Designer Day Grows

On Tuesday, February 7, the IPC Designers Council proudly presented Designer Day in conjunction with the 2006 shows. More than 50 designers from around the world came to hear PCB design experts speak on a range of relevant industry topics. One attendee called it “a great opportunity for the PCB designer.”

Nilesh Naik of Eagle Circuits gave an informative keynote titled “The Future of the U.S. Design Industry.” Naik outlined the recent changes affecting the electronic industry and the impact it has on today’s designers. He backed up his findings using statistical data derived from a recent Designers Council questionnaire, and suggested several methods of improving future design opportunities through market segmentation/differentiation.

Continuing the topic of how to best prepare today’s designer for tomorrow, Dieter Bergman, IPC’s director of technology transfer, delivered a presentation titled “The Designer – Preparing for Future Challenges.” He shared personal tips on how to continue progressing as a designer, and noted the importance of keeping your options open while being willing to take some risks. “The attendees were really responsive,” said Bergman. “Several of the questions were related to the development of the ‘Lord Kelvin Matrix,’ which can provide the designer with a good strategy for achieving his or her future goals.”     

The day’s topics then shifted to the lead free directive and its impact in PCB design as Tom Hausherr from PCB Libraries Inc. showed how new software can be used to build a lead free component library.

Gary Ferrari of Ferrari Technical Services then presented a very detailed overview of lead free as it pertains to the printed board designer. He explained the reasons for the shift toward lead free, how it changes material selection decisions in PCB design, and its impact on board fabrication. Gary pressed on regarding the lead free issue, elaborating its effects on land characteristics, surface finishes, testing and component mounting, attachment, and selection.

After a question and answer panel segment, Dave Wiens from Mentor Graphics ended the day with his closing keynote, “PCB Design Discontinuities.” Dave discussed how certain discontinuities that disrupt PCB design can actually create competitive differentiation. He elaborated further by providing tips on where these opportunities exist in advanced packaging, advanced interconnect, design for manufacturing and collaborative design.  

In all, Designers Day delivered on its promise to provide the attendees with the latest in design trends. Many networked with peers and industry experts, exchanged tips for successful design and asked questions about the challenges they face. If the growth from 2005 to 2006 is any indication, Designers Day 2007 will certainly be an event no PCB designer would want to miss. For more information, contact Nate Fitt, IPC Designers Council technical staff, at NateFitt@ipc.org or 847-597-2827.