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
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
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.