Trace Talks (audio)

How did we even get two of the biggest EMC experts on planet Earth to be guest stars on Trace Talks? Well, we had booked Ken for when he'd be in town for DesignCon, then we ran into Karen at DesignCon, and we were like... how about an EMC duo episode?
 
EPISODE BREAKDOWN
0:00:00 - So why EMC?
0:06:08 - EM tools
0:15:40 - Noise...
0:26:27 - SI + EM
0:46:28 - The PCB Guy has risen
0:55:30 - How to learn EMC
1:06:11 - PCB mechanical challenges
1:20:15 - The EMC pocket guide Enjoy the episode!
 
Check out Kenneth Wyatt's website: https://benchtopemc.com/
And Karen Burnham's EMC United: https://www.emcunited.com/

We finally got the one and only Robert Feranec to come on Trace Talks! Sadly, the PCB Guy wasn't able to join this episode but the PCB Girl rose to the occasion and hosted this podcast like a pro. Our PCB design engineer Greg was there, too, in his fashionable hunter costume.
 
EPISODE BREAKDOWN
0:00:42 - China vs USA
0:08:15 - About Robert
0:17:28 - What it takes to do layout
0:29:04 - Top Fedevel courses
0:37:31 - Fab-proven stack-ups
0:46:15 - Stupid question...
0:51:55 - Choosing a PCB shop
1:02:51 - True or false

After coming on the podcast a year ago to introduce Quilter, Sergiy Nesterenko and Ben Jordan are back on Trace Talks with the PCB Guy to discuss Project Speedrun.
 
EPISODE BREAKDOWN
0:00:00 Project Speedrun
0:04:56 Speed and functionality
0:13:19 "You have to respect the physics"
0:19:39 Impedance requirements
0:24:14 Getting started with Quilter
0:32:32 - Fabricating Project Speedrun
00:45:25 - Quilter's 2026 goals
00:55:18 - The physics problems solved by Quilter's models
1:03:29 - Working with manufacturing constraints
1:08:24 - AI in 2026
1:17:29 - OFF PCB
 
Learn more about Quilter and Project Speedrun: https://www.quilter.ai/project-speedrun

In this episode of Trace Talks, Amit Bahl and Atar Mittal sit down with Neil Jarvis, Applications Engineer at Rohde & Schwarz, to explore the complex world of RF and microwave design, from phase noise and low-noise amplifiers to testing strategies and component behavior at high frequencies.
We also dive into the real reasons why network analyzers cost what they do, how RF is used in drone applications, and what every engineer should know about MW-capable components. And don’t miss the “Off PCB” segment where our poster finally gave up while Neil was sharing his quirks outside the lab.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN
00:00 - Introduction
02:41 - How to learn RF
07:20 - Phase noise
19:49 - Low-noise amplifiers
27:03 - RF/MW for drones
32:39 - Components at MW frequencies
39:09 - Why are network analyzers so expensive?
47:16 - TRUE OR FALSE
52:25 - OFF PCB

EMC failures can be a costly nightmare for PCB designers. But what if you could catch them before they happen? In this episode of Trace Talks, Ignacio de Mendizábal, EMC expert from Denpaflux, joins us to discuss how early-stage EMC analysis can prevent costly redesigns and ensure compliance.
 
Topics discussed:
• Why EMI and heating matter in PCB design
• The biggest mistakes designers make when it comes to EMC
• How Denpaflux’s online platform provides real-time EMC assessments
• The benefits of an iterative approach to optimizing EMC performance
• When to conduct EMC analysis for the best results

In this episode, we explore the role of artificial intelligence in PCB layout with Sergiy Nesterenko and Ben Jordan of Quilter. From optimizing layouts to predicting manufacturing issues, we discuss how AI tools are transforming the way electrical engineers and designers work. Our guests share their insights on AI’s current and future impact on hardware design, providing real-world examples of how these tools are already being used to enhance design workflows.
Topics include:
• Shifting left in the design process and how AI can help streamline engineering tasks without sacrificing creativity.
• The potential of AI in predicting manufacturing problems before production.
• AI tools for component selection and layout optimization.
• Surprising outcomes in PCB design with AI and the future of AI-powered design.
• How Quilter is making hardware design more accessible to engineers and non-engineers alike.

In this 6th episode of Trace Talks, Amit Bahl and Atar Mittal sit down with the legendary Rick Hartley to discuss PCB design's evolution and intricacies. From his career-defining experiences with Ralph Morrison to the philosophical understanding of energy in circuits, Rick provides valuable insights every designer should hear.
 
EPISODE BREAKDOWN
0:08 - Introduction
4:37 - Ground plane design and bounce
11:25 - Switch mode supplies
17:05 - Impedance and fine pitch components
23:20 - "Do we wanna talk about RF?"
30:55 - Choosing materials
34:52 - The parasitic inductance and capacitance of vias
41:25 - DFM and EMI
48:02 - "Who do I have to kill to save that penny?" or the story of EMI in automotive and avionics
53:53 - "It's a waveguide"
1:00:10 - AI in the high-frequency RF field

In this episode of Trace Talks, we sit down with Seth Hillbrand, one of the lead developers of the KiCad EDA project and the founder of KiCad Services. We dive deep into the world of open-source hardware, the role of KiCad in advancing the field, and how KiCad is paving the way for more efficient, accessible PCB design and component management.

We are so glad to have Karen Burnham as a guest for this fourth episode of Trace Talks! We started working with her this year - she hosted a few webinars and seminars for Sierra - so we thought it would be nice to welcome her in the podcast chair!
In this episode, Karen talks practical approach to solving real-world EMC challenges. From identifying root causes of interference to navigating stringent standards, this discussion is packed with valuable insights for engineers of all levels. Discover the step-by-step breakdown of the EMC troubleshooting process, the importance of understanding standards as helpful guidelines rather than roadblocks, and the emerging challenges as electronic systems evolve.
This conversation covers critical EMC principles and best practices that can make your engineering projects smoother and more efficient. Plus, find out how you can further your knowledge with recommended resources and join the standards committees that shape the future of the field.

In this episode of Trace Talks, we're excited to welcome Patrick Davis from Cadence Design Systems. With nearly 30 years of experience in the PCB design world, Patrick shares his fascinating journey from starting in design alongside his father to his current role as a Product Manager at Cadence.
Join us as we dive into his career, exploring the challenges and rewards of PCB design, the importance of design for manufacturing (DFM), and his experiences at Rocket EMS. Patrick also offers valuable advice for designers on how to improve their designs by collaborating with fabricators and manufacturers.
Learn about his insights into the transition from hands-on design work to product management and marketing at Cadence, and how his role now impacts the PCB design community at large.