Connect the Dots: Stop Killing Your Yield—The Hidden Cost of Design Oversights
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Target Condition: Designing vs. Inventing
IPC's Vision for Empowering PCB Design Engineers
April 30, 2024 | Robert Erickson, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
As architects of innovation, printed circuit board designers are tasked with translating increasingly complex concepts into tangible designs that power our modern world. IPC provides the necessary community, standards framework, and education to prepare these pioneers as they explore the boundaries of what’s possible, equipping engineers with the knowledge, skills, and resources required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic field.
Setting the Stage for Success
All except the youngest of us remember when telephones were only for talking, and a refrigerator didn’t do much at all. Today, traditionally mundane devices like refrigerators, doorbells, and thermostats include advanced electronic components that offer connectivity, smart features, and the ability to communicate. These and the thousands of other devices that make our modern way of life possible rely on printed circuit boards and the skilled individuals who design them.
These designers need to keep up with the latest developments in PCB design as it evolves in tandem with the increasingly complex components required to deliver the functionality provided by this wide variety of products. IPC fulfills this need by providing comprehensive training that helps designers gain a deep understanding of PCB design principles, industry best practices, and emerging technologies. From foundational courses like PCB Design I and PCB Design II to advanced offerings such as PCB Design for Manufacturability and PCB Design for Advanced Packaging, IPC's curriculum covers the wide range of skills required to achieve success in PCB design.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the April 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
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Connect the Dots: Stop Killing Your Yield—The Hidden Cost of Design Oversights
04/03/2025 | Matt Stevenson -- Column: Connect the DotsI’ve been in this industry long enough to recognize red flags in PCB designs. When designers send over PCBs that look great on the computer screen but have hidden flaws, it can lead to manufacturing problems. I have seen this happen too often: manufacturing delays, yield losses, and designers asking, “Why didn’t anyone tell me sooner?” Here’s the thing: Minor design improvements can greatly impact manufacturing yield, and design oversights can lead to expensive bottlenecks. Here’s how to find the hidden flaws in a design and avoid disaster.