The future on an excursion – from theory to practice
On March 1, 2023, Iftest AG once again invited prospective graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the FHNW to take part in a company tour and knowledge transfer.
Jürgen Schulz, Head of Technology at Iftest AG, welcomed 16 students and their lecturers in the morning and 15 students in the afternoon. Divided into two groups, the students were able to gain an in-depth insight into our development and manufacturing services during a two-hour tour of the company, engaging in direct dialogue with the experts. Theory was transformed into tangible electronics, which in practice follow a complex and technologically demanding manufacturing process. But there was also time for fun; the students had the opportunity to X-ray a smartphone live in an X-ray machine and observe how the vibration element in the device works when a call comes in.
Smartwatches and power electronics – a world of extremes
The students’ interest in miniaturized electronics with ultra-fine conductor track structures was evident throughout the tour and during the subsequent question and answer session with the larger group. Questions repeatedly arose regarding practical and real-world applications and solutions in the production environment versus theory. As Iftest AG has optimized the selection of components, layout designs, and production processes for miniaturized electronics in recent years, the experts from Iftest AG were able to share valuable expertise and know-how with the students. After all, in the real production environment, the aim is to manufacture functional, safe, and standard-compliant products for customers in an effective and efficient manner.
Power electronics, the other extreme to miniaturized electronics, has regained attention with the current demand for alternative energies. This technology, used for example in photovoltaics or e-charging stations, poses completely different but no less exciting challenges and requirements in development and production. Students also showed broad interest in this topic, and an exciting exchange took place.
Signals travel at the speed of light
In order to address specific questions on the topic of PCB design covered in the course of the same name, our CAD and NPI division manager had a few treats in store, which he demonstrated live in the CAD program. Using an example, he showed that a design strategy must be developed for fine housing shapes such as BGAs and high clock frequencies. This is necessary in order to ensure signal integrity on the one hand and to meet the requirements of the manufacturing process on the other. Even though the interactive and partially automated support provided by the PCB design tool simplifies many things, experience in PCB design with proximity to engineering and electronics manufacturing is the added value that ensures optimal and error-free production.
Some of the students’ questions were not as easy and straightforward to answer as might have been hoped. The pursuit of perfection and as few errors as possible in a small number of attempts requires broad and in-depth knowledge of electronics, EMC, high-frequency technology, and manufacturing and testing processes in electronics production. Future PCB designers must be all-rounders, and this often results from theoretical knowledge and a wealth of practical experience.
We hope that the company tour of our premises and the dialogue with our experts gave the students valuable tips and advice for their future careers. We are delighted that the FHNW students showed so much interest in practical work in a real production environment and look to the future with hope.
Excursion to Iftest AG
If you are interested in taking your technical college or university class specializing in electronics and information technology on a tour of Iftest AG, please contact Jürgen Schulz, Head of Technology at Iftest AG.
Contact
We are here for you and will be happy to answer your questions.
Jürgen Schulz
Head of Technology & Development, Member of the board
juergen.schulz@iftest.ch
+41 56 437 37 43
