AUGUST 2023 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 75
Plane cavities in multilayer PCBs are
essentially unterminated radial transmis-
sion lines. They form a transmission line
that propagates electromagnetic (EM)
energy within a plane cavity emanating
from a feed point within the plane and
outward in all directions. Like all transmis-
sion lines, it will reflect if not terminated.
This creates standing waves—ringing.
Paul Farquhar recently took a
few PCB design classes from
John Watson, who doubles as
a Palomar College professor
when he's not working at Altium.
I asked Paul to discuss what he
learned in John's classes, as
well as where he hopes to work
afterward and how John and the college are
working with industry to provide trained design-
ers for the many open PCB designer positions.
Meijing Liu, CID+, is a senior PCB
designer for Microart Services, an EMS
company in Markham, Ontario, Canada.
She recently took a six-week mil-aero
PCB design class from IPC's Kris Moyer,
and she was surprised at how much
content she was able to absorb in such
a short time. I spoke with Meijing and
we discussed some of her takeaways
from the class.
Pulsonix, the Electronic Design
Automation (EDA) company delivering
technology-leading PCB design
solutions, announces the release of
Pulsonix Version 12.5, a significant
update that brings a host of new
features and enhancements to the
PCB design industry.
During the recent IEEE IMS2023 Exhibition in San
Diego, we caught up with James Hofer, general
manager of Accurate Circuit Engineering (ACE). A
few years ago, we talked to James about the over-
materialization of boards. In this
recent discussion, we wanted to
know if anything has changed
regarding materials and
approach. James also shares
his thoughts on the changes in
the design community.
As an industry, we live in our own version of
"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids." PCB designs are
shrinking smaller and smaller with each design
spin. Our industry demands the
latest and greatest, where inno-
vations coming off the line
must be smaller and sleeker
and have all the latest new
functions, which, as we know,
determines the fit and form.
For the latest news and information, visit PCBDesign007.com
Mil-Aero Design: Not Just
Another High-Rel Board
What Are Hiring Managers
Looking For?
Beyond Design: Standing
Waves in Multilayer PCB
Plane Cavities
Elementary, Mr. Watson:
Honey, I Shrunk the PCBs
Introducing Pulsonix Version
12.5: Empowering PCB
Designers with Enhanced
Features and Efficiency
Are You Still Over-materializing?
