Best Printed Circuit Board Podcasts (2024)

1
RM 149: AOI and X-Ray Best Practices 1:14:47

5d ago1:14:47

1:14:47

In today's episode, we're exploring automated optical inspection (AOI) and x-ray inspection technology within the electronics assembly industry. Joining Mike Konrad are two experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Joel Scutchfield is general manager of SMT and Semicon business operations & director of sales at Koh Young,…

1
EP#443: Conductive Cuisine 46:06

4d ago46:06

46:06

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the fascinating and somewhat humorous topic of hot dog conductivity. They explore an in-depth study conducted by Seth Jenkins, Neil LaTourette, and Brendan Liverman on how boiling time affects hot dog conductivity. The hosts also discuss the historical Presto Hot Dogger,…

1
PCB Chat 134: Zachary Feuerstein on Supply Chain Management 23:39

6d ago23:39

23:39

Zachary Feuerstein founded his latest venture in 2022 after running into problems purchasing basic white goods and consumer electronics due to the post-Covid supply chain disruptions. That company, Breadboard, was officially launched with the very modest goal of revolutionizing the electronics supply chain management industry. Designed to automate …

1
EP#442: Wanting To Be A Wizard - Matt Brown 56:28

12d ago56:28

56:28

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig are joined by Matt Brown, an inventive engineer and YouTube content creator renowned for his electrifying DIY projects and creative automotive builds. The trio delves into the concept of "good enough engineering," where Matt shares insights from his career, including his experience…

1
RM 149: SMTA International 2024 40:47

13d ago40:47

40:47

Just like the famous line from the 1984 film, The Terminator, “I’ll be back,” SMTAI is back. Back to the Chicago area. We’re back in Rosemont, co-located with the Assembly Show, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, October 20-24. Between SMTAI and the Assembly Show, there will be thousands of engineers and industry professionals in attendan…

1
EP#441: Exploring the Arctic Through Art and Technology with Cy Keener 1:04:16

18d ago1:04:16

1:04:16

In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig chat with Cy Keener, an interdisciplinary artist who merges art and technology to document and visualize the natural world. Cy discusses his journey from architecture to creating custom instruments and sensors for scientific research in the Arctic. He explains how his work helps visualize complex p…

1
RM 148: IPC Apex Special (Part 3 of 3) 31:15

21d ago31:15

31:15

This episode of Reliability Matters features three interviews including: • Kimberly Fagan from PVA • Taylor Wagan from CETEC ERP • Neil Hubble from Akrometrix Recorded live in Anaheim, CA, during IPC Apex Expo.By PCEA

1
EP#440: HMLV - High Mix Low Volume 1:23:22

1M ago1:23:22

1:23:22

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig dive deep into the concept of HMLV (High Mix Low Volume) PCB manufacturing. They discuss the challenges and advantages of HMLV, contrasting it with high volume manufacturing methods used by giants like Apple and Foxconn. They also share personal project updates, including Parker's …

1
PCB Chat 133: Wally Rhines on the PCB Design Software Market 11:27

1M ago11:27

11:27

Wally Rhines returns to give the latest data and analysis on the printed circuit board and MCM design software market, and the broader electronic design automation market. Rhines comments on the quarterly data released by the ESD Alliance, shifts in demand from India and China, seasonal buying trends, employment and more. This episode is sponsored …

1
PCB Chat 132: David Schild of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America 21:25

2M ago21:25

21:25

The CHIPS Act has hogged much of the oxygen in the tech industry for the past few years, but the industry trade group known as the Printed Circuit Board Association of America is trying to build on that momentum by relentlessly pointing out that the board industry needs love too, or as they put it, chips don't float. With us today is David Schild, …

1
EP#439: The Nuts and Bolts of Quantum Computing - Rick Altherr 1:08:44

1M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

In this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Rick Altherr, a full stack engineer, to discuss the intricacies of quantum computing. Rick shares insights into the working of quantum processors, particularly the trapped ion approach used by IonQ, and delves into the technical challenges and potential future applica…

1
EP#438: Solder Slugs 1:00:43

1M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

In this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig dive into the nuances of working with contract manufacturers, specifically focusing on the responsibilities of both the designer and the manufacturer. They discuss critical topics such as reflow profiles, solder specifications, parts washing, and the benefits of allowing your…

1
EP#437: Embarrassingly Parallel Computing - Steve Furber 52:57

2M ago52:57

52:57

In this episode of Circuit Break, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig interview Steve Furber, Professor Emeritus of Computer Engineering at the University of Manchester. They discuss his early career at Acorn Computers, the development of the BBC Micro and the ARM processor, and his work on the SpiNNaker project, which models brain functions us…

1
RM 146: IPC Apex Special: Soldering and Inspection 29:35

2M ago29:35

29:35

Recorded live during IPC Apex Expo this spring, this is the first of three podcasts from the show floor. This episode features three interviews including: • Gus Mavrou from Seho • Mark Stansfield from Solderstar • Jesper Lykke from ViscomBy PCEA

1
A Journey Through Reuse Methodologies 30:26

2M ago30:26

30:26

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…

1
EP#436: International Women in Engineering Day with Kaylan Smith and Laura Manley 1:04:48

2M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

In this special episode celebrating International Women in Engineering Day, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig are joined by Kaylan Smith, Lead Software Developer for Supply Chain and Finance at MacroFab, and Laura Manley, Product Manager for Marketplace & Factory Experience at MacroFab. They discuss their journeys into engineering, challenges…

1
RM 145: Designing Electronics to be Reliable in Harsh Environments 1:05:57

2M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

The challenging world of electronics becomes even more challenging when the end product is destined for harsh environments. For high-reliability products operating in a harsh environment, the quest for reliability is not just a goal—it's an imperative. These are not your everyday gadgets; often they're critical components of systems designed to ope…

1
EP#435: Prioritize to learn to Prioritize - Engineering Career Paths 1:08:03

2M ago1:08:03

1:08:03

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig, along with special guests Chris Gammell and James Lewis, discuss various aspects of engineering career paths. They delve into how they chose engineering, their first jobs, reasons for changing jobs, and what being an engineer means at different career stages. They also reflect on …

1
EP#434: The Other VCC 46:32

2M ago46:32

46:32

In this episode, Parker and Stephen dive into the intricacies of capacitor selection, discussing various types of capacitors, their properties, and how different factors affect their performance. They also touch on the new custom bare PCB service offered by MacroFab. The episode is rich with technical details, tips for selecting capacitors, and pra…

1
PCB Chat 131: Sergiy Nesterenko on AI-Driven PCB Design 36:14

3M ago36:14

36:14

"Humans just aren't the greatest at designing circuit boards." That's according to Sergiy Nesterenko. Nesterenko is founder and CEO of a new software company called Quilter, whose goal is to accelerate hardware development by fully automating circuit board design. His eureka moment came when an early design at a previous employer couldn't be autoro…

1
EP#433: Building LibrePCB - Urban Bruhin's Journey in Open Source EDA 54:47

2M ago54:47

54:47

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig welcome Urban Bruhin, the creator of LibrePCB, an open-source EDA tool. Urban shares his journey from being an electrical engineer to developing LibrePCB, driven by his dissatisfaction with existing EDA tools like Eagle. The discussion covers the unique features of LibrePCB, the ch…

1
Exploring RF PCB Design 22:18

3M ago22:18

22:18

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…

1
EP#432: Remote Ownership 59:21

3M ago59:21

59:21

In this episode of Circuit Break, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig discuss the recent increase in semiconductor tariffs and its impact on the electronics industry. Parker shares insights from his latest article analyzing how these tariffs affect bill of materials costs. The hosts also dive into a compelling news story about ASML and TSMC's ability…

1
RM 143: A Candid Conversation with Doug Pauls 1:16:28

3M ago1:16:28

1:16:28

We’ve discussed the silver tsunami on the show numerous times, the unprecedented rate of which employees are retiring. When engineers and other employees retire from companies, they take with them more than a set of gold cufflinks or an engraved plaque. In many cases, they also take with them wisdom and knowledge. Perhaps this is never truer than i…

1
EP#431: Timing Tariff Modulations 53:36

3M ago53:36

53:36

Summary In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the fascinating world of time modulation, discussing recent advancements in capacitor technology. They explore a new dielectric structure made from barium titanate and its potential impact on energy density and efficiency. The hosts also discuss the implications of new tariffs on…

1
PCB Chat 130: Audrey McGuckin on Developing Leadership Skills 33:55

4M ago33:55

33:55

Businesses are not immune to the many complex social situations present on many prominent college campuses today. Executives and managers must grasp with how best to understand the changing environment as part of their talent acquisition and talent building processes, and implement those methods in practical ways to accommodate today's employees' l…

1
EP#430: The Toilet Mountain of Social Media 1:08:24

4M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Summary: In this episode, Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig delve into the hefty topic of U.S. funding for 'digital twin' chips research under the CHIPS Act, comparing its budget to other big expenditures like Boeing's Starliner and military budgets. They also discuss EDA tool pricing, breaking down costs from freeware to industry heavyweights, and…

1
Power Integrity and Efficient PDN Design 48:21

3M ago48:21

48:21

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…

1
EP#429: The Magic Touch Is Money 49:55

4M ago49:55

49:55

This week we delve into the major (Isn't there always one?) lawsuit against Apple for monopolizing the smartphone market. We explore the implications of Apple’s business practices on innovation, consumer choice, and market competition. The discussion also covers the ethical concerns around Apple's ecosystem exclusivity and how it affects users' per…

1
EP#428: Repairing the Retro Future 55:23

4M ago55:23

55:23

This week we dive into the fascinating world of vintage tech repair, focusing on efforts to preserve General Motors' futuristic '80s digital displays. Hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig discuss the resilience and repair techniques of the Visual Information Center (VIC) screens, introduced in the late '80s. They also highlight MacroFab's new in…

1
RM 142: Live from SMTA's Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium (PanPac) 38:25

4M ago38:25

38:25

This episode was recorded at SMTA's Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium on the Big Island of Hawaii. Mike Konrad's guests on this episode are Dr. Chuck Bauer, founder of PanPac, Keith Bryant, and Dr. Ron Lasky. We discussed the history of PanPac, technologies introduced at PanPac, and what makes PanPac so unique. We also discuss Dartmouth C…

1
EP#427: Food Device Design Derby: Wrap up and Results 50:55

4M ago50:55

50:55

In this episode of Circuit Break, we wrap up the Food Device Design Derby. We celebrate the innovation and creativity of contest entries like the JavAqua, Pizza Pouch, and the winner, BarBuddy, a personal robotic bartender. Notable discussions include a look at podcast statistics, with an impressive 86% of listeners tuning in for entire episodes. W…

1
Exploring Rigid-Flex PCB Design 21:25

5M ago21:25

21:25

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.…

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Printed Circuit Board Podcasts

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