State of PCB Design Education with Zachariah Peterson

| Created: September 7, 2021 | Updated: July 1, 2024

In this episode, Altium’s Technical Consultant, Zach Peterson will share his insights about the availability and accessibility of education related to PCB design for high school and university students.

Zach will also talk about the inspiration behind “Design Secrets,” his new series available on Altium Academy Youtube Channel.

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Watch the video:

Show Highlights:

Introduction, from academia and Ph.D. in Physics, how did he land in the world of PCB?
On Altium Academy YouTube channel, Zach offers basic PCB design courses. that are not frequently available, even to professionals.
Zach’s experience in university: Observations, Knowledge Gaps, what are the main focuses?
Zach thoughts on why are PCB design courses are not the main focus of education in college and university
- The challenges in semiconductor industry
- Focus on digital and analog design
Zach’s Industry “awakening”—noticed the “graying of PCB design expertise demographic”
Industry Problems: De-siloing, systems-based thinking—tools, engineering and the rise of digitization
Need for the industry to “step up” to help equip and prepare for next-gen engineers
How can companies educate next-gen design engineers in an ecosystem-based context
Industry de-siloing leads to educational de-siloing
Zach and his company’s contribution to these efforts?
Checkout Zach’s Blogs in Altium’s Resource hub
What is Upverter education and watch for the future university content
Altium full-time education team, free licenses, IPC, PCEA

Links and Resources:

Zachariah Peterson Video series on Altium Academy YouTube Channel
Upverter Education Website
Signal Integrity Journal--Zachariah Peterson Articles
How to Achieve Proper Grounding
#PCBeTheChange Design Contest | Upverter Education

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About Author

Judy Warner has held a unique variety of roles in the electronics industry for over 25 years. She has a background in PCB Manufacturing, RF and Microwave PCBs and Contract Manufacturing, focusing on Mil/Aero applications.

She has also been a writer, blogger, and journalist for several industry publications such as Microwave Journal, PCB007 Magazine, PCB Design007, PCD&F, and IEEE Microwave Magazine, and an active board member for PCEA (Printed Circuit Engineering Association). In 2017, Warner joined Altium as the Director of Community Engagement. In addition to hosting the OnTrack Podcast and creating the OnTrack Newsletter, she launched Altium's annual user conference, AltiumLive. Warner's passion is to provide resources, support, and advocate for PCB Design Engineers worldwide.