Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1126810
8 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2019 Once upon a time in the not-too-distant past, PCB designers were the Rodney Dangerfields of the electronics industry. They didn't get no respect, and in some cases, not much of a sala- ry either. But times have changed. Now, many designers are starting to realize the power they wield over the whole electronics process. The folks downstream in fabrication and assembly understood this sentiment long ago, usually expressing it as, "It's the designer's fault." But recently, a variety of manufacturers have told me, "Ev- erything starts with design." That's certainly a more positive spin! Everything does start with design—the positive outcomes as well as the negative. The designer can control much of the develop- ment of the PCB, and often the fi- nal product, with a little planning during the earliest part of the de- sign cycle. It's a designer's respon- sibility to do everything possible to avoid getting that call from the CAM department at 5:30 p.m. on a Friday. We surveyed our designer read- ers in preparation for this issue. Here's one of the more pertinent questions: What steps do you take to make the job easier for your fabrication and assembly provid - ers? Here are a few of the replies: • Communicate directly with them, especially if you want to try something new • Follow proven design methodologies and rules The Shaughnessy Report by Andy Shaughnessy, I-CONNECT007 Everything Starts With the Designer