-----Original Message-----
        From:   Ronda Faries [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
        Subject:        Re: [DC] PCB Top Gun Showdown!

         ---snip---
        To pull this off, we're asking for YOUR HELP!!! But first here's
what
             we know so far.
        They ask so here goes---
        ---snip---
        * Given that the Showdown must take place during the first three
days
             of the conference, what tasks/tests should we ask the
participants to
             do? Please be specific.
        The participants (victims? ;-)) should be ask to place and rout a
fairly complex circuit consisting of mixed through hole an SMT parts. The
test circuit should include a power supply, analog input filter(s), A/D
converter, a microcontroller/processor and an output driver - a digital
multi-meter circuit would probably be a good example.
             * Should we supply the participants with a starting point
(netlist,
             schematic, etc.) or wait until the first day of competition to
provide
             them with the information they'll need to design a board?
        A mechanical board outline with pre-placed connectors should be
supplied in advance, along with a copy of the schematic. As for the contest
itself the participants should be required to start with netlist generation
and ask to deliver a finished design.
             * Who should grade the participants? (Future events could be
graded by
             existing Top Gun members.)
        For a quantitative analysis of PCB function, how about running the
final design through a package like HyperLynx BoardSim? As to qualitative
analysis I'm sure you could find to or three "noted experts", e.g. Rick
Hartley, John Sabo, Mary Sugden..., who are already beyond the top gun
category to be judges.
        ---snip---

        Just my 2 cents worth, and then some
Jeffrey A. McGlaughlin
Printed Circuit Board Designer
Battelle Memorial Institute
Columbus Ohio


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