Episodios

  • From Chaos to Control: How PLM Integration is Transforming PCB Design

    From Chaos to Control: How PLM Integration is Transforming PCB Design
    Apr 29 2025
    What happens when you fabricate the wrong version of a board because someone skipped the process? It’s a nightmare scenario—and it’s more common than you think. But there’s a solution: PLM integration. In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez is joined by Scott Claes, Senior Technical Marketing Engineer at Siemens, to explore how Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems can revolutionize PCB design workflows. With nearly two decades of experience integrating ECAD data with PLM systems, Scott offers practical insights into how PLM enhances design control, collaboration, and efficiency across global teams. The discussion covers the real-world problems PCB designers face when managing data, from version confusion to design reuse challenges, and how a properly implemented PLM system solves them. Whether you’re navigating compliance needs like ITAR and HIPAA, or trying to bridge the gap between ECAD and MCAD, this episode provides a clear roadmap for leveraging PLM in your design ecosystem. This conversation is essential for PCB designers, electrical engineers, CAD admins, and product teams looking to streamline their design process and avoid costly mistakes. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What does a PLM system do? (1:35) How does PLM integration enhance rather than restrict design freedom? (4:55) How PLM enables easy reuse of previously released designs. (6:35) Avoiding Costly Errors: How PLM prevents versioning mix-ups and fabrication mistakes (8:15) How PLM supports ECAD/MCAD integration and complex designs like flex and rigid-flex (11:55) Learning Curve & Workflow Impact: What PCB designers can expect when adapting to PLM (13:30) Behind the Scenes of Integration: How PLM connectors automate design data management and bill of materials comparisons (16:55) Library Management & Synchronization: What to push, what not to, and where EDM fits in (21:10) How PLM supports ITAR, HIPAA, and team-based permission management (24:40) Why learning PLM early can boost your career and prevent process bottlenecks (26:55) What’s next for ECAD-to-PLM flows and supplier integration (28:10) Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Scott Claes LinkedIn Website
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    30 m
  • How AI is Changing PCB Design Forever (And What It Means for You)

    How AI is Changing PCB Design Forever (And What It Means for You)
    Mar 25 2025
    Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, but what does it mean for PCB design? Will AI replace engineers, or will it be the ultimate tool for enhancing productivity and innovation? In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez sits down with André Alcalde, co-founder of CELUS, to explore the role of AI in PCB design and the broader electronics engineering landscape. As someone with a deep background in hardware design, André shares his unique perspective on how AI can optimize workflows, reduce design iteration time, and future-proof engineering careers. The conversation delves into AI’s ability to automate aspects of PCB design, the risks and rewards of adopting AI-driven solutions, and how engineers can best adapt to the rapid evolution of technology. With data security and intellectual property protection concerns, how can companies safely implement AI while keeping their designs secure? This episode is a must-listen for PCB designers, electronics engineers, and technology leaders looking to understand how AI is reshaping the design process. Whether you're a seasoned professional adapting to new tools or an industry newcomer eager to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of AI-driven automation in PCB design. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: AI in PCB Design: Fad or Here to Stay? (1:55) Automation vs. Manual Workflows: To what extent can AI take over PCB design, and what tasks will remain in human hands? (2:50) How companies can ensure data privacy and protect their intellectual property when using AI tools (7:10) The Changing Skillset for Engineers: How AI is shifting the role of PCB designers from execution to problem-solving and validation (12:10) Job Market Impact: Will AI reduce or increase opportunities in the PCB design field? (15:50) The Reluctance to Adopt AI: Why some companies are still hesitant and how expectations influence adoption (17:50) Speeding Up Time to Market: How AI-driven automation can significantly improve design iteration cycles (20:50) The Risks vs. Rewards of AI in PCB Design: Balancing automation, creativity, and human oversight (23:40) Closing thoughts on AI and innovation in PCB design: (25:50) Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with André Alcalde: LinkedIn Website
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    28 m
  • Get New Engineers on Board Faster and Increase PCB Design Productivity by 30% with intuitive software

    Get New Engineers on Board Faster and Increase PCB Design Productivity by 30% with intuitive software
    Jan 23 2025
    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
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    15 m
  • Harnessing AI in PCB Design - A Conversation with CELUS

    Harnessing AI in PCB Design - A Conversation with CELUS
    Dec 10 2024
    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
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    34 m
  • The Good, Bad, and Brilliance of Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi)

    The Good, Bad, and Brilliance of Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi)
    Nov 12 2024
    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
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    21 m
  • Enhancing PCB design with AWS-enabled cloud solutions

    Enhancing PCB design with AWS-enabled cloud solutions
    Oct 29 2024
    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
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    16 m
  • Breaking Barriers: How Two Women Are Redefining PCB Design Through ECAD/MCAD Collaboration

    Breaking Barriers: How Two Women Are Redefining PCB Design Through ECAD/MCAD Collaboration
    Sep 26 2024
    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
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    25 m
  • A Journey Through Reuse Methodologies

    A Journey Through Reuse Methodologies
    Jun 25 2024
    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
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    30 m
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