Summary
PCB design is one of the first disciplines that I pursued early in my career. Starting with Heath Kits (lots of things to make), Dynaco amplifier kits, Radio Shack 100-and-1 experiments kit that were the stepping stones. That quickly turned into hand etching copper clad boards with etchant solutions or even by way of xacto knifes. As a very young man I prided myself on making prototypes that look close to finished products either as an engineering technician for a industrial controls company or at night building, modifying or repairing professional music gear. As a semi-professional musician it was a great fit.
I began designing pcb’s used in volume product in the early 80’s using the tape and mylar method. That lasted up until being exposed to the first versions of PADS 2000, Pad Logic, View logic, CAM350, Orcad, PCAD, Protel, as PCB EDA design tools. That came about in the early 90’s. Along with that, I expanded my work to include FPGA programming with, Altera, Lattice, Xilinx and View logic EDA tools.
Advances in the industry including advances in EDA tools would have a continual impact on my career. Working as a senior PCB designer for a cable TV systems company I quickly adopted DFM, DFT, EMI/Egress mitigation, geometric tolerancing methods as a member of an experienced and well ran PCB design group. Gained IPC certification in 1999, and advanced CID+ certification in 2006. Expanded my skillsets in 1998 to include IC design and layout with primary focus on mixed signal, CMOS image sensors. I routinely work in both realms and currently researching 3d stacking technologies as a 3rd realm or discipline to become fluent in.
Currently PCB design work includes up to 14 lyr rigid flex HD camera projects, large Xilinx / Altera BGA's, DDR2 etc. High speed data rates- including 3g / 10g interfaces. Mentor Pads Standard Plus, Orcad is my primary suite of tools used for PCB design.
