So You’re Thinking About Designing PCB’s?
Do you think you have what it takes to make a mark in the field of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design? For the engineering minded and artistically oriented, PCB design is a fascinating field where you can achieve both financial success and fulfillment in doing something that you love. Whether you’re just dipping your toes for the first time, or you are a seasoned veteran; I hope to provide some insight and encouragement. A few accomplished men were gracious enough to speak with me and share their thoughts, stories, and predictions of where the industry will be in the near future.
Education?
The first question that you might ask yourself is whether this is something for which you can go to school. I approached Bill Brooks of Datron World Communications, who in the past has taught classes at Palomar College in PCB Design and Advanced PCB Design. He was introduced into the field because his father owned a board shop where he worked until he was nineteen. Bill echoed what I have heard from many:  that traditionally designers do not have college degrees. A four-year degree, let alone a Masters, is not needed to be successful. However, the technology continues to advance and designers must be much more rounded and have a greater understanding of a wide variety of variables than they did even only ten years ago. I also spoke with Rick Hartley of L-3 Communications. He is an accomplished designer and teaches technical seminars at various trade shows around the country. He echoed the same sentiment.
Although various classes are available, the most valuable training is found within a mentorship relationship. Rick learned how to design because a co-worker and mentor took the time to teach him. Do you wonder where you can find a mentor, or the academic resources to succeed? Fortunately there are a variety of places for you to go where you can receive training and meet designers who would love to teach you, especially if you are a younger entrant into the field.
If you are truly interested in making it in the field of PCB design, you must immerse yourself and strive to become an expert. Let’s break it down into three approaches. You need to network with current designers and find a mentor(s), you need to attend technical workshops and training sessions, and there are a few must have books that you ought to read. Let’s start with networking.
Networking
The IPC is a very well recognized organization worldwide and they host online communities called Designer Councils which are divided up geographically. Some of the most active councils are in Orange County and Portland. You have a great opportunity to connect with and meet in person designers who would love to help you learn. Although slightly archaic in their technology (they use list server technology), this is a very valuable tool and will allow you to connect with thousands of professionals. the IPC recognizes the need to cultivate new designers and is actively pursuing programs to do just that. Also, check out the article Best and Worst LinkedIn Groups for PCB Enthusiasts. Use the connections within those groups, the discussion boards, the Q&A section, etc to meet and interact with experts.
Technical Training
Board design has gotten more complex as the devices they power have pushed the limits. Although the printed circuit board has not changed significantly in its build over the last 35 years, the environment into which it is placed has. Designers must understand electronic theory at a technician level, understand the PCB fabrication process, mechanical stress and how to prevent failure modes, the assembly process, testing processes, what the board is going to end up in for additional variables, and must also be cost conscious when it comes to materials. Does this sound overwhelming? Fortunately there is a plethora of design shows where you can attend technical sessions pertaining to all of these issues. There are the IPC and Design Conferences, UP Media group’s PCB shows, designer council meetings, webinars, blogs, and companies that offer training courses. Follow the various links and explore the opportunities to receive training. The best training Rick ever recieved was a week long session about “board design for productibility.” Seek out similar courses and seminars, and you will do great.
Read, Read, Read!
If you want to be the best, you need to read from the best. I have taken suggestions from several experts regarding what books they feel are the best for you to read if you’re seeking to expand your knowledge of the field. I have listed them in the bookstore section of HotPCB. Do us a favor, if you purchase through our links we might make a dollar. That’d be cool.
I ended all of my interviews asking if they had any predictions of where the industry was going, or what they would say in closing to someone just getting started. Rick made the point that there are going to be a lot of available jobs and to get into it now. In the long run it will pay off. He took a pay cut when he first went into design, but quickly surpassed his former income. Many designers are going to be retiring in the next 10 years, but PCB’s aren’t going anywhere.
I would add that a 2 year diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology can be a big asset for a PCB designer. Being able to read and interpret schematics adds a lot of value. The designer becomes more than just a draftsperson or a gatekeeper, but an integral part of the engineering team.
I agree with Roy B. Having an electronics background and even being a technician for awhile gives real time experience on what you can do as a pcb designer to help the technicians/engineers to better test/develop their prducts.
There is another IPC Designers Council Chapter which is very active, right here in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina. We just hosted our 7th annual industry trade show, PCB Carolina 2009 at the Raleigh Convention Center, on September 2nd. Please check out our web site at http://ipc-rtp.org/index.html.
Please note that the IPC Designers Council Certification program fro interconect design is a worthwhile endevour for young designers to pursue.
One trend that your article missed: many American PCB design jobs are moving overseas, not because designers are retiring here in the USA, but because it’s way cheaper to hire designers in places like Malaysia,Vietnam, India and China than it is here. American designers are still the top guns, but often are spending much of their time mentoring off-shore designers, and making corrections to their designs at the last minute, so the PCB tooling data can go to manufacturing.
Cliff Lamson
Willow Spring, NC
Alot of it is eventually becoming skilled at recognizing relationships and recognizing patterns, in both track routing and signal flow.
As has been mentioned, having a technician background or understanding of the circuits you design, is a big plus, in my option. Having come from that background myself, I can’t tell you the number of times an engineer has thanked me for catching something he/she forgot, or didn’t remember, or even connected wrong and not realized it. I’m always asking how and why on a circuit if I haven’t seen it before. This does a couple of things. First, I understand the circuit better, now I can design with that in mind. Second, since I’m interested in the operation, the engineer(s) get a better feeling that I’m looking out for them also and going to help keep them on track so to speak, also. So far, it’s been working for me…
Cliff makes a good point also, (I understand it personally too) jobs going overseas are hurting some companies more than they realize. They get a great deal on the labor to design the board, but don’t always get the feedback that it cost more to fix what is wrong when it comes back. At that point, it may be too late and now you have to change processes to accommodate poor design. Another issue some companies may not get is design data. Do they REALLY have full control of their data? I know of a few cases where it was a great deal to design overseas, but a new product hits the market that looks JUST like your design but has a different name… Nuff said there.
I also started with an electronics background first, then learned the mechanical aspects later. I feel that gave me a better over-all understanding on how to design a PCB. I have had many similar experiences like Scott’s when working with my customers.
As far as the global market situation, It has been painful for me also. I have lost quite a few customers because of it.
Like scott said .If PCB designers can work with minimal engeneering assistance, He/She will be able to plan the work properly and will have a great time doing the design.
PCB design is like putting a big puzzle with different views of mechanic, electric, software skill and PCB/PCBA fabrication to one picture together. When only one of this aspect will be missed the picture will be wonderful. That is the reason why outsourcing PCB layout is different to handle.
I believe even a novice can find everything they need to know about becoming a board designer right here on the internet (at least the “book learning” part, but there’s something to be said for real-world experience, right?) The problem is, there is TOO MUCH information available, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to wade through.
Sure, if you want to know about circuit boards you can buy the Printed Circuits Handbook, but it weighs 50 pounds and at least a thousand pages. And that is just one reference out of dozens. But what if you just want a brief overview? What is needed is a SHORT tutorial about board development, and several factors have been pushing me towards writing one. So the good news might be that within the year, there may be a free public “How To” on this subject, but I would be embarrassed to show you what I have so far… so, stay tuned. I’ll post it here as soon as I can.
(nice website Liam, keep up the good work!)
Jack
I totally agree that board design has gotten more complex as the devices they power have pushed its limits. I do appreciate you giving tips on how people can be expert on this field. I am very much interested on creating a PCB design layout. I believe that in making a layout it is important to take into consideration the cost factor as well as the practicality of making the PCB in-house. I hope this would help, especially for those who are thinking of making a PCB design layout themselves.
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