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Current IssueAll About That Route
Most designers favor manual routing, but today's interactive autorouters may be changing designers' minds by allowing users more direct control. In this issue, our expert contributors discuss a variety of manual and autorouting strategies.
Creating the Ideal Data Package
Why is it so difficult to create the ideal data package? Many of these simple errors can be alleviated by paying attention to detail—and knowing what issues to look out for. So, this month, our experts weigh in on the best practices for creating the ideal design data package for your design.
Designing Through the Noise
Our experts discuss the constantly evolving world of RF design, including the many tradeoffs, material considerations, and design tips and techniques that designers and design engineers need to know to succeed in this high-frequency realm.
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IPC's PCB Design for Manufacturability
December 28, 2023 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Taught by an industry expert with more than 40 years of experience in the field, this 3-week online program, which starts Feb 20, 2024 | 12:00pm and runs through , is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce or eliminate design, documentation, and capability issues that often arise when completed PCB designs are sent to the fabricator for production.
Course Content
- DfM Course Introduction, Fabricator Capability and Materials
- Panelization, Stackups and Surface Finishes
- Conductive Features, Holes/Vias and Other Mechanical Features
- Masks and Inks, Impedance and Signal Loss, and Electrical Test
- FPC, Documentation and Specifications
- Participants receive the following helpful documents developed by Korf Consultancy LLC.
PCB Fabrication Design Rules
This editable document is designed to help PCB designers avoid many of the issues identified during the fabricator’s initial DFM review. It provides an extensive list of sample design rule parameters that designers can use to ensure that their designs are compatible with fabricator capabilities before the fabricator’s initial review. These globally representative design parameters are based on the most recent PCB design requirements.
Rigid PCB Fabrication Acceptance Specification
This editable document provides recommended qualification and performance specifications for all IPC-6012 requirements defined as AABUS (As Agreed Between User and Subscriber). Designers can use this document to inform fabricators of their company’s specific manufacturing, documentation, and quality requirements, inclusive of those that do not appear in IPC Standards.
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?