As a PCB field applications engineer, ensuring smooth communication between PCB designers and fabricators is one of my frequent challenges. A critical part of that dialogue is design for manufacturing (DFM). Many designers, even experienced ones, often misunderstand or overlook important DFM considerations. They may confuse design rules with manufacturing minimums, leading to technically feasible designs that are difficult or costly to produce. In this column, I will clarify some common DFM guidelines and help designers understand the difference between “design rules” and “minimums” while sharing best practices that will simplify the production process and ensure the highest quality PCB.

IPC and FED have teamed up to create a new PCB design conference in Vienna, Austria. The Pan-European Electronics Design Conference (PEDC) takes place Jan. 29-30 at the NH Danube City hotel in Vienna. Raytheon’s Filbert Arzola is presenting “Engineering and Adapting Model-based PCB Design in Step with Sustainability and Digital Twins” at PEDC. I asked Filbert to discuss what attendees can expect from his class.

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect and embrace the significance of this moment. This season is not simply a milestone marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another; it’s an opportunity to acknowledge our journey and appreciate the lessons we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the people who have supported us.