OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

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 valuable perspectives on industry trends and advanced packaging techniques. Tune in to learn about the exciting developments shaping the future of electronics manufacturing. 👉 Connect with Tony Lentz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lentz-a14a0b64/ 👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.  👉 Watch this Episode on Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy 👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner 👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium  👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/  👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/  About Altium LLC Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #UHDI #electronicsmanufacturing #AI   

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 explore:   - Insights into the future of electronics design.   - Workforce development challenges in the industry.   - The role of cutting-edge materials in Ultra HDI (UHDI) manufacturing.   **Key Takeaways:**   - Why young engineers should be excited about the electronics industry.   - The impact of innovation on industries like aerospace and AI.   - Strategies to thrive as an engineer in a high-tech world.     👉 Resources from this Episode: - Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcooke1730/?originalSubdomain=ca - Learn more about AGC Multi Materials: https://www.agc-multimaterial.com/ 👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy   Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium content.  👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner 👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium  👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/  👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/    About Altium LLC Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #Altium #PCBdesign #techpodcast   

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 designers   - SMTA’s role in fostering innovation and collaboration     👉 Resources from this Episode:  - SMTA website: https://Smta.org - SMTA Knowledge Base:  https://smta.org/page/technical - SMTA Events:  https://smta.org/events/event_list.asp - SMTA Conferences:  https://smta.org/events/event_list.asp?show=&group=&start=1%2F13%2F2025&end=&view=&cid=20781 - SMTA Chapter Expos:  https://smta.org/events/event_list.asp?show=&group=&start=1%2F13%2F2025&end=&view=&cid=20781 - SMTA Membership:  https://smta.org/page/membership - Ultra HDI Symposium:  www.smta.org/uhdi 👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy   Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium content.  👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner 👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium  👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/  👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/      About Altium LLC Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #Altium #PCBdesign #Electronics   

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 alone isn’t enough - The critical role of materials like copper foil - Challenges of competing with overseas markets - Sean’s journey with K & F Electronics and adapting to changes - Potential strategies to revitalize U.S. manufacturing #USManufacturing #PCBDesign #techpodcast    💡 Resources from this Episode:  - Learn More about K & F Electronics: https://www.circuitboards.com/ - Connect with Sean Kincaid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/circuit-boards/ - Check out the D-Code Podcast: https://the-d-code.podbean.com/   👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.  👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner 👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium  👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/  👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/    About Altium LLC Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.  

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 developers. Keith shares his insights from decades of experience, providing a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities within these rapidly converging fields.   👉 Resources from this Episode: - Connect with Keith Hanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-hanna-685b792/ 👉 Exclusive 15 Days Free Altium Designer Access: https://www.altium.com/promotions/altium-academy   Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium content.  👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner 👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium  👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/  👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/    About Altium LLC Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California,  is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #Altium #PCBdesign #Podcast   

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 EMC consulting accessible, effective, and efficient. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out, Denpaflux offers insights and tools to streamline your workflow and reduce costly delays. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of EMI/EMC solutions and the innovative technologies reshaping PCB design.

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. Kenny shares insights from years in the electronics distribution market, the challenges of moving unused inventory, and the environmental impacts of traditional disposal methods. This conversation highlights the importance of responsible component management and the potential to create a sustainable future in electronics. Tune in to learn more about the environmental and ethical implications of e-waste, and see how you can contribute to positive change in the industry.

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 Instruments has been leading the way for almost 50 years, and learn valuable tips to optimize your PCB designs.

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 counterfeit inspection methods, kitting solutions, and seamless integration with Altium 365.

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 solutions to life faster than ever before. Learn about the seamless integration of Valispace, and how this new feature is helping engineers connect requirements directly to CAD tools, enhancing collaboration and design accuracy. Whether you're a product manager, system engineer, or electronic engineer, this episode is packed with insights on boosting your engineering efficiency with Altium 365.