Recorded conversations and interviews on electronics design and manufacturing with the editors of PCD&F/Circuits Assembly, brought to you by the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA)
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Questions about over how the new administration and Congress coming in January will approach government investment in capital projects, workforce development and other incentives to build back the domestic electronics supply chain.
David Schild, executive director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, joins Mike Buetow to discuss what the expected priorities of the incoming administration, how they align with the goals of PCBAA’s members, their strategy for continuing the progress on tax benefits and other financial incentives within the US Congress, and the need for a bipartisan approach for global industrial policy.
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
The hosts of the D-Code podcast are a dynamic trio of young professionals making waves in the electronics manufacturing industry.
With experience rooted in contract manufacturing and stencil fabrication for electronics assemblies, they bring a fresh perspective to the table. Although they’re at the start of their podcasting journey, D-Code has already begun to attract attention, tackling industry insights with a unique lens that up-and-coming voices can uniquely offer.
Mike Konrad's guests are Daniel Stanphill, SMT process engineer at Aurora Boardworks, a contract assembler located in Aurora, Nebraska; Sean Kincaid, president of K & F Electronics, located in Fraser, Michigan, also a contract manufacturer; and Elias Malfavon, president of Metal Etch Services, a SMT stencil fabricator located in San Marcos, California.
Mike asks them about their experiences, challenges, and how they’re setting out to decode the world of electronics manufacturing.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introducing the Hosts of Decode Podcast
00:02:37 Key Factors in Choosing a Contract Manufacturer
00:05:53 Evolution of Contract Manufacturers
00:06:20
00:08:03 Evolution of Manufacturing Technology and Job Dynamics
00:10:34 Challenges with Stencil Rigidity
00:13:19 Challenges in Contract Manufacturing for High-Requirement Industries
00:15:57 Advanced Techniques in Moisture Sensitive Electronics
00:18:31 Advantages of Board Fabrication and Design Knowledge in Contract Assembly
00:21:18 Improving PCB Design for Manufacturing Efficiency
00:24:04 Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges with PCB Finishes
00:26:52 Debate on Gloss vs. Matte in PCB Soldering
00:29:31 Advances in SMT Stencil Materials and Technologies
00:32:26 The Challenges of Stencil Printing
00:35:15 The Idea Behind the Podcast
00:37:42 Insights from PCB Manufacturing Experts
00:40:19 Collaborating in Competitive Spaces
00:42:54 Starting a Podcast: Challenges and Solutions
00:45:38 Overcoming Podcast Challenges
00:48:26 The Shift from In-Person Networking to Digital Collaboration
00:51:18 The Evolution of Networking and Conferences
00:54:05 Career Opportunities in Engineering
00:56:37 The Value of IPC Certifications in SMT Production
00:59:37 Influencers in the Electronic Assembly Industry
01:02:12 How to Engage with Reliability Matters Podcast
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
On today’s episode, we’re turning our focus to a pivotal innovation that has transformed design and manufacturing processes: flexible circuits.
Flexible circuits have emerged as a game-changer in the manufacturing and design of electronic assemblies. With their unique ability to bend, twist, and conform to complex shapes, they offer unparalleled advantages in applications where space is at a premium and reliability is paramount.
From wearable technology and medical devices to aerospace systems and consumer electronics, the use of flexible circuits has expanded rapidly, bringing with it both opportunities and challenges.
In this episode, we’ll explore the evolution of flexible circuit technology, discussing its key benefits, such as lightweight construction, enhanced durability, and improved design freedom.
We’ll also touch on the manufacturing complexities, material considerations, and the critical role that process control plays in ensuring reliability and performance.
Mike Konrad's guest today is Joseph Fjelstad. Joe is the founder of Verdant Electronics. Joseph Fjelstad has been active in electronics manufacturing since 1972 in various roles, including as a chemist, process engineer, and R&D manager. He holds nearly 190 US patents and numerous foreign ones.
He is an internationally recognized expert, inventor and lecturer in the field of electronics interconnection technology and a veteran of several startup companies, including: Beta Phase, ELF Technologies, MetaRAM, Silicon Pipe, and Tessera (now the public company, Xperi).
Some of Joe’s innovative devices and novel reliability improving IC packaging structural features are found in nearly every electronic device made today.
He is also an author, co-author or editor of several books on interconnection technology, including Flexible Circuit Technology 4th Edition, the most widely distributed reference book on the topic, Chip Scale Packaging for Modern Electronics, and Solderless Assembly For Electronics — The SAFE Approach.
In addition, Fjelstad has written hundreds of articles, columns and commentaries for various industry magazines and journals over the last five decades. And today, he’s the guest on my show.
00:00:00 Importance of Flexible Circuits in Modern Electronics
00:02:42 Exploring the World of Flexible Circuits
00:05:30 Introduction to Flexible Circuits: A Historical Perspective
00:08:43 Entrepreneurship Mindset: Naivety and Innovation
00:11:08 The Value of Naivety in Engineering
00:13:43 Innovations in Bubble Printing Technology
00:16:47 Understanding Flex Circuits: Applications and Challenges
00:19:58 The Lifespan and Failure of Torsion Bars
00:22:21 Evolution of Soldier Technology: From Heads-Up Displays to Wearables
00:25:24 The Origins of the Integrated Circuit
00:28:13 Advances in Microelectronics: From Printed Transistors to Modern Tech
00:31:28 Challenges and Solutions in Flexible Circuit Design
00:34:00 Collaborative Design for Efficient Manufacturing
00:36:49 Advances in Flexible HDI and the Upcoming Ultra HDI Conference
00:39:46 Evolution of Flexible Circuits: From 1903 to Present
00:42:40 Innovating Flexible Circuits
00:45:13 Evolution of Toll Road Technology
00:48:08 The Future of Flexible and Stretchable Circuits
00:51:53 Introduction to Verdant Electronics
00:54:46 The Military's Stance on Lead-Free Technology
00:56:27 Innovating Solderless Technology
00:59:18 Insights on Persistence and Success in Entrepreneurship
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Today's podcast comes from the Surface Mount Technology Association SMTAI trade show.
As the demand for smaller, faster, and more powerful devices grows, the need for innovative solutions in circuit design has never been greater. UHDI's represent a significant leap forward, allowing for more connections in a smaller space, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in electronic assemblies.
But what exactly are ultra-high-density interconnects? Essentially, they refer to circuit boards with incredibly fine pitch interconnects, enabling higher functionality and complexity in much smaller form factors.
This breakthrough is transforming industries like consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, where space, weight, and performance are critical factors.
In this episode, we’ll explore the advantages UHDI's bring to the table, from increased design flexibility and performance to better thermal management. We'll also discuss how UHDI's are set to impact the assembly process. With tighter tolerances and more intricate layouts, UHDI assemblies will require new approaches to assembly, inspection, and reliability testing.
To better explain UHDI technology, we’ve put together a panel of subject matter experts. Tara Dunn, director of training and education at SMTA, will moderate a panel discussion with other subject matter experts, including Anaya Vardya, CEO, of American Standard Circuits; Chrys Shea from Shea Engineering Services; Michael Sivigny, owner and general manager of CeTaQ Americas; and Oren Manor, Op-Center core program business director at Siemens Digital Industries Software.
UHDI is here! And if you haven’t seen it on your assembly line yet, it’s coming, so stay tuned as we unpack the future of ultra-high-density interconnects and what it means for the next generation of technology.
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
One of the most critical aspects of manufacturing high-reliability circuit assemblies is thermal profiling during the reflow process.
Whether you're designing, engineering, or troubleshooting circuit assemblies, understanding how temperatures during the reflow process influences the quality and performance of your assemblies is essential.
In this episode, we’ll break down what thermal profiling is, why it’s important, and how it affects everything from solder joint integrity to component placement.
We’ll also explore the challenges and solutions involved in getting your thermal profile just right, ensuring your circuit assemblies are built to last in a competitive and demanding industry. And we review thermal profiling best practices, common mistakes, and the various capabilities of thermal profilers.
Mike Konrad's guest is Mark Waterman. Waterman is the Electronics division manager at ECD, a manufacturer of thermal profiling equipment founded in 1964. He began his career at ECD in 2006.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Understanding Thermal Profiling in Circuit Assemblies
00:05:19 Evolution of a Manufacturing Business
00:08:00 Understanding Thermal Profiling in Electronics Soldering
00:10:36 Strategies for Circuit Assembly Insulation
00:13:10 Challenges in Sourcing Obsolete Electronic Components
00:15:48 Challenges in Heat Dissipation for 5G and 6G Electronics
00:18:54 Choosing the Right Thermocouple: K Type vs. Others
00:21:35 Challenges with High-Temperature Materials
00:24:04 Determining Thermal Couples for Optimal Measurement
00:26:39 Innovations in Profiling Equipment Technology
00:29:24 Innovations in Display Screens and Risk Mitigation
00:31:55 Cost-Benefit Analysis of Data Loggers
00:34:31 Importance of Calibration Intervals in Industry
00:37:02 The Role of Data Logging in Thermal Profiling
00:39:30 Optimizing Reflow Oven Settings with Predictive Software
00:42:18 Easy Button vs. Detailed Work: Software Development Insights
00:45:20 Common Mistakes in Using Thermal Profilers
00:47:37 Optimizing Thermocouple Measurements in Electronics
00:50:08 Understanding Thermal Barriers and Heat Management
00:52:22 Understanding Thermal Dissipation Challenges
00:54:59 The Importance of Third-Party Auditors in Manufacturing
00:57:32 Insights on Thermal Profiling and Bespoke Solutions
00:59:54 Podcast Contact and Closing Remarks
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
If you're part of the electronics landscape, you've likely encountered the role contract manufacturers play — and it's a critical one. These specialized partners bridge the gap between design innovation and full-scale production, bringing efficiency, expertise, and flexibility to the table.
As companies seek to meet growing demand for advanced electronic products, contract manufacturers are increasingly relied upon to provide cost-effective, high-quality assembly services. Whether it's managing supply chains, ensuring compliance with industry standards, or accelerating time to market, their contributions have become indispensable. In today's episode, Mike Konrad explores how contract manufacturing works, why it's so vital, and what trends are shaping the future of this essential industry.
Adrian Leal serves as USA business development manager for Teltonika EMS and is president of the Houston SMTA Chapter. With over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, he has worked extensively as both an end-user and a service provider. Throughout his career, he has held diverse roles including process engineer, manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, field engineer, and sales engineer.
In 2003, Leal became the first engineer from the oil and gas industry to earn the prestigious Process Engineer certification from the SMTA. From 2006 to 2015, he voluntarily took on the role of ESD Subject Matter Expert for SLB, where he developed an internal ESD program that remains in use today.
Leal talks about his transition from an OEM to a contract manufacturer and recommendations on how to choose the most appropriate contract manufacturer.
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Sales of software for printed circuit board and multichip module design surged 8.2% to $399 million in the second quarter ended in July, continuing a long recovery, the ESD Alliance announced today.
Our guest Wally Rhines offers his typical informed assessment of the latest market numbers, noting the particular strength in core areas such as analysis and library data management tools. And he discusses how the rapid rise of EDA startups today compares to a similar upswing in the 1980s.
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Jim Rathburn may not be a household name in the printed circuit industry, but maybe he should be. A self-styled serial technologist and innovator, Rathburn holds more than 80 patents covering the gamut of high-density printed circuits, materials and semiconductors.
As founder and president of Precision Circuit Technologies, Rathburn helps commercialize the Minneapolis area company’s high-performance, high-density printed circuits, electrical interconnects, and advanced materials for the next generation of semiconductors, electronics, and systems.
He discusses PCT's technologies, in particular with liquid crystal polymer, and its use of both additive and conventional processes to build lines and spaces down to 6 microns. He also details PCT's zero-discharge processing, and licensing approach.
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Monday Sep 30, 2024
As the demand for more durable and dependable electronics continues to rise across industries, the choice of soldering materials, such as solder paste, plays a pivotal role in determining the reliability of these devices. We'll discuss how selecting the right solder paste can influence performance and longevity, and we'll hear from an industry expert about the latest advancements and best practices in soldering material technology.
Mike Konrad's guest is Ebad Rehman, regional product manager at MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. He has a master's in technology from Illinois State University and has led multiple technical and strategic projects for MacDermid Alpha, including new product development and technology development projects, using lean and agile methodologies. He’s also planned and developed processes for the Power Electronics group and the Aftermarket Enhancement group to drive efficiencies and effectiveness.
Whether you're a seasoned engineer or someone new to the electronic assembly industry, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions that enhance the reliability of your electronic assemblies. Join us as we explore the critical intersection of materials science and electronics reliability.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Importance of Soldering Materials in Electronics Reliability
00:02:06 Evolution in Soldering: From Lead to Lead-Free
00:03:53 Trends in Automotive Industry Adaptations
00:05:59 Understanding High Reliability in Different Industries
00:08:04 Enhancing Material Reliability for Safety-Critical Applications
00:10:12 Classifications of Reliability in Electronics
00:12:29 Selecting Solder Paste for Wearable Devices in Harsh Conditions
00:14:29 Ensuring Reliability in Electronics
00:16:27 Understanding Electrochemical Reliability in Circuit Design
00:18:27 Understanding No-Clean Solder Paste Reliability
00:20:29 Choosing the Right Powder for SMT Applications
00:22:37 Understanding Type Numbers and Their Industry Impact
00:24:44 Addressing Environmental Concerns in Soldering Materials
00:26:52 Achieving Sustainability Goals with Recycled Tin
00:29:00 The Benefits of Zero Discharge Practices
00:30:56 Thermomechanical and Electrochemical Reliability Challenges
00:32:59 Emerging Trends in the Electronics Industry
00:34:54 Challenges in Thermomechanical and Electrochemical Reliability
00:36:53 Standardization and Industry Collaboration
00:38:56 Best Practices for Consumer Buying Habits in Electronics
00:41:05 Future Trends in Electronics Reliability
00:43:16 Embracing Change in Electronics Assembly Industry
00:45:12 Evolving Soldering Materials and Environmental Standards
00:47:01 How to Engage with the Reliability Matters Podcast
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
JITX is a San Jose-based developer of PCB design automation tools. The company's novel platform takes design concepts and convert them into schematics, circuit design, and component placement, among other features.
Duncan Haldane, CEO and cofounder, talks with Mike Buetow about the JITX platform, which proposes to rethink and simplify the way electronics are designed by using common language instead of machine code to realized complex ideas as a product design, overcoming legacy technology, and working on the desktop instead of the cloud.
And (teaser alert), listen for an announcement about the premiere PCB Design Community event taking place on October 9 at PCB West at the Santa Clara (CA) Convention Center.