Ontrack With Judy Warner

In this enlightening episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson chats with Kunal Shah, PhD., President of liloTree. The two have a detailed conversation about the burgeoning field of Ultra High-Density Interconnects (UHDI) and its impact on the future of electronics. Kunal shares his insights on the latest in UHDI innovation, including its challenges and solutions in electronics manufacturing, especially in high-reliability applications such as defense and medical electronics. With a focus on the upcoming SMTA panel discussion, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the cutting-edge technologies shaping our world. Don't miss out on this deep dive into UHDI!   Key Highlights:  Overview of the various of Developments in UHDI Discussion of "Traditional" Plating Materials Nickel Vs. Copper Overplating Compensation? Can silver be an UHDI Alternative? More resources: Learn More about liloTree Check out this article about Ultra HDI PCB capabilities Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Acces

Explore the intersection of technology and sustainability with Tom Raftery, an independent consultant and host of the Climate Confident and Sustainable Supply Chain podcasts, on this episode of the OnTrack Podcast with Zach Peterson.    Dive deep into the evolving world of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), exploring how advancements in IoT, AI, and sustainable practices are reshaping supply chains and business strategies. Join Tom and Zach as they explore the critical role of transparency, auditability, and regulation in driving forward sustainable innovation and corporate responsibility.    Key Highlights Tom Raftery's Introduction: Gain insights into Tom Raftery's expertise and perspective on sustainability. Corporate Concern: Explore the question of whether companies are genuinely demonstrating concern for sustainability. Procurement & Sourcing: Delve into the critical role of procurement and sourcing in sustainability efforts. Transparency Importance: Understand the significance of transparency

Explore the intersection of Global Innovation Policy and the CHIPS Act with Stephen Ezell, VP of Global Innovation Policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), in this insightful episode of the OnTrack Podcast.  Hosted by Tech Consultant Zach Peterson, this discussion delves into the complexities of navigating the Chinese market, the principles of comparative advantage, and the critical role of policy in fostering technological self-sufficiency. Discover how the CHIPS Act aims to bolster the electronics industry and innovation within the global tech landscape.    Key Highlights: ITIF's Role and Background: Explore the foundation and mission of ITIF, shedding light on its significance in policy discourse. Hardware vs. Software in Policy: Delve into the nuances of hardware and software considerations for policymakers, shaping discussions on technological advancement and regulation. CHIPS and Science Act: Examine ITIF's involvement in the CHIPS and Science Act, emphasizing its implicati

On this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we welcome Phil Marcoux, Advisor to the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA). Phil is gearing up for a fascinating webinar on AI in the electronics industry, so we thought we'd chat with him about what sees as the most potentially transformative aspects of this revolution in the electronics space. Listen/watch to discover how Innovations in AI are transforming the electronics industry, reshaping everything from design to production. Phil and host, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson, explore real-world applications, the importance of data for AI's success, and how the industry is moving towards a more interconnected and intelligent (pun intended) future.   Key Highlights AI & Electronics Design: Explores the symbiotic relationship between artificial intelligence and electronics design, highlighting how AI is revolutionizing the field. Are We in an AI Bubble?: Raises critical inquiry into whether the current surge in AI development constitutes a bubble, prompting

Today we're diving head-first into Altium's New Constraint Manager with Andy Critcher, Director at Total Board Solutions. This revolutionary feature is designed to streamline and optimize the process of applying design constraints across multiple nets, making it easier and more intuitive than ever.   If you're dealing with high-voltage designs, complex multi-layer boards, or simply looking to enhance productivity, the new Constraint Manager offers a suite of tools that promise to elevate your design workflow.   Join Andy and host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson as they chat the ins and outs of this innovative feature, including industry responses, practical applications, and a detailed exploration of how it can simplify your design process.   Key Highlights: Andy's Background: Insight into Andy's experience and expertise in the industry. Advice for Young People Entering the Industry: Key advice for newcomers navigating the field. Fusion of EE and PCB Layout Positions? Discussion on the evolving roles within the

In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we chat with Dr. Preeya Kuray, a renowned material scientist at AGC Multi Materials. Dr. Kuray and Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explore some of the latest developments in the PCB industry, as well as a few material science innovations. Dr. Kuray shares her insights on the evolving landscape of printed circuit boards and the groundbreaking material science developments shaping the future of electronics.  From discussing AGC's pioneering work in low-loss copper-clad laminates and RF materials to exploring the potential of glass in chip packaging, this episode offers a glimpse of where the industry is headed.  Check out this episode for discussions on the synergy between PCB design and material science, the impact of legislative measures like the CHIPS Act on the industry, and the future projects AGC is spearheading to drive technological advancements. 

Scott McMorrow, Strategic Technologist for Signal Integrity Products at Samtec Inc. who's well-renowned for his expertise in signal integrity, discusses revolutionary techniques in PCB design on this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast.   We delve into Scott's journey in the electronics industry, his approach to overcoming complex PCB layout challenges, and his predictions for the future of signal integrity in PCBs. Learn how Scott's methods are transforming the way designers approach PCB layouts, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.   Join host Zach Peterson as they explore Scott's influential work at Samtec, his experience in consulting, and the innovative strategies that earned him a nomination for Engineer of the Year at DesignCon.  

In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we explore the innovative BOM Portal in Altium 365, a cutting-edge tool transforming PCB design and electronic development. Tech Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with Ananth Avva, General Manager at Altium's Cloud Platform, and Damir Khayrutdinov, Product Manager at Altium, to discuss the tool.  Altium's BOM Portal, compared to ActiveBOM, offers a seamless and efficient approach to managing bill of materials (BOM) throughout the product lifecycle. We dive deep into the capabilities and features of the BOM Portal, including its integration with various CAD tools and its role in streamlining design-to-realization processes. Learn from our guests about the trends and challenges in electronics development and how Altium Designer 24's BOM Portal addresses these issues.  Key Highlights Discussion on trends in electronics development Reasons for building the BOM Portal on Altium 365 Challenges in BOM management and how the BOM Portal addresses them Insights into the relatio

In a captivating 2023 year-end review, Zach Peterson hosts a compelling discussion with Gene Weiner, President of Weiner International Associates, exploring the dynamic landscapes of manufacturing in Mexico, India, and the burgeoning field of Ultra High-Density Interconnects (UHDI). Discover the nuances of electronics manufacturing in China, where resources seamlessly integrate into the supply chain, contrasted with Mexico's DIY approach and India's promising advancements fueled by resolutions and government backing, ultimately surpassing Mexico in certain aspects.   Key Highlights: Insights into Trade and Manufacturing in Mexico: Delve into the intricate details of Mexico's manufacturing landscape, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities in this key region. Exploring Broader Trends in India: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving trends shaping the electronics manufacturing sector in India, highlighting key developments and advancements. Comparing India's Model to Chinese and Mexican Ap

Listen to the latest episode of OnTrack to hear a round up of the key PCB design trends from 2023. Explore themes such as evolving manufacturing dynamics, including shifts closer to the United States and Europe, influencing future innovations. Dive into the world of packaging design advancements and emerging trends such as robotic vision and new tools shaping the future of PCB design and the broader electronics market.

Explore the world of harness design with Michał Topolski, product manager at Altium, in this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast. Learn about the two main aspects of harness design—multi-board and harness design itself—and how they are interconnected. Michał delves into the integration with MCAD tools, the importance of data integrity, and the positive user reactions during the open beta phase. Discover the features and improvements in harness design and get a sneak peek into what the future holds for this tool.   Key Highlights: Multi-Board & Harness Design: Explore the synergy between multi-board and harness design, unraveling the interconnected world of these crucial aspects. Harness Design Overview: Gain insights into the fundamentals of harness design, delving into the significance of BOM and the development rationale. Hands-On with Harness Design: Take a closer look at the practical aspects of harness design, understanding its physical dimensions and the seamless integration with Altium Designer.

Explore the transformative world of 3D MID design in the OnTrack Podcast as Altium's Jack Henriques and Harting's Michael Mross discuss Altium's cutting-edge 3D routing tool. Gain insights into the vast potential of molded interconnect devices (MIDs) across industries and stay updated on the future of PCB design.

Dive into the future of collaborative PCB design with Altium's latest feature, the PCB CoDesign tool in AD24! In this exciting episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, our host, Zach Peterson, sits down with Wojciech Łaś, Product Manager at Altium, to explore the ins and outs of this innovative tool. Discover how the PCB CoDesign tool allows multiple designers to work on the same PCB layout simultaneously, extending Altium's version control system. Learn about the compare and merge tool, a game-changer for detecting, comparing, and resolving conflicts in PCB layout files. Wojciech shares insights into the challenges of coordinating work among multiple designers and strategies to optimize the collaborative workflow. Get a sneak peek into the future roadmap, including upcoming features like merge requests and improved conflict prevention. Find out how Altium's approach differs from real-time collaboration tools and the advantages of asynchronous collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned Altium user or exploring th

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, join host Zach Peterson as he sits down with Lorenzo Conti, Founder and Managing Director of Crover. Discover how Crover is making waves in agriculture with their pioneering locomotion technology in granular materials.  From swimming through bulk solids to monitoring grain storage conditions, Lorenzo sheds light on how Crover's robot is transforming the grain storage market. Learn about the social and environmental impact, reducing losses, preventing infestations, and improving the overall efficiency of the grain supply chain. If you're interested in the intersection of robotics, hardware, and agritech, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to explore the future of sustainable agriculture and the exciting innovations happening at Crover.  Watch this episode here Show Highlights: 0:00 Intro 0:59 What Crover Does 2:33 Background in Farming? 3:48 Why Pursue Robotics in This Area? 6:11 Bad Storage and Losses 7:50 Other Markets and Food Products 8:58 Huge Potential 9

Join us on this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast as we sit down with David Schild, Executive Director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA). In this insightful conversation, David shares the mission of PCBAA, its role in advocating for domestic printed circuit board manufacturers, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the industry. Discover the fascinating world of printed circuit boards and substrates as David talks about the diverse members of PCBAA, ranging from woven glass producers to drilling equipment manufacturers. Get a glimpse into the innovative world of PCBAA through David's discussion of the association's impactful business cards and the importance of physical materials in conveying industry priorities. Explore the conversation about the state of the industry, workforce challenges, and the need for sustainable growth. David sheds light on the role of automation in manufacturing facilities and the vital connection between education, advocacy, and legislation in

In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, our host Zach Peterson sits down with Geoffrey Leeds, the founder of Leeds Engineering and Data Science. If you've ever wondered how production managers react to integrating data science into production operations, or if the term "data-driven decision-making" has piqued your interest, you're in for a treat. Geoffrey shares his journey from his time at Insulectro to venturing out to help companies embrace data science. The discussion dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of applying data science in manufacturing, with a focus on improving decision-making and efficiency. In a candid conversation, Geoffrey and Zach explore the misconceptions and hurdles faced by production managers when introduced to the world of data science. From the fear of complexity to concerns about cost and implementation, they tackle the real-world issues that arise when trying to bridge the gap between manufacturing and data science. Whether you're a seasoned professional in the field o

Today we are joined by Mohamed Badawy, Founder & CEO of Scalvy Inc. He and Zach have a fascinating conversation about Modamed's company, Scalvy, and its innovative powertrain technology. As a part of this chat, the two cover how long it takes to introduce new concepts to the market, how Scalvy's tech works, AI integration, and much more. Watch this episode here 0:00 Intro 0:55 Mohamed & Scalvy's Background 2:35 Mohamed's Research 8:14 It Takes Time to Explain a Concept 10:47 Modularization & Competitive Advantage 13:41 Safety, Reliability, & Auto Makers 19:05 Automotive Powertrain Standardization? 22:27 Creating the Powertrain Standard 23:15 Maintenance Costs? 25:00 What Happens with the Powertrain 27:08 AI Integration? 30:33 Aerospace Industry 34:14 Marine and Agricultural Vehicles?

Today we are joined by Dan Beaulieu, founder and owner of Db Management Group. He and Zach chat about the PCB industry's broad marketing trends including how it's stuck in the past, the declining trade show industry, how sales reps can stay relevant, and much more. Watch this episode here 0:00 Intro to Dan Beaulieu 5:48 Sales & Marketing Stuck in the Past 9:14 Impacts of the Domestic PCB Base 12:59 Is the Trade Show Method Going Away? 16:45 How do Reps Stay Relevant? 19:27 Focusing on Younger Designers 24:30 How Manufacturers Stand Out from the Competition 28:42 Designers and Board Shop Conflicts 31:42 Importance of Touring Shops 33:36 Capital Investment and PCB Shops 38:51 Focus on the Customer's Need, Then Provide It  

Today we are joined by Paul Durand-Estèbe, Lead Electronic Developer at Metyos. He and Zach have a fascinating conversation about how Metyos is contributing to the future of wearable medical devices. They focus on Metyos's groundbreaking wearable glucose monitoring tech, the medical field's emergent wearables trend, and much more.   0:00 Intro 1:33 Intro to Paul and Metyos 2:56 A Lesser Invasive Glucose Monitoring Device 5:08 Better Monitoring Faster 8:14 Bad Glucose Monitoring Leads to Disastrous Results 10:52 Potential Chronic Health Monitoring Systems 13:33 Why Start with Kidney Disease? 16:36 From Monitoring to Administering Medication? 18:01 Scaling Challenges (Cutout a minute before this) 22:36 Proving the Effectiveness of the Device 26:54 What Does the Manufacturing Look Like? 31:37 Initial Response to Metyos 35:56 Doctors Receiving Real-time Data

In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we have a chat with Benjamin Dannan, a defense & aerospace contractor. We talk about power integrity, high amps, quality reports, vendor models, the importance of verification, and much more.  Watch this episode Episode Highlights: Intro Ben's Background Power Integrity Considerations Vendor Models Quality & Accuracy Trust & Verify File Density Challenges Die (integrated circuit) Models & Packages "It's Easy to Miss Things."  Lost in the Translation Ask for Quality Reports 2,000 Amp Challenges Links and Resources: Watch Recent Related Episodes PCB Packaging & the Future of Manufacturing The Impact of the Defense Sector in the Electronic Industry Ecosystem Read Related Articles: Designing for Military and Aerospace Embedded Systems Applications Advantages of Flexible Circuits for Space Applications Connect with Benjamin Dannan on LinkedIn EDI CON Online 2023