In this episode of The EEcosystem Podcast , Judy Warner catches up with legendary power integrity expert Steve Sandler, founder of Picotest, fresh off a European tour of PCIM and the IEEE SPI conference. They dive deep into the unprecedented pace of AI-driven innovation, its impact on power systems and thermal management, and how engineers can stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing landscape. Steve shares practical advice for engineers—young and seasoned—on building intuition, finding men...
Jun 10, 2025•43 min•Ep. 103
In this episode of The EEcosystem Podcast, Judy Warner sits down with Steve Hillerich, Product Manager at Samtec, to explore the breakthrough potential of Glass Core Technology (GCT). Discover how Samtec is redefining high-speed interconnects, miniaturization, and system integration by controlling every aspect of glass substrate development—from TGV drilling to RDL patterning. Plus, get a sneak peek at Samtec’s upcoming demos at IMS and their exciting work on a Process Design Kit (PDK) for custo...
Jun 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 102
In this conversation, Eli Hughes discusses his journey as a “full-stack hardware engineer” and his work with NXP as a technical content creator. He discusses how he’s leveraged the NXP FRDM (Freedom) development platform and the importance of hands-on learning in engineering education. He emphasizes the accessibility of modern development tools and their impact on both students and professionals in the field. The conversation also covers various applications and use cases for FRDM and other open...
May 13, 2025•34 min•Ep. 101
In this special 100th episode, Judy Warner welcomes Dr. Eric Bogatin to celebrate and share an exciting announcement: the launch of Transmission Lines 101 , the first course in The EEcosystem Electronics Masterclass series. Thanks to sponsors Rohde & Schwarz and Polar Instruments, this foundational course is offered FREE to engineers worldwide. Tune in to learn more about the Masterclass vision, what the course offers, and what’s ahead for The EEcosystem community. 🤝Join The EEcosystem Comm...
Apr 29, 2025•24 min•Ep. 100
Sean Patterson, CTO of Summit Interconnect, joins Judy Warner to explore how AI is transforming PCB manufacturing and design engineering. They discuss industry challenges, workforce adaptation, and how AI can drive collaboration and innovation. Sean also introduces CrossGen.ai, his new online community designed to help engineers and tech professionals navigate the future of AI-driven work. 🤝Join The EEcosystem Community for more free engineering resources and member-only benefits at https://the...
Apr 28, 2025•42 min•Ep. 99
In this fast-paced episode, we explore how engineering teams can keep up with the breakneck speed of innovation driven by an explosion of new technologies that leverage digital twins, and virtual prototyping. Roberto Piacentini Filho of Keysight shares insights on the evolving role of design engineers in an era where innovation is faster—and cheaper than ever before. If you're navigating workflow choices, tool overload, or seeking clarity on data integration—from electrical to EMI—this episode o...
Apr 15, 2025•33 min•Ep. 97
In this episode, Cofactr CEO, Matthew Haber, unpacks the growing challenges engineers face in today’s volatile electronics supply chain. From rising tariffs and unpredictable trade policies to the critical need for tracking Country of Origin (COO), engineers are now key players in managing risk and cost. We explore how “tariff stacking” can drive up component costs overnight—and how Cofactr’s platform helps hardware teams make faster, smarter sourcing decisions. If you’re designing electronics a...
Apr 01, 2025•33 min•Ep. 96
In this conversation, Judy Warner and Matt Burns dive into the real-world challenges engineers face as data rates push past 224 Gbps and AI strains data center infrastructure. They break down the copper vs. fiber tradeoffs, why optical solutions are becoming critical for longer distances, and how midboard optics offer better flexibility than front panel options. Matt also covers how PCIe and CXL are evolving to support AI workloads and why modular system designs are key to future-proofing networ...
Mar 18, 2025•24 min•Ep. 95
In this conversation, Judy Warner and Donald Telian discuss the upcoming Signal Integrity and Practice class that will be held in Silicon Valley in May 2025. They highlight the class’s unique aspects, the evolution of signal integrity from Gen 1 to Gen 2, and the importance of hands-on learning for engineers. They share feedback from previous classes, emphasizing the value of practical knowledge combined with hands-on learning and post-class “office hours.” Episode Links: Register for Telian’s c...
Mar 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 94
In this conversation, Olaf Hichwa, co-founder of Neros Technologies, discusses the company's mission to mass-produce defense drones and the journey that led him from drone racing to the defense industry. He emphasizes the importance of vertical integration in manufacturing, the challenges and opportunities faced by the company, and the future prospects of the drone industry. The discussion highlights Neros' innovative approach to creating unmanned systems that could change the very nature of mod...
Mar 05, 2025•18 min•Ep. 93
Hardware engineers depend heavily on a secure and resilient US supply chain to support product innovation and protect mission-critical technologies domestically. In this episode, David Schild, Executive Director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, joins us to share what’s currently happening in the industry and on Capitol Hill to ensure Congress understands the critical need for a more robust US microelectronics supply chain, at the PCB, packaging, and materials level. 🤝Join Th...
Feb 26, 2025•21 min•Ep. 92
Listen to this conversation with Judy Warner and Eric Bogatin as he shares insights ahead of DesignCon 2025, exploring advancements in interconnects, solutions to power distribution and thermal management challenges, and opportunities for engineers to grow. Don’t miss this engaging discussion, packed with resources and strategies to help you grow and thrive as a professional engineer! Episode Links: Eric Bogatin, DesignCon 2025 Presentations https://dcon25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/explore/session-gal...
Jan 28, 2025•22 min•Ep. 91
In this conversation, Judy Warner and Roberto Piacentini Filho discuss the latest technology trends, particularly AI, and its impact on design engineering. Roberto shares insights on how Keysight empowers innovation at the chip and systems level for emerging AI and data center technologies. He also discusses the challenges of scaling up AI and the importance of virtual prototyping. They also highlight the demonstrations and educational sessions at DesignCon, emphasizing the need for effective to...
Jan 24, 2025•24 min•Ep. 90
Judy Warner chats with Steven M. Sandler, Heidi, and Benjamin Dannan about what’s ahead at DesignCon 2025. They dive into tackling 2000-amp power systems, solving power and signal integrity challenges, and why collaboration drives innovation. Plus, hear about Ben’s new venture, Signal Edge Solutions, and the systems-based strategies reshaping hardware engineering. Don’t miss this must-listen for forward-thinking engineers! 📘 Visit The EEcosystem Website receive a free 90-day subscription to 200...
Jan 23, 2025•44 min•Ep. 89
In this second installment of our special DesignCon pregame podcast series, Judy Warner and Suzanne Deffree, Group Event Director of Informa, discuss the upcoming DesignCon 2025, celebrating its 30th anniversary. They explore the event's significance, who should attend, the educational opportunities available, and the various events planned. Suzanne shares insights into the keynote speakers and the importance of networking within the engineering community, emphasizing the value to both establish...
Jan 22, 2025•14 min•Ep. 88
Welcome to episode one of our DesignCon 2025 Pre-Game Tailgate Party Series! Today’s guest is Matthew Burns of Samtec. We discuss the upcoming DesignCon 2025 and the emerging technologies and trends that will be featured at the show–mostly focused on the rapid technological advancements driven by AI and the current challenges and opportunities engineers will face this year. 🤝Join The EEcosystem Community for more free engineering resources and member-only benefits at https://theeecosystem.com E...
Jan 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 87
In this special edition of The EEcosystem Podcast Onsite Insights, Judy Warner is on location at EMD Electronics in San Diego. She is joined by Krishna Arangode of Kaisen Analytix and Venky Sundaram of 3D System Scaling LLC. Together they discuss ways that the Semiconductor industry is exploring ways to leverage modern AI-driven data analytics to increase productivity and value for both hardware engineers and the entire design and development ecosystem. 🤝Join The EEcosystem Community for more f...
Jan 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 86
In this conversation, David Schild, the executive director of the Printed Circuit Board Association America (PCBAA) gives a post-election update on the organization’s continuing efforts to expand congressional to support and strengthen the US PCB supply chain. He discusses the critical implications for both professional engineers and the electronics industry. Additionally, he discusses upcoming opportunities with a new incoming 119th Congress in 2025, including early efforts to secure a 25% tax ...
Dec 18, 2024•19 min•Ep. 84
In this conversation, Shane Whiteside, President and CEO of Summit Interconnect, discusses the current state of the PCB industry, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities for growth. He emphasizes the importance of a resilient supply chain, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions and the lessons learned from COVID-19. Shane also highlights the role of design engineers in ensuring the reliability of PCBs and the advocacy efforts of the Printed Circuit Board Association of Americ...
Dec 17, 2024•21 min•Ep. 85
In this conversation, Phillip Gulley, Co-founder of CoFactor, discusses how engineers can benefit from Cofactr’s enhanced supply chain risk management and traceability through AI and data-driven solutions. He highlights the importance of cross-functional visibility, compliance, and proactive management in critical aerospace, defense, and medical technology industries. Episode Links Cofactr Website Space News Investment announcment Sponsor Links 📘 Visit The EEcosystem Website receive a free 90-d...
Dec 13, 2024•33 min•Ep. 83
In this episode, Collin Stoner, co-owner of Zenode.ai, shares how his frustration with tedious component searches led to an AI-powered tool for engineers. After designing over 250 PCBs, he and his co-founder created Zenode.ai to streamline workflows and save time, while retaining engineering judgment and intuition in their designs. Built by engineers for engineers, this tool uses AI and NLP to eliminate repetitive tasks and boost productivity. Don’t miss this game-changing innovation that is FRE...
Dec 10, 2024•25 min•Ep. 82
In this conversation, Richard Duvall and Roberto Piacentini Filho from Keysight EDA discuss the transformative impact of AI and machine learning on design engineering. They explore the implications and integration of AI-assisted tools in workflows, the implications for 5G and 6G design, the importance of AI infrastructure, and the power integrity challenges in data centers. Keysight EDA 2025 launch event is on December 3, 2024, and will feature a closer look into the subjects discussed in this p...
Dec 02, 2024•30 min•Ep. 81
In this conversation, Breadboard CEO Zachary Feuerstein discusses the innovative AI-enabled supply chain platform designed to streamline the procurement process for engineers and manufacturers. He highlights the challenges faced in the electronic supply chain and the solutions offered by integrating AI and LLMs to structure data, creating unique features that set Breadboard apart from competitors. The discussion also addresses industry skepticism regarding automation in engineering and presents ...
Nov 26, 2024•26 min•Ep. 80
In this conversation, Antonio Becerra Esteban of CELUS discusses the integration of AI in hardware design workflows, focusing on how the CELUS design platform is freeing up hours for design engineers. We talk honestly about the challenges and opportunities AI presents for designers, particularly for component search and schematic design. The CELUS free tool and platform integrate with Altium, Eagle, and KiCAD. It will soon announce integration with another leading CAD tool! 🤝Join The EEcosystem...
Nov 21, 2024•29 min•Ep. 79
Valentina Ratner, co-founder of AllSpice.io, talks about their game-changing platform for hardware engineers. She discusses how it streamlines design reviews, version control, and team collaboration, all powered by AI. Valentina explains how their "GitHub for hardware" tool boosts productivity, reduces errors, and allows engineers to focus on innovation. Perfect for teams ready to modernize their workflow using their existing tech stack. Join The EEcosystem community for more free engineering co...
Nov 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 78
This week on The EEcosystem, David Lane brings 30 years of design engineering and PCB assembly expertise to the table. He dives into the critical differences between prototypes and NPI, sharing tips to get it right early in development. Plus, discover how to harness the power best-in-class DfA and collaborating with your assembly partner early in your design process. Don’t miss this blend of experience and innovation! 📘 Register on The EEcosystem Website to receive a free 90-day subscription to...
Nov 06, 2024•22 min•Ep. 77
In this conversation, Judy Warner and Alex Ippich of Isola discuss the evolving landscape of high-speed digital (HSD) and RF engineering, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and collaboration early in the design. They explore the challenges posed by the convergence of these fields, the role of digital tools in facilitating collaboration, and innovations in laminate materials that enhance design flexibility. Show Links: Isola Website: https://www.isola-group.com/ Isola Resource ...
Oct 24, 2024•28 min•Ep. 76
Most factors that affect Signal Integrity are well-understood by many professional engineers. However, a whole new paradigm shift has emerged over the last twenty years as SI has moved ICs. SI Expert, Donald Telian has helped hundreds of engineers and companies working on thousands of designs around the globe to learn how to solve signal integrity in this new era of SI. Now, Telian is partnering with The EEcosystem to share this knowledge in a series of Masterclass LIVE workshops that are availa...
Sep 13, 2024•29 min•Ep. 75
In this conversation, Steve Sandler discusses the upcoming DesignCon event and the sessions and presentations he will be giving. He also talks about the new products Picotest has developed for the emerging trend of 2000 amps in data centers and AI. Steve explains the challenges in designing and testing at these power levels and the innovations Picotest has made in cooling and load cells. He emphasizes the importance of the ecosystem and resolving knowledge gaps to keep up with increasing demands...
Sep 13, 2024•15 min•Ep. 74
Simon Rance, Director of Product Management at Keysight, discusses process data management and PLM solutions for enterprise hardware silicon and semiconductor design. He explains the differences between data management for hardware and software design, highlighting the need for specialized solutions in the hardware design world. Rance also discusses the importance of traceability and security in data management, particularly in industries like automotive and military aerospace. Simon's Full Pres...
Sep 13, 2024•22 min•Ep. 73
