AI in PCB Design - It's Already Here! With David Wiens & Stephen Chavez, Siemens EDA. Episode 174

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s rapidly reshaping our industry: Artificial Intelligence in PCB Design. Far from a futuristic concept, AI is already being integrated into advanced design tools—improving efficiency, reducing design iterations, and helping engineers tackle increasing design complexity with shrinking timelines.Joining me today are two thought leaders who are at the forefront of this transformation:First, we welcome back Stephen Chavez, a senior printed circuit engineer with more than 30 years of experience. Stephen serves as a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Siemens EDA, where he helps drive AI adoption in PCB design workflows. He’s also the Chairman of the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) and a PCEA and IPC Certified Master Instructor Trainer. Stephen recently authored the article “AI in PCB Design: It’s Already Here”, which forms the foundation of today’s discussion.Also joining us is Dave Wiens, Product Marketing Manager for the Xpedition Enterprise portfolio at Siemens EDA. With decades of experience in electronic design automation, Dave is a recognized expert in digital transformation and design innovation. He brings deep insight into how AI-driven tools are streamlining everything from system-level design to manufacturability, while empowering engineers to focus on innovation rather than repetition.We’ll unpack the practical applications of AI in PCB workflows—covering predictive design, simulation acceleration, and how these advancements are improving both reliability and time-to-market.If you're wondering what AI really means for the future of design—and what it doesn’t—you’ll want listen to this episode!