In this OnTrack episode, Zach and Phil of Phil’s Lab Youtube channel exchange ideas on how they can stay on top of their PCB design game or learn new things. Phil Salmony, a successful youtube creator with 64.6K subscribers, shares with us how he was introduced to PCB design, his early career, and what got him to start his own Youtube channel. This is a fun episode. Watch it through the end and check out the additional resources below.
Altium 365: Where the World Designs Electronics
Watch the video, click here.
Show Highlights:
Whiteboard – an essential piece for PCB design-related content
PCB design education from the university, theories, and ideologies versus PCB design for the real world
Phil shares that DSPs (Digital signal processors) are the coolest thing, and he has a dedicated section of them on his channel
Zach and Phil exchange opinions about their consultation and PCB design jobs
How do you go about learning new things? Zach and Phil have their share of different ways to acquire information to help them better their skillsLearn through well-documented samples or PCB design projects  and reverse engineer
Seminars with  experts and attending conferences
Taking online courses like the IPC - CID (Certified Interconnect Designers) and PCEA CPCD course
Youtube videos and keynote presentations, e,g, How to Achieve Proper Grounding By Rick Hartley


One of the most asked questions in PCB design is about grounding. Phil and Zach suggested a couple of books supplement for PCB designElectromagnetic Compatibility Engineering by Henry Ott
Grounds for Grounding: A Circuit to System Handbook by Kai-Sang Lock


Phil talks about how he got started with PCB design
Designs and chip shortages and supply forecast, what to expect in the next few years?
The value of connecting with your (youtube channel) audience for content ideas
Altium Academy and Phil’s Lab history on Youtube and future projects

Links and Resources:
Subscribe to Phil’s Lab YT Channel
Connect with Phil on LinkedIn
Visit Phil’s Lab Website
How to Achieve Proper Grounding By Rick Hartley
Watch Podcast Episodes with Rick Hartley
Rick Hartley on EMI, Noise Reduction
Secrets of PCB Optimization with Rick Hartley

Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering by Henry Ott
Grounds for Grounding: A Circuit to System Handbook by Kai-Sang Lock
Full OnTrack Podcast Library
Altium Website
 
Get Your First Month of Altium Designer® for FREE