Stephen V. Chavez
Sr. Product Marketing Manager

Stephen Chavez is a veteran PCB designer who has used Siemens EDA tools for more than twenty years. As Senior Product Marketing Manager at Siemens, his role expands into thought leadership for supply chain resilience and electronic systems design.

Elevating enterprise project success: The power of managed design review workflows in PCB design

Elevating enterprise project success: The power of managed design review workflows in PCB design

February 4, 2026
A single error in a PCB layout can lead to costly re-spins, significant project delays, and even product failure in the field. Enter managed design review workflows for PCB design.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
When design meets manufacturing: Why the digital thread and digital twin are leadership imperatives

When design meets manufacturing: Why the digital thread and digital twin are leadership imperatives

December 22, 2025
When design and manufacturing operate without a cohesive digital twin, the consequences ripple across the enterprise.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Optimizing multi-domain collaboration: turning engineering complexity into competitive advantage

Optimizing multi-domain collaboration: turning engineering complexity into competitive advantage

December 8, 2025
Multi-domain collaboration is no longer a technical nice-to-have. It is a business imperative.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Mastering the bend: Essential tips & tricks for rigid-flex PCB design

Mastering the bend: Essential tips & tricks for rigid-flex PCB design

October 15, 2025
Getting rigid-flex PCB design right requires a little know-how. To help you navigate the exciting world of bendable electronics, I've put together some essential tips and tricks.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The invisible backbone of electronics: Why impedance matters more than you think

The invisible backbone of electronics: Why impedance matters more than you think

September 25, 2025
beneath the surface of every high-performance circuit lies an unsung champion: Impedance (Z).
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Keeping your IP safe in a connected world

Keeping your IP safe in a connected world

August 19, 2025
Protecting electronic design IP isn't just about having the right tools—it's about cultivating a mindset across your organization.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Understanding the impact of hatched ground planes on PCB impedance

Understanding the impact of hatched ground planes on PCB impedance

July 7, 2025
Hatched ground planes can be employed and present an interesting alternative with specific implications for impedance control.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Remote collaboration in electronic systems design: How teams are building the future… from anywhere

Remote collaboration in electronic systems design: How teams are building the future… from anywhere

June 18, 2025
Remote collaboration in ESD is no longer a stopgap nor isn’t just feasible. It’s a strategic shift. It’s a smarter, scalable way to build the future.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB high voltage spacing: What every engineer should know

PCB high voltage spacing: What every engineer should know

April 29, 2025
At the heart of high-voltage PCB reliability is proper PCB high voltage spacing between conductive elements.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Beyond silos: Enabling multidomain and multidiscipline integration in electronic systems design

Beyond silos: Enabling multidomain and multidiscipline integration in electronic systems design

April 21, 2025
Engineering success depends not just on deep expertise, but on seamless integration across domains and disciplines.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Design for manufacturing output files – optimizing engineering to manufacturing efficiency

Design for manufacturing output files – optimizing engineering to manufacturing efficiency

March 18, 2025
As PCB design and manufacturing become increasingly complex, the choice of design for manufacturing output files plays a crucial role in streamlining processes, reducing errors, and improving time to market.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Blind and buried vias: An HDI technology

Blind and buried vias: An HDI technology

March 13, 2025
One of the key innovations within HDI PCB design is the use of blind and buried vias, which enhance routing capabilities by freeing up additional routing resources, increasing the amount of routing channels while requiring fewer signal layers, and optimizing board space.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The role of AI in electronic systems design

The role of AI in electronic systems design

February 14, 2025
AI in electronic systems design is revolutionizing the industry. As the complexity of modern electronic devices increases, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for engineers seeking efficiency, accuracy, and innovation.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Things to check for on a PCB

Things to check for on a PCB

January 23, 2025
What stage a PCB, or a PCB assembly (PCBA) is in determines what things to check for on a PCB.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Get new engineers on board faster and increase PCB design productivity by 30% with intuitive software

Get new engineers on board faster and increase PCB design productivity by 30% with intuitive software

January 23, 2025
In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, we discuss the evolution of PCB design tools.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Four things I love about the new Siemens user experience (UX)

Four things I love about the new Siemens user experience (UX)

January 16, 2025
Dive into why I feel the new Siemens UX is a game-changer for PCB designers.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Where to put decoupling capacitors on a PCB: best practices and design considerations

Where to put decoupling capacitors on a PCB: best practices and design considerations

December 19, 2024
Why where to put decoupling capacitors on a PCB can make or break your design.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Harnessing AI in PCB design – a conversation with CELUS

Harnessing AI in PCB design – a conversation with CELUS

December 10, 2024
How is AI reshaping the PCB design landscape? What challenges are engineers and small businesses facing today, and how can...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Concurrent design: revolutionizing PCB development

Concurrent design: revolutionizing PCB development

December 9, 2024
Concurrent design minimizes errors and project delays in PCB development.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
How CELUS and Siemens are about to transform PCB design

How CELUS and Siemens are about to transform PCB design

November 26, 2024
Hey there, fellow engineers, designers, and tech enthusiasts! If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours creating and modifying...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The good, bad, and brilliance of ultra high-density interconnect (UHDi)

The good, bad, and brilliance of ultra high-density interconnect (UHDi)

November 12, 2024
What is Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi) technology, and why is it critical for modern PCB designs? How does collaboration...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Ultra high-density interconnect: a game changer in electronics

Ultra high-density interconnect: a game changer in electronics

October 16, 2024
Ultra high-density interconnect (UHDI) is a key innovation that has changed the design and production of PCBs. Learn how UHDI enables the future of electronics.
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Breaking barriers: how two women are redefining PCB design through ECAD/MCAD collaboration

Breaking barriers: how two women are redefining PCB design through ECAD/MCAD collaboration

September 26, 2024
Can seamless ECAD/MCAD collaboration revolutionize your PCB designs? How can women in engineering shape this bright future and lead the...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Keys to successful ECAD-MCAD collaboration

Keys to successful ECAD-MCAD collaboration

September 24, 2024
ECAD-MCAD collaboration is crucial In today’s complex world of product design and development. As product designs evolve, involving smaller IC...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The foundations and challenges of electronics design data management

The foundations and challenges of electronics design data management

June 25, 2024
Last year on the Printed Circuit Podcast I talked with Andre Mosley, a seasoned professional in the field of electronics...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
A journey through reuse methodologies

A journey through reuse methodologies

June 25, 2024
Design reuse in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) involves leveraging existing designs to speed up development, reduce risks, and ensure quality....
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Exploring RF PCB design

Exploring RF PCB design

May 30, 2024
RF PCB design involves the creation of printed circuit boards that manage high-frequency signals for radio frequency and microwave applications,...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Power integrity and efficient PDN design

Power integrity and efficient PDN design

May 7, 2024
From voltage droops that threaten system stability to electromagnetic interference that disrupts signal integrity, engineers face countless obstacles in their...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Successfully implementing PCB design constraints

Successfully implementing PCB design constraints

April 30, 2024
Last year, on the Printed Circuit Podcast, I spoke with industry veteran, Scott Decker, about the use of PCB design...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Exploring rigid flex PCB design

Exploring rigid flex PCB design

April 16, 2024
Traditional printed circuit board (PCB) designs frequently encounter constraints in space optimization and weight reduction, particularly in compact electronic devices....
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
High density interconnect (HDI) and ultra HDI PCB technologies

High density interconnect (HDI) and ultra HDI PCB technologies

April 16, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of printed circuit board (PCB) technologies, high density Interconnect (HDI) and Ultra high density Interconnect (Ultra...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Advice on tackling rigid-flex PCB designs

Advice on tackling rigid-flex PCB designs

March 26, 2024
Last year, on the Printed Circuit Podcast, I engaged in conversation with Anaya Vardya about the complexities of advanced printed...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
A principal designer’s journey in rigid flex PCB design

A principal designer’s journey in rigid flex PCB design

March 12, 2024
As technology continues to advance, the demand for smaller, lighter, and more efficient electronic devices is ever-increasing. This demand has...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The impact of Manufacturing Driven Design on PCB development

The impact of Manufacturing Driven Design on PCB development

March 6, 2024
The concept of Manufacturing Driven Design (MDD) represents a shift towards validating manufacturing requirements during the design phase, empowering designers...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The untapped potential of concurrent design

The untapped potential of concurrent design

March 1, 2024
In the field of PCB design and engineering, the concept of concurrent design stands as underutilized and waiting to help...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The importance of design for manufacturability in the PCB design process

The importance of design for manufacturability in the PCB design process

February 7, 2024
When it comes to designing and producing electronics, success hinges not merely on the excellence of your design, but also...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Navigating the maze of PCB routing: understanding interactive, auto, and sketch routing techniques

Navigating the maze of PCB routing: understanding interactive, auto, and sketch routing techniques

November 13, 2023
In the world of PCB design, PCB routing plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency and functionality of electronic...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices pillar 5: supply chain resilience

PCB design best practices pillar 5: supply chain resilience

October 25, 2023
Today I’m going to discuss the fifth pillar of PCB design best practices: supply chain resilience. This is a topic...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: FPGA/PCB co-design

PCB design best practices: FPGA/PCB co-design

September 20, 2023
The next best practice in the model-based systems engineering pillar is FPGA/PCB co-design and optimization. What is FPGA/PCB co-design? FPGA/PCB...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: electrical/electronic co-design

PCB design best practices: electrical/electronic co-design

September 11, 2023
What is electrical/electronic co-design? Circuit boards don’t work in isolation, they usually interface with other circuit boards via connectors, cables...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: multi-board PCB design

PCB design best practices: multi-board PCB design

August 28, 2023
What is multi-board PCB design? Multi-board PCB design is the design of multiple printed circuit boards that make up one...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices pillar 4: model-based systems engineering

PCB design best practices pillar 4: model-based systems engineering

July 31, 2023
Today I will outline our fourth pillar of PCB design best practices, model-based systems engineering. Having the ability to design...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: manufacturability verification or design for manufacturing analysis

PCB design best practices: manufacturability verification or design for manufacturing analysis

July 27, 2023
What is design for manufacturing analysis? Design for manufacturing (DFM) analysis is manufacturability verification within the design process. It incorporates...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: analog mixed-signal (AMS)

PCB design best practices: analog mixed-signal (AMS)

July 25, 2023
What is analog mixed-signal analysis? Analog mixed-signal circuit simulation (AMS) is a technique for analyzing circuits in an integrated environment...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: thermal analysis

PCB design best practices: thermal analysis

June 8, 2023
Designing today’s complex PCB is no easy task. It requires a full understanding of the basics of PCB design, a...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices pillar 3: digital prototype-driven verification

PCB design best practices pillar 3: digital prototype-driven verification

May 10, 2023
Today I will outline our third pillar of PCB design best practices, digital prototype-driven verification. When it comes to digital...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: Designing for advanced manufacturing technologies like rigid-flex PCB design and High-Density Interconnect

PCB design best practices: Designing for advanced manufacturing technologies like rigid-flex PCB design and High-Density Interconnect

May 2, 2023
The next best practice I want to discuss as a part of engineering productivity and efficiency is designing for advanced...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: constraint-driven design

PCB design best practices: constraint-driven design

April 12, 2023
The next best practice within the engineering productivity and efficiency pillar is constraint-driven design. What is constraint-driven design? Constraint-driven design...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: design reuse

PCB design best practices: design reuse

March 29, 2023
The next best practice in this pillar that I’m going to dive deeper into is design reuse. I can tell...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: concurrent design

PCB design best practices: concurrent design

March 17, 2023
The second PCB design best practice that falls into the engineering productivity and efficiency pillar is concurrent design. What is...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices: design automation

PCB design best practices: design automation

March 3, 2023
When we think about the PCB design best practices that fall into the engineering productivity and efficiency pillar, we need...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design basics

PCB design basics

February 15, 2023
What is PCB design? PCB design is the entire process of creating a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) through collaboration and...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices pillar 2: engineering productivity and efficiency

PCB design best practices pillar 2: engineering productivity and efficiency

February 9, 2023
As I outlined in my first blog, there are five pillars of PCB design best practices. The first pillar we...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practice: library and design data management

PCB design best practice: library and design data management

January 27, 2023
Another best practice of this pillar is library and design data management. And what I mean by that is how...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The road to resilience at the point of design: Optimization

The road to resilience at the point of design: Optimization

January 20, 2023
On our last two episodes of the Printed Circuit Podcast, we talked about the road to PCB supply chain resilience,...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practice: design and manufacturing collaboration

PCB design best practice: design and manufacturing collaboration

January 13, 2023
Another best practice to talk about within the digitally integrated and optimized pillar is the collaboration between design and manufacturing...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practice: ECAD/MCAD co-design

PCB design best practice: ECAD/MCAD co-design

January 6, 2023
When we think about the PCB design best practices that fall into the digitally integrated and optimized pillar, we need...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The road to resilience at the point of design: Intelligence

The road to resilience at the point of design: Intelligence

December 21, 2022
In our fourth episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, we talk about how to create resilience at the point of...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
The road to resilience at the point of design: Knowledge

The road to resilience at the point of design: Knowledge

December 14, 2022
In our third episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, we talk about how to create resilience at the point of...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
How existing organizational infrastructure puts you at a disadvantage – supply chain resilience is not built into the design process

How existing organizational infrastructure puts you at a disadvantage – supply chain resilience is not built into the design process

December 8, 2022
In our second episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, we talk about existing infrastructure within organizations and why it’s adding...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
PCB design best practices pillar 1: digitally integrated and optimized

PCB design best practices pillar 1: digitally integrated and optimized

December 2, 2022
As I outlined in my last blog, there are five pillars of PCB design best practices. The first one I...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Today’s supply chain systems – why companies aren’t equipped to handle the new normal

Today’s supply chain systems – why companies aren’t equipped to handle the new normal

November 30, 2022
In our first podcast on supply chain resilience, we discussed how today, things look a lot different when it comes...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Introduction to the new PCB design best practices series

Introduction to the new PCB design best practices series

November 2, 2022
Are you a PCB designer, an electrical engineer, or someone else involved with printed circuit engineering looking to optimize the...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ
Resources for learning about PCB design

Resources for learning about PCB design

July 20, 2022
With today’s complex requirements challenging us at almost every stage of the design process, we don’t always have the answers...
By Stephen V. Chavez
< 1 MIN READ