OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast
The PCB Design Podcast covers the latest news, updates, and technology in the electronics design industry. Everything from routing, circuit simulation, to high-speed design, and finding circuit board manufacturers and component parts.
Episodes
PCB Connectors That Survive Space, Shock & 500 Thermal Cycles
PCB connectors for military, aerospace, and LEO satellite hardware have to survive shock, vibration, humidity, and hundreds of brutal thermal cycles, and Samtec field applications engineer Shane Dabrowski explains how they're proven to do it. Zach Peterson and Shane walk through Samtec's Severe Environment Testing built around VITA 47, lot-based MIL-DTL-55302 testing, and why solder joint fracture
Altium & Duro: The PLM Software Built for Hardware Startups
Altium's acquisition of Duro brings cloud-based PLM software built for hardware startups and small engineering teams into the Altium platform, and in this OnTrack Podcast episode Zach Peterson asks Duro founder and CEO Michael Corr why the deal happened. Michael walks through how the Altium Designer plugin publishes library parts and full projects into Duro with part numbers, revision status, and
PCB Grounding Mistakes Your Datasheet Taught You
PCB grounding mistakes rarely start with the designer; they start in the datasheet, the app note, and the reference design that gets copied straight into production. On this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Zach Peterson talks with Dan Beeker, president of System Solution Specialists, about split grounds, mislabeled ground pins, and leftover ferrites that turn evaluation-board shortcuts into
AI PCB Routing Without the Epic Fails: Inside DeepPCB
AI PCB routing only works when the tool understands your design intent, and in this OnTrack Podcast episode Zach Peterson sits down with Alain-Sam Cohen and Nabil Chouba of InstaDeep's DeepPCB to find out what that actually takes. They explain why classic autorouters fail on configuration rather than on routing, how a reinforcement-learning routing engine paired with Cooper, a natural-language orc
PCB Assembly Mistakes Designers Keep Making: PCB West 2026 Preview
PCB assembly mistakes rarely start on the factory floor; they start in layout, and in this OnTrack Podcast episode three assembly-side veterans explain exactly which ones keep showing up. Zach Peterson talks with Mike Buetow (PCEA), Chrys Shea (Shea Engineering), and Daniel Stanphill (Aurora Boardworks) about padstacks pulled off the internet, QFN footprints with no room for solder, datasheets tha
The Custom Power Chip You Configure Yourself: Power GreenPAK
Designing a custom power chip used to mean an ASIC budget and a year of NRE, but Renesas Power GreenPAK lets you configure one at your desk in minutes. In this OnTrack Podcast episode, host Zach Peterson talks with Sidney Chan, product marketing director in the Configurable Mixed Signal Division at Renesas, about how Power GreenPAK folds DC-DC converters, LDOs, and load switches into the same prog
AI PCB Design: Turning a 100-Page Spec Into an MCU Shortlist
Marco Witzmann, Head of Requirements Portal at Altium, returns to the Altium OnTrack Podcast to show host Zach Peterson what the tool formerly known as Requirements Manager has become. In a live demo, Marco starts from a plain-language email about a wind-farm inspection drone and watches the new engineering assistant turn it into properly formulated requirements, complete with TBD placeholders ins
Altium Is Coming Home to the Designer | Lawrence Romine on OnTrack
Altium Develop brings the full Altium Designer experience — plus multi-board and harness design and cloud collaboration — to individual designers and small teams, without paying for enterprise features you'll never use: https://www.altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=ontrack-podcast&utm_content=altium-is-coming-home-to-the-designer
After 40 years as effe
DDR Compliance Simulation in Seconds, Not Days
On this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson talks with Ben Dannan, founder of Signal Edge Solutions and DesignCon Engineer of the Year, and Tyler Huddleston, SI/PI engineer, about a problem every high-speed designer knows too well: DDR compliance simulation that can take 24 hours to several days per interface. They walk through why the traditional Keysight ADS Memory Designer
Mayan-on-Chip: Training Mexico's Next Semiconductor Engineers
How does a region build a semiconductor and electronics workforce from the ground up? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Nasska Medrano, Global Program Manager at Altium Education, and Professor Johan Estrada of the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) to unpack the Mayan-on-Chip initiative—a collaborative workforce development program training high
Altium API Deep Dive: Opening PCB Data to Developers
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Rob Barton, Head of Platform API at Altium, for a deep dive into how programmatic access is transforming PCB design and electronics development. Rob traces the evolution of Altium's API—from the early disconnected SDKs and the launch of Nexar, through Octopart supply data, all the way to the new Platform API that expo
Code-Based PCB Design with AI: Inside atopile
Code-based PCB design is reshaping how engineers build hardware, and in this OnTrack Podcast episode, host Zach Peterson sits down with Ioannis Papamanoglou and Narayan Powderly, co-founders of atopile, to explore their code-first, AI-driven approach to PCB design. Drawing on backgrounds at Tesla and across the electronics industry, the founders explain why hardware has lagged behind software tool
EMC Testing in the Age of AI: Why Respins Aren't Going Away
EMC testing is one of the toughest hurdles in PCB design, with industry pass rates often falling below 50% and every failure triggering expensive respins. In this OnTrack Podcast episode, host Zach Peterson sits down with Andy Eadie—owner of EMC FastPass and founder of Engentica—to unpack why so many products fail electromagnetic compatibility testing on the first attempt, and what designers can d
70% of PCBs FAIL EMC Testing (And AI Is Making It Worse)
Altium Develop unites your design, sourcing, and manufacturing teams in one cloud platform so EMC and layout problems get caught long before your board ever reaches the test house: https://www.altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=ontrack-podcast&utm_content=70-of-pcbs-fail-emc-testing-and-ai-is-making-it-worse
EMC testing failure rates are climbing toward
The Signal Integrity Tool Every Engineer Is Missing
Signal integrity engineers working on high-speed serial links, Ethernet, USB, PCI Express, and DDR memory interfaces need powerful simulation tools, but commercial software licenses can be cost-prohibitive. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with David Banas, Solutions Engineer at Keysight, to explore three open-source Python packages that are transforming
Drones, Robots & the Low-Altitude Economy: A New Industry Is Born
In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Zach Peterson sits down with Gabriel Guglielmi, VP of Global Product Management at Infinite Electronics, to explore one of the most disruptive shifts in electronics today: the rise of unmanned systems. From group one commercial drones to group five collaborative combat aircraft, Gabriel breaks down how the same revolution that transformed the space industry
PCB Metrology Gap: How SCAN Labs Is Automating Microsectioning
The PCB industry has long relied on manual microsectioning to verify board quality — but as densities increase and skilled labor becomes harder to retain, that process is breaking down. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson welcomes back Geoffrey Leeds, founder of SCAN Labs, for his third appearance on the show. Geoffrey breaks down what he calls the "metrology gap" — t
High-Speed Interconnects for AI & Physical AI with Samtec
What does it take to design interconnects for AI data centers pushing 112G, 224G, and even 448G? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Matt Burns, Director of Technical Marketing at Samtec, to unpack how connector technology has evolved to meet the demands of modern high-speed systems. From co-packaged copper and optics to near-package interconnects, Matt
Altium File Parsing, AI Design Reviews & PCB Viz Tools
What if you could parse your Altium project files from the command line, generate a full BOM in seconds, extract net lists as AI-readable JSON, and spin up a 3D HTML viewer with zero dependencies — all without ever opening Altium? In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Eli Hughes, principal at Wavenumber LLC, to dig into a suite of open-source tools he's built ar
Is FPGA the Best Engineering Career? With Adam Taylor
Is FPGA engineering the best career path for electronics engineers today? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Adam Taylor — founder of Adiuvo Engineering and the FPGA Horizons conference — to explore the full landscape of FPGA development. From how Adam accidentally fell into FPGAs as a new graduate to building one of the UK's most talked-about technica
IPC 2221 vs. 2152: The Truth About PCB Trace Current Ratings
Altium Develop gives your entire team real-time visibility into PCB designs, supply chain data, and manufacturing feedback — so thermal and power decisions never get made in isolation: https://www.altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=ontrack-podcast&utm_content=ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings
If you've ever sized a PCB trace u
GreenPAK for Automotive: Reliability, Integration & Real-World Demos
Altium Develop gives your entire electronics team — engineers, procurement, and manufacturers — real-time visibility into your PCB designs and supply chain, all in one platform: https://www.altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=ontrack-podcast&utm_content=greenpak-for-automotive-reliability-integration-real-world-demos
Renesas' Automotive GreenPAK is a con
Advanced Packaging & Chiplet Design with Chipletz
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Stephen Newberry, Victor Kronberg, and Ching-Ping Wong from Chipletz — a fabless advanced packaging company pushing the boundaries of die-to-die interconnect technology. The team shares their background, their work on chiplet-based package design, and the technical paper they presented at DesignCon, which introduces t
Violet Labs: The Integration Hub Solving Hardware Data Chaos
Altium Develop connects your entire electronics product team — from design to supply chain to manufacturing — in one unified platform: https://www.altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=ontrack-podcast&utm_content=violet-labs-the-integration-hub-solving-hardware-data-chaos
Hardware engineering teams have long struggled with disconnected software tools — C
Why Hardware Startups Are Finally Investable Again
The hardware startup landscape has transformed dramatically since 2020, and investors are finally paying attention. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Mihir Shaw and Benji Chia, co-founders of Hardware FYI, to explore why hardware companies are becoming attractive investment opportunities again.
From PCB fabrication innovations to manufacturing auto
Why 90% of Electronics Fail EMC Tests and How to Fix It
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Karen Burnham, chief engineer and founder of EMC United, to explore why electromagnetic compatibility remains one of the most challenging aspects of product development. Karen shares her journey from physics to NASA Johnson Space Center and eventually into EMC consulting, offering invaluable insights into why so many
EMC Expert Debunks Common PCB Grounding Myths
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Todd Hubing, president of LearnEMC. With over 40 years of experience in electromagnetic compatibility starting at IBM in 1982, Todd brings unparalleled expertise to some of the most misunderstood topics in PCB design. This conversation dives deep into grounding myths, decoupling capacitor placement, stack-up strategie
Inside Quantum Computing Hardware with Šimon Marek | OnTrack
Quantum computing is no longer confined to research labs—it's entering the commercial space, and electrical engineers are uniquely positioned to contribute. In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with quantum hardware designer Šimon Marek to explore the fascinating world of superconducting quantum chips. From transmon qubits and Josephson junctions to control electron
Is AI an Engineering Teammate in Hardware Design?
Explore AI's role in the future of electronic design and hardware development with Avinash Harsh, co-founder of Wizerr AI. Discover how AI can help engineers make better decisions, reduce design risks, and unlock unprecedented creativity in PCB and electronic component design.
In this revealing Altium OnTrack podcast episode, Harsh challenges the notion that AI will replace engineers, instead pr
OnTrack PCB Design Podcast 2025 Year in Review
Join host Zach Peterson for an illuminating journey through the pivotal moments in PCB design and electronics manufacturing in 2025. This year-end review explores critical industry developments, from global trade restructuring to the dramatic expansion of Ultra High-Density Interconnect (UHDI) production capabilities in the United States and beyond.
Discover insights from expert guests who disse
Breaking Down Electronics Manufacturing with Jay Patel
Join Zach Peterson in an insightful conversation with Jay Patel, CEO of Amtech, as they dive deep into the world of electronics manufacturing. Discover the critical challenges in PCB production, from supply chain complexities to design for manufacturability (DFM) strategies that can make or break a product's success.
Learn about the evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing, including the
Altium Requirements Portal: Simplifying Engineering Docs
Dive into the revolutionary Altium Requirements Portal, a groundbreaking solution transforming how engineers manage complex project documentation. Hear from Marco Witzmann, Head of Requirements Portal at Altium, as he shares insights on simplifying document management, streamlining requirements tracking, and solving the long-standing challenges of engineering documentation.
Learn how this innova
Inside Simberian's AI-Driven Design Automation
Dive into the cutting-edge world of AI-powered signal integrity design with Yuriy Shlepnev, founder of Simberian. In this exclusive Altium OnTrack podcast episode, discover how large language models are revolutionizing PCB design workflows, enabling unprecedented automation and intelligent decision-making in electronic engineering.
Learn how Simberian's latest breakthrough – the AI agent system
Simplifying BOM Management with Intelligent Platforms
Dive into the world of intelligent electronics manufacturing with Nemanja Jokanovic, VP of Breadboard. Learn how cutting-edge platforms are transforming Bill of Materials (BOM) management, bridging the gap between design engineers and procurement professionals. Discover how automation and smart tools can streamline your electronics design workflow, reduce costly respins, and optimize your supply c
PCB West 2025: Electronics Industry Insights with Mike Buetow
Dive into the dynamic world of printed circuit board manufacturing with Mike Buetow, President of PCEA, in this exclusive, final interview from PCB West 2025. Discover the latest trends, the growing diversity of the industry, and the exciting influx of young talent reshaping the technological landscape.
👉 Resources from this Episode:
- Watch all of our PCB West 2025 Interviews: https://www.youtub
CELUS: Simplifying Circuit Design with AI
Join Mohammad Matin, Technical Sales Solution Architect at CELUS, as he reveals a groundbreaking approach to electronic design that leverages AI to streamline circuit development. Discover how CELUS is transforming the PCB design process by reducing complexity and empowering engineers to prototype faster.
Learn how AI can help you quickly create block diagrams, generate schematics, and minimize
Overcoming Global Supply Chain Obstacles in Electronics
Dive deep into the world of international PCB manufacturing with Tristan Ren from TapRen Solutions. Learn how innovative companies are navigating complex global supply chain challenges, from tariffs to international production logistics. Discover insider strategies for securing high-quality, cost-effective electronic manufacturing across borders.
In this exclusive interview, Zach Peterson sits d
Altium Develop: Returning to Our Roots
In this first installment of our interview series live from the floor of PCB West, 2025, we are joined by Lawrence Romine, who reveals Altium's exciting new approach to product development with Altium Develop. Discover how this innovative solution brings the company back to its core mission of serving individual engineers and small teams. Learn about the strategic thinking behind creating a produc
From Block Diagram to Schematic in Minutes
Discover how Circuit Mind is revolutionizing electronic design with AI-powered automation that transforms block diagrams into fully functional schematics in record time. Learn how engineers can dramatically reduce design complexity and accelerate their development process with this groundbreaking platform.
Join Tomide Adesanmi, CEO of Circuit Mind, live from the floor of PCB West 2025, as he rev
PCB Design Tools for Every Team Size: Altium's New Approach
Discover how Altium is revolutionizing PCB design software with solutions tailored to teams of all sizes. In this exclusive interview from PCB West 2025, Justin Sears breaks down the key differences between Altium Develop and Altium Agile, helping you choose the perfect design platform for your organization.
Learn how these innovative solutions can streamline your PCB design process, enhance colla
Programmable Logic Made Easy: GreenPAK Tutorial with Dima Mymrikov
Discover how Renesas GreenPAK revolutionizes mixed-signal design by combining analog and digital blocks into a single programmable IC. In this comprehensive tutorial from the OnTrack Podcast, Dima Mymrikov demonstrates how to design, simulate, and program custom logic circuits in minutes using the intuitive Go Configure software—no coding required.
Learn how GreenPAK replaces multiple discrete c
Inside Component Testing: Fighting Fakes in the Electronics Industry
Dive deep into the hidden world of counterfeit electronic components with Elijah Miller, VP of Operations at The Lab Worldwide (TLW) in this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, hosted by Tech Consultant Zach Peterson. This comprehensive discussion reveals the sophisticated methods counterfeiters use to infiltrate the electronics supply chain, from remarked chips and harvested components to elaborate r
New PCB Assembly Method Promises Higher Reliability & Lower Cost
Discover The Occam Group's process, a revolutionary approach to PCB assembly that eliminates solder while improving reliability, reducing costs, and simplifying manufacturing. Ray Rasmussen, Managing Partner at The Occam Group, explains how this innovative methodology embeds components and builds copper-to-copper connections using existing fabrication equipment—no massive capital investment requi
Supply Chain Cost Modeling with Tset's Data-Driven Platform
Join Zach Peterson as he speaks with Sasan Hashemi, founder and CEO of Tset, about revolutionizing product cost management in electronics manufacturing. Discover how modern companies are moving beyond Excel spreadsheets to sophisticated data-driven platforms that integrate technical, commercial, and market data for comprehensive total cost of ownership analysis.
In this insightful conversation, Sa
Students Tackle PCB Design Challenge: From Schematic to Robot
University of Minnesota students share their journey designing custom PCBs for the Bright Manufacturing Challenge. Watch as electrical and mechanical engineering students Ethan Chung, Kevin Vo, and Alexander Wan discuss their line-following robot project, from initial schematics to flex-rigid PCB manufacturing. This inspiring episode of the OnTrack Podcast reveals how young engineers learn PCB des
PCB Industry Evolution: From Mom & Pop Shops to Consolidation
Join host Zach Peterson as he sits down with industry veteran Dan Beaulieu, founder and president of DB Management Group, to explore the dramatic transformation of the PCB manufacturing landscape. With over 30 years of experience working with hundreds of companies, Dan provides unique insights into how the industry has evolved from 1,300 North American PCB shops in 2005 to just 130 today, with 90
High Power PCB Design: Pushing the Limits with Caleb Buck
Join host Zach Peterson on this episode of the OnTrack Podcast as he speaks with Caleb Buck, PCB Design Electronics Engineer at Nidec Aerospace, about the critical considerations for high power PCB design. From guitar pedal prototypes etched in his kitchen to aerospace systems handling 500+ amps, Caleb shares his journey and expertise in designing life-critical electronics. Learn about voltage iso
Chemical-Free PCB Production: How uFab is Changing Everything
Join host Zach Peterson on the Altium OnTrack Podcast as he interviews Tyler Richards, founder of uFab, who is revolutionizing PCB manufacturing with chemical-free production technology. Discover how Tyler's innovative PCBee system can print multi-layer circuit boards in just 4 hours without using traditional chemical etchants like ferric chloride or cupric chloride.
From his early days as a high
Signal Integrity, Thermal & DFM: PCB West Preview with Keven
Join Zach Peterson as he sits down with Keven Coates, Senior Electrical Engineer at Novium Designs, for an in-depth preview of his upcoming PCB West presentations. This conversation covers essential topics every PCB designer needs to master, from signal integrity fundamentals to thermal management and design for manufacturing best practices.
Discover why silicon company data sheets shouldn't be ta
18-Year-Old Founder: Why America Needs Its Own Drone Industry
Meet Tom Rein, the youngest entrepreneur ever featured on the Altium OnTrack podcast and founder of Tom's Aerial Vehicles. At just 18 years old, Tom is revolutionizing American drone manufacturing with AI-powered development processes and proprietary hardware designs. In this compelling interview, discover how this young innovator is building police drones "for Americans, by Americans" while addre
Inside PCBAA's Fight for American Circuit Board Manufacturing
Join host Zach Peterson as he sits down with David Schild, Executive Director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA), fresh from their annual Washington D.C. meeting. Discover how the organization is advocating for critical legislation like H.R.3597, the Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act, and why American PCB manufacturing dropped from 30% to just 4% of global produ
AI-Powered PLM: The Future of Hardware Product Lifecycle Management
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems in this insightful conversation with Michael Corr, CEO and founder of Duro. From eliminating PLM horror stories to streamlining hardware development workflows, learn how modern cloud-based PLM platforms are revolutionizing the way engineering teams manage data from design through manufacturing.
Michael
AI-Powered PCB Supply Chain Management with Luminovo's Timon Ruban
Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing PCB supply chain management in this fascinating conversation with Timon Ruban, founder and managing director of Luminovo in this episode of the OnTrack Podcast. From his electrical engineering background at Stanford to building Europe's leading electronic supply chain platform, Timon shares insights on solving complex procurement challenges,
Supply Chain Challenges in Medical Device Manufacturing
Dive deep into the complex world of medical device supply chains with supply chain executive Simon Hinds. This comprehensive episode of the OnTrack Podcast explores the unique challenges of bringing life sciences products from development to market, including regulatory compliance, global sourcing strategies, and risk management in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
From tier-one to t
Building Modular Open Source Electronics with Lukas Henkel
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Lukas Henkel, co-founder of Open Visions Technology, as he shares exciting updates on his cutting-edge open source hardware projects. From modular Linux-based smartwatches to Framework laptop modifications, discover how advanced PCB design techniques are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in open source electronics.
In this episode, Lukas reveals
Embedded Systems Engineer Discusses AI-Driven Testing Revolution
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Ari Mahpour, Embedded Systems Engineer at Rivian, as he reveals how AI is revolutionizing embedded development and testing workflows on this episode of the OnTrack Podcast.
From voice-controlled Arduino programming to automated hardware-in-the-loop testing, discover cutting-edge techniques that are transforming the industry. Learn about embedded DevOps,
The Future of PCB Design Education: HaSofu Founder Kirsch Mackey
In this insightful episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Kirsch Mackey, founder of HaSofu, to explore the evolving landscape of PCB design education. Kirsch reveals how his educational platform bridges the critical gap between academic theory and industry requirements, sharing his unique journey from physics enthusiast to electronics education innovator.
Disco
PCB East 2025: Exhibitors, AI Trends & Networking Opportunities
Explore PCB East 2025 with Zach Peterson and Ethan Pierce as they break down this year's conference highlights, technical sessions, and emerging AI trends in PCB design. Discover why this industry event provides unparalleled networking opportunities with vendors, fabricators, and industry leaders that can transform your career in electronics design.
PCB East offers something for everyone in the el
Scaling an Electronics Design Business: Insights from Jordan Danko
In this enlightening episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with Jordan Danko, founder of FC Design Services, to explore the challenges and strategies of growing an electronics design consultancy.
Jordan shares his journey from electrical engineer to business owner, revealing how he transitioned from corporate employment to entrepreneurship and the lessons
High Current PDN Design: Engineer of the Year Reveals Industry Secrets
Dive into the cutting-edge world of high-current power distribution networks with Ben Dannan, founder of Signal Edge Solutions and DesignCon's Engineer of the Year. Ben shares invaluable insights on designing, modeling, and validating 2,000 amp power supplies for data center applications, exploring the challenges of current density requirements exceeding 100 amps per square centimeter, and the ind
Solving PCB Library Nightmares with Kristen Aguiar
In this insightful OnTrack Podcast episode, Zach Peterson sits down with Kristen Aguiar, Training Developer at Altium, to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in PCB design: component libraries. Discover practical approaches to library management, learn about common pitfalls in footprint creation, and gain valuable insights on standardization from Kristen's extensive industry experience.
Structural Electronics in Altium Designer: 3D PCB Designs Explained
Discover how to design innovative 3D structural electronics using Altium Designer with product manager Jack Henriques. Learn about printed electronics, 3D-MIDs, functional surfaces, and how to create circuits on three-dimensional substrates beyond traditional flat PCBs.
Explore the toolset that lets you place components on curved surfaces, route traces along contours while maintaining consistent
Solving PCB Library Issues: Expert Advice from Elizabeth Bustamante
Inconsistent PCB libraries can lead to costly manufacturing errors and project delays. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, our guest Elizabeth Bustamante shares her expertise on PCB library standardization challenges and practical solutions for design teams.
Join host Zach Peterson as he discusses with Elizabeth the importance of understanding library standards, verification processes
The Future of PCB Manufacturing: Tariffs, Supply Chains & More
Discover the complex landscape of PCB manufacturing in this insightful interview from the OnTrack Podcast with Greg Papandrew, Managing Director of DirectPCB. Learn how recent tariff changes are impacting the industry, why balancing cost and quality remains critical, and what options exist beyond China for PCB sourcing.
Greg shares valuable strategies for navigating global supply chains and off
How PCEA is Transforming Electronics Education
Discover how the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) is revolutionizing electronics education through innovative training programs and university partnerships. In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Host Zach Peterson interviews PCEA President Mike Buetow shares insights on their mission to bridge the skills gap in PCB design, their partnership with Wayne State University, and the laun
What to Expect at IPC APEX 2025: Standards, Innovation & Networking
IPC APEX 2025 is bringing unprecedented opportunities for electronics industry professionals to shape the future of manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, IPC President & CEO Dr. John Mitchell reveals how this event combines standards development, technical innovation, and powerful networking opportunities under one roof. Learn why both seasoned professionals and emerging engineers should
UHDI, AI, and Solder Paste Innovation
Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson as he chats with Tony Lentz, Chemist and Field Application Engineer with FCT Assembly, about the latest innovations in solder paste for ultra-high density interconnects (UHDI) and the challenges of working with smaller solder powder sizes. The pair also discusses the role of AI in electronics manufacturing and the future of PCB assembly.
Tony brings his deep know
What's Driving the Next Wave of Electronics Engineers?
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 M
What Will the Future Hold for Ultra HDI in PCB Design?
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.
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Why Reshoring Electronics to the US is Harder Than You Think
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 manufac
Exploring Cross-Disciplinary Integration in CAE and EDA
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Keith Hanna, an Independent Consultant in CAE/PLM, to discuss the evolution of cross-disciplinary integration in engineering software, focusing on CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) and EDA (Electronic Design Automation) industries.
The conversation explores themes like AI's role in the future of engineering, recent tr
How Denpaflux Simplifies EMC Testing
How does Denpaflux simplify EMC testing? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson interviews Reinhard Neureiter, CEO of Denpaflux, to explore their groundbreaking AI-powered tools for tackling EMI and EMC challenges. Learn why 70% (or maybe more) of designs fail EMC testing and how Denpaflux helps engineers fix critical issues faster, from optimizing board stackups to pinp
E-Waste Crisis: How Component Sense is Making a Difference
Component Sense is tackling the e-waste crisis head-on by redistributing excess, unused stock from major companies before it becomes waste.
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, we talk with Kenny McGee, founder and CEO of Component Sense, about the hidden issues of electronic component disposal. Discover what happens to stockpiled electronics, why companies over-purchase components, and
PCB West: PCB Design Tips with Neil Chamberlain of Polar Instruments
In this special episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, filmed live at PCB West 2024, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson chats PCB design and manufacturing challenges with Neil Chamberlain, Product Specialist at Polar Instruments. Neil shares his expert insights into the evolving landscape of PCB design, discussing critical topics like substitute materials, copper roughness, and the benefits of using to
Counterfeit Detection & Supply Chain Risks with Cofactr
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson and Phillip Gulley, co-founder of @cofactr chat about the critical topics of counterfeit detection and supply chain risks in the electronics industry. Recorded live at PCB West 2024, Phillip shares Cofactr’s approach to managing procurement, logistics, and ensuring the authenticity of electronic components.
Discover ho
Automating Requirements: How Altium 365 is Changing Engineering
Unlock the power of Altium 365 with automated requirements management! In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Louise Linblad, VP of Product for Systems Engineering, and Gonçalo Ivo, Head of Product for Requirements & Systems Portal, to explore the revolutionary new tool for automating requirements within the Altium ecosystem.
Discover how the Requirem
HDI, Manufacturing Clashes, and More with Mike Tucker
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Mike Tucker explores the world of HDI and manufacturing clashes and shares invaluable insights from his years of experience as Director of Engineering and Technology at Millennium Circuits. If you’re a PCB designer facing challenges with HDI design, manufacturing processes, or transitioning your prototypes to high-volume production, this video is pack
Design for AI & the PCB Design Education Revolution w/ John Watson
Design for AI is at the forefront of the PCB design education revolution, driving a new era of innovation in how we approach electronics. In this episode of the Altium "OnTrack" podcast, Technical Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with John Watson, Altium's technical engineer and professor at Palomar Community College, to explore how AI is transforming the landscape of PCB design.
Discover how pa
Unpacking Altium Education's Student Initiatives in India & Beyond
Explore how Altium Education is empowering the next generation of hardware designers in India and across the globe. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores scholarship opportunities, free training programs, and the partnership with Mouser Electronics to support students, particularly women, in the field of PCB design.
Guests in this Episode:
R
IPC Courses, PCB Design Practices & Advanced Materials with Kris Moyer
Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson in this interview with Kris Moyer, an esteemed IPC instructor and seasoned PCB design expert. The pair cover a wide range of topics including IPC courses, PCB design practices, and advanced materials. Discover how IPC courses can elevate your PCB design skills, learn about best practices in high-speed digital design (as well as a few other types of design), and e
