About Author

James Sweetlove

James Sweetlove is the Social Media Manager for Altium where he manages all social accounts and paid social advertising for Altium, as well as the Octopart and Nexar brands, as well as hosting the CTRL+Listen Podcast series. James comes from a background in government having worked as a commercial and legislative analyst in Australia before moving to the US and shifting into the digital marketing sector in 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and History from USQ (Australia) and a post-graduate degree in political science from the University of Otago (New Zealand). Outside of Altium James manages a successful website, podcast and non-profit record label and lives in San Diego California.

Recent Articles

EMC Troubleshooter Min Zhang on Measuring Ground w/ Voltage & Current

EMC Troubleshooter Min Zhang on Measuring Ground w/ Voltage & Current Join Tech Consultant Zach Peterson on this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast where EMC troubleshooting expert Min Zhang explores the complexities of measuring ground in electronic systems using both voltage and current methods. With his profound expertise and practical insights, Min provides a comprehensive breakdown of the techniques and tools necessary for accurate measurements, especially in high-power applications. Listen to the Episode Read Article

Intro EMC: Compliance, Opportunities & Pitfalls with Anton Tishchenko

Intro EMC: Compliance, Opportunities & Pitfalls with Anton Tishchenko On this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson welcomes Anton Tishchenko, aka Dr. EMC on YouTube. The two explore the intricacies of EMC design, certification, and compliance. They chat about various aspects of EMC testing, common mistakes in PCB design, AI-integration, and how modules and antennas play a huge role in EMC compliance. Anton also shares his journey into EMC, how to approach design testing effectively, and Read Article

Unpacking Semiconductor Packaging: Insights with Jan Vardaman

Unpacking Semiconductor Packaging: Insights with Jan Vardaman In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Jan Vardaman, president and founder of TechSearch International. With decades of experience in semiconductor packaging, Jan shares her expert insights into the global semiconductor industry, focusing on the shift away from Asia for advanced manufacturing and the critical need for an integrated supply chain in the U.S. This episode not only highlights the Read Article

The Latest in PCB Simulation: Expert Insights with Yuriy Shlepnev

The Latest in PCB Simulation: Expert Insights with Yuriy Shlepnev In this information-packed episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores PCB simulation with Yuriy Shlepnev, the President and Founder of Simberian Inc. This detailed discussion focuses on how modern simulation tools are revolutionizing the industry and includes an exclusive Simbeor® demo that you won't want to miss. To begin, Yuriy shares his extensive knowledge of electromagnetic analysis and signal integrity, exploring Read Article

Behind the Tech: Passion & Perseverance in Electronics Design

Behind the Tech: Passion & Perseverance in Electronics Design In this captivating episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson chats about storytelling in electronics design with Benjamin Kitzinger, the visionary Producer and Director behind Altium Stories. Zach and Ben explore the heartbeat of innovation by detailing stories of engineers and innovators who've shaped the electronics industry with their passion and perseverance. Discover how a hacker mindset led to groundbreaking Read Article

Chatting Ultra HDI: Chrys Shea, PCB Miniaturization & Challenges Ahead

Chatting Ultra HDI: Chrys Shea, PCB Miniaturization & Challenges Ahead In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explores the revolutionary world of Ultra HDI with Chrys Shea, President of Shea Engineering. The two unveil the future of PCB soldering and miniaturization, shedding light on the intricate challenges ahead and breakthroughs just on the horizon. Chrys, renowned for her expertise, shares invaluable insights into developing test vehicles for soldering and navigating the Read Article

The Critical Shift: Bridging the Generational Gap in PCB Design

The Critical Shift: Bridging the Generational Gap in PCB Design In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson speaks with Cory Blaylock, Director of Workforce Partnerships at IPC, in a profound discussion on the looming generational gap within the PCB design and electronics manufacturing spaces, as well as what those industries might be able to do about it. As one generation of seasoned experts nears the end of their careers, the urgency to cultivate a new wave of talent becomes ever more Read Article

Revolutionary System Design: How Valispace is Changing Engineering

Revolutionary System Design: How Valispace is Changing Engineering In this episode of The OnTrack Podcast, Tech Consultant Zach Peterson chats with the co-founders of Valispace, Louise Lindblad and Marco Witzmann. Valispace is revolutionizing the engineering world by transforming system design tools, making them more efficient, connected, and capable of handling the complex requirements of today's engineering challenges. Learn how, from satellite engineering to the intricate demands of aerospace and beyond Read Article

UHDI Innovations & Next-Gen PCBs with Kunal Shah, PhD.

UHDI Innovations & Next-Gen PCBs with Kunal Shah, PhD. In an episode of the OnTrack Podcast, Zach Peterson interviews Kunal Shah, PhD., President of liloTree, to discuss the topic of Ultra High-Density Interconnects (UHDI) and its implications for electronics. They explain the challenges and solutions within UHDI, emphasizing its significance in high-reliability sectors like defense and medical electronics. Read Article

ESG, Sustainability, & the Future of Electronics w/ Tom Raftery

ESG, Sustainability, & the Future of Electronics w/ Tom Raftery Explore the intersection of technology and sustainability with Tom Raftery, an independent consultant and host of the Climate Confident and Sustainable Supply Chain podcasts, on this episode of the OnTrack Podcast with Zach Peterson. Dive deep into the evolving world of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), exploring how advancements in IoT, AI, and sustainable practices are reshaping supply chains and business strategies. Join Tom and Zach as Read Article

PCBs, Global Innovation Policy & the CHIPS Act

PCBs, Global Innovation Policy & the CHIPS Act Explore the intersection of Global Innovation Policy and the CHIPS Act with Stephen Ezell, VP of Global Innovation Policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), in this insightful episode of the OnTrack Podcast. Hosted by Tech Consultant Zach Peterson, this discussion delves into the complexities of navigating the Chinese market, the principles of comparative advantage, and the critical role of policy in fostering Read Article

Innovations in AI: Transforming the Electronics Industry

Innovations in AI: Transforming the Electronics Industry On this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we welcome Phil Marcoux, Advisor to the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA). Phil is gearing up for a fascinating webinar on AI in the electronics industry, so we thought we'd chat with him about what sees as the most potentially transformative aspects of this revolution in the electronics space. Listen/watch to discover how Innovations in AI are transforming the electronics industry, reshaping Read Article

Altium Designer's New Constraint Manager

Deep Diving Into Altium Designer's New Constraint Manager Learn all about Altium's New Constraint Manager with Andy Critcher, Director at Total Board Solutions, especially the revolutionary design constraint application for multiple nets. Whether tackling high-voltage designs, complex boards, or boosting productivity, this suite of tools promises to streamline workflows for the forward thinking PCB Designer. Read Article

PCB Industry & Material Science Innovations with Dr. Preeya Kuray

PCB Industry & Material Science Innovations with Dr. Preeya Kuray In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we chat with Dr. Preeya Kuray, a renowned material scientist at AGC Multi Materials. Dr. Kuray and Tech Consultant Zach Peterson explore some of the latest developments in the PCB industry, as well as a few material science innovations. Dr. Kuray shares her insights on the evolving landscape of printed circuit boards and the groundbreaking material science developments shaping the future of electronics Read Article

Hands-On with Altium 365's New BOM Portal

Hands-On with Altium 365's New BOM Portal In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we explore the innovative BOM Portal in Altium 365, a cutting-edge tool transforming PCB design and electronic development. Tech Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with Ananth Avva, General Manager at Altium's Cloud Platform, and Damir Khayrutdinov, Product Manager at Altium, to discuss the tool. Altium's BOM Portal, compared to ActiveBOM, offers a seamless and efficient approach to managing bill of Read Article

Electronics Manufacturing in 2023: Mexico, India, & the Rise of UHDI

Electronics Manufacturing in 2023: Mexico, India, & the Rise of UHDI In a captivating 2023 year-end review, Zach Peterson hosts a compelling discussion with Gene Weiner, President of Weiner International Associates, exploring the dynamic landscapes of manufacturing in Mexico, India, and the burgeoning field of Ultra High-Density Interconnects (UHDI). Discover the nuances of electronics manufacturing in China, where resources seamlessly integrate into the supply chain, contrasted with Mexico's DIY approach and Read Article

Harness Design

Altium's Revolutionary Harness Design Feature Unveiled Unlock the power of harness design with Altium's Michał Topolski! Explore the synergy of multi-board and harness design, experience hands-on insights, and discover seamless integration with Altium Designer for efficient workflows and user-driven improvements. Read Article