On the Line with..‪.‬ I-Connect007

Each circuit board is composed of a one-of-a-kind pattern of metal connections representing the specific design for that circuit. So, how do those unique features get mapped onto the board? Find out in this episode as Matt Stevenson paints a picture of the outer layer imaging process.

In this episode, we continue the theme of bringing more decision-making power to the design process. This time, we're talking with Supreeth Mannava about bringing more "power" (and "signal") to the electrical engineer.

Now it's time to start getting into the chemistry! In this episode, Matt Stevenson describes the first key step in turning design data into physical reality - preparing the circuit board substrate material for fabrication. It's not as straightforward as you might think.

Cadence's Brad Griffin joins us in this episode where we discuss how an intelligent system design methodology can move some signal and power integrity decision making into the physical design space, offering real-time feedback.

Nolan Johnson and Matt Stevenson continue down the manufacturing process, this time focusing on the post-lamination drilling process for PCBs. Matt and Nolan delve into the intricacies of the PCB drilling process, highlighting the importance of hole quality, drill parameters, and design optimization to ensure smooth manufacturing. The conversation covers topics such as drill bit sizes, aspect ratios, vias, challenges in drilling, and ways to enhance efficiency in the drilling department. The discussion also covers the critical relationship between design choices and manufacturing capabilities. Finally, they touch upon the subsequent steps of metalizing the drilled holes through an electrolysis process.

Patrick Davis returns to the podcast to talk about design rules. As design considerations become more and more complex, so too do the rulesets designers must abide by. But rather than seeing them as impossible sets of constraints, Davis shares a vision in which designers can maximize their creative efficiencies while relying on ever more complex design rules to keep everything straight.