Hardware Podcasts

PCB Grounding Mistakes Your Datasheet Taught You

OnTrack · 23 Sept 2026 · 50m · Episode 355

What this episode covers

Dan Beeker, president of System Solution Specialists and former Technical Director at NXP, explains why PCB grounding mistakes originate in datasheets and reference designs rather than the designer. He argues that the industry wastes hundreds of millions annually by blindly copying evaluation board shortcuts, such as split grounds and unnecessary ferrites, instead of applying field-based physics to manage energy in the dielectric. Beeker highlights critical missing data in datasheets, such as switching speeds and core geometry, and advocates for a shift from traditional circuit theory to 3D electromagnetic field analysis to achieve first-time compliance.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
System Solution Specialists, NXP, Motorola, Freescale, Wayne State, Arizona State University, University of Michigan, Cal Tech, Maxim, Mirado, Sears Circuits, Ford, NASA
Also
Rick Hartley, Ralph Morrison, PCB West, Karen Burnham, Eric Bogotin, Lee Richie

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