Beyond Design: High-speed Rules of Thumb
Global PCB Connections: A Technical Overview of Long-flex Printed Circuit Boards
The Shaughnessy Report: A Handy Look at Rules of Thumb
PCB Designers: ‘Level Up’ IC, Packaging Knowledge
September 16, 2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Soo Lan Cheah is kind of a unicorn in the industry. She is an IPC instructor based in Malaysia, and she has years of experience designing integrated circuits and printed circuit boards. I knew I had to get her thoughts for this issue on silicon-to-systems. I asked Soo Lan to discuss her cross-discipline background and what silicon-to-systems means to her.
Andy Shaughnessy: Please tell us a little about your background. It’s rare to meet someone with experience designing ICs and PCBs.
Soo Lan Cheah: I am currently an instructor for IPC PCB design certification in Asia and instructor-led online training. I’ve spent the past 20 years in Malaysia in engineering education and training, designing technical curricula for professional development, as well as national projects for upskilling local graduates and engineers in the semiconductor industry. Before this, I worked in Singapore as an engineer, for 15 years in the data communication network, doing R&D for the National Computing Center, Defense Advanced Electronics Laboratory, and Microelectronics Institute.
I started PCB design as a team member working on signal integrity simulations and test board designs for advanced PCB board products in the defense industry. I acquired electromagnetic field solver knowledge and techniques at the microelectronics institute while working on semiconductor IC package electrical design. The PCB and IC design’s formal certification for training came under a local training center in Malaysia, with a technology transfer program (PCB, IC design, and IC testing) from Japan to Malaysia. My contributions include developing the IC package design course for training and updating the PCB design and IC design courses.
I am fortunate to have been given numerous opportunities to upskill myself and be introduced to IPC design certifications. I owe a huge thank you to Tan Beng Teong. I am also grateful to my IPC mentors Dieter Bergman and Gary Ferrari for their guidance, patience, and generosity in the learning process that has inspired me to continue to update and guide new learners in the industry through IPC.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the September 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Rules of Thumb for PCB Layout
11/21/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007The dictionary defines a “rule of thumb” as “a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience or practice rather than theory.” Rules of thumb are often the foundation of a PCB designer’s thought process when tackling a layout. Ultimately, a product spec or design guideline will provide the detailed design guidance, but rules of thumb can help to provide the general guidance that will help to streamline the layout process and avoid design or manufacturing issues.
PCB Design Software Market Expected to Hit $9.2B by 2031
11/21/2024 | openPRThis report provides an overview of the PCB design software market, detailing key market drivers, challenges, technological advancements, regional dynamics, and future trends. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% from 2024 to 2031, the market is expected to grow from USD 3.9 billion in 2024 to USD 9.2 billion by 2031.
KYZEN to Spotlight KYZEN E5631, AQUANOX A4618 and Process Control at SMTA Silicon Valley Expo and Tech Forum
11/21/2024 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally friendly cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Silicon Valley Expo & Tech Forum on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley in Fremont, CA.
Flexible Thinking: Rules of Thumb: A Word to the Wise
11/20/2024 | Joe Fjelstad -- Column: Flexible ThinkingIn the early days of electronics manufacturing—especially with PCBs—there were no rules. Engineers, scientists, and technicians largely felt their way around in the dark, making things up as they went along. There was a great deal of innovation, guessing, and testing to make sure that early guidelines and estimates were correct by testing them. Still, they frequently made mistakes.
Cadence Unveils Arm-Based System Chiplet
11/20/2024 | Cadence Design SystemsCadence has announced a groundbreaking achievement with the development and successful tapeout of its first Arm-based system chiplet. This innovation marks a pivotal advancement in chiplet technology, showcasing Cadence's commitment to driving industry-leading solutions through its chiplet architecture and framework.