Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1307491
20 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2020 the highest quality possible, and the intent is always to design it right the first time. Holden: And hopefully use the simplest, most robust technology that's within your price focus. Don't go after bleeding-edge, state-of- the-art technology just because it's exciting. Instead, keep it simple, and reduce the com- plexity. Chavez: That is aerospace in a nutshell: You want to do the best you can with the simplest technology that's there because that's the sweet spot of the industry and for safety. You also want to design it to be built anywhere, any place, any time. Holden: We've been drilling holes in laminate for 60 years, so we know an awful lot about drilling a good hole. You stick with the basics if you can get it done. But unfortunately, the semiconductor people, with their packag- ing and fine pitch, make it impossible. And there's the physics of their rise time: A three- nanometer transistor turns on and off awfully fast in there. Because of that, their interconnected links have to be shortened, which means they have to use more grounding pins, and they have to use a smaller package. Physics drives them to that. Like death and taxes, miniaturization is inevitable. But we can also now drill 0.1-mil- limeter holes mechanically, so nobody says we have to use a laser if you can mechanically drill 0.1-millimeter holes. And with VeCS, we don't have to drill holes at all. We just route a trough and get the same density as HDI with- out any microvias. Chavez: Usually, when we're talking with our supplier, we ask, "If there's a way we can get by with a standard through-hole, then let's go that route." We'd rather do that instead of using HDI if we can because it keeps us within the sweet spot, and then we can go from there. But if we don't have a choice because of the part that was selected, it is what it is. You just do your due diligence to try to mitigate and achieve success as best you can. Shaughnessy: It sounds like a lot of times, it comes down to communication. Every- one agrees there should be communication between the designer and the fabricator, but not many are doing it. Chavez: Absolutely, and if you have the fund- ing, you would be running a test. But if you don't, and you have one shot at it, you'd better reach out to the suppliers and work with them as you produce your board. Holden: And if you want to know about the reliability of bare PCBs, the new chapter in the seventh edition of The Printed Circuit Hand- book by Dr. Reza Ghaffarian from Jet Propul- sion Laboratory is one of the best I've ever read in print about bare board reliability. It's outstanding. Chavez: Yes, and I-Connect007's eBooks are a very good starting point, plus they're free. I hope all the designers and engineers are tak- ing full advantage of your eBooks. They're gold. There are some other books out there, and there are some great webinars in today's "new normal." It's up to you to take the time to attend or sign up and watch the presentation. Shaughnessy: Thank you, Steph. I look for- ward to meeting up again in person. Holden: Maybe next year. Chavez: Thank you both. It was my pleasure. This has been a great conversation. DESIGN007 We've been drilling holes in laminate for 60 years, so we know an awful lot about drilling a good hole.