PCB Chat

PCB Chat 137: The Q2 PCB Design Software Market

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. 

 

 

 

PCB Chat 136: Jim Rathburn on UDHI Using LCPs

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.

RM 152: High-Reliability Solder Paste Selection Best Practices

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

 

 

PCB Chat 135: Duncan Haldane of JITX

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.

RM 151: Optical Inspection System Best Practices

Two episodes ago, in RM 149, we talked all about automated optical inspection. Today we're exploring the impact of less automated inspection Technology, that being optical microscopes.

From commercial, class 1 electronics to high-reliability class 3 electronics, the intricate electronic devices we rely on daily are assembled with astonishing precision. This precision wouldn't be possible without the aid of advanced optical microscopes. These remarkable instruments allow technicians and engineers to inspect, analyze, and ensure the quality of electronic components down to the minutest detail.

In this episode, we'll uncover how optical microscopes have impacted electronic assembly, enhancing productivity, ensuring reliability, and driving innovation. 

One of the unique benefits microscopes provide, particularly in hand soldering applications, is the ability to view and solder the assembly under high magnification through the microscope. Obviously, this is not something any AOI system can perform.

But microscopes are not limited to soldering applications. One of the most critical applications of optical microscopes in the electronic assembly industry is the inspection of circuit assemblies for quality assurance. Circuit assemblies are the heart of many products, comprising numerous, highly miniaturized components and connections that must be flawlessly integrated. Even the smallest defect, such as a microscopic crack or an improperly soldered joint, can lead to significant malfunctions or failures.

Optical microscopes enable detailed inspection of these assemblies, allowing quality control professionals to identify and rectify issues that would be invisible to the naked eye. 

By providing high-resolution images and magnification, these microscopes help in detecting defects, ensuring correct alignment and polarity of components, and verifying the integrity of solder joints. This meticulous inspection process is crucial for maintaining the reliability and performance of electronic devices, ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction and, in many cases, safety.

We'll hear from two industry experts who will share insights on the latest technological advancements and how these tools are indispensable in maintaining the high standards of modern electronics. Nili Walp is marketing manager at Vision Engineering, a manufacturer of microscopes design for various industries, including the Electronics assembly industry, where she has worked for over eight years. Walp earned a bachelor's in communications from Boston University.

Richard Nagel is vice president of sales and marketing at Vision Engineering where he has worked for over 21 years. Nagel and Walp will share insights on the latest technological advancements and how these tools are indispensable in maintaining the high standards of modern electronics.

 
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Impact of Optical Microscopes on Electronic Assembly
00:02:18 - Latest Technological Advancements with Industry Experts.
00:04:49 - Vision Engineering's Origins and Innovations
00:07:40 - The Invention of the Boroscope
00:09:57 - The Importance of Magnification in Electronics Assembly
00:12:34 - Advancements in Microscope Technology
00:15:07 - The Game Changer in Microscopy: Eyeless Microscopes
00:17:34 - Ergonomic Advancements in Microscopy
00:20:06 - Advancements in Microscope Technology
00:22:29 - Applications of Microscope Technology
00:24:56 - Types of Microscopes in the Biological Sciences Industry
00:27:38 - Microscope Applications and Considerations
00:30:20 - The Value of Human Intuition in Inspection
00:33:06 - Common Challenges in Microscopy
00:35:52 - Illumination for Surface Texture 
00:38:30 - Common mistakes when purchasing microscopes
00:40:59 - Choosing the Right Microscope for Your Needs
00:43:35 - Microscope Illumination Techniques and Considerations
00:45:57 - Practical Magnification Levels in Electronics Industry
00:48:23 - Purchasing the Right Microscope
00:50:58 - Vision Goggles in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
00:53:43 - Demand for Technological Advancements in Younger Generations
00:56:19 - Ergonomics and Productivity in the Workplace
00:58:47 - Learn more about reliability matters podcast

RM 149: AOI and X-Ray Best Practices

In today's episode, we're exploring automated optical inspection (AOI) and x-ray inspection technology within the electronics assembly industry.

Joining Mike Konrad are two experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Joel Scutchfield is general manager of SMT and Semicon business operations & director of sales at Koh Young, manufacturers of automated inspection and precise measurement systems with its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, and R&D centers around the world. Scutchfield has been with Koh Young for just under 10 years.

Jesper Lykke is CEO at Viscom, a manufacturer of inspection technologies, in particular for AOI and x-ray inspection, with headquarters in Hanover, Germany and offices worldwide. Lykke has been with Viscom for 14 years.

Both Scutchfield and Lykke are widely considered subject matter experts on inspection technology.
In this episode, we'll delve into the principles and applications of AOI and x-ray inspection, discussing how these technologies are revolutionizing the electronic assembly industry. We'll explore the latest trends, challenges, best practices, and future directions, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how these inspection methods are critical to maintaining high standards in electronics manufacturing.

Whether you're an industry professional, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the intricacies of electronic assembly, this episode promises to offer valuable insights and expert perspectives on the inspection technologies that are driving both innovation and quality in the field. So, sit back, relax, and join us for an enlightening conversation about inspection technology. 

PCB Chat 134: Zachary Feuerstein on Supply Chain Management

Zachary Feuerstein founded his latest venture in 2022 after running into problems purchasing basic white goods and consumer electronics due to the post-Covid supply chain disruptions.

That company, Breadboard, was officially launched with the very modest goal of revolutionizing the electronics supply chain management industry.

Designed to automate and expedite BoM processing, optimize component spend, and automate quoting processes, the Breadboard platform now boasts more than 60 EMS customers.

Feuerstein joins PCB Chat host Mike Buetow to explain the platform and his "Eureka" moment.

 

RM 149: SMTA International 2024

Just like the famous line from the 1984 film, The Terminator, “I’ll be back,” SMTAI is back.

Back to the Chicago area. We’re back in Rosemont, co-located with the Assembly Show, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, October 20-24.  

Between SMTAI and the Assembly Show, there will be thousands of engineers and industry professionals in attendance.  The exhibit floor features hundreds of exhibitors showing off the latest technology. But the topic we're discussing today is the technical conference and other planned events taking place at this year’s SMTAI.  

This year, there are 11 scheduled professional development courses, about 100 technical presentations across seven technical tracks.

Joining Mike Konrad to discuss what’s in store for attendees is Jason Keeping, member of the SMTA Board where he is vice president of technical programs for SMTA. Jeff Kennedy, past SMTA president and director of the Manufacturing Excellence track, and Robert Boguski, member of the SMTA board where he is VP of membership and director of the Test and Inspection track.

RM 148: IPC Apex Special (Part 3 of 3)

This episode of Reliability Matters features three interviews including:

• Kimberly Fagan from PVA
• Taylor Wagan from CETEC ERP
• Neil Hubble from Akrometrix

Recorded live in Anaheim, CA, during IPC Apex Expo.

PCB Chat 133: Wally Rhines on the PCB Design Software Market

Wally Rhines returns to give the latest data and analysis on the printed circuit board and MCM design software market, and the broader electronic design automation market.

Rhines comments on the quarterly data released by the ESD Alliance, shifts in demand from India and China, seasonal buying trends, employment and more.

This episode is sponsored by PCB Way, celebrating its 10th anniversary as a leading supplier in electronics manufacturing, known for high-quality PCB prototypes and assembly services.