From Chaos to Control: How PLM Integration is Transforming PCB Design
What happens when you fabricate the wrong version of a board because someone skipped the process? It’s a nightmare scenario—and it’s more common than you think. But there’s a solution: PLM integration.
In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez is joined by Scott Claes, Senior Technical Marketing Engineer at Siemens, to explore how Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems can revolutionize PCB design workflows. With nearly two decades of experience integrating ECAD data with PLM systems, Scott offers practical insights into how PLM enhances design control, collaboration, and efficiency across global teams.
The discussion covers the real-world problems PCB designers face when managing data, from version confusion to design reuse challenges, and how a properly implemented PLM system solves them. Whether you’re navigating compliance needs like ITAR and HIPAA, or trying to bridge the gap between ECAD and MCAD, this episode provides a clear roadmap for leveraging PLM in your design ecosystem.
This conversation is essential for PCB designers, electrical engineers, CAD admins, and product teams looking to streamline their design process and avoid costly mistakes.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
What does a PLM system do? (1:35)
How does PLM integration enhance rather than restrict design freedom? (4:55)
How PLM enables easy reuse of previously released designs. (6:35)
Avoiding Costly Errors: How PLM prevents versioning mix-ups and fabrication mistakes (8:15)
How PLM supports ECAD/MCAD integration and complex designs like flex and rigid-flex (11:55)
Learning Curve & Workflow Impact: What PCB designers can expect when adapting to PLM (13:30)
Behind the Scenes of Integration: How PLM connectors automate design data management and bill of materials comparisons (16:55)
Library Management & Synchronization: What to push, what not to, and where EDM fits in (21:10)
How PLM supports ITAR, HIPAA, and team-based permission management (24:40)
Why learning PLM early can boost your career and prevent process bottlenecks (26:55)
What’s next for ECAD-to-PLM flows and supplier integration (28:10)
Connect with Steph Chavez:
LinkedIn
Website
Connect with Scott Claes
LinkedIn
Website
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How AI is Changing PCB Design Forever (And What It Means for You)
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, but what does it mean for PCB design? Will AI replace engineers, or will it be the ultimate tool for enhancing productivity and innovation?
In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez sits down with André Alcalde, co-founder of CELUS, to explore the role of AI in PCB design and the broader electronics engineering landscape. As someone with a deep background in hardware design, André shares his unique perspective on how AI can optimize workflows, reduce design iteration time, and future-proof engineering careers.
The conversation delves into AI’s ability to automate aspects of PCB design, the risks and rewards of adopting AI-driven solutions, and how engineers can best adapt to the rapid evolution of technology. With data security and intellectual property protection concerns, how can companies safely implement AI while keeping their designs secure?
This episode is a must-listen for PCB designers, electronics engineers, and technology leaders looking to understand how AI is reshaping the design process. Whether you're a seasoned professional adapting to new tools or an industry newcomer eager to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of AI-driven automation in PCB design.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
AI in PCB Design: Fad or Here to Stay? (1:55)
Automation vs. Manual Workflows: To what extent can AI take over PCB design, and what tasks will remain in human hands? (2:50)
How companies can ensure data privacy and protect their intellectual property when using AI tools (7:10)
The Changing Skillset for Engineers: How AI is shifting the role of PCB designers from execution to problem-solving and validation (12:10)
Job Market Impact: Will AI reduce or increase opportunities in the PCB design field? (15:50)
The Reluctance to Adopt AI: Why some companies are still hesitant and how expectations influence adoption (17:50)
Speeding Up Time to Market: How AI-driven automation can significantly improve design iteration cycles (20:50)
The Risks vs. Rewards of AI in PCB Design: Balancing automation, creativity, and human oversight (23:40)
Closing thoughts on AI and innovation in PCB design: (25:50)
Connect with Steph Chavez:
LinkedIn
Website
Connect with André Alcalde:
LinkedIn
Website
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Get New Engineers on Board Faster and Increase PCB Design Productivity by 30% with intuitive software
What does the changing workforce mean for the future of PCB design? How can intuitive software bridge the gap between retiring experts and incoming engineers?
In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez welcomes Jerry Suiter, Chief Architect at Siemens, to discuss the evolution of PCB design tools. As the industry faces a generational shift, Siemens is at the forefront of creating intuitive user experiences that cater to both power users and first-time engineers.
Jerry shares his decades of insights into the challenges of modern PCB design, the critical need for tools that accelerate productivity, and the role of AI-driven customization in enhancing the user experience.
From addressing workforce dynamics to developing AI-powered design aids, this conversation highlights how Siemens is preparing the next wave of engineers to be creative and productive from day one.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
The key challenges of a retiring PCB workforce and the rise of multi-skilled engineers ( 1:30 )
How intuitive software tools accelerate productivity for infrequent users ( 3:55 )
The role of AI in modern PCB design—from predictive commands to customization ( 5:30 )
Insights from five beta programs and the surprising results of A/B testing ( 10:35 )
How Siemens tools deliver a 30% productivity boost for new PCB engineers ( 11:20 )
Connect with Steph Chavez:
LinkedIn
Website
Connect with Jerry Suiter
Website
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Harnessing AI in PCB Design - A Conversation with CELUS
How is AI reshaping the PCB design landscape? What challenges are engineers and small businesses facing today, and how can advanced tools provide solutions?
In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez from Siemens speaks with Antonio Becerra Esteban, Head of Customer Success at CELUS, about the transformative role of AI in PCB design.
They explore how AI tools, like the CELUS platform, help engineers move from requirements to prototypes with unparalleled speed and efficiency while addressing challenges like the growing knowledge gap in hardware engineering and supply chain constraints.
Antonio shares insights into CELUS' innovative AI assistant, CUBOt , and how it simplifies design processes, enhances decision-making, and minimizes errors. He discusses real-world success stories of how AI-powered solutions have enabled engineers to overcome barriers and help small businesses remain competitive in the fast-evolving PCB market.
Listeners will also get a glimpse into the partnership between CELUS and Siemens EDA, which combines the power of AI with cutting-edge PCB design tools to create an integrated, efficient workflow.
If you're an engineer, designer, or small business owner searching to learn more about leveraging AI to streamline your PCB design process and stay competitive in the ever-evolving electronics industry, this episode is a must-listen.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
• What does CELUS do, and how was it founded? (00:40)
• Biggest challenges engineers and small businesses face in PCB design (04:40)
• How is AI specifically transforming the field of PCB design (09:30)
• What benefits can engineers gain from using AI in PCB design workflows? (12:24)
• How integrating CELUS AI with Siemens design tools will benefit users in the SMB market (22:56)
• What to Expect from the CELUS-Siemens Fully Integrated Product in March 2025 (27:55)
• Advice for you engineers starting out in PCB design (30:40)
Connect with Steph Chavez:
● LinkedIn
● Website
Connect with Antonio Becerra Esteban
● LinkedIn
● Website
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The Good, Bad, and Brilliance of Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi)
What is Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi) technology, and why is it critical for modern PCB designs? How does collaboration between designers and fabricators ensure the success of UHDi boards?
In this episode of The Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez from Siemens talks with Anaya Vardya, CEO of American Standard Circuits, about Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDi) technology and its growing importance in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices.
Anaya explains how UHDi enables smaller, higher-performance PCBs through advanced techniques like microvias and optimized layouts. He also discusses the key challenges in manufacturing these complex boards, such as sequential builds and specialized equipment.
Listeners will learn about the importance of early collaboration between designers and fabricators to avoid costly mistakes and delays. Anaya and Steph also touch on the future of PCB technology and the increasing need for advanced solutions like UHDi.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
What is UHDi technology? (3:15)
Feedback from the SMTA International Electronics Manufacturing Conference (5:00)
What are the design advantages of using UHDi? (6:35)
What are the disadvantages of using UHDi? (9:35)
What are some typical applications where UHDi would be implemented? (12:25)
What are the manufacturing challenges of UHDi technology? (14:15)
Where can designers or engineers learn more about UHDi technology? (19:20)
Connect with Steph Chavez:
LinkedIn
Website
Connect with Anaya Vardya:
LinkedIn
Website
Welcome to The Printed Circuit, a Siemens Podcast. Hosted by Stephen Chavez, each episode will focus on trends, challenges, and opportunities across the printed circuit engineering industry. Topics range from achieving supply chain resilience, to learning PCB design best practices.
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