Patrick Hope - Electronic Systems Design

Global aerospace leader seamlessly integrates Valor NPI into an Allegro® workflow

March 18, 2022

Corporate Goal: reduce re-designs and increase product quality A few years ago corporate management at a global aerospace leader examined…

By Patrick Hope and Mark Forbes

5 MIN READ

What is New Product Introduction (NPI) and How Does it Apply to PCBs?

February 2, 2022

The pace of PCB new product introductions has increased exponentially over the past few years – and with it the need for a proper NPI process. It’s not just that PCBs are used in more and more products across numerous industries; it’s also that more PCBs are needed in those products. For example, consider how many PCBs are used in even the lowest-end cars today versus how many were used years ago. As new-model cars become increasingly connected to online services, the need for PCBs will continue to grow.

By Patrick Hope

5 MIN READ

PCB Stackup Design e-book

January 28, 2022

While not the final word on the subject of stackups, Bill’s e-book goes a long way to helping you plan ahead, providing an important voice in a space that is surprisingly lacking in content. I would also recommend exploring Z-planner Enterprise, a stackup tool that Bill has spent years developing. Now all you need is a sharp pencil.

By Patrick Hope

3 MIN READ

What is Design for Manufacturing?

January 4, 2022

PCB Design for Manufacturing DFM looks at all factors that may impact the manufacturability of a PCB design, such as assembly, fabrication, flex/rigid-flex, microvia, panel and substrate. It should also consider whether SMT component placement and soldering can be conducted automatically to reduce costs. DFM can involve general manufacturing specifications and/or the specifications of a specific manufacturer.

By Patrick Hope

4 MIN READ