Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1467185
50 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2022 ity manager (CM) to choose the fabrication vendor. Because of these dynamics, it is very difficult for designers to keep track of spe- cific vendors. Designers should have a pretty good idea of who their CM partner is, as most OEMs have one strategic vendor they rely on. Global time differences and language barriers may also contribute to designers not knowing who's manufacturing their boards. Shaughnessy: What other missing information or data do you find yourself having to "design around?" Barbin: We believe designing around missing data is a mistake with unknown consequences. If there are missing datasheets or constraints that are truly missing, all efforts must be made to acquire the data or receive a satisfactory sign-off before moving forward. I cannot think of one instance where anything else would be acceptable. Shaughnessy: When you find yourself design- ing in a vacuum, what tricks have you devised as workarounds to get the job done? Barbin: Whether we are designing in a vacuum, at Optimum, we have documented our DFM (design for manufacturing) guidelines in our Designer Handbook so each of our designers have best DFM practices at their fingertips. Additionally, each designer has a checklist of over 90 items, many of which pertain to DFM, that must be checked off as completed or con- sidered for each design that is delivered. is is part of our ISO 9001-2015 quality control sys- tem. Lastly, each design must pass through a DFM check using the Valor NPI soware from Siemens. It is Optimum's objective to ensure each of our designers deliver data for their respective designs to the downstream manu- facturers that is both comprehensive and man- ufacturable to each of our customer require- ments. Shaughnessy: What are some of the hidden costs, in addition to monetary, of designing in a vacuum? Barbin: Delayed time to market certainly comes to mind. e minute a released manufactur- ing package cannot be manufactured as-is and needs to be modified, the project is imme- diately put on hold waiting for approvals or answers. is can delay the development cycle by days and weeks as it progresses through many email mailboxes. Shaughnessy: What advice would you give designers who are trying to get out of the vac- uum? Barbin: We hear a lot about designers need- ing to "le shi" more into the electrical dis- ciplines such as signal and power integrity, all of which is very true. However, I would advise designers to not necessarily shi le or right, but to stretch more and more in all directions. e designer's role is expanding and becom- ing more valuable in the product development process, and now is the time to become a more active member of the team vs. a passive par- ticipant. Shaughnessy: I appreciate your insight, as always. anks, Nick. Barbin: ank you, Andy. DESIGN007 We believe designing around missing data is a mistake with unknown consequences.