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34 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2024 Feature Interview by Andy Shaughnessy I-CONNECT007 Filbert (Fil) Arzola, a senior principal engi- neer at Raytheon, is returning to IPC APEX EXPO to teach a pair of Professional Develop- ment Courses that go far beyond typical design courses. I checked out one of his classes last year, and it was packed. Fil explains what attendees can expect, why designers need to think like engineers, and how he aims to make his mixed-signal wire- bond class "fun." How is that even possible, you ask? Read on. Andy Shaughnessy: Fil, you're scheduled to teach a couple of Professional Development Courses at IPC APEX EXPO on Sunday, April 7. Can you walk us through these classes? Filbert Arzola: Sure. Just like last year, I'm teaching two classes. One focuses on how to constrain your design. By that, I mean doing things to make your design work better in engi- neering. e second class focuses on mixed-signal wire-bond designs. We'll make it a fun how- to class where everyone can participate if they want, or they can just listen. We'll take a sample wire bond design and make sure that everybody understands the proper steps from beginning to end. How will you make that wire-bond class fun? It's not exactly a Don Rickles sort of topic. You're right. Over the years, my colleagues have always said that wire-bond designs are a huge challenge. is is especially true for folks who have spent five to 10 years doing digital boards, power supplies, or other such things. Time to Think Like an Engineer