Best Printed Circuit Board Podcasts (2024)

1
David Schild and the PCBAA are on a mission to rebuild America's printed circuit board industry 27:47

27d ago27:47

27:47

Like too much of American manufacturing, our domestic production capacity for printed circuit boards - the things on which the computer chips that power so much of our world anymore reside - departed decades ago for other lands. Now we're too dependent on foreign nations for that supply, and especially worrying is how much we're dependent on a pote…

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

3d 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
Investing In AI-first Startups 33:28

6d ago33:28

33:28

Camilo Acosta is a GP at Perceptive VC, a pre-seed and seed stage venture firm investing in AI-first companies across the US and Latin America. He was previously a product lead at Meta. Prior to that, he was the cofounder and CEO of Pay By Group. Camilo's favorite book: The Power Law (Author: Sebastian Mallaby) (00:00) Introduction (00:29) Key Fact…

1
Your host Jim Vinoski explains how Biden's regulations blitz is the industrial suicide of America 15:18

6d ago15:18

15:18

In a recent Forbes article, your host explained how Germany was undergoing the beginnings of deindustrialization as a result of its horrible energy policies, and how that should be a warning to America. Unfortunately the current administration's regulatory policies now have the US on an even worse path than Germany. This is an existential threat to…

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

10d 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
Our gravelly-voiced announcer John Farabee joins us for Episode 100 to talk supply chains 35:02

13d ago35:02

35:02

Yes indeed, Episode 100 is upon us! We could have a celebrity or a head of state as a guest, but it was obvious the right choice was a guy that fans of the show have heard from many times before! John Farabee, our intro and outro voice-over guy, is also one of the most knowledgeable and insightful supply chain gurus we know. So as the only other gu…

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

17d 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

20d 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.…

1
Artem Kroupenev from Augury talks about using AI to improve plant capacity and predictability 35:52

20d ago35:52

35:52

Augury got its start using a unique way to monitor manufacturing machine health: the sound of the equipment! It's one of those ideas that, once you hear it, seems so blindingly obvious - except you didn't think of it! Now they have over 150 of the largest manufacturers as customers, and they continue to grow. The company uses AI to reduce waste and…

1
EP#426: Top Features to Add to Your Next Prototype 38:28

24d ago38:28

38:28

Today, we're tackling a topic that's a gold mine for any designer: crucial features you might not have considered for your prototype. From debug headers to "Swapperoo" resistors and heartbeat indicator LEDs, we're covering it all. Tune in as we share insights, anecdotes, and maybe a few confessions from our own prototyping adventures. Plus, we dive…

1
EP#425: MacroFab Platform Updates from Kyle McLeod and Nicholas Lundgaard 59:17

27d ago59:17

59:17

This week, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Craig are joined by Kyle McLeod, the OE Project Manager, and Nicholas Lundgard, the OE Team Lead at MacroFab. They delve into recent software releases enhancing the ordering experience on the MacroFab platform, including ITAR compliance, improvements in design file uploads, and the introduction of custom…

1
AI's Role In Physics, Chemistry, and Beyond 39:27

27d ago39:27

39:27

Anima Anandkumar is a Bren Professor at Caltech. Her work developing novel AI algorithms enables and accelerates scientific applications of AI, including scientific simulations, weather forecasting, autonomous drone flights, and drug design. She has received best paper awards at venues such as NeurIPS and the ACM Gordon Bell Special Prize for HPC-B…

1
Generative AI for Coding 32:03

1M ago32:03

32:03

Varun Mohan is the cofounder and CEO of Codeium, an AI code generation tool used by hundreds of thousands of developers. They recently announced their $65M Series B led by Kleiner Perkins with participation from Greenoaks and General Catalyst. He was previously at Nuro. He has a bachelors and masters degree from MIT. Varun's favorite book: The Idea…

1
EP#424: Batman, The King of EDC (Every Day Carry) 47:32

1M ago47:32

47:32

This week, delve into the fascinating world of Batman's utility belt. We begin by tracing the evolution of this iconic accessory from its humble origins to its current complex design. The belt features a diverse array of gadgets, tools, and essentials utilized by the Dark Knight. Our discussion covers a wide range of items, from lockpicking tools t…

1
Frank Seidel of Wamser Batra USA explains why and how US manufacturers should expand into India 33:08

1M ago33:08

33:08

Manufacturing looks like it's turning the corner here in the US, so now is a good time for our domestic producers to look at expanding their businesses. Frank Seidel, Managing Director at Wamser Batra USA, thinks India is a great market to look at, and he joined us to tell us why that is and what companies here need to do about it. He looks at demo…

1
EP#423: Magical Semiconductors of Pixies 51:12

1M ago51:12

51:12

We’re joined by Alexander Vartanov, an electrical engineering student with a knack for hands-on projects. He discusses his journey from early soldering mishaps to his behind-the-scenes role in creative YouTube projects. We delve into his experiences with rapid prototyping for YouTube, his favorite solder, and shopping for surplus aerospace material…

1
Shawn Connors of the Atomic Garage Movement explains why he's a staunch advocate for nuclear energy 38:07

1M ago38:07

38:07

At one time, when he lived in the shadow of southwest Michigan's Palisades nuclear power plant, former business owner, author, and employee communications guru Shawn Connors opposed nuclear energy. But then he decided to do his own research and discovered that the horror stories in the media that had convinced him nukes were dangerous were just pla…

1
Building Robots That Can Cook 43:55

2M ago43:55

43:55

Rajat Bhageria is the founder and CEO of Chef Robotics, where they are building robots that can do the work of assembly line cooks in commercial kitchens. He's also the cofounder and managing partner of Prototype Capital, a pre-seed VC fund. He was previously the cofounder and CEO of ThirdEye, which got acquired in 2017. He has been a writer for Fo…

1
EP#422: Wizard Trust Falls for PCB Footprints 56:56

2M ago56:56

56:56

Our hosts discuss Parker’s recent transition from Eagle to KiCad, facing challenges with library management and device layer integration. They discuss the new MacroFab Quote Wizard and our first entry to the MacroFab Food Device Design Derby Challenge! This leads to a discussion of comparing air fryers to convection ovens for fried food fun. The ep…

1
Aaron Halfacre of Modiv chats about how and why his company invests in manufacturing properties 31:15

2M ago31:15

31:15

Modiv is a real estate investment trust (REIT). That's company uses investor money to trade in real estate. For Modiv, it's not just any real estate - the company focuses entirely on manufacturing properties, investing in industrial properties via long-term net leases. Their CEO, Aaron Halfacre, joins us for Episode 95 to tell us why that's a good …

1
EP#421: Tracing a Path for PCB Design Automation with Sergiy Nesterenko 54:10

2M ago54:10

54:10

Sergiy Nestorenko, founder of Quilter and former SpaceX engineer, discusses revolutionizing PCB design automation. He shares his journey from aerospace to starting Quilter, aiming to transform PCB design into a streamlined, AI-driven process. We delve into the technical hurdles, the fusion of engineering and advanced software, and the vision behind…

1
Simeon Wallis and Michael Lange from Aprio bring us the latest quarterly manufacturing outlook 28:51

2M ago28:51

28:51

Episode 94 once more features our friends from Aprio, a CPA-led advisory firm with over 700 clients in their Manufacturing and Distribution Practice. Simeon Wallis and Michael Lange join us to discuss their latest quarterly "Manufacturing and Distribution Insights" report, which is a great look into the state of business for American industry. Sime…

1
Discovering New Materials With AI 39:35

2M ago39:35

39:35

Jonathan Godwin is the cofounder and CEO of Orbital Materials, where they're using Generative AI to develop a pipeline of new materials for carbon removal and energy transition. He was previously a Senior Research Engineer at Google DeepMind. Jonathan's favorite book: The Making of the Atomic Bomb (Author: Richard Rhodes) (00:07) The Process of Dis…

1
The Impact of Manufacturing-Driven Design on PCB Development 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

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…

1
EP#420: The Mega IIe: A Vintage Computing Adventure with James Lewis 53:19

2M ago53:19

53:19

We dive into the intricate world of vintage computing with James Lewis, aka the Bald Engineer, who takes us through the journey of constructing a functional computer based on the Apple II GS's Mega II chip. He shares his nostalgic connection to the Apple II series, revered for its open design and pioneering hardware engineering. Our conversation sp…

1
Ankush Malhotra talks about Fluke Reliability's use of AI to improve preventive maintenance 26:42

2M ago26:42

26:42

Fluke Reliability has been a mainstay in manufacturing maintenance for a long, long time. With tools like temperature and vibration monitors and acoustic and thermal imaging, they've helped make true preventive maintenance a reality for industry. So it was extremely informative for Episode 93 to chat with their president, Ankush Malhotra, about the…

1
Designing Printed Circuit Boards With AI 39:26

2M ago39:26

39:26

Sergiy Nesterenko is the cofounder and CEO of Quilter, an AI platform to automate circuit board layout. He was previously at SpaceX for 5 years and he has a degree from UC Berkeley. They just announced their $10M Series A round led by Benchmark, one of Silicon Valley's most storied VC firms. (00:07) What is a PCB and its role in electronic devices …

1
EP#419: Kent Johnson: Religious Diversity in Electrical Engineering 58:02

2M ago58:02

58:02

Kent Johnson, Senior Corporate Advisor at the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation joins us this week to discuss the multifaceted role of religious diversity in the workplace. Topics range from addressing challenges, fostering inclusivity, and integrating faith with mental health support. We discuss authentic expression and trust building, soc…

1
James Hohman of the Mackinac Center tells why subsidies for manufacturers are bad news 36:53

2M ago36:53

36:53

Doesn't it seem like every single day now brings fresh news of another monstrous dollop of tax money is being given away somewhere in the US to coerce some manufacturer to build and "create jobs?" That's great news, right? Not so much, and James Hohman, Director of Fiscal Policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy right here in Michigan, is he…

1
Algorithmic Data Curation 41:10

2M ago41:10

41:10

Ari Morcos is the cofounder and CEO of Datology, an automated data curation platform. He was previously an AI research scientist at Meta and DeepMind. He has a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard. (00:07) Data Curation and its Importance (03:29) Assessing Data Quality (06:50) Challenges in Data Curation (13:27) Types of Data to Remove (19:33) Relation…

1
EP#418: Entangled Steam 42:47

3M ago42:47

42:47

Parker and Stephen dive into the world of batteries, sparked by the BetaVolt BV100's claim of a 50-year lifespan. With discussions on its construction, potential applications, and recycling challenges, they unpack the implications of this revolutionary energy source. 🚨Contest Announcement 🚨: Introducing a new Circuit Break contest! This contest is …

1
Harry Moser of the Reshoring Initiative discusses how to bring more manufacturing back to America 41:16

3M ago41:16

41:16

Starting first with the supply chain and production disruptions of the pandemic, and now being reinforced by the unrest in the Middle East, the idea that outsourcing manufacturing is always a cost savings move has been shown to be wrong. Harry Moser, founder and president of the Reshoring Initiative, has been saying that for years. In fact, he came…

1
Modifying Speech Accents In Real Time With AI 34:34

3M ago34:34

34:34

Ofer Ronen is the CEO of Tomato.ai, an AI platform to soften speech accents of people as they speak. He was previously at Google where he built Contact Center AI products. Prior to this, he was the cofounder and CEO of Pulse.io and Sendori. (00:26) Accent Modification in Real Time (02:21) Training Data for AI Models (04:14) Overview of Tomato AI (0…

1
EP#417: Cloud of Disks 41:26

3M ago41:26

41:26

Join Parker and Stephen as they delve into Japan's decision to phase out floppy disks and CD-ROMs for government submissions. From reminiscing about nostalgic tech quirks to analyzing the challenges and benefits of this transition, they explore the implications for industries and digital competitiveness. Discussing Japan's slow tech evolution, resi…

1
Nuclear engineer and Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke shares why we need a lot more nuclear energy! 36:51

3M ago36:51

36:51

Grace Stanke spent her reign last year as Miss America promoting nuclear energy. And she knows what she's talking about - in December she graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in nuclear engineering! She joined us for Episode 90 to talk about why nuclear is safer and less expensive than you might think, and why there are even big…

1
Voice AI Agents 40:08

3M ago40:08

40:08

Itamar Arel is the CEO of Tenyx, where they are building intelligent voice AI agents. He was previously the founder of Apprente and Binatix. He was previously a visiting associate professor at Stanford. (00:22) State of Play in Voice AI (02:21) Modern Voice Agents (04:01) Building Voice AI Models (05:48) The Role of Developers (08:28) Introduction …

1
Former Broadway star Michael Lynch of Praxie talks about all things AI! 32:02

3M ago32:02

32:02

Appearing on Broadway in Les Misérables... playing a part on General Hospital... and launching an AI-driven industry software services company? Yep, yep, and yep, if you're Michael Lynch. He joined us for Episode 89 to chat about all of it. After earning a living singing, dancing, and starring on stage and screen, Michael served as CEO of Right Hem…

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