IPC is expanding its educational offerings with a new online course designed to provide foundational knowledge in wire harness and cable design. The course, Introduction to Wire Harness Design I, is led by a seasoned mechanical engineer and subject matter expert in military cable systems working at FNSS Defense Systems in Turkey.
With over a decade of experience in the defense sector, Didem Üstün brings deep expertise in harness subsystem design, integration planning, and cable manufacturing documentation. Her work includes preparing electrical wiring schematics, 2D/3D drawings, and ensuring compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards through subcontractor audits.
The course is tailored for a broad audience, including mechanical and electronics engineers, designers, and operators. It aims to bridge the knowledge gap for those new to wire harness design by covering essential topics such as cable and wire types, reading electrical wiring diagrams, and selecting appropriate materials for cable solutions.
“This course provides a comprehensive foundation of wire harness and cable design for the electronics industry,” Üstün explained. “Understanding how to read wiring diagrams and apply that knowledge to design is critical. These fundamentals are the building blocks of reliable cable systems.”
The course also emphasizes the importance of cross-functional understanding. Operators who grasp technical drawings can offer more accurate feedback during manufacturing, enhancing collaboration with engineers and improving overall product quality.
Participants will gain practical skills that can be immediately applied in their roles. “After this course, students will be able to start designing with a clear understanding of the key elements and how to plan for manufacturing,” Üstün added.
The program is delivered online in two-hour sessions, on Mondays and Wednesdays. The next session begins June 16, 2025, with an additional offering scheduled for September. The course is structured to accommodate students in both North America and Europe.
Kel Allen, IPC’s online instructor-led training manager, highlighted the course’s alignment with IPC’s broader educational goals. “Just like our PCB design classes, this course walks students through real-world applications, including electrical schematics and industry standards like IPC/WHMA-A-620, which is provided as a course resource. The course is perfect for anyone new to the industry or interested in learning more about wire harness design.”
With this new course, IPC continues to broaden its training portfolio, reaching beyond traditional PCB design to support professionals in emerging and specialized areas of electronics manufacturing.
Enrollment is now open for Introduction to Wire Harness Design I. Interested participants are encouraged to register early by visiting the course page.