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OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

by Altium LLC.

The PCB Design Podcast covers the latest news, updates, and technology in the electronics design industry. Everything from routing, circuit simulation, to high-speed design, and finding circuit board manufacturers and component parts.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 7, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. PCB Connectors That Survive Space, Shock & 500 Thermal Cycles

    PCB connectors for military, aerospace, and LEO satellite hardware have to survive shock, vibration, humidity, and hundreds of brutal thermal cycles, and Samtec field applications engineer Shane Dabrowski explains how they're proven to do it. Zach Peterson and Shane walk through Samtec's Severe...

  2. Altium & Duro: The PLM Software Built for Hardware Startups

    Altium's acquisition of Duro brings cloud-based PLM software built for hardware startups and small engineering teams into the Altium platform, and in this OnTrack Podcast episode Zach Peterson asks Duro founder and CEO Michael Corr why the deal happened. Michael walks through how the Altium...

  3. PCB Grounding Mistakes Your Datasheet Taught You

    PCB grounding mistakes rarely start with the designer; they start in the datasheet, the app note, and the reference design that gets copied straight into production. On this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, Zach Peterson talks with Dan Beeker, president of System Solution Specialists, about...

  4. AI PCB Routing Without the Epic Fails: Inside DeepPCB

    AI PCB routing only works when the tool understands your design intent, and in this OnTrack Podcast episode Zach Peterson sits down with Alain-Sam Cohen and Nabil Chouba of InstaDeep's DeepPCB to find out what that actually takes. They explain why classic autorouters fail on configuration rather...

  5. PCB Assembly Mistakes Designers Keep Making: PCB West 2026 Preview

    PCB assembly mistakes rarely start on the factory floor; they start in layout, and in this OnTrack Podcast episode three assembly-side veterans explain exactly which ones keep showing up. Zach Peterson talks with Mike Buetow (PCEA), Chrys Shea (Shea Engineering), and Daniel Stanphill (Aurora...

  6. The Custom Power Chip You Configure Yourself: Power GreenPAK

    Designing a custom power chip used to mean an ASIC budget and a year of NRE, but Renesas Power GreenPAK lets you configure one at your desk in minutes. In this OnTrack Podcast episode, host Zach Peterson talks with Sidney Chan, product marketing director in the Configurable Mixed Signal Division…

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  7. AI PCB Design: Turning a 100-Page Spec Into an MCU Shortlist

    Marco Witzmann, Head of Requirements Portal at Altium, returns to the Altium OnTrack Podcast to show host Zach Peterson what the tool formerly known as Requirements Manager has become. In a live demo, Marco starts from a plain-language email about a wind-farm inspection drone and watches the new...

  8. Altium Is Coming Home to the Designer | Lawrence Romine on OnTrack

    Altium Develop brings the full Altium Designer experience — plus multi-board and harness design and cloud collaboration — to individual designers and small teams, without paying for enterprise features you'll never use:...

  9. DDR Compliance Simulation in Seconds, Not Days

    On this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson talks with Ben Dannan, founder of Signal Edge Solutions and DesignCon Engineer of the Year, and Tyler Huddleston, SI/PI engineer, about a problem every high-speed designer knows too well: DDR compliance simulation that can take 24...

  10. Mayan-on-Chip: Training Mexico's Next Semiconductor Engineers

    How does a region build a semiconductor and electronics workforce from the ground up? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Nasska Medrano, Global Program Manager at Altium Education, and Professor Johan Estrada of the Autonomous University of Yucatán...

  11. Altium API Deep Dive: Opening PCB Data to Developers

    In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Rob Barton, Head of Platform API at Altium, for a deep dive into how programmatic access is transforming PCB design and electronics development. Rob traces the evolution of Altium's API—from the early disconnected…

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  12. Code-Based PCB Design with AI: Inside atopile

    Code-based PCB design is reshaping how engineers build hardware, and in this OnTrack Podcast episode, host Zach Peterson sits down with Ioannis Papamanoglou and Narayan Powderly, co-founders of atopile, to explore their code-first, AI-driven approach to PCB design. Drawing on backgrounds at Tesla...

  13. EMC Testing in the Age of AI: Why Respins Aren't Going Away

    EMC testing is one of the toughest hurdles in PCB design, with industry pass rates often falling below 50% and every failure triggering expensive respins. In this OnTrack Podcast episode, host Zach Peterson sits down with Andy Eadie—owner of EMC FastPass and founder of Engentica—to unpack why so...

  14. 70% of PCBs FAIL EMC Testing (And AI Is Making It Worse)

    Altium Develop unites your design, sourcing, and manufacturing teams in one cloud platform so EMC and layout problems get caught long before your board ever reaches the test house:...

  15. The Signal Integrity Tool Every Engineer Is Missing

    Signal integrity engineers working on high-speed serial links, Ethernet, USB, PCI Express, and DDR memory interfaces need powerful simulation tools, but commercial software licenses can be cost-prohibitive. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with David...

  16. Drones, Robots & the Low-Altitude Economy: A New Industry Is Born

    In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Zach Peterson sits down with Gabriel Guglielmi, VP of Global Product Management at Infinite Electronics, to explore one of the most disruptive shifts in electronics today: the rise of unmanned systems. From group one commercial drones to group five...

  17. PCB Metrology Gap: How SCAN Labs Is Automating Microsectioning

    The PCB industry has long relied on manual microsectioning to verify board quality — but as densities increase and skilled labor becomes harder to retain, that process is breaking down. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson welcomes back Geoffrey Leeds, founder of SCAN...

  18. High-Speed Interconnects for AI & Physical AI with Samtec

    What does it take to design interconnects for AI data centers pushing 112G, 224G, and even 448G? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Matt Burns, Director of Technical Marketing at Samtec, to unpack how connector technology has evolved to meet the…

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  19. Altium File Parsing, AI Design Reviews & PCB Viz Tools

    What if you could parse your Altium project files from the command line, generate a full BOM in seconds, extract net lists as AI-readable JSON, and spin up a 3D HTML viewer with zero dependencies — all without ever opening Altium? In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits…

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  20. Is FPGA the Best Engineering Career? With Adam Taylor

    Is FPGA engineering the best career path for electronics engineers today? In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Adam Taylor — founder of Adiuvo Engineering and the FPGA Horizons conference — to explore the full landscape of FPGA development. From how…

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  21. IPC 2221 vs. 2152: The Truth About PCB Trace Current Ratings

    Altium Develop gives your entire team real-time visibility into PCB designs, supply chain data, and manufacturing feedback — so thermal and power decisions never get made in isolation:...

  22. GreenPAK for Automotive: Reliability, Integration & Real-World Demos

    Altium Develop gives your entire electronics team — engineers, procurement, and manufacturers — real-time visibility into your PCB designs and supply chain, all in one platform:...

  23. Advanced Packaging & Chiplet Design with Chipletz

    In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Stephen Newberry, Victor Kronberg, and Ching-Ping Wong from Chipletz — a fabless advanced packaging company pushing the boundaries of die-to-die interconnect technology. The team shares their background, their work…

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  24. Violet Labs: The Integration Hub Solving Hardware Data Chaos

    Altium Develop connects your entire electronics product team — from design to supply chain to manufacturing — in one unified platform:...

  25. Why Hardware Startups Are Finally Investable Again

    The hardware startup landscape has transformed dramatically since 2020, and investors are finally paying attention. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Mihir Shaw and Benji Chia, co-founders of Hardware FYI, to explore why hardware companies are…

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  26. Why 90% of Electronics Fail EMC Tests and How to Fix It

    In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Karen Burnham, chief engineer and founder of EMC United, to explore why electromagnetic compatibility remains one of the most challenging aspects of product development. Karen shares her journey from physics to NASA...

  27. EMC Expert Debunks Common PCB Grounding Myths

    In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Todd Hubing, president of LearnEMC. With over 40 years of experience in electromagnetic compatibility starting at IBM in 1982, Todd brings unparalleled expertise to some of the most misunderstood topics in PCB…

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  28. Inside Quantum Computing Hardware with Šimon Marek | OnTrack

    Quantum computing is no longer confined to research labs—it's entering the commercial space, and electrical engineers are uniquely positioned to contribute. In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with quantum hardware designer Šimon Marek to explore the fascinating...

  29. Is AI an Engineering Teammate in Hardware Design?

    Explore AI's role in the future of electronic design and hardware development with Avinash Harsh, co-founder of Wizerr AI. Discover how AI can help engineers make better decisions, reduce design risks, and unlock unprecedented creativity in PCB and electronic component design. In this revealing...

  30. OnTrack PCB Design Podcast 2025 Year in Review

    Join host Zach Peterson for an illuminating journey through the pivotal moments in PCB design and electronics manufacturing in 2025. This year-end review explores critical industry developments, from global trade restructuring to the dramatic expansion of Ultra High-Density Interconnect (UHDI)...

  31. Breaking Down Electronics Manufacturing with Jay Patel

    Join Zach Peterson in an insightful conversation with Jay Patel, CEO of Amtech, as they dive deep into the world of electronics manufacturing. Discover the critical challenges in PCB production, from supply chain complexities to design for manufacturability (DFM) strategies that can make or break…

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  32. Altium Requirements Portal: Simplifying Engineering Docs

    Dive into the revolutionary Altium Requirements Portal, a groundbreaking solution transforming how engineers manage complex project documentation. Hear from Marco Witzmann, Head of Requirements Portal at Altium, as he shares insights on simplifying document management, streamlining requirements...

  33. Inside Simberian's AI-Driven Design Automation

    Dive into the cutting-edge world of AI-powered signal integrity design with Yuriy Shlepnev, founder of Simberian. In this exclusive Altium OnTrack podcast episode, discover how large language models are revolutionizing PCB design workflows, enabling unprecedented automation and intelligent...

  34. Simplifying BOM Management with Intelligent Platforms

    Dive into the world of intelligent electronics manufacturing with Nemanja Jokanovic, VP of Breadboard. Learn how cutting-edge platforms are transforming Bill of Materials (BOM) management, bridging the gap between design engineers and procurement professionals. Discover how automation and smart...

  35. PCB West 2025: Electronics Industry Insights with Mike Buetow

    Dive into the dynamic world of printed circuit board manufacturing with Mike Buetow, President of PCEA, in this exclusive, final interview from PCB West 2025. Discover the latest trends, the growing diversity of the industry, and the exciting influx of young talent reshaping the technological...

  36. CELUS: Simplifying Circuit Design with AI

    Join Mohammad Matin, Technical Sales Solution Architect at CELUS, as he reveals a groundbreaking approach to electronic design that leverages AI to streamline circuit development. Discover how CELUS is transforming the PCB design process by reducing complexity and empowering engineers to…

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  37. Overcoming Global Supply Chain Obstacles in Electronics

    Dive deep into the world of international PCB manufacturing with Tristan Ren from TapRen Solutions. Learn how innovative companies are navigating complex global supply chain challenges, from tariffs to international production logistics. Discover insider strategies for securing high-quality,...

  38. Altium Develop: Returning to Our Roots

    In this first installment of our interview series live from the floor of PCB West, 2025, we are joined by Lawrence Romine, who reveals Altium's exciting new approach to product development with Altium Develop. Discover how this innovative solution brings the company back to its core mission of...

  39. From Block Diagram to Schematic in Minutes

    Discover how Circuit Mind is revolutionizing electronic design with AI-powered automation that transforms block diagrams into fully functional schematics in record time. Learn how engineers can dramatically reduce design complexity and accelerate their development process with this groundbreaking...

  40. PCB Design Tools for Every Team Size: Altium's New Approach

    Discover how Altium is revolutionizing PCB design software with solutions tailored to teams of all sizes. In this exclusive interview from PCB West 2025, Justin Sears breaks down the key differences between Altium Develop and Altium Agile, helping you choose the perfect design platform for your...

  41. Programmable Logic Made Easy: GreenPAK Tutorial with Dima Mymrikov

    Discover how Renesas GreenPAK revolutionizes mixed-signal design by combining analog and digital blocks into a single programmable IC. In this comprehensive tutorial from the OnTrack Podcast, Dima Mymrikov demonstrates how to design, simulate, and program custom logic circuits in minutes using…

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  42. Inside Component Testing: Fighting Fakes in the Electronics Industry

    Dive deep into the hidden world of counterfeit electronic components with Elijah Miller, VP of Operations at The Lab Worldwide (TLW) in this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, hosted by Tech Consultant Zach Peterson. This comprehensive discussion reveals the sophisticated methods counterfeiters use…

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  43. New PCB Assembly Method Promises Higher Reliability & Lower Cost

    Discover The Occam Group's process, a revolutionary approach to PCB assembly that eliminates solder while improving reliability, reducing costs, and simplifying manufacturing. Ray Rasmussen, Managing Partner at The Occam Group, explains how this innovative methodology embeds components and builds...

  44. Supply Chain Cost Modeling with Tset's Data-Driven Platform

    Join Zach Peterson as he speaks with Sasan Hashemi, founder and CEO of Tset, about revolutionizing product cost management in electronics manufacturing. Discover how modern companies are moving beyond Excel spreadsheets to sophisticated data-driven platforms that integrate technical, commercial,...

  45. Students Tackle PCB Design Challenge: From Schematic to Robot

    University of Minnesota students share their journey designing custom PCBs for the Bright Manufacturing Challenge. Watch as electrical and mechanical engineering students Ethan Chung, Kevin Vo, and Alexander Wan discuss their line-following robot project, from initial schematics to flex-rigid PCB...

  46. PCB Industry Evolution: From Mom & Pop Shops to Consolidation

    Join host Zach Peterson as he sits down with industry veteran Dan Beaulieu, founder and president of DB Management Group, to explore the dramatic transformation of the PCB manufacturing landscape. With over 30 years of experience working with hundreds of companies, Dan provides unique insights…

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  47. High Power PCB Design: Pushing the Limits with Caleb Buck

    Join host Zach Peterson on this episode of the OnTrack Podcast as he speaks with Caleb Buck, PCB Design Electronics Engineer at Nidec Aerospace, about the critical considerations for high power PCB design. From guitar pedal prototypes etched in his kitchen to aerospace systems handling 500+ amps,...

  48. Chemical-Free PCB Production: How uFab is Changing Everything

    Join host Zach Peterson on the Altium OnTrack Podcast as he interviews Tyler Richards, founder of uFab, who is revolutionizing PCB manufacturing with chemical-free production technology. Discover how Tyler's innovative PCBee system can print multi-layer circuit boards in just 4 hours without…

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  49. Signal Integrity, Thermal & DFM: PCB West Preview with Keven

    Join Zach Peterson as he sits down with Keven Coates, Senior Electrical Engineer at Novium Designs, for an in-depth preview of his upcoming PCB West presentations. This conversation covers essential topics every PCB designer needs to master, from signal integrity fundamentals to thermal…

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  50. 18-Year-Old Founder: Why America Needs Its Own Drone Industry

    Meet Tom Rein, the youngest entrepreneur ever featured on the Altium OnTrack podcast and founder of Tom's Aerial Vehicles. At just 18 years old, Tom is revolutionizing American drone manufacturing with AI-powered development processes and proprietary hardware designs. In this compelling…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The PCB Design Podcast covers the latest news, updates, and technology in the electronics design industry. Everything from routing, circuit simulation, to high-speed design, and finding circuit board manufacturers and component parts.

HOSTED BY

Altium LLC.

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast have?

OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast about?

The PCB Design Podcast covers the latest news, updates, and technology in the electronics design industry. Everything from routing, circuit simulation, to high-speed design, and finding circuit board manufacturers and component parts.

How often does OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast release new episodes?

OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast?

You can listen to OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast?

OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast is created and hosted by Altium LLC..
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