Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1315894
58 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2020 As we approach the end of 2020, we are able to look back on one of the most challenging years that I have ever experienced. But it is not just me; this year has been one to remember (not really fondly) for everyone on the globe. We are very fortunate to have been able to carry on with supplying PCBs to a great number of people and industries, even in the midst of our COVID-19 pandemic. We were also fortunate to be a key supplier for multiple projects aimed directly at helping with the pandemic. Throughout these trying times, we have been consistent in our desire to share knowledge with everyone and give ourselves and every- one else a few minutes' break from our reality. The following is a synopsis of the topics we shared with you from the perspective of a PCB manufacturer. 1. January (Design Tips for Layout): Here, we share tips as a manufacturer that has seen thousands of PCB layouts. Some examples are very good, but we also describe pitfalls to avoid that might give you a chuckle or two. 2. February (You Cannot Afford Not to Con- sider ISO:9001): The International Organiza- tion for Standardization (ISO) 9000 family and ISO 9001 certifications are built on standards achieved with a QMS that addresses far more than "just quality." Done correctly, we learned that this standard provides a foundation for a robust business management system. It was a journey worth taking, and one we encourage you to consider. Fair warning: ISO adoption can be challenging at times. 3. March (The Seven Year Etch): Creating the copper circuitry on a PCB involves etching. The more that is known about how a PCB is made, the better equipped a designer will be to create the design. Is 2020 Really Coming to an End? Connect the Dots by Matt Stevenson, SUNSTONE CIRCUITS