Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/848773
34 The PCB Design Magazine • July 2017 Shaughnessy: What sort of products do your PCBs wind up in? What are some of the "cool" applications you've been involved in? Chavez: Basically, our PCBs go anywhere within the aircraft from nose to tail, as well as within the test equipment we design in- house. I have been very blessed to work on many cool applications here at UTAS, but unfortunately, I am not at liberty to disclose any of these details or specific information. Shaughnessy: What do you think is the biggest challenge related to designing boards for military use—the design process itself, or all the attendant issues, like the bidding process, regulations and security? Chavez: In my opinion, the process of designing boards, at its core, is basically the same, no matter if it's for a military, commercial, aerospace, space, or medical device. For me, the challenge often comes from adhering to regulations, such as International Trade Compliance requirements. At the same time, while these requirements can make the process more complex, they are necessary to maintain security and ensure the proper handling of technical data. Shaughnessy: It seems as if cybersecurity is getting tougher for military contractors, with NIST 800 and other regulations coming online all the time. Does that seem to be the case? Chavez: In today's world, cybersecurity is a major priority for military contractors, especially as technology and security threats continue to evolve, and regulations continue to proliferate to help protect against them. While it can be a challenge to keep up with the rapid change of pace associated with cybersecurity, it's of the utmost importance that military contractors do so at all cost. In general, companies are adding more and more layers of security to increase their own cybersecurity. Shaughnessy: A lot of PCB companies would like to get into military work. What are some of the hurdles that these companies would have to overcome to get into military electronics? Chavez: Hmmm…I am not really sure. Every company I have worked for already handled military work before I started working there. I have never worked for a company that did not do military work. I would say that if a company wants to go after military work, U.S. citizenship is a must-have for all of its employees, but specifically for those employees who would be working on that military project. They must follow all required laws and regulations regarding military work. I'm sure there may be more requirements and regulations to follow and meet. Shaughnessy: Is there anything else you'd like to add? Chavez: I want to thank you, Andy, for this interview and allowing me this opportunity. I hope you and your readers find my responses insightful, and that they are well received. As always, I am eager to be a positive and very active participant in our industry as it continues to evolve. Shaughnessy: Thanks, Steph. Chavez: Thank you, Andy. PCBDESIGN STEPHEN V. CHAVEZ TALKS MIL/AERO PCB DESIGN Stephen Chavez