Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1467185
34 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2022 Shaughnessy: When you find yourself design- ing in a vacuum, what tricks have you devised as workarounds to get the job done? Thompson: Research, resources, and resolve. Again, there is no shame in not knowing some- thing. e shame comes in when you don't even try to find out and give up. As far as research and resources: 1. e internet: Many, many technical processes are discussed online. If you really search, you will likely find the answer. 2. EDA soware forums: ere's a lot of info on these EDA tool forums, but make sure you are using the latest rev of the soware. 3. Other designers: Speak with other designers and you'll oen find that they have experienced the same problem on a previous project and can help you with a workaround. is reminds me of a presentation I did for HP years ago. ere were at least 50 engineers in the audience. At the outset, I gave my normal disclaimer: "Do not dis- cuss or ask questions relative to anything we have an NDA on." is cut out a lot of ques- tions and conversation. NDAs can be intimi- dating. When I finished my presentation, there were no questions. But I noticed that many of the engineers in the audience were look- ing to "Bob" to see if he would ask any ques- tions. Noticing this, I made eye contact with Bob and spoke directly to him. Aer a while, Bob started asking questions, which opened the entire audience to do the same and made my visit worthwhile. My point is that some- times simply having a conversation with another designer will be the spark that lights the fire. Sometimes you get so entrenched with a particular design that you need to take time to revisit your options. It's time to reset and refresh. I oen have the greatest epiphanies aer I have gone to bed. If this happens to you, wake up and write down your thoughts. If you think you will simply remember them in the morning, you are mistaken. Lastly, resolve yourself to finding the answer to get the job done. Shaughnessy: What are some of the hidden costs, in addition to monetary, of designing in a vacuum? Thompson: If you don't know something, you may be out of more than just money. As the adage says, "Time is money." is has never been truer than for board design. Shaughnessy: What advice would you give designers who are trying to get out of the vac- uum? Thompson: Do the research. If you run into a snag, try another way. Try to find the answer elsewhere if you cannot ask the customer directly. Shaughnessy: anks for your help, Mark. Thompson: ank you, Andy. DESIGN007 There is no shame in not knowing something. The shame comes in when you don't even try to find out and give up.