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
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Today, we're tackling a topic that has become increasingly vital in recent years: supply chain management.
With global supply chains recently under immense pressure from disruptions, shortages, and growing complexity, the need for smarter, more efficient solutions has never been greater.
And what better way to explore this than by discussing the cutting-edge role of AI-powered supply chain management software.
Mike Konrad's guest is Sebastian Schaal, the founder and CEO of Luminovo, a company at the forefront of transforming how supply chains are managed in the electronics industry. Sebastian Schaal is the founder of Luminovo, a leading software provider revolutionizing the electronics supply chain.
He holds two master's degrees—one in electrical and computer engineering from the Technical University of Munich and another from Stanford University, where he was a Fulbright scholar focusing on management and computer science.
Before founding Luminovo, Schaal gained diverse industry experience, working on AI algorithms for signal processing and computer vision at Intel and robotics companies NavVis and Magazino.
Additionally, he served as a consultant at McKinsey, advising on data strategy.
Sebastian and his team are leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and future-proof supply chain operations.
In this episode, we'll explore how AI is reshaping supply chain management, the unique challenges facing the electronics industry, and what companies can do to stay ahead in an ever-changing global landscape.
This conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about the innovations that are revolutionizing supply chains worldwide.
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Today we’re diving into a critical yet sometimes overlooked component that powers so many of the devices we rely on: batteries. Batteries are the heartbeat of countless electronic products, from medical devices and electric vehicles to consumer gadgets and industrial systems.
Choosing the right battery is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires a keen understanding of the application, performance needs, and environmental demands. The right selection can make the difference between a product that excels in reliability and one that, quite literally, fails to deliver. But there’s more to batteries than just selecting the right chemistry or capacity. Safety is paramount. Poor battery selection, design, or management can lead to performance issues, overheating, or catastrophic failures. As we’ve all seen in headlines, battery malfunctions can result in recalls, damage to brand reputation, or, worse, safety hazards for users.
To shed light on this vital topic, we’re joined by an expert in the field of battery technology. Alex Norman is a Battery Management System Designer at Pro Technologies, a well-established and trusted custom battery pack manufacturer, providing engineering capabilities from concept through production. Their leading-edge manufacturing facility and headquarters is based in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina.
Alex has deep experience in Printed Circuit Board Design, Product Development, Battery Management Systems and more. Alex is also a content creator, focusing mostly on electronics, battery, and BMS content available on his LinkedIn page and YouTube channel.
Today, we’re going to explore how to choose the right battery for your assembly, best practices for integration, and how to mitigate potential safety risks.
So, if you care about keeping your products powered, reliable, and safe, don’t bolt just yet – this podcast on batteries is positively charged with insights! Stick around and top off your battery knowledge!
Chapters:
00:00:00 Choosing the Right Battery for Electronic Assemblies
00:02:44 Exploring Battery Technology and Safety Concerns
00:05:21 Starting a YouTube Channel: Journey and Growth
00:07:55 Performance and Safety: Alkaline vs. Lithium-Based Batteries
00:10:28 The Future of Sodium-Ion Batteries vs. Lithium-Ion
00:13:12 Causes of Samsung Phone Battery Fires
00:16:01 Advancements in Solid State Battery Technology
00:18:44 Dangers of Swollen Lithium Batteries and Battery Safety
00:21:19 Battery Charging Myths and Optimization Techniques
00:24:04 Importance of Battery Management Systems (BMS)
00:26:51 Primary vs. Secondary Batteries Explained
00:29:28 Comparing Performance: Alkaline vs Rechargeable Batteries
00:32:11 Impact of Temperature on Battery Performance
00:34:51 Optimizing Battery Performance in Extreme Cold
00:37:28 Lead Acid vs. Lithium Iron Phosphate: Battery Safety and Advancements
00:39:56 Optimizing Battery Performance in Electric Cars
00:42:36 Advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate Cells
00:45:24 Battery Regulations Impact and Safety Standards
00:48:05 Battery Safety and Standards in Consumer Electronics
00:50:49 Quality and Safety in Consumer Vs. Industrial Battery Cells
00:53:25 The Importance of Proper Battery Recycling
00:56:05 Lithium Iron Phosphate vs. Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries
00:59:51 Humor and Technology: Creating Engaging Content
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Today’s guest intersects two key areas for electronics manufacturers: circularity and inventory management.
"The cost of a component isn't just the cost of a component. It's the cost to the planet."
That's what Kenny McGee, chief executive of Component Sense, says. Component Sense is an Edinburgh, Scotland-based company that leads electronic manufacturers toward zero waste. It takes brand-new, perfectly good excess components and redistributes them to other manufacturers for use.
We talk about the market for recycled electronics, how major OEMs are circumventing European Union reuse and recycling laws, what companies can do with excess stock, and the horrific conditions at a reclaim dump in Agbogbloshie, Ghana, that inspired him to make a documentary.
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Today, we’re exploring a transformative topic: AI-based inspection technologies.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we detect, analyze, and address defects in the electronics assembly process, combining precision with unparalleled speed to unlock new possibilities for efficiency and reliability.
Our guest today is a leading innovator in this field. Priyansha Bagaria is the founder and CEO of Loopr AI, a company at the forefront of AI-powered solutions for manufacturing inspection.
She holds an MBA in International business and global management, a bachelor's of engineering degree in computer Science, and she held a fellowship in data science at Cornell University.
Her academic background, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, has positioned her as a trailblazer in applying AI to manufacturing processes.
In this episode, we’ll explore the advancements Loopr AI is spearheading, how AI inspection technologies are reshaping traditional methods, and the tangible benefits AI offers to manufacturers striving for excellence.
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
This is Part 2 of a new podcast in which guest Geoffrey Leeds of Leeds AI joins Matt Leary (Newgrange Design), Geoffrey Hazelett (FreedomCAD) and Mike Buetow (PCEA) to discuss the semiconductor/packaging/PCB technology stack and what over the next two to five years will have the biggest impact on the industry at the board level.
The conversation covers heterogeneous packaging, interposers, the density scale equation, silicon to systems, die desgregation, and photonics, among others.
Part 1 discusses the supply chain situation and how the industry can adapt.
Saturday Jan 25, 2025
Saturday Jan 25, 2025
Supply chain issues are rearing their ugly heads -- again -- with the latest blow the decision by Nippon Denkai to close and liquidate its copper foil manufacturing plant in Georgia, the last such factory in the United States.
In Part 1 of a two part podcast, Geoffrey Leeds of Leeds AI joins Matt Leary (Newgrange Design), Geoffrey Hazelett (FreedomCAD) and Mike Buetow (PCEA) to discuss the supply chain situation and how the industry can adapt.
Part 2 covers the semiconductor/packaging/PCB technology stack.
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Today, we’re diving into one of the most transformative innovations of our time: electric vehicles and the vast infrastructure needed to support their growth.
Joining host Mike Konrad is Brian O’Leary, global head of of e-Mobility & Infrastructure at Indium Corporation, a leading expert with deep insights into the electronic assembly industry and its critical role in the EV revolution.
As electric vehicles continue to redefine the future of transportation, the reliability and scalability of the infrastructure that powers them—particularly public EV charging stations—have become pivotal challenges.
The electronics assembly industry is at the heart of these systems, from the semiconductors enabling fast charging to the sensors ensuring safe and efficient operation. However, with nearly 26% of public EV charging stations estimated to be nonfunctional at any given time, reliability remains a significant hurdle.
This episode will explore the major reliability issues plaguing public EV charging stations, including power instability, component failures, and environmental challenges. How innovations in electronics design and assembly can address these challenges, from improving thermal management to leveraging advanced materials like those developed by soldering materials manufacturers.
The exciting opportunities for the electronics industry to lead the charge in building a more resilient, reliable, and efficient EV infrastructure.
Brian O’Leary brings a wealth of knowledge on how advanced materials, smart assembly techniques, and innovative designs can solve these pressing issues and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
Together, we’ll review the technical challenges, explore solutions, and look ahead to the bright future of electric mobility.
Chapters:
00:00:00 The Future of Transportation with Electric Vehicles
00:02:48 Fascination with Electric Vehicles
00:06:03 The Dilemma of Electric Vehicles: A Personal Story
00:09:12 Global Automotive Industry Trends
00:12:22 The Simplicity of EV Design vs. Combustion Engines
00:15:25 Notorious Tech Launch Strategies
00:18:22 Stress on Electric Vehicle Components
00:21:34 Differences in EV Charging Technology
00:24:23 Optimal Conditions for EV Battery Performance
00:27:15 Safety Debate: Lithium-ion Batteries vs. Gasoline Engines
00:30:28 The Evolution of Safer Battery Chemistries
00:33:45 Challenges with EV Charging Infrastructure
00:37:22 EV Charging Station Failures: Understanding the 26% Rate
00:40:30 Environmental Challenges for Electronics in Unusual Locations
00:43:32 Quality Control in Electronics Manufacturing
00:46:29 Tesla Charging Stations: Reliability and Self-Reporting
00:49:30 Challenges with Remote EV Charging Stations
00:52:35 Adoption of Tesla's Charging Standard in North America
00:55:41 Evolution of High-Reliability Alloys in Automotive
00:58:44 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles in Traffic Management
01:01:39 Future of Autonomous Transportation
01:04:42 Localization Trends in EV Manufacturing
01:07:43 The Promise of Flying Cars and Exponential Tech Growth
01:10:36 Introduction to Reliability Matters Podcast
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Sales of software for printed circuit board and multichip module design rose to a record $450 million in the third quarter ended in October, extending a growth streak that has seen only three down quarters in the past nine years, the ESD Alliance announced today.
Our guest Wally Rhines offers the latest data and analysis of the electronic design market, which saw strength in the Americas and Europe offsetting dips in Asia and Japan. He also offers comments on how the latest merger announcements (Synopsys-Ansys, Renesas-Altium, Siemens-Altair) might impact the data trends. And he discusses how funds from the Chips Act may (or may not) show up in future EDA sales.
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