Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1529118
64 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2024 expectations are synonymous with clearly defined requirements. e purpose is to explic- itly define objectives and needs to reduce ambiguity, which in turn reduces risk associ- ated with executing a project. I recommend looking at IPC's design to manufacturing stan- dards (ipc.org) to gain insight and direction in how to communicate (fab data/drawings) with PCB fabricators. Rule No. 3: Create Templates Repetitive tasks should be compiled into templates, providing more time for the due diligence your project deserves. Templates are just working smart. Rule No. 4: Use Checklists Use checklists to track progress, complete- ness, and compliance. A checklist serves as a schedule risk/reward indicator, a technical review artifact, and demonstrates compliance to stakeholder requirements. Checklists really are versatile project multi-tools that help get the job done right. Do you use rules of thumb for things like feasibility studies, material selection, stackup, manufacturability, and documentation? I recommend applying the above-mentioned rules hierarchically to produce work products that are relevant and traceable. In the same vein, what formulas do you use regularly? Aren't some rules of thumb simply shorthand for formulas? I do not try to memorize specific equations. Instead, I tend to use nodal analysis to develop concise equations that represent a circuit or network. Teach an engineer to solve an equa- tion and you have a calculator. Teach an engi- neer to analyze a circuit and you've made a cir- cuit designer. I'll have to remember that. Now, some design- ers have a love/hate relationship with rules of thumb. When should you use rules of thumb vs. "doing the science?" Rules of thumb should be used to help guide you to the type of science you can apply to solve a problem. ey should not be used to shortcut the design process. What rules of thumb should designers avoid? Avoid using rules of thumb that are arbitrary and force a specific action, like "All decoupling capacitors must be 0.1 mF," or "Always use fer- rite beads to reduce EMI." Is there anything you'd like to add? An engineer's job is to cost-effectively solve prob- lems using scientific principles. Rules of thumb should be used to make us better at just that. Thanks for the input, Chris. ank you, Andy. DESIGN007 Figure 1: Chris Young's hierarchy of rules.