The Truth About AI in PCB EMC Compliance

Altium Develop unites your design, sourcing, and manufacturing teams in one cloud platform so EMC and layout problems get caught long before your board ever reaches the test house: https://www.altium.com/develop?utm_so... EMC testing failure rates are climbing toward 70%, and on this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with EMC expert Dr. Anton Tishchenko to unpack why — and what role AI is really playing in modern PCB design. They cut through the AI hype, explaining why large language models will confidently hand you a bad PCB layout, why setting up constraints is "garbage in, garbage out," and why hardware is heading for the same reckoning software already faced. If your boards keep failing radiated emissions, this conversation explains where the real problems start. Anton also demos his web-based EMC analysis tool (pcb4emc.com), an EMC design rule check that works directly from Gerber files — no schematics, no NDAs, no sensitive data required. You'll see how it evaluates ground plane quality, differential and single-ended impedance, return paths, and crosstalk risk using the 3W rule, plus a frank discussion of coplanar waveguides, stackup awareness, and where AI genuinely helps engineers (datasheet summaries, literature reviews, and simulation enhancement) versus where it falls flat. Essential viewing for any PCB designer serious about EMC compliance. 🔗 Try the tool: https://pcbforemc.com/ 🔗 Connect with Anton:   / antontischenko   💡 Stay Connected: Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from @AltiumAcademy Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! 👉 Subscribe for more electronics design reviews:    / @altiumacademy   Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content. 👉 Follow Altium on TikTok:   / altiumdesigner   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter:   / altium   👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin:   / altium   👉 Follow Altium on Facebook:   / altiumofficial   The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer! About Altium LLC Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #Altium #EMC #PCBDesign 0:00 Intro 2:19 EMC Design Rule Check 4:40 PCB Layout Review 8:18 AI Misuse in PCB ️ 10:43 AI Tool Limitations 13:37 AI Enhances Tools ️ 16:19 AI Simulation Debate 19:59 EMC Design Platform 23:41 PCB EMC Tool Access 25:55 Plane Quality Check 28:15 Crosstalk Analysis 32:21 High-Risk Net Focus 35:56 Coplanar Waveguide 38:19 AI Tool Integration 40:37 ODB++ Support 43:02 Conclusion Remarks