Printed Circuit

What does the changing workforce mean for the future of PCB design? How can intuitive software bridge the gap between retiring experts and incoming engineers?

In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez welcomes Jerry Suiter, Chief Architect at Siemens, to discuss the evolution of PCB design tools. As the industry faces a generational shift, Siemens is at the forefront of creating intuitive user experiences that cater to both power users and first-time engineers.

Jerry shares his decades of insights into the challenges of modern PCB design, the critical need for tools that accelerate productivity, and the role of AI-driven customization in enhancing the user experience. 

From addressing workforce dynamics to developing AI-powered design aids, this conversation highlights how Siemens is preparing the next wave of engineers to be creative and productive from day one.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

The key challenges of a retiring PCB workforce and the rise of multi-skilled engineers ( 1:30 )

How intuitive software tools accelerate productivity for infrequent users ( 3:55 )

The role of AI in modern PCB design—from predictive commands to customization ( 5:30 )

Insights from five beta programs and the surprising results of A/B testing ( 10:35 )

How Siemens tools deliver a 30% productivity boost for new PCB engineers ( 11:20 )

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Connect with Jerry Suiter

• Website

How is AI reshaping the PCB design landscape? What challenges are engineers and small businesses facing today, and how can advanced tools provide solutions?

In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez from Siemens speaks with Antonio Becerra Esteban, Head of Customer Success at CELUS, about the transformative role of AI in PCB design. 

They explore how AI tools, like the CELUS platform, help engineers move from requirements to prototypes with unparalleled speed and efficiency while addressing challenges like the growing knowledge gap in hardware engineering and supply chain constraints.

Antonio shares insights into CELUS' innovative AI assistant, CUBOt , and how it simplifies design processes, enhances decision-making, and minimizes errors. He discusses real-world success stories of how AI-powered solutions have enabled engineers to overcome barriers and help small businesses remain competitive in the fast-evolving PCB market.

Listeners will also get a glimpse into the partnership between CELUS and Siemens EDA, which combines the power of AI with cutting-edge PCB design tools to create an integrated, efficient workflow.

If you're an engineer, designer, or small business owner searching to learn more about leveraging AI to streamline your PCB design process and stay competitive in the ever-evolving electronics industry, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• What does CELUS do, and how was it founded? (00:40)

• Biggest challenges engineers and small businesses face in PCB design (04:40)

• How is AI specifically transforming the field of PCB design (09:30)

• What benefits can engineers gain from using AI in PCB design workflows? (12:24)

• How integrating CELUS AI with Siemens design tools will benefit users in the SMB market (22:56)

• What to Expect from the CELUS-Siemens Fully Integrated Product in March 2025 (27:55)

• Advice for you engineers starting out in PCB design (30:40)

Connect with Steph Chavez:

● LinkedIn

● Website

Connect with Antonio Becerra Esteban

● LinkedIn

● Website

What is Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi) technology, and why is it critical for modern PCB designs? How does collaboration between designers and fabricators ensure the success of UHDi boards?

In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez from Siemens talks with Anaya Vardya, CEO of American Standard Circuits, about Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi) technology and its growing importance in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices.

Anaya explains how UHDi enables smaller, higher-performance PCBs through advanced techniques like microvias and optimized layouts. He also discusses the key challenges in manufacturing these complex boards, such as sequential builds and specialized equipment.

Listeners will learn about the importance of early collaboration between designers and fabricators to avoid costly mistakes and delays. Anaya and Steph also touch on the future of PCB technology and the increasing need for advanced solutions like UHDi.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• What is UHDi technology? (3:15)
• Feedback from the SMTA International Electronics Manufacturing Conference (5:00)
• What are the design advantages of using UHDi? (6:35)
• What are the disadvantages of using UHDi? (9:35)
• What are some typical applications where UHDi would be implemented? (12:25)
• What are the manufacturing challenges of UHDi technology? (14:15)
• Where can designers or engineers learn more about UHDi technology? (19:20)

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Connect with Anaya Vardya:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Can cloud technologies revolutionize how we approach electronics and PCB design? What role does AWS play in shaping the future of collaboration, security, and performance in this industry?

I’m your guest host, Matthew Walsh, filling in for Steph Chavez this week, and in this episode, we sit down with Adam Cabler, Chief Cloud Architect at Siemens Electronic Board Systems. Adam shares his extensive experience with EDA software development and dives into how Siemens is leveraging AWS to enhance PCB design tools.

We explore the journey of integrating cloud capabilities into Siemens’ design tools, the specific challenges they’ve faced, and the transformative cloud-enabled features that are enhancing collaboration for design teams worldwide. This episode offers key insights for engineers, IT professionals, and anyone curious about the intersection of cloud technology and electronics design.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The driving forces behind Siemens’ adoption of AWS for PCB design (02:15)
• Advanced ECAD visualization and how the cloud enhances user experience (03:05)
• How cloud collaboration is changing teamwork for global design teams (05:05)
• Siemens' approach to security and compliance in the cloud (06:25)
• Real-world examples of improved time-to-market with AWS (9:25)
• Future capabilities and the role of AI in PCB design (10:30)
• The impact of AI and Machine Learning (ML) of the future of PCB design (11:50)
• Adam’s advice for companies considering cloud integration (13:20)

Connect with Matthew Walsh:

• LinkedIn
• Website



Connect with Adam Cabler

• LinkedIn
• Website

Can seamless ECAD/MCAD collaboration revolutionize your PCB designs? How can women in engineering shape this bright future and lead the charge in challenging industry norms?

I’m your host, Steph Chavez, and in this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of ECAD/MCAD collaboration with industry experts Charlene McCauley and Terrie Duffy. They share their vast experience working on complex PCB designs for major companies like Dell, highlighting the importance of seamless integration between electrical and mechanical design. 

Charlene and Terrie also reflect on their journeys as women in the traditionally male-dominated field of engineering. They talk about their efforts to mentor the next generation of engineers, and they emphasize the growing opportunities for women in PCB design and engineering. 

This episode is packed with insights on overcoming design challenges, the evolution of collaboration tools, and inspiring stories about breaking barriers in the engineering world. 

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The importance of communication in PCB design (06:05)
• Deciding to integrate ECAD/MCAD in PCB design (06:40)
• Is PCB design possible without MCAD collaboration? (09:55)
• Examples of how ECAD/MCAD collaboration improved the design cycle (12:20)
• The types of data exchange formats that are used, i.e., IDX, DXF IDF, EMN  (14:45)
• Advice to the new generation of engineers, especially women (17:50)

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Connect with Charlene McCauley

• LinkedIn
• Website

Connect with Terrie Duffy

• LinkedIn
• Website

Design reuse in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) involves leveraging existing designs to speed up development, reduce risks, and ensure quality. By reusing proven circuitry and IP, engineers save time, lower costs, and maintain high standards across projects.

I’m your host, Steph Chavez. In this episode, we will explore design reuse methodologies in EDA. I’m thrilled to have my dear friends, Andre Mosley, a Marketing Development Specialist at Siemens EDA, and Carlos Gazca, a Senior Technical Marketing Engineer at Siemens EDA, join me for this insightful discussion.

In this episode, you will learn about the crucial concept of design reuse in EDA, including its benefits, challenges, and best practices. You will also discover how leveraging existing designs can enhance efficiency, reduce time-to-market, and maintain high-quality standards in electronic product development.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The importance of reuse technologies in the EDA industry. (04:25)
• Challenges with data management and version control in circuit design. (06:23)
• Reuse methodologies in electronics design, including planning and database management. (19:38)
• Security concerns in design reuse, export control, and ITAR regulations. (22:40)

Connect with Andre Mosley:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Carlos Gazca:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

RF PCB design involves the creation of printed circuit boards that manage high-frequency signals for radio frequency and microwave applications, ensuring optimal performance and minimal interference.

I’m your host, Steph Chavez. Today, we're delving into the fascinating world of RF PCB design

with our guest Per Viklund, Director of IC Packaging and RF Product Lines at Siemens. 

In this episode, you will learn about the unique challenges of RF PCB design, the importance of integrating RF, analog, and digital components, and the effective use of modern design tools like Siemens' Xpedition Layout and PADS Pro Tools. 

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• RF design challenges and how to overcome them through co-design and continuous education. (4:35)
• PCB design conferences, tools for RF design integration. (10:31)
• RF PCB design fundamentals and tools for efficient design. (15:48)
• Advice for the new generation just getting started in their careers on how to approach RF PCB design. (18:25)

Connect with Per Viklund:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

From voltage droops that threaten system stability to electromagnetic interference that disrupts signal integrity, engineers face countless obstacles in their quest for optimal Power Distribution Network (PDN)  performance. 

I’m your host, Steph Chavez, today, we're diving into power integrity and designing Power Distribution Networks (PDNs) with our guest, Daniel Beeker. From his transformative journey under industry giants like Richard Hartley and Ralph Morrison to his current role as a technical director at NXP, Daniel is on a mission to empower engineers with insights into energy management and PDN design.

In this episode, you will learn about the foundational importance of power distribution in electronic design and uncover common challenges and pitfalls encountered in PDN design. You will also gain valuable insights into practical strategies for ensuring stable and efficient power delivery.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Power integrity and its impact on electronic systems. (5:15)
• Traditional power supply design approaches and their limitations. (11:13)
• PCB layout fundamentals and the "billion dollar mistake."  (16:58)
• Engineering education, PCB design, and EMC requirements. (28:18)
• Challenges in designing small transistors for faster performance. (32:38)
• Designing electronic circuits using triplets for efficient signal transmission. (37:38)

Connect with Daniel Beeker:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

Traditional printed circuit board (PCB) designs frequently encounter constraints in space optimization and weight reduction, particularly in compact electronic devices. However, by seamlessly integrating rigid and flexible PCB elements into a unified entity, Rigid-Flex PCB design presents a revolutionary solution for electronic system architecture.

I'm your host, Steph Chavez, and today, we dive deep into the fascinating realm of Rigid-Flex PCB design. Joining me is Tara Dunn, Director of Training and Education for SMTA. Together, we'll unpack the intricacies, challenges, and opportunities surrounding Rigid-Flex PCB design.

In this episode, you will learn about the transformative potential of Rigid-Flex design in optimizing space, reducing weight, and enhancing overall system performance in electronic devices. Additionally, you'll discover key insights into cost considerations, practical implementation strategies, and the importance of continuous learning and networking in mastering Rigid-Flex engineering. 

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The challenges and best practices for designing flex and Rigid-Flex PCBs. (3:17)
• Rigid Flex vs. standard connectors in electronics design. (7:13)
• The importance of intentional learning for printed circuit engineers to develop their Rigid-Flex design skills. (13:10)
• The value of building professional networks and connecting with industry experts. (15:47)

Connect with Tara Dunn:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

The concept of Manufacturing-Driven Design (MDD) represents a shift towards validating manufacturing requirements during the design phase, empowering designers to ensure both electrical and manufacturing needs are met.

I’m your host, Steph Chavez, and for this episode, I have two industry experts: Max Clark, Product Strategy and Technology Director at Siemens, and Gerry Partida, Vice President of Technology at Summit Interconnect. Today, we will delve into the evolution of design and manufacturing processes within the printed circuit engineering industry, emphasizing collaboration, data-driven decision-making, achieving higher quality, and efficiency

In this episode, you will learn the utilization of digital twins for multi-disciplinary integration, and the importance of collecting and analyzing data for validation. You will also hear more about tools like PCBFlow, offering tool-agnostic solutions, and enabling designers to validate their designs against industry standards early on.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The Evolution of DRC (Design Rule Checking) in the PCB Industry. (05:00)
• The importance of applying industry-accepted rules to PCB design to improve yields. (07:12)
• Real-world issues with PCB Design, and the importance of Design for Manufacturability. (09:25)
• Design for Manufacturability and risk management in chip production. (11:20)
• Design for Manufacturability and collaboration between designers and manufacturers. (15:46)
• PCB design and manufacturing issues. (23:20)
• MDD shifts DFM validation to designers for real-time design process validation. (29:07)

Connect with Max Clark:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Gerry Partida:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

Neglecting EMC compliance during PCB design might cause days of distress during re-design, delaying other important product development milestones. However, by incorporating some straightforward checks and best practices, PCBs have a greater chance of meeting expensive EMC compliance standards in a minimum number of tests.

I’m your host, Steph Chavez, and here to join me is John Kraemer, an electromagnetic compatibility engineer with extensive experience. Today we will cover various aspects of EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), SI (Signal Integrity), and PI (Power Integrity) in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design, including their importance, design tools, and processes recommended for success.

In this episode, you will learn about employing appropriate tools and processes to ensure reliable products that meet electromagnetic compatibility standards. You will also hear about PCB design tools including pre-layout and post-layout tools like HyperLynx SI and HyperLynx PI, as well as advanced electromagnetic field solvers when necessary.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• EMI, EMC, SI, and PI in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design. (01:47)
• PCB design for EMI control and signal integrity. (7:14)
• Recommended PCB design tools for SI and PI success. (12:15)
• EMI control and EMC compliance in PCB design. (17:56)

Connect with John Kraemer:

• LinkedIn



Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

Simply put, when it comes to PCB design software, design automation is the automation of specific tasks throughout your PCB design process. There are many functions or processes within PCB design that can be automated. But as much as benefits, there are typical roadblocks that you’ll see when moving toward design automation, such as having less control of the design and PCB designers being unfamiliar with the automated functions available within their PCB design tool. 

I’m your host, Steph Chavez. This is officially the first episode of Season Three of the Printed Circuit Podcast. For the first episode of this season, we'll focus on Design Automation. And here to join me in this discussion is John Medina, owner of High-Speed Design Services. 

In this episode, you will learn about the necessity of automation in the design process, especially for repetitive tasks. You will also hear more about how automation aids in planning and executing complex tasks, such as high pin count BGA (Ball Grid Array) breakout and routing. In addition, the conversation also highlights the importance of planning and visualization in PCB design, which automation tools greatly facilitate.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Design automation tools for PCB and package engineering (07:11)
• Automation in PCB design, balancing quality and speed (16:29)
• The importance of embracing automation and staying aware of new techniques and best practices (19:47)
• The importance of understanding materials and fabrication in PCB design(25:36)

Connect with John Medina:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

In the ever-evolving landscape of IoT, the design of printed circuit boards stands as a cornerstone of innovation and a testament to the need for continuous learning and adaptation in this dynamic field. 

I’m your host, Steph Chavez, and here to join me is Robert Turzo, principal hardware PCB designer for Pleora Technologies. Today, Robert Turzo shares his extensive experience in electronics design, highlighting his journey from his early days in Canada to his proficiency with Siemens tools.

In this episode, you will learn the importance of collaborating with PCB fabricators, determining the optimal stack-up and materials, and using constraint management and simulation tools like HyperLynx for design optimization. You will also hear more about a complex multi-board design for an armored vehicle, which won the Siemens Xcelerator Technology Innovation Award for multi-board design. 

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The importance of collaborating with PCB fabricators (06:37)
• PCB design best practices and digital twin collaboration (09:43)
• PCB design flow and HyperLynx in Xpedition (13:41)
• The significance of real-time design checking to avoid errors (17:53)
• Words of advice for new PCB Designers and Engineers (18:49)

Connect with Robert Turzo:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

When it comes to multi-discipline integration, simply designing FPGAs and handing them over to PCB engineers isn't simply effective! it’s key to make sure that you're doing what you can to mitigate any redundant back-and-forth handoffs.

I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. And here to join me is Gary Lameris, Technical Marketing Engineer with Siemens. He will help us understand the importance of FPGA/PCB co-design in the electronics industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the crucial role of FPGA/PCB co-design in modern electronics engineering and the importance of collaborative efforts between FPGA engineers and PCB designers. You will also hear more about tools like IO Optimizer and Xpedition Schematic Analysis, which are recommended to automate and streamline the co-design process, ultimately saving time and enhancing efficiency.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The need for collaboration between FPGA engineers and PCB teams. (01:11)
• Best practices for FPGA/PCB co-design (02:00)
• Tools like IO Optimizer and Xpedition Schematic Analysis to automate and streamline the co-design process (7:16)
• Roadblocks to implementing these best practices (09:16)
• The implementation of automation and AI  (12:12)
• 
  

Connect with Gary Lameris

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez

• LinkedIn

Electrical/electronic co-design can enhance your end product but changes in the design process can be difficult for many people, and organizations often face resistance when implementing new processes or technologies.

I’m your host, Steph Chavez. And here to join me is Erica Van Berkum, leader in product management with Siemens. Today, we will discuss the challenges and best practices in implementing electrical/electronic co-design, particularly in the context of cable and harness design in industries like automotive and aerospace.

In this episode, you will learn the imperative need for organizations to leverage digital tools for better collaboration and efficiency. You will also hear more about the resistance often encountered when implementing change, highlighting the need to address concerns about funding and the reluctance to depart from established processes. In addition, the conversation also underscores the shift towards automation and a generative approach to design, where organizations are harnessing technology to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. 

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Key challenges for electrical or electronic designers who are working together (01:42)
• Roadblocks of change in tech (9:58)
• The importance of establishing a strong digital thread (11:33)
• The best practices when it comes to cable and harness design (13:27)
• The shift towards automation and a generative approach to design in industries like automotive and aerospace (15:56)

Connect with Erica Van Berkum:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn
• 
  

As the benefits of a model-based systems approach become evident through improved design quality, reduced errors, and enhanced collaboration, there are also challenges and roadblocks that need to be considered.

I’m your host, Steph Chavez. And here to join me is Chris Young, owner and lead engineer at Young Engineering Services. Today we will discuss the challenges and best practices associated with designing complex systems comprised of multiple interconnected printed circuit boards (PCBs)

In this episode, you will learn about the various aspects of multi-board design, including the importance of an integrated systems approach, challenges in communication among different design teams, potential errors and problems arising from individual design silos, and the impact of signal integrity and compatibility issues.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The benefits of building a robust toolchain (5:12)
• The keys to successful concurrent design (11:23)
• Two major roadblocks to implementing best practices: cultural resistance and learned helplessness (13:07)
• Ways to overcome these roadblocks (22:04)
• The importance of testing artifacts (23:49)
• Best practices when it comes to multi-board design and ways to make the design process more efficient (26:30)

Connect with Chris Young:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

In the dynamic realm of power electronics, the intricacies of power module design are paramount for driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Power module design extends beyond conventional boundaries, delving into thermal, mechanical, and electrical intricacies. 

I'm your host, Steph Chavez, and today, I'm joined by Rod Dudzinski, Market Development Manager in the Siemens EDA division, and Wilfried Wessel, an expert in Siemens EDA software for over a decade.  

In this episode, you will get valuable insights into the complexities of power module design, the need for efficient workflows, and the potential benefits of a streamlined solution to address these challenges in the industry. You will also hear about Siemens EDA's resolutions and how they address current challenges and contribute to sustainable and reliable product development.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Power modules and their applications (1:51)
• The role of power modules in various industries (9:57)
• The complexity of power module design and the challenges faced by the sector (15:05)
• Tools required for power module design (19:36)
• The innovative approach offered by Siemens EDA's power module integrated flow. (28:37)

Connect with Steph Chavez

• LinkedIn

Connect with Rod Dudzinski

• LinkedIn

The growing complexity of printed circuit boards and multi-board products has rendered traditional design analysis and verification techniques obsolete. Reliance on experts for all design analysis creates bottlenecks that delay project schedules. It takes a modern, automated verification approach to catch schematic errors at the source. 

I'm your host, Steph Chavez, and today, I'm joined by David Wiens, a PCB design expert, and Todd Westerhoff, an expert in modeling and simulation for digital systems. We will discuss our third pillar of the PCB design best practices, which is digital prototype-driven verification. 

In this episode, you will get valuable insights into the role of verification and analysis in PCB design, highlighting the benefits of proactive and systematic approaches. You will also hear more about the need to balance accuracy, time, and expertise while leveraging automation and standardization to make verification more accessible and efficient.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The problem with project delays (1:52)
• The challenges with routing vendor guidelines. (9:58)
• The skill sets required for signal integrity and power integrity analysis (16:36)
• The role of Design Rule Checking (DRC) (22:17)
• The initial steps in the post-route verification process (24:57)
• Compliance analysis and its benefits (33:41)
• Progressive verification (36:51)

Connect with David Wiens 

• LinkedIn

Connect with Todd Westerhoff

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez

• LinkedIn

System design companies always want to deliver a successful product, so they rely heavily on their supply chains during product development. But over the last few years, supply chains have become very distributed, complex, and quite frankly, more unpredictable, resulting in many supply chain volatility and disruptions.

I’m your host, Steph Chavez. And here to join me, for the second time, is Matt Walsh, a Product Marketing Manager with Siemens EDA. Today, Matt will help us understand the importance of supply chain resilience in the product lifecycle and how Siemens' Xpedition EDM product can help achieve it. 

In this episode, you will learn about the importance of supply chain resilience in PCB design and the need for collaborative and cross-functional decision-making throughout the product lifecycle. You’ll also hear how Siemens' acquisition of Supplyframe has allowed them to offer their customers a complete end-to-end supply chain resilient solution.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The importance of supply chain resilience for OEMs (02:02)
• Deep market supply chain and components sourcing knowledge at the part level (3:52)
• Part intelligence (7:57)
• Need for supply chain resilience to span the complete product lifecycle (13:13)
• Siemens' Xpedition EDM product (14:51)

Connect with Matt Walsh:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn

PCBs today are tiny, multilayered, complex systems; produced at a much higher and more efficient rate than ever before thanks to sophisticated design software and manufacturing processes. But as the technology and consumer demand grow and develops, so must PCBs.  And this is why PCBs are now under a lot of pressure as they are the basis of all electronic devices. 

I'm your host, Steph Chavez. And today I am joined by Anaya Vardya, CEO of American Standard Circuits, also known as ASC. He will help us understand the challenges and best practices for designing advanced printed circuit boards (PCBs). 

In this episode, you will learn about the importance of involving manufacturers early in the design process of PCBs. You’ll also hear why end requirements should drive the need for applying newer technologies. Additionally, you will find out about the best practices for advanced PCB designs.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• What doesn’t work today when it comes to rigid-flex and HDi (2:37)
• The importance of communication with your supplier from the beginning (6:33)
• Hdi technology in the US (13:28)
• Best ways to get  customers to adopt newer technologies in their design (16:55)
• Roadblocks to implementing these technologies (20:10)

Connect with Anaya Vardya:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Steph Chavez:

• LinkedIn