Printed Circuit Design & Fab Online Magazine - Current Issue

Current Issue

Bryan Germann

The mist-based dispensing method is adept at putting micron-sized lines on non-planar surfaces.

Aerosol Jet technology is a fine-feature material deposition solution used to directly print functional electronic circuitry and components onto low-temperature, non-planar substrates.

Aerosol Jet printing functions on the principle of generating a mist through atomization of a nanoparticle colloid solution. Nanoparticle materials liquids, or inks as they are generally called, are made up of nanoparticle solids, solvents and organic binders and even some polymer resins, which are included to make the ink perform on different substrates. These inks must have a certain viscosity and particle sizing in order be printed with aerosol jet. That viscosity is generally less than 500 centipoise (cP), and the particle size must be under 100nm.

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Electronics additive manufacturing can output the same result as conventional PCB methods, but getting there is a much different process.

Read more: Design Implications of Additive Technologies on Circuits

How tools are advancing the speed with which highly computational tasks are performed.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into printed circuit board (PCB) design is no longer a vision for the future; it is a reality. Advanced electronic design automation (EDA) tools now incorporate AI-driven solutions, providing a competitive edge for those ready to embrace this transformative technology. Yet, despite its availability and potential, many remain reluctant to adopt AI.

Given the current shortage and fierce competition for talent, the number of skilled engineers entering the industry is simply not enough, a workforce gap that continues to grow. Companies are addressing this issue as best they can. Current engineers are forced to do more with less, as well as cross-pollinate in disciplines outside their specialty in the quest for project success. New engineers must get up to speed faster, assuming more tasks while learning on the fly, which adds stress and concerns to the project as well as to each individual team member.

Read more: AI in PCB Design: It’s Already Here

Changing dynamics in the workforce are driving the need for an intuitive user experience. Are the tools up to the task?

The demand for electronics is surging globally, driven by the rapid pace of technological advancement and innovations in sectors like automotive, telecommunications, healthcare and consumer electronics. PCB design, the backbone of electronics hardware, powers everything from smartphones and medical devices to industrial machinery and aerospace systems. PCB design plays a critical role in enabling technological growth.

As the demand for advanced, high-performance electronics devices grows, so does the need for skilled engineers and PCB designers who can navigate the complexities of creating reliable and innovative circuits and board designs. The changing demographics of engineers and PCB designers reaching retirement, the growing talent gap and the limited pipeline supply of new talent have stirred up many discussions and debates on how to address this need.

Read more: Addressing the Global Talent Shortage