The Shaughnessy Report: All About That Via?

Reading time ( words)

Imagine that you support a few PCB designers working on cutting-edge applications that utilize RF, microwave, and other high-speed design technologies. Some of you may fit this description.

Now, imagine you’re supporting 1,700 designers across 50 countries, speaking a variety of languages. Monica Andrei of the Germany-based Continental Automotive Systems doesn’t have to imagine; for her, that’s just a typical day at the office—if you can call that typical.

Andrei was one of the speakers at Zuken Innovation World (ZIW), held June 1–3 at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa in San Diego. This annual event draws Zuken designers and engineers from every segment of the electronics industry. Zuken usually picks a nice venue for their events, but Coronado Island is pretty much unbeatable. It was 70 degrees on the water, with a good breeze blowing. If you have to work, Coronado Island is the place to be! Big thanks to Zuken’s Amy Clements for putting this whole thing together.

Continental develops electronic systems, tires, fuel injection systems and more for many of the world’s car and truck makers, including all of the German companies, General Motors, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Renault, Iveco, and Freightliner Trucks. Andrei, now based in Detroit, joked about the logistics involved in supporting 1,700 PCB designers and engineers in so many countries and time zones. Continental had €34 billion in sales last year.

The automotive, military, and aerospace segments make up a good chunk of Zuken’s market share. Technologists from these areas and more were all represented at ZIW. As in years past, when the event was known as ZDAC, I ran into dozens of Zuken users who really love their tools. And I don’t mean the normal love/hate relationship many of you have with your tools. Most designers tell me, “I love how my software does X and Y, but the way it does Z makes me pull out what’s left of my hair. I wish my EDA company would listen to me.”  

To read this entire article, which ran in the June 2015 issue of The PCB Design Magazine, click here.

03/23/2023 | Kelly Dack, CID+

Filbert Arzola of Raytheon Intelligence & Space taught a Professional Development course at IPC APEX EXPO on general design practices. During a break, Filbert spoke with Kelly Dack about some of today’s design strategies and how designers are reacting to them. What matters most?

03/07/2023 | I-Connect007 Editorial Team

In this interview, Saline Lectronics (an Emerald EMS company) President Jason Sciberras talks about PCB designers offering packaging options in the bill of materials. As Jason explains, mil/aero manufacturers like Saline can’t make many changes to a design without getting recertified, so including approved packaging options in the BOM from the start is a great way to go. Are you offering options in your BOM?

01/20/2023 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 Magazine

We’re in the middle of show season, and it certainly “shows.” Thank you very much. I’m here all week. Don’t forget to tip your wait staff. This week, we published a variety of articles, columns, and news items, and much of it centered on trade shows. Technical Editor Dan Feinberg brings us a report from CES 2023. IPC announced the winners of the Best Technical Paper awards for IPC APEX EXPO 2023. And we have an interview with Altium’s Rea Callender about the company’s educational efforts at APEX and around the globe.