DECEMBER 2022 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 81
In this wide-ranging interview, Dr. Eric
Bogatin discusses the relationship
between physics and electrical theory,
and why it's critical for designers and
design engineers to understand the laws
of physics. As he points out, the math is important, but design-
ers shouldn't let the principles of physics "hide behind the
math." Eric discusses some points of physics that designers
need to understand, the physics resources available, and why
it's so important to have some understanding of Maxwell's
equations, even if you don't have a strong math background.
Are you trying to fit more high-power
parts on your board, but can't find the
proper heat management technique?
With more high-power components there
is a need for increased thermal manage-
ment. When you've tried everything else
and are still having trouble keeping your
parts within proper operating tempera-
ture, copper coin is one of the best ways
to dissipate heat throughout your board.
Lately, we've heard quite a
few design experts say, "PCB
design is all about the physics.
Designers should focus more
on understanding the laws of
physics and less on circuit the-
ory." While putting this issue together, we investi-
gated potential cover ideas. "What if we had James
Maxwell and Gordon Moore boxing on the cover, in
a Faraday cage match? Let's get ready to rumble!"
I was first introduced to James Maxwell in
1967 as a college student. I had to decide
whether I would take the Maxwell fields
course or the switching and coding course.
Being a chemical
engineering major
with a co-major in
control theory, I had
heard about the tri-
als and tribulations
of the infamous Max-
well fields course.
Although it's been more years than I care
to admit, I still remember very clearly the
class on careers that I was required to
take in junior high school. On a table in
the front of the class
were several boxes
filled with all sorts of
different job cards
that a student would
search through to
learn about different
professions.
There are many reasons why
a design may fail in the field.
How painful would it be if it
turned out that a catastrophic
failure was caused by a one-
cent part, such as an innocu-
ous resistor that was stressed
beyond its specified opera-
tional parameters?
For the latest news and information, visit PCBDesign007.com
The Shaughnessy Report:
It's All About the Physics—or Is It?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Copper
Coin for Dissipating Heat
The Physics of PCB Design All Systems Go: Auto-
Detecting Over- and
Under-Derated Parts
My Experience With Maxwell
Tim's Takeaways: What More
Do We Need to Know?
