Printed Circuit cover art

Printed Circuit

Printed Circuit

By: Siemens Digital Industries Software
Listen for free

About this listen

 Welcome to The Printed Circuit, a Siemens Podcast. Hosted by Stephen Chavez, each episode will focus on trends, challenges, and opportunities across the printed circuit engineering industry. Topics range from achieving supply chain resilience, to learning PCB design best practices.Siemens Digital Industries Software
Episodes
  • Secure, Remote, and Collaborative: The Future of PCB Design

    Secure, Remote, and Collaborative: The Future of PCB Design
    Aug 14 2025
    How do you enable seamless PCB design collaboration for globally distributed teams without sacrificing security or IP control? What you’ll learn… How cloud connectivity supports asynchronous design reviews across time zones Why web-based 2D/3D visualization is a game changer for non-EDA stakeholders How BOM integration and real-time supply chain data reduce redesign risk Best practices for balancing accessibility with security in PCB design The role of AI in future PCB collaboration and design review workflows Where you’ll find it… (01:00) How has cloud connectivity transformed PCB design collaboration in recent years? (02:20) How web-based 2D 3D visualization works in practice? (03:30) What specific features enable remote design reviews to be as effective as in-person reviews? (05:35) How does the bill of materials factor into the design review process? (07:00) How do you balance accessibility with security in cloud-connected design? (08:25) What measures are in place to protect intellectual property during collaboration? (10:25) Layers of access control in secure cloud environments (16:00) The future of cloud-connected PCB design and AI’s role More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Tinkham speaks with Paul Welch, Product Manager at Siemens EDA, about how secure, cloud-connected solutions are transforming PCB design collaboration. Paul explains how centralized, cloud-based environments enable asynchronous design reviews, bringing together global teams while maintaining full traceability of feedback and design changes. He dives into the advantages of web-based 2D and 3D visualization for stakeholders without direct EDA tool access, and how integrating BOM insights with live supply chain data helps avoid late-stage redesigns. The conversation also covers Siemens’ secure-by-design approach, the multiple layers of access control that protect intellectual property, and where AI will fit into future PCB workflows, from prioritizing design review feedback to streamlining issue management. Ideal for PCB designers, electrical engineers, design managers, supply chain teams, and anyone involved in collaborative, multi-location PCB projects. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Paul Welch LinkedIn Website
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • From Chaos to Control: How PLM Integration is Transforming PCB Design

    From Chaos to Control: How PLM Integration is Transforming PCB Design
    Apr 29 2025
    What happens when you fabricate the wrong version of a board because someone skipped the process? It’s a nightmare scenario—and it’s more common than you think. But there’s a solution: PLM integration. In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez is joined by Scott Claes, Senior Technical Marketing Engineer at Siemens, to explore how Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems can revolutionize PCB design workflows. With nearly two decades of experience integrating ECAD data with PLM systems, Scott offers practical insights into how PLM enhances design control, collaboration, and efficiency across global teams. The discussion covers the real-world problems PCB designers face when managing data, from version confusion to design reuse challenges, and how a properly implemented PLM system solves them. Whether you’re navigating compliance needs like ITAR and HIPAA, or trying to bridge the gap between ECAD and MCAD, this episode provides a clear roadmap for leveraging PLM in your design ecosystem. This conversation is essential for PCB designers, electrical engineers, CAD admins, and product teams looking to streamline their design process and avoid costly mistakes. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What does a PLM system do? (1:35) How does PLM integration enhance rather than restrict design freedom? (4:55) How PLM enables easy reuse of previously released designs. (6:35) Avoiding Costly Errors: How PLM prevents versioning mix-ups and fabrication mistakes (8:15) How PLM supports ECAD/MCAD integration and complex designs like flex and rigid-flex (11:55) Learning Curve & Workflow Impact: What PCB designers can expect when adapting to PLM (13:30) Behind the Scenes of Integration: How PLM connectors automate design data management and bill of materials comparisons (16:55) Library Management & Synchronization: What to push, what not to, and where EDM fits in (21:10) How PLM supports ITAR, HIPAA, and team-based permission management (24:40) Why learning PLM early can boost your career and prevent process bottlenecks (26:55) What’s next for ECAD-to-PLM flows and supplier integration (28:10) Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Scott Claes LinkedIn Website
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • How AI is Changing PCB Design Forever (And What It Means for You)

    How AI is Changing PCB Design Forever (And What It Means for You)
    Mar 25 2025
    Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, but what does it mean for PCB design? Will AI replace engineers, or will it be the ultimate tool for enhancing productivity and innovation? In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez sits down with André Alcalde, co-founder of CELUS, to explore the role of AI in PCB design and the broader electronics engineering landscape. As someone with a deep background in hardware design, André shares his unique perspective on how AI can optimize workflows, reduce design iteration time, and future-proof engineering careers. The conversation delves into AI’s ability to automate aspects of PCB design, the risks and rewards of adopting AI-driven solutions, and how engineers can best adapt to the rapid evolution of technology. With data security and intellectual property protection concerns, how can companies safely implement AI while keeping their designs secure? This episode is a must-listen for PCB designers, electronics engineers, and technology leaders looking to understand how AI is reshaping the design process. Whether you're a seasoned professional adapting to new tools or an industry newcomer eager to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of AI-driven automation in PCB design. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: AI in PCB Design: Fad or Here to Stay? (1:55) Automation vs. Manual Workflows: To what extent can AI take over PCB design, and what tasks will remain in human hands? (2:50) How companies can ensure data privacy and protect their intellectual property when using AI tools (7:10) The Changing Skillset for Engineers: How AI is shifting the role of PCB designers from execution to problem-solving and validation (12:10) Job Market Impact: Will AI reduce or increase opportunities in the PCB design field? (15:50) The Reluctance to Adopt AI: Why some companies are still hesitant and how expectations influence adoption (17:50) Speeding Up Time to Market: How AI-driven automation can significantly improve design iteration cycles (20:50) The Risks vs. Rewards of AI in PCB Design: Balancing automation, creativity, and human oversight (23:40) Closing thoughts on AI and innovation in PCB design: (25:50) Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with André Alcalde: LinkedIn Website
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.