Target Condition: Are Autorouters Friend or Foe?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
Changes on the Horizon: Is Resistance Futile?
February 10, 2022 | Stephen V. Chavez, PCEAEstimated reading time: 1 minute
For printed circuit engineers, especially those of us who have been in the industry for some time now, change is inevitable. From customer requirements that lead to design changes and deadlines being pulled in, to decreasing budgets and resource reallocations, change is one area where we must be adaptable if we want to survive and be successful in today’s industry.
Engineering change orders (ECOs), schematic/drawing redlines, component placement adjustments, and mechanical features modifications are among the changes that most of us usually deal with at one point or another during a project’s design cycle.
In my experience working for both small engineering firms and large OEMs, change typically translates into more time, which translates into more money. The big questions: Is the change billable or not? Who pays for this, or eats the cost of this change?
It all depends on how a contract was written, and how the purchase order (PO) was awarded. Potential changes are risk factors that are added into each quote, with a caveat that each change will be evaluated. This evaluation leads to a potential “out of scope” response to this change, adding an additional cost to the already agreed-upon PO, extension to the project schedule, or reset to the original project task duration. Every company handles purchase orders differently.
As I mentioned, change is inevitable in PCB design, and designers have become accustomed to it. But what about those other changes that may come at some point in our careers? Perhaps you’ve experienced a change in EDA tools, or a change in company culture, or both.
If so, you may have a special understanding of the famous motto of “The Collective” in Star Trek: Generations. “Resistance is futile.”
I feel your pain. Usually, this sort of change happens if you switch jobs, your company is acquired by another company, or your department is reorganized. It happens, and if it hasn’t happened to you yet, it probably will, if you remain in the industry long enough.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the February 2022 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
DownStream Acquisition Fits Siemens’ ‘Left-Shift’ Model
06/26/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007I recently spoke to DownStream Technologies founder Joe Clark about the company’s acquisition by Siemens. We were later joined by A.J. Incorvaia, Siemens’ senior VP of electronic board systems. Joe discussed how he, Rick Almeida, and Ken Tepper launched the company in the months after 9/11 and how the acquisition came about. A.J. provides some background on the acquisition and explains why the companies’ tools are complementary.
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
06/26/2025 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. WatsonThere's a story about a young woman preparing a holiday ham. Before putting it in the pan, she cuts off the ends. When asked why, she shrugs and says, "That's how my mom always did it." She asks her mother, who gives the same answer. Eventually, the question reaches Grandma, who laughs and says, "Oh, I only cut the ends off because my pan was too small." This story is a powerful analogy for how many PCB designers approach routing today.
Connect the Dots: The Future of PCB Design and Manufacturing
07/02/2025 | Matt Stevenson -- Column: Connect the DotsFor some time, I have been discussing the increasing complexity of PCBs and how designers can address the constantly evolving design requirements associated with them. My book, "The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to… Designing for Reality," details best practices for creating manufacturable boards in a modern production environment.
Siemens Turbocharges Semiconductor and PCB Design Portfolio with Generative and Agentic AI
06/24/2025 | SiemensAt the 2025 Design Automation Conference, Siemens Digital Industries Software today unveiled its AI-enhanced toolset for the EDA design flow.
Cadence AI Autorouter May Transform the Landscape
06/19/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazinePatrick Davis, product management director with Cadence Design Systems, discusses advancements in autorouting technology, including AI. He emphasizes a holistic approach that enhances placement and power distribution before routing. He points out that younger engineers seem more likely to embrace autorouting, while the veteran designers are still wary of giving up too much control. Will AI help autorouters finally gain industry-wide acceptance?