Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/615135
30 The PCB Design Magazine • December 2015 about the many issues we need to understand; I don't mean just designing to make boards func- tion, but incredibly important issues like DFX (i.e., design for fabrication, design for assembly and design for testability). For people who do not live in the area of an active chapter, there is the IPC APEX EXPO conference and other won- derful educational resources, such as PCB West Design Conference and online webinars from multiple sources, including IPC. Shaughnessy: What's exciting about the dc today? Hartley: All the items mentioned earlier. And, of course, there is the CID (Certified Intercon- nect Designer) and CID+ (Advanced) training and certification. This can be a very valuable asset to designers and EEs. One of the greatest benefits I derived from chapter membership was networking. I could write a book on the value of networking with others in your profession. Those folks lucky enough to still have a local chapter and those who network at conferences know exactly what I mean. Shaughnessy: We've covered a few dc meetings and "lunch and learns" lately, and they've had good attendance. Are the local chapters becoming more active, like they were a few years ago? Hartley: The chapters that are active are very active. A great example is the Orange County chapter in Southern California. These guys are doing a fantastic job of training and educating designers, fabricators and assembly people. I cannot say enough about the great work that Scott McCurdy and the other officers of the Or- ange County chapter are doing. Unfortunately, in recent years, a number of other chapters have become less active, the Greater Ohio chapter included. We did not lose interest; we were mainly a self-education group and, after 14 years, simply ran out of things to tell each other. We were fortunate to have a fair number of people with something valuable to say, and we did it for 14 years. We have been talking lately about possibly rekindling the flames. It's been just long enough that we believe we have new things we can teach each other. Anyone who wants to know more about the Designers Council can find information on IPC's website. If you want to get more involved in education for the industry, don't just join the DC; start a local chapter and help to educate others. Shaughnessy: You're the vice chair for the dc. Where is the group headed in the next few years? Hartley: We are constantly updating and im- proving the CID and CID+ training. These are complex training programs and they are ever- developing. Also, there has been talk for years about Focus Modules that would be used to train people in specific disciplines related to CID and CID+ (HDI, EMI, etc.). We continue to discuss these possibilities. We are always look- ing for ways to educate the industry. Shaughnessy: in addition to the benefits you men- tioned earlier, why else should someone consider joining the dc? Hartley: Education and networking! When I de- cided 23 years ago to teach at our local chapter meetings, I had no clue how much I would learn in the process of developing training material to educate others. If your goal is to better your- self, don't just go to conferences. Get involved! Shaughnessy: thanks, rick. Hartley: Thank you, Andy. PCBDESIGN IPC DESIGNERS CoUNCIL VIEWPoINT: RICk HARTLEY feature interview