Best Pcea Podcasts (2025)

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RM 176: The Chemistry of Reliability: Choosing the Right Solder and Flux 44:24

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1h ago44:24

44:24

In this episode, Mike Konrad is joined by Chris Ward, founder and managing director of Solderking Assembly Materials, a UK-based manufacturer of solders and chemical consumables for electronic, electrical, and engineered assemblies. Ward brings decades of experience in soldering materials and chemical formulations—and he’s built a company committed…

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PCB Chat 147 with Margaret Upshur of Mobius Materials 25:07

5d ago25:07

25:07

Margaret Upshur is CEO of Mobius Materials, a global online marketplace for excess electronic components. Before founding Mobius, she was senior director of operations at Particle, which supplies application infrastructure for deploying software and models on computing or IoT devices. And while in college she cofounded a company that made a hand-he…

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RM 177: Humidity: Small Cause, Huge Reliability Risk with Viktoria Rawinski 48:22

7d ago48:22

48:22

Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 02:12 Meet Victoria Rawinsky: Expertise & Industry Impact 05:09 Social Media Challenge & Making Science Accessible 09:09 Humidity in Electronics: The Science & Risks 15:12 Types of Humidity & Effects on Materials 20:04 Manufacturing Shortcuts & Hidden Failures 25:30 Real-World Reliability Failures & C…

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PCB Chat 146 - Stephen Chavez on PCB Design Trends and Needs 49:21

12d ago49:21

49:21

Stephen Chavez is principal technical product marketing manager with Siemens, but he’s best known for his three decades as a printed circuit designer and instructor. He’s a regular contributor to various industry publications and host of the Printed Circuit Podcast. He also coauthored and teaches the PCEA Training Certified Printed Circuit Designer…

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RM 175 - SMT War Stories with Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall 58:14

27d ago58:14

58:14

Mike Konrad is joined by two of the most respected names in the electronics manufacturing industry, Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall. Together, they bring decades of hands-on experience and unparalleled insight into the challenges and solutions within our field. Hall and Zarrow are the driving forces behind ITM Consulting, where they help manufacturers aro…

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RM 173: Reliability as a Service: How ChargerHelp! Keeps EV Charging Running 47:49

2M ago47:49

47:49

As the electric vehicle market accelerates, the reliability of the charging infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. Chargers that are down or malfunctioning can hinder adoption and erode consumer confidence. But who ensures these chargers stay up and running? This episode of Reliability Matters dives into that very topic with a trailblazer in th…

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PCB Chat 145: David Schild on Congress Priorities 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

On this episode of PCB Chat, David Schild of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America and Mike Buetow discuss the current legislative environment for supporting the PCB industry. We discuss the organization's latest annual meeting, the changing political environment, competition with China, and potential incentives. Also covered: The expand…

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PCB Chat 144: The Latest PCB Design Software Market Trends 12:40

2M ago12:40

12:40

Wally Rhines, spokesperson for the ESD Alliance, joins Mike Buetow to discuss the first quarter electronic design automation market results. The good news: sales of PCB/MCM design software were up 5.5% to $399.8 million for the quarter, the 17th straight period of growth. Strength in Asia-Pacific offset slower results in some other regions. The fou…

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RM 172: Steering ERP Projects Back on Track with Chintan Sutaria 46:40

3M ago46:40

46:40

Today we're diving into a topic that keeps many executives awake at night—ERP implementations. More specifically, why so many of them fail and, perhaps more importantly, how to fix them midstream before they derail your operations. Joining Mike Konrad is someone who knows this space inside and out—Chintan Sutaria. Sutaria grew up working in an EMS …

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Cofactr on Supply Chain Execution 17:30

3M ago17:30

17:30

Cofactr is a supply chain execution platform that includes source-to-pay and 3PL solutions for electronics hardware developers. Live from the show floor at PCB East in May, cofounder Phil Gulley and VP of marketing Libby Melton join Matt Leary, Geoffrey Hazelett and Mike Buetow to discuss the company's procurement process tools and software integra…

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RM 171: Pick & Place Machine Selection and Optimization 52:37

3M ago52:37

52:37

Today we're turning our attention to a cornerstone of modern electronics manufacturing: pick-and-place technology. Joining Mike Konrad is Tim Kang, CEO of Hanwha Semitech Americas. With nearly two decades of experience in the electronics manufacturing space — starting as a mechanical engineer and now leading one of the top pick and place equipment …

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RM 169: On the Road - Soldering 29:32

3M ago29:32

29:32

On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, Mike Konrad left his usual studio for the IPC Apex Expo trade show. He interviews two subject matter experts on topics related to electronics assembly. The guests are: Gerald Gardner, global product manager at Weller, a manufacturer of hand soldering equipment fume extraction systems, and precisio…

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RM 168: On the Road - Electronics Assembly 35:11

3M ago35:11

35:11

Mike Konrad interviews three subject matter experts on various topics related to electronics assembly. The guests are: Greg Beck, director of sales at Absolute EMS, a contract manufacturer. Brian Watson, cofounder of HyRel Technologies, a global provider of quickturn semiconductor modification solutions. Keith Sweatman, technical advisor at Nihon S…

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Chris Banton of EMA Design Automation on Board Optimization 9:48

4M ago9:48

9:48

Chris Banton of EMA Design Automation joins Matt Leary, Geoffrey Hazelett and Mike Buetow to talk about how the EDA vendor's helps printed circuit board designers optimize their designs. Recorded live on the show floor at PCB East 2025.By PCEA

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PCB Chat 143: Frank Mullaney and Emma Hudson of iNEMI 33:40

4M ago33:40

33:40

For early 30 years, the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (INEMI), has been the go-to consortium for many leading OEMs companies and their suppliers to identify and develop next-generation technology, and then help deploy it for high-volume manufacturing. Frank Mullaney, director of roadmapping, and Emma Hudson, new project manager…

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Tom Britton and Nataliia Matsiuk on an AI Solution for PCB Manufacturing 11:45

4M ago11:45

11:45

Tom Britton and Nataliia Matsiuk join Geoffrey Hazelett of FreedomCAD, Matt Leary of Newgrange Design and Mike Buetow of PCEA to share work on a Department of Energy program that pair scientists with real-world industry problems. In particular, Britton and Matsiuk are focused on developing an AI solution for the PCB manufacturing industry. Among th…

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Robert Byrne of Allspice 9:10

4M ago9:10

9:10

Robert Bryne, director of marketing at Allspice.io, joins Geoffrey Hazelett of FreedomCAD, Matt Leary of Newgrange Design and Mike Buetow of PCEA to talk about the five-year-old company's GIT hardware platform that helps hardware and electrical engineers streamline hardware design reviews. We discuss the ECAD formats that Allspice engages with, the…

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RM 167: Meet the Press: A Conversation with PCEA President Mike Buetow 56:18

5M ago56:18

56:18

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of electronics manufacturing from a unique vantage point—that of the press. Mike Konrad's guest is someone who has spent decades at the forefront of reporting on the electronics manufacturing industry. Mike Buetow, president of the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA), has covered everything from th…

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PCB Chat 142: The Latest PCB Design Software Market Trends 12:27

6M ago12:27

12:27

Wally Rhines, spokesperson for the ESD Alliance, which is part of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, joins Mike Buetow to share the latest electronic design automation data. Rhines details highlights from the fourth quarter 2024, which was another record-setting period for PCB design tool sales as well as the other major EDA segme…

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RM 166: Electronics: Down Memory Lane and a Vision for the Future 39:38

6M ago39:38

39:38

This episode is a little different in two ways. First, host Mike Konrad recorded it not in his studio but at the SMTA Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium, affectionately known as PanPac, in beautiful Maui, Hawaii. Each year, Mike records a Reliability Matters podcast at PanPac. Normally, the format of the show is to ask questions and the gu…

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PCB Chat 141: Integrated Library Management and Component Procurement 28:42

6M ago28:42

28:42

Supply chain management looms over everything we do, but it has been more pronounced than ever over the past five years as the Covid pandemic steered so much attention to how we procure and inventory parts. About a month ago, DigiKey, one of the largest distributors of electronic components in the world, and EMA Design Automation announced the inte…

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RM 163: Sebastian Schaal of Luminovo on Supply Chain Management 57:36

7M ago57:36

57:36

Today, we're tackling a topic that has become increasingly vital in recent years: supply chain management. With global supply chains recently under immense pressure from disruptions, shortages, and growing complexity, the need for smarter, more efficient solutions has never been greater. And what better way to explore this than by discussing the cu…

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RM 162: Battery Selection and Safety Best Practices with Alex Norman 1:02:08

7M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Today we’re diving into a critical yet sometimes overlooked component that powers so many of the devices we rely on: batteries. Batteries are the heartbeat of countless electronic products, from medical devices and electric vehicles to consumer gadgets and industrial systems. Choosing the right battery is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requir…

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PCB Chat 140: Kenny McGee on Component Circularity 45:45

8M ago45:45

45:45

Today’s guest intersects two key areas for electronics manufacturers: circularity and inventory management. "The cost of a component isn't just the cost of a component. It's the cost to the planet." That's what Kenny McGee, chief executive of Component Sense, says. Component Sense is an Edinburgh, Scotland-based company that leads electronic manufa…

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RM 161: AI-Based Inspection Technologies with Priyansha Bagaria 1:03:45

8M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Today, we’re exploring a transformative topic: AI-based inspection technologies. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we detect, analyze, and address defects in the electronics assembly process, combining precision with unparalleled speed to unlock new possibilities for efficiency and reliability. Our guest today is a leading innovator …

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The Semiconductor/Packaging/PCB Technology Stack 17:10

8M ago17:10

17:10

This is Part 2 of a new podcast in which guest Geoffrey Leeds of Leeds AI joins Matt Leary (Newgrange Design), Geoffrey Hazelett (FreedomCAD) and Mike Buetow (PCEA) to discuss the semiconductor/packaging/PCB technology stack and what over the next two to five years will have the biggest impact on the industry at the board level. The conversation co…

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The Electronics Supply Chain and How Companies Can Adapt 20:37

8M ago20:37

20:37

Supply chain issues are rearing their ugly heads -- again -- with the latest blow the decision by Nippon Denkai to close and liquidate its copper foil manufacturing plant in Georgia, the last such factory in the United States. In Part 1 of a two part podcast, Geoffrey Leeds of Leeds AI joins Matt Leary (Newgrange Design), Geoffrey Hazelett (Freedom…

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RM 160: Opportunities and Challenges within the EV Industry 1:10:49

8M ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Today, we’re diving into one of the most transformative innovations of our time: electric vehicles and the vast infrastructure needed to support their growth. Joining host Mike Konrad is Brian O’Leary, global head of of e-Mobility & Infrastructure at Indium Corporation, a leading expert with deep insights into the electronic assembly industry and i…

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PCB Chat 139: PCB Design Software Market Analysis with Wally Rhines 13:55

9M ago13:55

13:55

Sales of software for printed circuit board and multichip module design rose to a record $450 million in the third quarter ended in October, extending a growth streak that has seen only three down quarters in the past nine years, the ESD Alliance announced today. Our guest Wally Rhines offers the latest data and analysis of the electronic design ma…

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PCB Chat 138: A Look at PCB Industry Legislation in 2025 with David Schild of the PCBAA 30:39

10M ago30:39

30:39

Questions about over how the new administration and Congress coming in January will approach government investment in capital projects, workforce development and other incentives to build back the domestic electronics supply chain. David Schild, executive director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, joins Mike Buetow to discuss wha…

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RM 158: D-Code Podcast Interview 1:03:04

10M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

The hosts of the D-Code podcast are a dynamic trio of young professionals making waves in the electronics manufacturing industry. With experience rooted in contract manufacturing and stencil fabrication for electronics assemblies, they bring a fresh perspective to the table. Although they’re at the start of their podcasting journey, D-Code has alre…

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RM 156: An Introduction to Flexible Circuits with Joseph Fjelstad 1:04:35

11M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

On today’s episode, we’re turning our focus to a pivotal innovation that has transformed design and manufacturing processes: flexible circuits. Flexible circuits have emerged as a game-changer in the manufacturing and design of electronic assemblies. With their unique ability to bend, twist, and conform to complex shapes, they offer unparalleled ad…

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RM 155: Ultra HDI Panel Discussion - Recorded Live at SMTAI 42:28

11M ago42:28

42:28

Today's podcast comes from the Surface Mount Technology Association SMTAI trade show. As the demand for smaller, faster, and more powerful devices grows, the need for innovative solutions in circuit design has never been greater. UHDI's represent a significant leap forward, allowing for more connections in a smaller space, pushing the boundaries of…

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RM 154: Thermal Profiling Best Practices 1:00:38

11M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

One of the most critical aspects of manufacturing high-reliability circuit assemblies is thermal profiling during the reflow process. Whether you're designing, engineering, or troubleshooting circuit assemblies, understanding how temperatures during the reflow process influences the quality and performance of your assemblies is essential. In this e…

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RM 153: Contract Manufacturing Best Practices with Adrian Leal 52:01

11M ago52:01

52:01

If you're part of the electronics landscape, you've likely encountered the role contract manufacturers play — and it's a critical one. These specialized partners bridge the gap between design innovation and full-scale production, bringing efficiency, expertise, and flexibility to the table. As companies seek to meet growing demand for advanced elec…

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PCB Chat 137: The Q2 PCB Design Software Market 12:42

12M ago12:42

12:42

Sales of software for printed circuit board and multichip module design surged 8.2% to $399 million in the second quarter ended in July, continuing a long recovery, the ESD Alliance announced today. Our guest Wally Rhines offers his typical informed assessment of the latest market numbers, noting the particular strength in core areas such as analys…

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PCB Chat 136: Jim Rathburn on UDHI Using LCPs 29:23

12M ago29:23

29:23

Jim Rathburn may not be a household name in the printed circuit industry, but maybe he should be. A self-styled serial technologist and innovator, Rathburn holds more than 80 patents covering the gamut of high-density printed circuits, materials and semiconductors. As founder and president of Precision Circuit Technologies, Rathburn helps commercia…

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RM 152: High-Reliability Solder Paste Selection Best Practices 47:49

12M ago47:49

47:49

As the demand for more durable and dependable electronics continues to rise across industries, the choice of soldering materials, such as solder paste, plays a pivotal role in determining the reliability of these devices. We'll discuss how selecting the right solder paste can influence performance and longevity, and we'll hear from an industry expe…

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PCB Chat 135: Duncan Haldane of JITX 32:35

1y ago32:35

32:35

JITX is a San Jose-based developer of PCB design automation tools. The company's novel platform takes design concepts and convert them into schematics, circuit design, and component placement, among other features. Duncan Haldane, CEO and cofounder, talks with Mike Buetow about the JITX platform, which proposes to rethink and simplify the way elect…

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RM 151: Optical Inspection System Best Practices 59:29

1y ago59:29

59:29

Two episodes ago, in RM 149, we talked all about automated optical inspection. Today we're exploring the impact of less automated inspection Technology, that being optical microscopes. From commercial, class 1 electronics to high-reliability class 3 electronics, the intricate electronic devices we rely on daily are assembled with astonishing precis…

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RM 149: AOI and X-Ray Best Practices 1:14:47

1y ago1:14:47

1:14:47

In today's episode, we're exploring automated optical inspection (AOI) and x-ray inspection technology within the electronics assembly industry. Joining Mike Konrad are two experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Joel Scutchfield is general manager of SMT and Semicon business operations & director of sales at Koh Young,…

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PCB Chat 134: Zachary Feuerstein on Supply Chain Management 23:39

1y ago23:39

23:39

Zachary Feuerstein founded his latest venture in 2022 after running into problems purchasing basic white goods and consumer electronics due to the post-Covid supply chain disruptions. That company, Breadboard, was officially launched with the very modest goal of revolutionizing the electronics supply chain management industry. Designed to automate …

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RM 149: SMTA International 2024 40:47

1y ago40:47

40:47

Just like the famous line from the 1984 film, The Terminator, “I’ll be back,” SMTAI is back. Back to the Chicago area. We’re back in Rosemont, co-located with the Assembly Show, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, October 20-24. Between SMTAI and the Assembly Show, there will be thousands of engineers and industry professionals in attendan…

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RM 148: IPC Apex Special (Part 3 of 3) 31:15

1y ago31:15

31:15

This episode of Reliability Matters features three interviews including: • Kimberly Fagan from PVA • Taylor Wagan from CETEC ERP • Neil Hubble from Akrometrix Recorded live in Anaheim, CA, during IPC Apex Expo.By PCEA

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PCB Chat 133: Wally Rhines on the PCB Design Software Market 11:27

1y ago11:27

11:27

Wally Rhines returns to give the latest data and analysis on the printed circuit board and MCM design software market, and the broader electronic design automation market. Rhines comments on the quarterly data released by the ESD Alliance, shifts in demand from India and China, seasonal buying trends, employment and more. This episode is sponsored …

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PCB Chat 132: David Schild of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America 21:25

1y ago21:25

21:25

The CHIPS Act has hogged much of the oxygen in the tech industry for the past few years, but the industry trade group known as the Printed Circuit Board Association of America is trying to build on that momentum by relentlessly pointing out that the board industry needs love too, or as they put it, chips don't float. With us today is David Schild, …

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RM 146: IPC Apex Special: Soldering and Inspection 29:35

1+ y ago29:35

29:35

Recorded live during IPC Apex Expo this spring, this is the first of three podcasts from the show floor. This episode features three interviews including: • Gus Mavrou from Seho • Mark Stansfield from Solderstar • Jesper Lykke from ViscomBy PCEA

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RM 145: Designing Electronics to be Reliable in Harsh Environments 1:05:57

1+ y ago1:05:57

1:05:57

The challenging world of electronics becomes even more challenging when the end product is destined for harsh environments. For high-reliability products operating in a harsh environment, the quest for reliability is not just a goal—it's an imperative. These are not your everyday gadgets; often they're critical components of systems designed to ope…

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PCB Chat 131: Sergiy Nesterenko on AI-Driven PCB Design 36:14

1+ y ago36:14

36:14

"Humans just aren't the greatest at designing circuit boards." That's according to Sergiy Nesterenko. Nesterenko is founder and CEO of a new software company called Quilter, whose goal is to accelerate hardware development by fully automating circuit board design. His eureka moment came when an early design at a previous employer couldn't be autoro…

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RM 143: A Candid Conversation with Doug Pauls 1:16:28

1+ y ago1:16:28

1:16:28

We’ve discussed the silver tsunami on the show numerous times, the unprecedented rate of which employees are retiring. When engineers and other employees retire from companies, they take with them more than a set of gold cufflinks or an engraved plaque. In many cases, they also take with them wisdom and knowledge. Perhaps this is never truer than i…