SierraConnect

POST OF THE MONTH: DDR4 layer assignment Bruce was looking for some guidance on layer assignment for data lines on a DDR4 chip set and the community answered. Add to the convo: https://lnkd.in/gE5wss_r

Here's the Q&A from our recent webinar with Matt Burns on 112 Gbps. Watch the rec and get the slides: https://lnkd.in/grc3JXAh

How confident are you in your PCB stack-up documentation? Isn't this a good question for this Friday morning?

How do you manage design data handoff without missing critical files? IPC-2581 simplifies PCB data handoff by replacing fragmented outputs (Gerbers, drill files, BOMs, stack-ups, etc.) with a single, intelligent file that captures both fabrication and assembly intent. This reduces errors, speeds up NPI, and improves collaboration between design and manufacturing. • Consolidates all design, fabrication, and assembly data into one file • Minimizes issues like missing files, version mismatches, and DFM delays • Enables direct CAM integration and faster processing • Supports bi-directional communication for DFM feedback and revisions • Improves traceability and reduces reliance on emails and manual workflows Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVBrjuCF

Number 2 out of 8 DFA gaps that cause NPI delays is incomplete assembly drawing. This video is from our webinar on what your CM wishes you knew about design for assembly. You can access the recording and get the slides here: https://lnkd.in/gP6yBvuK

In this snippet of Trace Talks, Amit Bahl asks Ben Jordan of Quilter a broader question about artificial intelligence: What should AI actually do for us? While much of the conversation around AI focuses on technical breakthroughs, Ben points out that the real value may be much simpler: removing the small, repetitive tasks that consume our time and attention. Instead of spending hours on mundane details, AI could allow people to focus on the things that matter most: creativity, research, learning new technologies, and spending more time with family. In this conversation, they discuss: • Why AI should focus on reducing everyday busywork • How automation could help people focus on meaningful work • The idea that AI should free up time for creativity and exploration • Why powerful AI tools are still mostly leveraged by expert users today • The opportunities — and risks — that come with the rapid rise of AI WATCH FULL EPISODE: https://lnkd.in/gM2hwcmH

Happy Friday! Have you downloaded our new EMI/EMC Design Guide written by Karen Burnham? Get it here: https://lnkd.in/g6R5dWJK

In this snippet of Trace Talks, Amit Bahl speaks with Ben Jordan about how Quilter fits into the PCB development workflow and what engineers need to prepare before using it. After placement, routing, and cleanup, the core PCB layout work is essentially complete. But the quality of the results depends heavily on how well the design is prepared at the start. Ben explains how Quilter works best when engineers provide: • A board outline • Critical components already placed • Other components left available for Quilter to position • The schematic files for better circuit understanding WATCH FULL EPISODE: https://lnkd.in/gM2hwcmH

High-speed signals don’t usually fail dramatically. They quietly die in the stack-up. In this webinar highlight, Vandana breaks down: • Why a Dk under 4 is only the starting point • How glass weave effects sneak impedance discontinuities into your traces • Why spread glass prepregs matter more than most designers realize • And how copper roughness can undo an otherwise perfect material choice Watch the recording and get the slides: https://lnkd.in/grc3JXAh

CLUE: Production test might have a problem here…