Trace Talks

We finally got the one and only Robert Feranec to come on Trace Talks! Sadly, the PCB Guy wasn't able to join this episode but the PCB Girl rose to the occasion and hosted this podcast like a pro. Our PCB design engineer Greg was there, too, in his fashionable hunter costume.   EPISODE BREAKDOWN 0:00:42 - China vs USA 0:08:15 - About Robert 0:17:28 - What it takes to do layout 0:29:04 - Top Fedeve...

After coming on the podcast a year ago to introduce Quilter, Sergiy Nesterenko and Ben Jordan are back on Trace Talks with the PCB Guy to discuss Project Speedrun.   EPISODE BREAKDOWN 0:00:00 Project Speedrun 0:04:56 Speed and functionality 0:13:19 "You have to respect the physics" 0:19:39 Impedance requirements 0:24:14 Getting started with Quilter 0:32:32 - Fabricating Project Speedrun 00:45:25 -...

In this episode of Trace Talks, Amit Bahl and Atar Mittal sit down with Neil Jarvis, Applications Engineer at Rohde & Schwarz, to explore the complex world of RF and microwave design, from phase noise and low-noise amplifiers to testing strategies and component behavior at high frequencies. We also dive into the real reasons why network analyzers cost what they do, how RF is used in drone appl...

EMC failures can be a costly nightmare for PCB designers. But what if you could catch them before they happen? In this episode of Trace Talks, Ignacio de Mendizábal, EMC expert from Denpaflux, joins us to discuss how early-stage EMC analysis can prevent costly redesigns and ensure compliance.   Topics discussed: • Why EMI and heating matter in PCB design • The biggest mistakes designers make when...

In this episode, we explore the role of artificial intelligence in PCB layout with Sergiy Nesterenko and Ben Jordan of Quilter. From optimizing layouts to predicting manufacturing issues, we discuss how AI tools are transforming the way electrical engineers and designers work. Our guests share their insights on AI’s current and future impact on hardware design, providing real-world examples of how...

In this 6th episode of Trace Talks, Amit Bahl and Atar Mittal sit down with the legendary Rick Hartley to discuss PCB design's evolution and intricacies. From his career-defining experiences with Ralph Morrison to the philosophical understanding of energy in circuits, Rick provides valuable insights every designer should hear.   EPISODE BREAKDOWN 0:08 - Introduction 4:37 - Ground plane design and...

In this episode of Trace Talks, we sit down with Seth Hillbrand, one of the lead developers of the KiCad EDA project and the founder of KiCad Services. We dive deep into the world of open-source hardware, the role of KiCad in advancing the field, and how KiCad is paving the way for more efficient, accessible PCB design and component management.

We are so glad to have Karen Burnham as a guest for this fourth episode of Trace Talks! We started working with her this year - she hosted a few webinars and seminars for Sierra - so we thought it would be nice to welcome her in the podcast chair! In this episode, Karen talks practical approach to solving real-world EMC challenges. From identifying root causes of interference to navigating stringe...

In this episode of Trace Talks, we're excited to welcome Patrick Davis from Cadence Design Systems. With nearly 30 years of experience in the PCB design world, Patrick shares his fascinating journey from starting in design alongside his father to his current role as a Product Manager at Cadence. Join us as we dive into his career, exploring the challenges and rewards of PCB design, the importance...

Join us for the second episode of Trace Talks, where host Amit Bahl sits down with special guest Kirsch Mackey to dive deep into the intersection of AI and PCB design. Filmed at Sierra Circuits’ assembly facility in San Jose, CA, this episode offers exclusive insights into the evolving landscape of electronic engineering. Kirsch Mackey, founder of HaSofu and adjunct professor at the University of...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Trace Talks with the PCB Guy! Amit Bahl kicks off the podcast with two incredible guests, Steve Carney from Sierra's R&D and manufacturing process engineering team, and Daniel Beeker, EMC expert and Technical Director at NXP Semiconductors.   In this episode recorded at the Levi's Stadium, amid the excitement of the Niners heading to the Super Bowl and Desig...