Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/615135
14 The PCB Design Magazine • December 2015 Mulvihill: Not at this time. When the program was first developed 20+ years ago, the original plan was to expand the offering to a course module on HDI, and one on high-speed design. These topics are introduced in the 2016 edition of CID, and covered in more depth within the 2016 edition of CID+. Publication of a formal certification module takes a long time, due to requirements for multiple reviews. Develop- ments in HDI and high-speed design happen so fast that formal certification module content could be outdated as soon as it is published. For the most up-to-date information on HDI and other technologies that require advanced- level design, individuals concerned with de- sign are encouraged to participate in tutorials, courses, and technical conferences. Examples include the professional development courses at IPC APEX EXPO, and the recent IPC Flexible Circuits-HDI Forum. Shaughnessy: many of our readers feel standards and certifications should be free to members. how do you address the "free" contingent? Mulvihill: While it would be possible to con- struct a membership fee that would include all standards and certifications, the fee would be too high because not every employee of every member company would utilize all IPC prod- ucts and services constantly. It is understand- able that this question might be raised, as the incredible amount of time and effort that goes into association "products" like standards and certifications is not always apparent at first glance. Shaughnessy: What resources (book stores, etc.) are most important to your members? Mulvihill: IPC industry standards are our core offering. We are the only association in this electronics manufacturing industry to provide a platform for development and application of standards for all phases of product realization: design, manufacturing, inspection and test. IPC standards focus on manufacturability and reli- ability of the finished product, notably the high reliability required of products for the automo- tive, medical, military and aerospace sectors, as well as products like satellites and servers. Shaughnessy: how do you satisfy members' need for technical information? Mulvihill: Our mission is to provide industry standards and technical education, including training and certification, education with a de- sign focus. Shaughnessy: highlight some of the designers council's success stories. IPC DESIGNERS CoUNCIL: SERVING PCB DESIGNERS FoR ALMoST 25 YEARS feature interview