying the electronic supply chain. Our guest Case Engelen the CEO of Titoma shares his insight about moving some of the manufacturing to other Southeast Asian countries and South America. 

Watch this episode now and check out the show notes and additional resources below.

Show Highlights:

• Case Engelen introduces himself and his company Titoma
• Offshoring, onshoring, and diversifying supply chain, why do the majority of components manufacturing may stay in China for 5 more years?
• Building prototypes and optimizing your design following the factory’s specifications
• Case talks about the importance of component architecture early during the design phase
• The difference between how US and Chinese market their product and their selling strategies
• Diversifying manufacturing in Southeast Asia and South America, Taiwan is a little more expensive than China, but Columbia is more competitive when it comes to cost
• The advanced manufacturing capabilities in China are quite hard to beat
• What is “bifurcation”?
• What does the future of electronics production and sourcing and procurement look like?

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Case Engelen on LinkedIn
• Visit Titoma Website
• Watch the Previous Related Episodes:
  • Mastering Your PCB Design Tool as the Industry Evolves with Stephen Chavez
  • Mitigating Risk Factors for PCB Manufacturing Lead Times
  • Data Security, 5G and Onshore PCB Manufacturing with Dr. Rob Spalding

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Happy Holden, a legend in the PCB Industry and one of our favorite Altium Industry Expert contributors gives us a trip to his 53 years of experience in the industry. From a chemical engineer, and PCB manufacturing expert to an educator with his countless contribution to the PCB industry’s wealth of knowledge through his books, column, and keynote presentations.

Watch this episode now

Show Highlights:

• Introduction to Happy Holden and an overview of his career in the PCB Industry
• What drove the PCB manufacturing off-shore? The printed circuit industry has been all over the map, to begin with
• Happy shares his early years in printed circuit manufacturing
• Comparing CAD tools from the 80s and the present – computers, calculators, and software
• Happy talks about photonic circuits back in 1998 and how it is a hundred thousand times more capable than electronic communication and have no signal integrity issue
• HP’s first notebook computer
• Happy retired from HP and moved to Taiwan
• Happy started working at Gentex Michigan
• The beginning of offshoring the PCB manufacturing and fabrication
• In Asia, the printing circuit board is like printing money. It is the most profitable industry in the region
• Globalization took over the industry – emphasis on profit versus jobs
• Diversifying the supply chain. How to bring some of the manufacturing sides of the industry back to the US?
  • The $52 Billion budget (CHIPS Act 2022) is just a downpayment to bring the 30 years that were lost
• Would companies start manufacturing their own products?
• How did HDI technology come about?

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Happy Holden on LinkedIn
• Read Happy Holden’s Articles on Altium’s Resource Page
• Read Happy Holden’s Biography on HPMuseum.org
• Buy Happy Holden’s Printed Circuits Handbook, Seventh Edition
• Download FREE Ebook I-Connect007 Publishes Automation eBook by Happy Holden
• Watch the Previous Episode with Happy Holden: The Father of HDI PCBs

Functional testing is when you power up an electronic device for the first time and then perform voltage rail checks and programming of processors, and more. And this is exactly what FixturFab offers their customer.

In this episode, Zach is talking with the co-founders of FixturFab, Duncan Lowder and Joe Selvik. They will have a chat about automated test fixtures and turnkey systems that aid low to medium electronic production to deliver successful devices.

Watch this episode here.

Show Highlights:

• Jow Selvic and Duncan Lowder introduction and engineering backgrounds
• What is FixturFab’s test fixture? Duncan briefly explains how it works – the mechanical, electrical, and software aspects of it
• A turnkey test system designs and delivers specific test cases and dives into detail about how a circuit board was designed and gathers reports
• Bolina an IIOT device deployment engine allows the management of Test Fixtures remotely
• An ideal customer for FixturFab is anyone who designs or manufactures their hardware, the best time to initiate the testing is before finalizing the board layout or during the prototyping phase
• Currently, FixturFab caters to low to medium-volume production, but they definitely are looking forward to eventually being in an automated SMT (Surface Mount Technology) line
• Coming next is the Test System in a Box, the IKEA or the “protolab” for test fixtures

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Joe Selvik on LinkedIn
• Connect with Duncan Lowder on LinkedIn
• Visit FixturFab website
• Read: Generating an Altium Test Point Report
• Watch related episodes:
  • Electronics Manufacturability and Reliability with QA Guru Cheryl Tulkoff
  • Mitigating Risk Factors for PCB Manufacturing Lead Times

Expedite your transition from prototype to scale with the help of an experienced PCB broker! In this episode, a returning guest joins us to discuss everything that involves cost-effective PCB manufacturing. Greg Papandrew, a PCB buying and selling expert, gives us a comprehensive understanding of PCB cost drivers and tips on a good supply chain strategy.

Watch this episode here

Show Highlights:

• The process of buying and selling, Greg Papandrew is a PCB broker with 30 years of experience in the industry
• Greg emphasizes the importance of quoting smartly, learning when, where, and how to save money without sacrificing the PCB quality
• What is a good supply chain strategy?
• Greg dives deep into his role as a PCB broker, and his involvement in the decision making involving specs, materials, cost, and more
• Sending too much information can be problematic, and it involves the vulnerability of intellectual property
• Good communication with the PCB manufacturer and fabricator can go a long way; asking the right questions can help with the production of high-quality products with a fair pricing
• What is the anatomy of a complete data package?
  • What's in a File list and a README file 
• Greg answers, at what stage of the process does a PCB designer or manufacturer approach a PCB broker?

Links and Resources:

Connect with Greg Papandrew on LinkedIn
Watch a previous episode with Greg Panandrew: How to Buy PC Boards From a Board Shop
Watch Greg’s video: How to Avoid Self-inflicted PCB Costs
Visit DirectPCB - Better Board Buying website
Connect with Zach on LinkedIn
Visit Nexar website
Visit Octopart website

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Young blood in the PCB industry, Christopher Bonsell talks about process engineering–the chemical involved in the PCB, etching and encouraging the young generation to the “cool-tech” aspects of PCB design and manufacturing.

Watch this episode through the end, and check the show notes and additional below.

Watch this episode here

Show Highlights:

• Chris Bonsell published articles on i-Connect007
• What kind of services does Chemcut offer related to PCB manufacturing and the role of a process engineer
• Chris talks about his career journey and how he landed his position in Chemcut
• Misconception about the circuit board industry, does it belong to tech industry?
• The grand challenge – the Moorse Law
• What is the Peri Etch Process?
• The lack of interest in the chemistry of circuit boards might be what’s blocking the PCB industry from moving to the next level of processing capability
• The US is 20 years behind in the PCB industry
• Is fully additive circuit board could be the big game changer in the industry?
• Workforce shortage industry – how to involve students and the younger generation to become interested in the PCB industry?
• Chris explains etching uniformity

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Christoper Bonsell on LinkedIn
• Visit Chemcut website
• Read Chris’s articles on i-Connect007
• Connect with Zach on LinkedIn
• Visit Nexar website
• Visit Octopart website

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Let’s take a glimpse into a life of a young process engineer. In this episode, our guest Paige Fiet talks about her career path in the world of PCB manufacturing. She will also share how she landed her role as the Student Liaison in the IPC.

Watch this episode through the end or listen on the go. We hope to inspire young engineers to become more motivated to jump into the PCB industry.

Show Highlights:

• Paige shares her story and her exciting career path before she landed her role as a process engineer at TTM Technologies
• Zach and Paige exchange college experiences, they talk about the courses and curriculum then and now
• Paige briefly talks about her experience in getting the role of the IPC Student Liaison
  • She also talks about how interested engineers can become involved in the IPC and encourage them to invest in a membership and attend other industry-related trade shows and conferences
  • Participating in committees can be a rewarding and fun experience
• Paige had her eyes on TTM from the very beginning. She summed up her role as a process engineer as working on improving processes' efficiency and quality on a daily basis
• Preventing mistakes before they happen is one of the challenging but exciting parts of the job
• There are so many opportunities in the industry and the next generation’s industry expert has a huge room to fill
• Manufacturing misconceptions, Zach and Paige emphasize the exciting opportunities in the PCB manufacturing Industry and encourage young engineers to explore this space

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Paige on LinkedIn
• Visit TTM Technologies website
• Watch Paige Interview: IPC Student Board Member Liaison
• Watch a related episode: IPC CEO John Mitchell on the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Visit Nexar website

Visit Octopart website

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Ben Nibali, founder and President of Aptus Design Works, with Connor Richardson, the Electrical Designer, are our guests in this episode. We will discuss how you can plan the cost and lead times to successfully launch your product in the market.

Ben and Connor share some excellent advice for designers and companies to streamline their product development process from prototyping to manufacturing.

Show Highlights:

• Aptus is a design and engineering company, and they’ve been around for about 15 years
  • They handle initial concept development, mechanical development, controls, and mechanical prototyping and help their clients through the launching and manufacturing of their products
• Expecting and avoiding pitfalls comes with experience; in addition, working with trusted vendors and suppliers is huge when honoring set schedules or timeline
• The natural state of every project is over budget and behind schedule. Ben Nibali stresses the importance of effort and discipline to have complete control of the process  and deliver on time
• Some unrealistic expectations by Aptus’s clients typically involve defying the law of physics
  • Other challenges include expectations from not knowing the process and cost expectations based on the higher volume of current products that really can’t be met in a US market-based launch scenario
  • Clients need to realize that there is a proper “cost of engineering”
• There are also misconceptions about 3D printing–in reality, it takes days to print 3D objects
  • You can’t have fast, cheap, and high quality at the same time
• Software guys may often misunderstand that modifications on hardware  are not as simple to execute as they will be on software
  • The “minimum viable product” is a great idea and works exceptionally well in software because you can add, modify, change, and grow something slowly after you deploy. In hardware, it is an entirely different cost structure to make changes once you start making anything physical. 
• “Proof of concept” is often neglected when companies want to launch their products immediately
• Connor Richardson shares the most complex and fun project they did at Aptus
  • Another exciting prototype they created is the cow-milking robot
• Ben gives designers and companies a piece of advice on how to plan cost and lead times when launching their products
  • The most important factor is market research, understanding what this thing that we're going to sell is? How are we going to sell it? Who's going to buy it? What features matter? 
  • The better the client understands the world they're going to try to sell into and how they're going to sell it, the more valuable our work will be and the higher likelihood that they'll make a profit
• Creating high-quality products could mean years of planning

Links and Resources:

Connect with Ben Nibali on LinkedIn
Connect with Connor Richardson on LinkedIn
Visit Aptus Design Works website
Watch How APTUS Designworks uses Altium 365 and Altimade to reduce cost and move more quickly
Altium Story presents Breaking down the barriers to progress - APTUS Designworks

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Our guest Phil Marcoux is very well-known in the advanced electronic packaging community and currently working as a business mentor in the electronics industry. 

Phil is labeled as the father of SMT by the IPC. He is a Charter member of SMT Council, granted the IPC President's Award, past owner of over 40 integrated circuit packaging and camera module-related patents, and consultant on numerous heterogeneous designs and standards, just to name a few of his excellent achievements.

Today we will tackle the pros and cons of heterogeneous electronic assemblies and what we can do as an industry to move forward with it.

Show Highlights:

• Learn about Phil Marcoux and his upcoming panel discussion at PCB West 
  • The panel will discuss “How Heterogeneous Integration Affects the PCB Industry.”
  • Phil is looking forward to promoting PCEA and the need to embrace education
• PCB designers must recognize what compromises they will have to make to utilize that chiplet
  • One of the challenges is to encourage companies to work together and to agree to a standardized chiplet format
• The funding from the federal government may motivate companies to embrace the heterogeneous type of format and the chiplet format.
• Many defense contractors, military products, and advanced electronic products are now rapidly depending on the need for heterogeneous designs
  • Other significant drivers in the market include medical devices, telecommunications, and 5G products
• Most design software are fully capable of handling heterogeneous integration
  • PCB designers can very quickly jump in. Many structures in a printed circuit board, especially in HDI designs, are also used in advanced packages.

Links and Resources:

• Follow Phil Marcoux on LinkedIn
• Learn more about PCB West 2022
• Visit PCEA website
• Full OnTrack Podcast Library
• Altium Website

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