In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Lukas Henkel from Open Visions Technology to explore two groundbreaking open source projects: an open source laptop and an alternative to the Raspberry Pi CM4 module. Discover the latest advancements in OPEN SOURCE hardware and learn how these innovative projects are pushing the boundaries of DIY computing. Episode Highlights: Webcam Design: challenges and innovations in designing an open-source webcam for laptops. ...
May 29, 2024•43 min•Ep. 268
Welcome to the OnTrack Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the vibrant electronics culture with special guests Inga Woods-Waight and Joel Higgins from the Circuit Pulse Show. Discover how they are making ELECTRONICS CULTURE and tech fun and accessible, engaging younger audiences, and revolutionizing educational content in the electronics industry. If you're passionate about electronics design and want to stay updated on industry trends, this episode is a must-watch! Key Takeaways: • PCB ...
May 21, 2024•34 min•Ep. 267
Join host Zach Peterson on The OnTrack Podcast as he has a fascinating conversation with Greg Bailey, President of GreenArrays, Inc. Discover the innovative ways technology is advancing towards a more energy-efficient future. In this episode, we explore the impact of IoT and AI on energy consumption, the challenges of power management in tech, and the solutions that are shaping a sustainable world. Episode Highlights: The role of IoT in leading toward an ENERGY EFFICIENT TECH FUTURE. Insights in...
May 14, 2024•55 min•Ep. 266
Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson on this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast where EMC troubleshooting expert Min Zhang explores the complexities of measuring ground in electronic systems using both voltage and current methods. With his profound expertise and practical insights, Min provides a comprehensive breakdown of the techniques and tools necessary for accurate measurements, especially in high-power applications. Episode Highlights: In this episode you'll learn: The impact of frequency...
May 07, 2024•42 min•Ep. 265
On this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson welcomes Anton Tishchenko, aka Dr. EMC on YouTube. The two explore the intricacies of EMC design, certification, and compliance. They chat about various aspects of EMC testing, common mistakes in PCB design, AI-integration, and how modules and antennas play a huge role in EMC compliance. Anton also shares his journey into EMC, how to approach design testing effectively, and insights into his fascinating PhD research. Key Highl...
May 01, 2024•41 min•Ep. 264
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Jan Vardaman, president and founder of TechSearch International. With decades of experience in semiconductor packaging, Jan shares her expert insights into the global semiconductor industry, focusing on the shift away from Asia for advanced manufacturing and the critical need for an integrated supply chain in the U.S. This episode not only highlights the technological and industrial shifts in semiconductor packaging...
Apr 23, 2024•31 min•Ep. 263
In this information-packed episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores PCB simulation with Yuriy Shlepnev, the President and Founder of Simberian Inc. This detailed discussion focuses on how modern simulation tools are revolutionizing the industry and includes an exclusive Simbeor® demo that you won't want to miss. To begin, Yuriy shares his extensive knowledge of electromagnetic analysis and signal integrity, exploring how these critical factors influence PCB design i...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 262
In this captivating episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson chats about storytelling in electronics design with Benjamin Kitzinger, the visionary Producer and Director behind @AltiumStories . Zach and Ben explore the heartbeat of innovation by detailing stories of engineers and innovators who've shaped the electronics industry with their passion and perseverance. Discover how a hacker mindset led to groundbreaking technological advancements and hear firsthand accounts ...
Apr 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 261
In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores the revolutionary world of Ultra HDI with Chrys Shea, President of Shea Engineering. The two unveil the future of PCB soldering and miniaturization, shedding light on the intricate challenges ahead and breakthroughs just on the horizon. Chrys, renowned for her expertise, shares invaluable insights into developing test vehicles for soldering and navigating the complexities of Ultra HDI assembly. This conversation ...
Apr 02, 2024•47 min•Ep. 260
In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson speaks with Cory Blaylock, Director of Workforce Partnerships at IPC, in a profound discussion on the looming generational gap within the PCB design and electronics manufacturing spaces, as well as what those industries might be able to do about it. As one generation of seasoned experts nears the end of their careers, the urgency to cultivate a new wave of talent becomes ever more critical. This episode delves deep into the challenges an...
Mar 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 259
In this episode of The OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson chats with the co-founders of Valispace, Louise Lindblad and Marco Witzmann. Valispace is revolutionizing the engineering world by transforming system design tools, making them more efficient, connected, and capable of handling the complex requirements of today's engineering challenges. Learn how, from satellite engineering to the intricate demands of aerospace and beyond, Valispace's unique approach empowers engineers to buil...
Mar 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 258
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 foc...
Mar 12, 2024•45 min•Ep. 257
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, a...
Mar 05, 2024•46 min•Ep. 256
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 Ac...
Feb 27, 2024•49 min•Ep. 255
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...
Feb 21, 2024•39 min•Ep. 254
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 desi...
Feb 13, 2024•40 min•Ep. 253
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 cop...
Feb 06, 2024•26 min•Ep. 252
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 layout...
Jan 29, 2024•53 min•Ep. 251
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...
Jan 25, 2024•36 min•Ep. 250
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 a...
Jan 10, 2024•44 min•Ep. 249
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.
Dec 20, 2023•13 min•Ep. 248
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 h...
Dec 12, 2023•30 min•Ep. 247
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.
Dec 08, 2023•33 min•Ep. 246
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-ch...
Nov 28, 2023•28 min•Ep. 245
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...
Nov 15, 2023•36 min•Ep. 244
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...
Nov 15, 2023•37 min•Ep. 243
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 cha...
Nov 01, 2023•55 min•Ep. 242
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 Modularizati...
Oct 24, 2023•36 min•Ep. 241
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 Younge...
Oct 12, 2023•44 min•Ep. 240
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...
Oct 03, 2023•40 min•Ep. 239
