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A strong design constraint strategy carefully balances a wide range of electrical and manufacturing trade-offs. This month, we explore the key requirements, common challenges, and best practices behind building an effective constraint strategy.
All 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.
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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.
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Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
April 24, 2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute

In a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
At the heart of this journey is IPC's unwavering commitment to developing National Program Standards that cater to the intricate needs of electronics manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of a highly trained workforce. The approval of the PCB design engineer occupation by the U.S. DOL is a testament to the collective vision and relentless efforts of countless individuals within the IPC community as well as the industry, which believes in the power of education, training, and standardization.
The PCB design engineer role is foundational to the electronics manufacturing value stream, serving as the linchpin that transforms innovative ideas into tangible, functioning technologies. These engineers are tasked with the intricate design of PCBs, which serve as the backbone for nearly all electronic devices. Their work supports not just the creation of new products but also the enhancement of existing technologies, ensuring they meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers and industries alike.
Recognizing the PCB design engineer as a distinct occupation highlights the specialized skill set these professionals bring to the table. It acknowledges the complexity of their work, which requires a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles, proficiency in design software, and an acute awareness of manufacturing processes and constraints. More importantly, it shines a light on the critical need for tailored training and education programs that can prepare individuals for success in this challenging and rewarding field.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the April 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
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Showing Some Constraint: Design007 Magazine July 2025
07/10/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamA robust design constraint strategy balances dozens of electrical and manufacturing trade-offs. This month, we focus on design constraints—the requirements, challenges, and best practices for setting up the right constraint strategy.
Elementary, Mr. Watson: Rein in Your Design Constraints
07/10/2025 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. WatsonI remember the long hours spent at the light table, carefully laying down black tape to shape each trace, cutting and aligning pads with surgical precision on sheets of Mylar. I often went home with nicks on my fingers from the X-Acto knives and bits of tape all over me. It was as much an art form as it was an engineering task—tactile and methodical, requiring the patience of a sculptor. A lot has changed in PCB design over the years.
TTCI Joins Printed Circuit Engineering Association to Strengthen Design-to-Test Collaboration and Workforce Development
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