Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1517130
68 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2024 From their relatively simple beginnings, PCBs were largely structured using through- components, including axial leaded resis- tors, capacitors and diodes, and the iconic dual inline bug-like IC packages. ey were oen assembled using breadboard and wire- wrapped connections that enabled the elec- tronics hobbyists to prototype their imagina- tive circuit designs. Current generation PCBs rival their integrated circuit siblings in com- plexity as they have become even more closely associated with creating today's mind-numb- ing products. As you can see, designing printed circuits requires a diverse combination of skills that cover basic electronics, fundamentals of cir- PCB Designers Still Wanted cuit design, and an appreciation for the vari- ous common components mentioned earlier (as well as how they behave in circuit func- tion). Along with some basic problem-solving skills, one should have proficiency with one or more electronic design automation/EDA (PCB design automation) soware tools such as those offered by Altium, Cadence, Mentor, and others. Another good skill is using a good PCB simulation tool such as that offered by Ansys. Designers should limit themselves to a single design spin to prevent wasting time; simulation will go a long way toward prevent- ing such a wasted effort. Mastery of any PCB design soware nor- mally requires a working knowledge of PCB Flexible Thinking Feature Column by Joe Fjelstad, VERDANT ELECTRONICS