DECEMBER 2021 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 103
The term "additive elec-
tronics" is a broad term
in our industry. To many
this suggests 3D print-
ing and the processes used to form circuit
patterns with these additive methods. To oth-
ers, this term conjures the image of newer
PCB fabrication techniques that use semi-
additive PCB fabrication processes to realize
line width and space below the traditional
75-micron (3 mil) capabilities that are typically
seen with subtractive etch processing.
The third chapter of this book,
"Limitations of Today's Electronic
System Design," focuses on the
variety of limitations that today's
electronics system designers face
as data becomes ever more com-
plex and the industry seeks alter-
natives past Moore's law.
During PCB West, Nolan
Johnson met with Geof-
frey Hazelett, VP of sales
for Polar Instruments. He
explained how the pan-
demic actually helped
Polar's R&D in the long
run, and why the current
parts shortages may offer a similar benefit for
OEMs, who can now spend more time in what
he calls "forced R&D."
One of the biggest chal-
lenges facing PCB design-
ers is not understanding
the cost drivers in the
PCB manufacturing pro-
cess. This article is the
latest in a series that will
discuss these cost drivers
(from the PCB manufacturer's perspective)
and the design decisions that will impact
product reliability.
Converting to Ger-
ber is one way to
perform a double
check of your PCB
design that can pre-
answer questions
from your manufac-
turing partner and pre-solve problems with
the boards themselves.
At a small company, it's important to
have rules and guidelines about man-
aging documentation. In a startup
environment, this type of work usually
falls on engineers
and the technolo-
gists doing the
actual testing.
For the latest news and information, visit PCBDesign007.com
PCB Talk: Additive Electronics—
Are You One of the Curious?
Geoffrey Hazelett
Anaya Vardya
Polar Instruments: Pandemic
and Parts Shortage Lead to
More R&D Time
Excerpt: The System Designer's Guide
to… System Analysis, Chapter 3
Manage Your Data and
Document Everything
DFM 101: PCB Via Structures
Connect the Dots:
Finding Value in Gerber Files
