Printed Circuit Siemens Digital Industries Software

Simply put, when it comes to PCB design software, design automation is the automation of specific tasks throughout your PCB design process. There are many functions or processes within PCB design that can be automated. But as much as benefits, there are typical roadblocks that you’ll see when moving toward design automation, such as having less control of the design and PCB designers being unfamiliar with the automated functions available within their PCB design tool. 

I’m your host, Steph Chavez. This is officially the first episode of Season Three of the Printed Circuit Podcast. For the first episode of this season, we'll focus on Design Automation. And here to join me in this discussion is John Medina, owner of High-Speed Design Services. 

In this episode, you will learn about the necessity of automation in the design process, especially for repetitive tasks. You will also hear more about how automation aids in planning and executing complex tasks, such as high pin count BGA (Ball Grid Array) breakout and routing. In addition, the conversation also highlights the importance of planning and visualization in PCB design, which automation tools greatly facilitate.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

Design automation tools for PCB and package engineering (07:11)

Automation in PCB design, balancing quality and speed (16:29)

The importance of embracing automation and staying aware of new techniques and best practices (19:47)

The importance of understanding materials and fabrication in PCB design(25:36)


Connect with John Medina:
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In the ever-evolving landscape of IoT, the design of printed circuit boards stands as a cornerstone of innovation and a testament to the need for continuous learning and adaptation in this dynamic field. 

I’m your host, Steph Chavez, and here to join me is Robert Turzo, principal hardware PCB designer for Pleora Technologies. Today, Robert Turzo shares his extensive experience in electronics design, highlighting his journey from his early days in Canada to his proficiency with Siemens tools.

In this episode, you will learn the importance of collaborating with PCB fabricators, determining the optimal stack-up and materials, and using constraint management and simulation tools like HyperLynx for design optimization. You will also hear more about a complex multi-board design for an armored vehicle, which won the Siemens Xcelerator Technology Innovation Award for multi-board design. 

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

The importance of collaborating with PCB fabricators (06:37)

PCB design best practices and digital twin collaboration (09:43)

PCB design flow and HyperLynx in Xpedition (13:41)

The significance of real-time design checking to avoid errors (17:53)

Words of advice for new PCB Designers and Engineers (18:49)



Connect with Robert Turzo:
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When it comes to multi-discipline integration, simply designing FPGAs and handing them over to PCB engineers isn't simply effective! it’s key to make sure that you're doing what you can to mitigate any redundant back-and-forth handoffs.
I’m your host, Steph Chavez, a Senior Product Marketing Manager with Siemens. And here to join me is Gary Lameris, Technical Marketing Engineer with Siemens. He will help us understand the importance of FPGA/PCB co-design in the electronics industry.
In this episode, you’ll learn about the crucial role of FPGA/PCB co-design in modern electronics engineering and the importance of collaborative efforts between FPGA engineers and PCB designers. You will also hear more about tools like IO Optimizer and Xpedition Schematic Analysis, which are recommended to automate and streamline the co-design process, ultimately saving time and enhancing efficiency.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:


The need for collaboration between FPGA engineers and PCB teams. (01:11)

Best practices for FPGA/PCB co-design (02:00)

Tools like IO Optimizer and Xpedition Schematic Analysis to automate and streamline the co-design process (7:16)

Roadblocks to implementing these best practices (09:16)

The implementation of automation and AI  (12:12)



Connect with Gary Lameris
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Connect with Steph Chavez
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Electrical/electronic co-design can enhance your end product but changes in the design process can be difficult for many people, and organizations often face resistance when implementing new processes or technologies.
I’m your host, Steph Chavez. And here to join me is Erica Van Berkum, leader in product management with Siemens. Today, we will discuss the challenges and best practices in implementing electrical/electronic co-design, particularly in the context of cable and harness design in industries like automotive and aerospace.

In this episode, you will learn the imperative need for organizations to leverage digital tools for better collaboration and efficiency. You will also hear more about the resistance often encountered when implementing change, highlighting the need to address concerns about funding and the reluctance to depart from established processes. In addition, the conversation also underscores the shift towards automation and a generative approach to design, where organizations are harnessing technology to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. 

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

Key challenges for electrical or electronic designers who are working together (01:42)

Roadblocks of change in tech (9:58)

The importance of establishing a strong digital thread (11:33)

The best practices when it comes to cable and harness design (13:27)

The shift towards automation and a generative approach to design in industries like automotive and aerospace (15:56)


Connect with Erica Van Berkum:
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Connect with Steph Chavez:

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As the benefits of a model-based systems approach become evident through improved design quality, reduced errors, and enhanced collaboration, there are also challenges and roadblocks that need to be considered.

I’m your host, Steph Chavez. And here to join me is Chris Young, owner and lead engineer at Young Engineering Services. Today we will discuss the challenges and best practices associated with designing complex systems comprised of multiple interconnected printed circuit boards (PCBs)

In this episode, you will learn about the various aspects of multi-board design, including the importance of an integrated systems approach, challenges in communication among different design teams, potential errors and problems arising from individual design silos, and the impact of signal integrity and compatibility issues.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

The benefits of building a robust toolchain (5:12)

The keys to successful concurrent design (11:23)

Two major roadblocks to implementing best practices: cultural resistance and learned helplessness (13:07)

Ways to overcome these roadblocks (22:04)

The importance of testing artifacts (23:49)

Best practices when it comes to multi-board design and ways to make the design process more efficient (26:30)


Connect with Chris Young:
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Connect with Steph Chavez:
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In the dynamic realm of power electronics, the intricacies of power module design are paramount for driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Power module design extends beyond conventional boundaries, delving into thermal, mechanical, and electrical intricacies. 

I'm your host, Steph Chavez, and today, I'm joined by Rod Dudzinski, Market Development Manager in the Siemens EDA division, and Wilfried Wessel, an expert in Siemens EDA software for over a decade.  

In this episode, you will get valuable insights into the complexities of power module design, the need for efficient workflows, and the potential benefits of a streamlined solution to address these challenges in the industry. You will also hear about Siemens EDA's resolutions and how they address current challenges and contribute to sustainable and reliable product development.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

Power modules and their applications (1:51)

The role of power modules in various industries (9:57)

The complexity of power module design and the challenges faced by the sector (15:05)

Tools required for power module design (19:36)

The innovative approach offered by Siemens EDA's power module integrated flow. (28:37)


Connect with Steph Chavez
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Connect with Rod Dudzinski
LinkedIn