Dana on Data: The Missing AI-NPI Link
Beyond Design: Key SI Considerations for High-speed PCB Design
Elementary Mr. Watson: Ensuring a Smooth Handoff From PCB Design to Fabrication
EDA Tools and the Designer of the Future
January 28, 2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 1 minute
We’re seeing new, young technologists moving into the PCB design and design engineering segment, and it’s just in time; many veteran designers are headed to retirement.
At the same time, there have been various recent advances in EDA tools. What will the PCB designer’s job—and the designer’s software tools—look like in the next five years?
Bob Potock, vice president of marketing for Zuken USA, weighs in on the PCB designers of tomorrow, and the EDA tools that will take them into an evermore complex future.
Andy Shaughnessy: I imagine Zuken has a “profile” of its typical user. How do you see this their job and its requirements evolving over the next few years?
Bob Potock: At Zuken, we believe that the PCB design and layout market is evolving. Today’s tools are mature, powerful, and easy to use. However, what's changing in the design process is how the tools are used and by whom. The standard hand-off from the design engineer to the PCB layout designer is becoming a thing of the past. A board with average complexity is more commonly designed, placed, and routed by the same individual: the hardware engineer. The modern hardware engineer will be an electrical engineer who can learn how to do PCB layout on the job. Moderately complex board designs now and in the future will see the traditional PCB layout function moving to the hardware engineer.
The high-complexity PCB market is different. The tools are more powerful, and the designs have more critical requirements. IC packaging may become part of the PCB layout activity at this complexity level. The traditional design engineer hand-off to the PCB layout designer may still exist. However, this modern PCB layout designer is an electrical engineer with training in power integrity, signal integrity, manufacturing, and IC packaging.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the January 2025 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Calling All Designers: The Latest Design Technology and AI
03/20/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineAdvanced design technology and AI were in the spotlight at the annual Design Town Hall, held March 19 during IPC APEX EXPO 2025. Speakers included IPC’s Peter Tranitz, Matt Kelly, Devan Iyer, as well as a panel on the use of AI in PCB design moderated by Susan Kayesar of Siemens.
Phil Zarrow Scheduled to Host SMT Bootcamp at BEST Inc. on May 19-20
03/17/2025 | BEST Inc.BEST Inc., a leader in electronic component services, training, and products is pleased to announce it will host a two-day SMT Bootcamp course taught by industry veteran Phil Zarrow.
Zhen Ding Reported Its Operating Results for the Full Year of 2024, Expecting AI Applications to Drive Growth in 2025
03/17/2025 | Zhen Ding TechnologyZhen Ding Technology Holding Limited, a global leading PCB manufacturer, hosted an investor conference and announced its consolidated financial results for the full year of 2024.
Technica USA and CBT Introducing TiTAN Hybrid at IPC APEX EXPO 2025
03/18/2025 | Technica USAThe wait is over! Technica and CBT are proud to unveil TiTAN Hybrid, a groundbreaking innovation set to redefine the PCB industry. Designed for unmatched performance, efficiency, and adaptability, this cutting-edge laser imaging technology brings the future to you—today.
Punching Out: Fewer Than 150 PCB Shops Remain in North America
03/20/2025 | Tom Kastner -- Column: Punching Out!According to GP Ventures’ database, the number of printed circuit board manufacturing companies in North America (including Canada), is now below 150. In 2020, it was around 200, and in 2022, it was 170. These figures do not include companies that only import or assemble boards. Please note that we are counting PCB companies and not facilities, so TTM Technologies counts as one, Summit as one, AdvancedPCB as one, etc. The total number of facilities is probably higher by around 30.