Explore PCB East 2025 with Zach Peterson and Ethan Pierce as they break down this year's conference highlights, technical sessions, and emerging AI trends in PCB design. Discover why this industry event provides unparalleled networking opportunities with vendors, fabricators, and industry leaders that can transform your career in electronics design. PCB East offers something for everyone in the electronics industry - from design engineers to operations personnel. Learn about the latest AI tools ...
May 09, 2025•44 min•Ep. 298
In this enlightening episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with Jordan Danko, founder of FC Design Services, to explore the challenges and strategies of growing an electronics design consultancy. Jordan shares his journey from electrical engineer to business owner, revealing how he transitioned from corporate employment to entrepreneurship and the lessons learned while scaling his team. Discover valuable insights on managing client relationships, balancin...
Apr 22, 2025•46 min•Ep. 297
Dive into the cutting-edge world of high-current power distribution networks with Ben Dannan, founder of Signal Edge Solutions and DesignCon's Engineer of the Year. Ben shares invaluable insights on designing, modeling, and validating 2,000 amp power supplies for data center applications, exploring the challenges of current density requirements exceeding 100 amps per square centimeter, and the industry debate between vertical versus horizontal power delivery approaches. Learn how package design,...
Apr 21, 2025•42 min•Ep. 296
In this insightful OnTrack Podcast episode, Zach Peterson sits down with Kristen Aguiar, Training Developer at Altium, to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in PCB design: component libraries. Discover practical approaches to library management, learn about common pitfalls in footprint creation, and gain valuable insights on standardization from Kristen's extensive industry experience. From the complexities of managing library data to implementing effective processes and handling the "...
Apr 21, 2025•36 min•Ep. 295
Discover how to design innovative 3D structural electronics using Altium Designer with product manager Jack Henriques. Learn about printed electronics, 3D-MIDs, functional surfaces, and how to create circuits on three-dimensional substrates beyond traditional flat PCBs. Explore the toolset that lets you place components on curved surfaces, route traces along contours while maintaining consistent width, and develop complex multi-layer printed electronics. This episode of the OnTrack podcast demon...
Apr 20, 2025•43 min•Ep. 294
Inconsistent PCB libraries can lead to costly manufacturing errors and project delays. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, our guest Elizabeth Bustamante shares her expertise on PCB library standardization challenges and practical solutions for design teams. Join host Zach Peterson as he discusses with Elizabeth the importance of understanding library standards, verification processes, and how to properly evaluate third-party library sources. Learn valuable insights for maintaining co...
Apr 19, 2025•50 min•Ep. 293
Discover the complex landscape of PCB manufacturing in this insightful interview from the OnTrack Podcast with Greg Papandrew, Managing Director of DirectPCB. Learn how recent tariff changes are impacting the industry, why balancing cost and quality remains critical, and what options exist beyond China for PCB sourcing. Greg shares valuable strategies for navigating global supply chains and offers practical advice for designers looking to optimize their PCB designs for better manufacturing outco...
Apr 18, 2025•52 min•Ep. 292
Discover how the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) is revolutionizing electronics education through innovative training programs and university partnerships. In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Host Zach Peterson interviews PCEA President Mike Buetow shares insights on their mission to bridge the skills gap in PCB design, their partnership with Wayne State University, and the launch of the new PCB Detroit show. Learn about PCEA's certified training curriculum, their vision for A...
Apr 17, 2025•55 min•Ep. 291
IPC APEX 2025 is bringing unprecedented opportunities for electronics industry professionals to shape the future of manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, IPC President & CEO Dr. John Mitchell reveals how this event combines standards development, technical innovation, and powerful networking opportunities under one roof. Learn why both seasoned professionals and emerging engineers should attend this transformative industry gathering. From evolving workforce development initiatives to c...
Apr 16, 2025•33 min•Ep. 290
Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson as he chats with Tony Lentz, Chemist and Field Application Engineer with FCT Assembly, about the latest innovations in solder paste for ultra-high density interconnects (UHDI) and the challenges of working with smaller solder powder sizes. The pair also discusses the role of AI in electronics manufacturing and the future of PCB assembly. Tony brings his deep knowledge of materials science and the chemistry of electronics to this insightful discussion, providing...
Feb 04, 2025•52 min•Ep. 289
Discover the ideas behind the next generation of electronics engineers and the groundbreaking innovations they are driving. From designing circuits for space exploration to tackling challenges in PCB manufacturing, this video explores the journey today's young engineers undergo as they attempt to make their mark on advanced electronics. Join Paul Cooke, Director of Application Engineering at AGC Multi Materials, as he chats with host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson. Among other topics, the two exp...
Jan 31, 2025•40 min•Ep. 288
Explore the revolutionary advancements of Ultra HDI in PCB design and manufacturing. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Zach Peterson sits down with Tara Dunn, Director of Training and Education at SMTA, to discuss how UHDI is reshaping the PCB industry. Gain insights into its impact on design, fabrication, and assembly, and learn how to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field. **Highlights**: - The future of Ultra HDI in PCB manufacturing - Challenges and opportunities for PCB des...
Jan 30, 2025•42 min•Ep. 287
Welcome to Altium's OnTrack Podcast! In this episode, host Zach Peterson speaks with Sean Kincaid, President of K & F Electronics, about the complex realities of reshoring electronics manufacturing. Explore why reshoring is about more than just production and delve into the challenges of materials, equipment, and supply chain dependencies. Sean shares his firsthand experience with PCB manufacturing and insights into America's manufacturing industry. 🌟 Topics Covered: - Why IC reshoring alon...
Jan 29, 2025•46 min•Ep. 286
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Keith Hanna, an Independent Consultant in CAE/PLM, to discuss the evolution of cross-disciplinary integration in engineering software, focusing on CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) and EDA (Electronic Design Automation) industries. The conversation explores themes like AI's role in the future of engineering, recent trends in mergers and acquisitions, and the broader implications of these changes for engineers and dev...
Jan 28, 2025•38 min•Ep. 285
How does Denpaflux simplify EMC testing? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson interviews Reinhard Neureiter, CEO of Denpaflux, to explore their groundbreaking AI-powered tools for tackling EMI and EMC challenges. Learn why 70% (or maybe more) of designs fail EMC testing and how Denpaflux helps engineers fix critical issues faster, from optimizing board stackups to pinpointing high-priority EMI risks. Discover how this platform combines human expertise with AI to make...
Dec 16, 2024•43 min•Ep. 284
Component Sense is tackling the e-waste crisis head-on by redistributing excess, unused stock from major companies before it becomes waste. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, we talk with Kenny McGee, founder and CEO of Component Sense, about the hidden issues of electronic component disposal. Discover what happens to stockpiled electronics, why companies over-purchase components, and the innovative solutions that companies like Component Sense are implementing to reduce e-waste. Ken...
Nov 13, 2024•53 min•Ep. 283
In this special episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, filmed live at PCB West 2024, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson chats PCB design and manufacturing challenges with Neil Chamberlain, Product Specialist at Polar Instruments. Neil shares his expert insights into the evolving landscape of PCB design, discussing critical topics like substitute materials, copper roughness, and the benefits of using tools that bridge the communication gap between designers and fabricators. Discover how Polar Instrume...
Nov 02, 2024•11 min•Ep. 282
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson and Phillip Gulley, co-founder of @cofactr chat about the critical topics of counterfeit detection and supply chain risks in the electronics industry. Recorded live at PCB West 2024, Phillip shares Cofactr’s approach to managing procurement, logistics, and ensuring the authenticity of electronic components. Discover how Cofactr is helping companies tackle supply chain vulnerabilities by implementing rigorous counterfe...
Oct 31, 2024•14 min•Ep. 281
Unlock the power of Altium 365 with automated requirements management! In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Louise Linblad, VP of Product for Systems Engineering, and Gonçalo Ivo, Head of Product for Requirements & Systems Portal, to explore the revolutionary new tool for automating requirements within the Altium ecosystem. Discover how the Requirements & Systems Portal is designed to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and bring innovative s...
Oct 16, 2024•31 min•Ep. 280
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Mike Tucker explores the world of HDI and manufacturing clashes and shares invaluable insights from his years of experience as Director of Engineering and Technology at Millennium Circuits. If you’re a PCB designer facing challenges with HDI design, manufacturing processes, or transitioning your prototypes to high-volume production, this video is packed with expert advice just for you! Mike and host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson discuss the most com...
Oct 13, 2024•35 min•Ep. 279
Design for AI is at the forefront of the PCB design education revolution, driving a new era of innovation in how we approach electronics. In this episode of the Altium "OnTrack" podcast, Technical Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with John Watson, Altium's technical engineer and professor at Palomar Community College, to explore how AI is transforming the landscape of PCB design. Discover how partnerships, like the one between Altium and Mouser, are playing a pivotal role in educating a new ge...
Oct 10, 2024•36 min•Ep. 278
Explore how Altium Education is empowering the next generation of hardware designers in India and across the globe. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores scholarship opportunities, free training programs, and the partnership with Mouser Electronics to support students, particularly women, in the field of PCB design. Guests in this Episode: Rea Callendar, VP of Education at Altium, is a highly motivated results-oriented executive with an extens...
Sep 19, 2024•33 min•Ep. 277
Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson in this interview with Kris Moyer, an esteemed IPC instructor and seasoned PCB design expert. The pair cover a wide range of topics including IPC courses, PCB design practices, and advanced materials. Discover how IPC courses can elevate your PCB design skills, learn about best practices in high-speed digital design (as well as a few other types of design), and explore the challenges of working with advanced materials in the PCB industry. Key Topics Covered: - ...
Jul 30, 2024•43 min•Ep. 276
Join us on the Altium OnTrack podcast as Zach Peterson sits down with Eliyahu Davis, the lead engineer at Deepview AI. The two explore the future of AI vision systems in manufacturing. Discover how Deepview AI is revolutionizing factory automation with advanced deep-learning cameras. Key Takeaways: -The role of sci-fi-inspired vision systems in manufacturing. - Insights into Deepview AI’s groundbreaking products. - The impact of AI on factory automation and efficiency. - Eliyahu Davis’s backgrou...
Jul 30, 2024•47 min•Ep. 275
Discover how software-defined vehicles are revolutionizing the automotive industry! Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson in this episode of the OnTrack Podcast as he chats with Lenora Clark, Director of Autonomous Driving and Safety Technology at MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. The pair explore the latest advancements in autonomous driving, advanced automotive electronics, and the incredible technologies that are shaping the future of cars. From human-machine interfaces to EV charging infra...
Jul 30, 2024•42 min•Ep. 274
Welcome to the Altium "OnTrack Podcast," hosted by Zach Peterson. In this episode, we're joined by Joost Brilman, an EMC consultant and creator of the EMI Buster weekly email. Joost and Zach discuss the common pitfalls in electronics design, particularly with pre-certified modules, and how they can lead to EMI issues. Joost shares valuable tips for troubleshooting and preventing EMI problems, as well as insights into a career in EMC consulting. Key Topics: - Why pre-certified modules might not b...
Jul 25, 2024•40 min•Ep. 273
Welcome to the Altium OnTrack Podcast! Today, we are joined by Ethan Pierce, founder of Dodec Labs. He and host Zach Peterson explore the intricacies of thermal management in PCB design. If you’ve ever faced issues with overheating PCBs or want to enhance your PCB thermal design skills, this episode is a must-watch! Episode Highlights: Importance of early thermal problem identification Effective PCB THERMAL DESIGN and simulation techniques Real-world examples and lessons from PCB East Strategies...
Jun 26, 2024•41 min•Ep. 272
Explore the fascinating evolution of signal integrity in PCB design with industry expert Donald Telian. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, Donald delves into the differences between modern and old school signal integrity, sharing invaluable insights from his illustrious career. Learn about IBIS modeling, high-speed design, and the critical advancements that have shaped the industry.
Jun 20, 2024•48 min•Ep. 271
In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores the fascinating world of Edge AI and how Large Language Models (LLMs) fit into the picture with Jan Jongboom, co-founder of Edge Impulse. The two discuss the evolution from GPT-2 to GPT-4, the importance of edge computing, and the hardware requirements for running AI on edge devices. Discover how reducing the size of LLMs enables efficient deployment on edge devices, gain insights into the practical applic...
Jun 12, 2024•42 min•Ep. 270
Learn about the complexities of dielectric anisotropy and its implications for high-speed PCB designs in this week’s OnTrack podcast episode. Don't miss this engaging and informative discussion. Key Takeaways: Learn about the different dielectric constants in PCB materials. Discover how anisotropic properties affect transmission line modeling in PCB LAMINATES. Gain practical knowledge for achieving better signal integrity in your PCB designs The critical aspects of signal integrity in modern ele...
Jun 04, 2024•58 min•Ep. 269
