Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1307491
34 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2020 Do you remember the old TV show "Star- gate SG-1?" Debuting in 1997, it was a contin- uation of the 1994 movie "Stargate" and ran for 10 seasons, spawning two additional shows in the Stargate franchise. "Stargate SG-1" was known for its unique blend of sci-fi action and adventure, as well as a generous amount of humor. The show also showcased a variety of well- done special effects, including creature design, makeup, and amazing starships and battles in space. The signature effect, of course, was the stargate itself, which was described as a wormhole through space. With the exhorta- tion of "SG-1, you have a go" from their com- manding officer, the stargate would instanta- neously transport an intrepid band of heroes to new and exciting locations each week. PCB Vias, 'You Have a Go' In addition to the general fun factor of the show, there was something else about it that appealed to me on a deeper level as a PCB de- sign professional. It took me a long time before I figured it out, but when I finally did, I was stunned to realize that the stargate is nothing more than a giant via in space! Okay, that may sound pretty lame, but if you think about the nature of a via, you can see where I'm coming from. Just as the stargate fictitiously conducted people directly from one place to another without the need for interga- lactic space travel, a via will conduct a signal directly from one layer of the board to anoth- er. Of course, when you start adding time trav- el, energy weapons, and little gray aliens that aren't wearing any trousers, the analogy falls apart pretty quickly. But at least we're on the Tim's Takeaways Feature Column by Tim Haag, FIRST PAGE SAGE