FAQ
TL;DR: Over the last 20–25 years, “the PCB industry had actually been growing,” and that trend supports strong 10‑year prospects for board designers. [Elektroda, Garth Wilson, post #21670253]
Why it matters: If you’re weighing a switch to VLSI/ASIC, this FAQ clarifies long‑term demand, skills, and tools for PCB/board engineers in India and beyond.
Quick Facts
- Typical product architecture still uses multiple ICs plus passives; one chip rarely does power, RF, memory, and I/O together. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
- Stacked IC packages ride on PCB substrates inside the package; boards remain integral. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
- Power conversion stages need capacitors, resistors, magnetics, and at least one controller IC. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
- Tooling for small PCB runs can be cost‑prohibitive; affordability remains a concern. [Elektroda, Garth Wilson, post #21670253]
- Form factors trend thinner and more rigid; PCB tech evolves rather than disappears. [Elektroda, Ahsanul Haque, post #21670251]
What’s the 10‑year career outlook for board design engineers in India?
Healthy. Experienced engineers report PCBs won’t be replaced, and integration increases board functionality rather than eliminating boards. The market has grown despite prior predictions. Stay current and move up the value chain to remain competitive. [Elektroda, Garth Wilson, post #21670253]
Will a single chip replace the entire PCB soon?
No. One silicon process rarely handles power conversion, audio, memory, display, camera, tactile input, and RF together. Products still need multiple ICs and passives on a PCB. “I don’t see PCBs going away.” [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
Do stacked or SiP packages eliminate PCBs?
No. Stacked ICs sit on a PCB substrate inside the package. The final product still mounts components on a board for power, I/O, and system integration. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
What skills help future‑proof a PCB/board career?
Add system‑level design, high‑speed digital, power integrity, and mixed‑signal layout. Pair PCB design with circuit design so you can “move up the food chain.” [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
Is high‑speed design worth specializing in?
Yes. High‑speed skills remain valuable across MSP430, ARM, and x86 platforms. They transfer to modern buses and interfaces used in consumer and industrial products. [Elektroda, Slasher SR, post #21670248]
Will autorouters take my job?
Expect productivity gains but not full replacement yet. Engineers note autorouters struggle with quality on digital and mixed‑signal boards. That creates demand for skilled designers. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
What’s an edge case where automation fails?
Mixed‑signal routing. Automated tools often mishandle return paths, isolation, and sensitive nodes. Manual constraint‑driven routing still wins here. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
Are PCBs becoming obsolete as devices shrink?
No. Smaller devices increase density, but boards continue to host more function per area. Industry experience shows growth, not disappearance, with greater integration. [Elektroda, Garth Wilson, post #21670253]
What about costs for small production runs?
Tool‑up charges can make low quantities expensive. This remains a barrier for prototyping and niche products, even as capabilities improve. [Elektroda, Garth Wilson, post #21670253]
Should I pivot to VLSI/ASIC or stay in boards?
Both paths can thrive. If you enjoy boards, deepen system design and power skills. Cross‑skill with firmware or FPGA to expand roles and resilience. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
What is VLSI, in simple terms?
VLSI means Very‑Large‑Scale Integration: packing many transistors and functions into one chip. It complements boards rather than replacing them. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
What is an FPGA, and why should a board engineer learn it?
An FPGA is a reconfigurable logic chip. Knowing basic FPGA design helps partition systems, set constraints, and design robust high‑speed interfaces on boards. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
What is a PCB autorouter?
It’s software that automatically routes traces based on rules. Experts note it still performs poorly for complex digital or mixed‑signal work. [Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
What is high‑speed design?
It focuses on signal integrity and timing when edge rates or frequencies make traces behave like transmission lines. It’s core for modern boards. [Elektroda, Slasher SR, post #21670248]
How do I update my high‑speed PCB knowledge quickly?
Study Dr. Howard Johnson’s materials and high‑speed design book for theory and pitfalls. Complement with application notes and targeted practice. [Elektroda, Garth Wilson, post #21670255]
How can I future‑proof my PCB career in three steps?
- Own the schematic and system architecture, not just layout.
- Master power delivery, return paths, and mixed‑signal partitioning.
- Use automation, but guide it with constraints and reviews.
[Elektroda, DAVID CUTHBERT, post #21670247]
