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32 The PCB Magazine • November 2014 scoping begins. In that case, an iterative process of simulation, circuit changes, tests and mea- surement may be required. A recent challenge in breadboard testing and early prototyping is the steady industry shift towards higher density packaging and higher pin counts. Many components are nearly im- possible to physically prototype with using tra- ditional bread-boarding techniques. How then can sufficient testing and prototyping occur prior to the onset of detailed product design? Fortunately, a new class of PCB manufac- turers has stepped into the market. It is now possible to buy just a handful of high-quality, custom PCBs for less than the cost of the proto- typing supplies and time that would have been required for bread-boarding. These manufactur- ers create opportunities for board layout that were not imagined just a few years ago. It is now possible and economical to make boards for ex- tremely early prototypes. This ability used to be solely available to companies with large budgets or specialized equipment. This change in the PCB manufacturing market will have a signifi- cant impact on medical device development. Conclusion The medical device industry is a heavily reg- ulated industry with slightly different motiva- tions than consumer electronics. Many of the same design strategies apply and many similar technologies are leveraged. PCB design and use in this industry are growing in sophistication and precision. Similarly, advances in manufac- turing capabilities, such as low volume, low cost, quick-turn PCBs are being embraced and leading to noticeable shifts in the design and development process. PCB PCBS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS—A DESIGNER'S PERSPECTIvE continues MacDermid Focuses on OEM Needs by Real Time with...SMTAI 2014 Publisher ray rasmussen and macdermid's director of oem applications lenora toscano discuss macdermid's focus on understanding the needs, challenges, and roadmaps of oems. realtimewith.com CliCk To View vIdeo InTeRvIew Kenneth macCallum is principal engineering physicist at starfish medical.