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Physics, Electrical Engineering, and PCB Design
December 20, 2022 | Tamara Jovanovic, Happiest BabyEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

When I was a sophomore in college, I had an amazing professor for Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism. He made a series of complex topics fun to learn, and his personality and way of teaching were almost tailor-made for the way I like to learn. He explained new concepts through practical examples, and always kept students engaged throughout the class, making sure everyone understood the lectures. Physics II was an engineering prerequisite, and I didn’t mind taking the class since I really enjoyed the material. However, I did find myself wondering a few times, “Will I ever use any physics in real life?”
It turns out that the answer to the question was yes. Through the rest of my undergrad and my master’s program, I have used physics more than just occasionally. To put it plainly, physics is essentially the study of how everything works, and it is everywhere around us. Without realizing it, we use physics while doing simple tasks around the house. The laws of physics describe everything around us, from opening a jar, using our phones, and ironing clothes, all the way to understanding how the human body works, driving a car, natural disasters, and electronics manufacturing.
Electrical engineers use the laws of physics and mathematics to convert electrical energy and power into a circuit, device, or system. Whether it’s semiconductors, circuit design, power distribution, grounding, or shielding, physics is woven through electrical design, and it helps solve complex problems even when we don’t realize it.
Any circuit board design is a process. In my job, the very first step in PCB design is board planning with mechanical engineers. There is usually a specific industrial design that is established as baseline, and we have to work around that when incorporating mechanics and electronics. We discuss critical components and parts, their size and potential location, and we make decisions on where they could be placed, as well as how specific features of the product can be implemented and executed. We also have to ensure that board shape and size can house all the components and circuits that need to be implemented. In the meantime, I start working on board schematics and design validation.
Physical strain on the PCB is another aspect of my job that involves physics. Engineers must select the optimal location for mounting and locator holes on the board. Mechanical engineers perform simulations to make sure that they aren’t putting unnecessary strain on the board and ensure the board doesn’t get damaged during assembly into the product. Once mounting hole locations are identified and the schematic is completed, an electrical/layout engineer can start working on layout.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the November 2022 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
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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.
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Beyond Design: The Metamorphosis of the PCB Router
06/18/2025 | Barry Olney -- Column: Beyond DesignThe traditional PCB design process is often time-consuming and labor-intensive. Routing a complex PCB layout can consume up to 30% of a designer’s time, and addressing this issue is not straightforward. We have all encountered this scenario: You spend hours setting the constraints and finally hit the Go button, only to be surprised by the lack of visual appeal and the obvious flaws in the result.