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52 PCB007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2023 I've been reminiscing about my college classes, especially the ones proving to be the most valuable in my early career. One class that has given me the upper edge in my new job was an independent study on advanced PCB layout, where I learned about the PCB design and manufacturing processes. In that class, I designed several boards, ranging from anten- nas to fun kits for students, and I learned more about fundamental hardware electrical princi- ples and the mechanics behind a PCB. Reimagining PCB Design in Education Before taking this class, it felt like there were key concepts missing in my educational experi- ence because I could not see the theory work- ing in real life. Once I created my first PCB, I finally understood how concepts like trace width can cause an impedance change and how the placement of a component might affect the signal integrity of the circuit. Sparks went off in my brain as I began linking theory to a reality that felt previously out of reach. Learning PCB design in the classroom may give the next gen- eration of students an opportunity to link the- oretical understanding to reality and see how the foundation of electronics can come to life. PCB design plays an important role in high- reliability fabrication, and there is an expecta- tion for designs to adhere to safety protocols and standards. e PCB industry comprises about 30% of business/retail/computer indus- tries and about 28% of the communications/ telecom industries 1 . Designs range from small toys to giant aircra, so it's important that the designer works closely with the fabricator, even during the beginning stages, to ensure that standards and safety protocols are upheld during fabrication. Designers must design for reliability, while ensuring that the design meets the customer's specifications through- out the product's lifecycle. In fact, "for any new product, around 70-80% of production costs come from decisions made during the design phase." 2 Designers need the skills to work with fab- ricators, adhere to standards and safety proto- The New Chapter by Hannah Nelson, TEXAS INSTRUMENTS