To the Editor:
I just read your article ("Focus report: PCB Design Tools" pg. 50) on PCB design tools in the February 2001 article. You made the following statement that I hoped you would clarify: "If merging is the constant within the PCB tool vendor industry, what is the model for the in-between space sitting amidst PCB design and chip design? It's definitely apparent that there's little such space any longer." You supported this statement with an example given by Lee Ritchey.

I am currently embarked on a long-term plan to transition from my core expertise in mechanical packaging design (and CAD tools administration) into PCB layout and design. My goal over the next five years has been to acquire the necessary background to be able to benefit from Lee Ritchey's high-speed design course curricula, and to find a niche as a journeyman board designer. I have access to Allegro software and to experienced board designers for questions, which ought to help.

My question: Am I entering the game too late? Do I need to be an EE to pursue board design?

Barry Schaeffer
ISD Reader

Mr. Schaeffer:
In my research for this piece it became apparent that the increasing speed of the chips as well as the increasing speed of the interconnect on the boards is requiring the chip and board worlds to pay more attention to what the other is doing, thus the example that Lee Ritchey gave. If you take board AND chip tool vendors such as Cadence and Mentor, it looks like they are buying/merging with other companies, in part, to address this issue.

Mike Maisen
Senior Editor, ISD Magazine

Lee Ritchey responds: My comment to Barry would be that there is a shortage of PCB designers right now that won't go a way. It will get worse, because most of the current designers are getting close to the end of their careers. We've been pondering how to get new designers into the pool. Go for it.

Lee Ritchey
PCB and system design consultant