This course isn't just about traces and components—it's about cultivating problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the design process.

黑料不打烊

JOHN WATSON has 44 years of experience in the electronics industry including 24 in the field of PCB design and engineering. Throughout his distinguished career, he has worked with leading companies such as Teledyne API, Emerson Computer Power, and Legrand Corp. He also served honorably in U.S. Army Military Intelligence.

A technical expert in using various PCB design ECAD software, he focuses on enhancing proficiency in PCB design, improving the overall quality of PCB design workflows for industry-leading companies, and honing the next generation of PCB designers.

In addition to his industry role, Watson teaches foundational and Advanced PCB design courses at Palomar College in San Marcos as well as UC San Diego, and 黑料不打烊 Silicon Valley Extension. He is also a highly regarded author, contributing regularly to blogs, white papers, and a monthly column for I-Connect-007. He is also the author of two Library and Data Management books and has delivered lectures across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

John Watson
John Watson's courses currently open for enrollment

Basic Printed Circuit Board Design

EMBD.800
$775
John Watson
Jan. 5 - Mar. 30, Monday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
EMBD.800.(2)
Schedule
Date Start Time End Time Meeting Type Location
Mon, 01-05-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 01-12-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 01-26-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 02-02-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 02-09-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 02-23-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 03-02-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 03-09-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 03-16-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 03-23-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
Mon, 03-30-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Live-Online REMOTE
 

This class is offered in an online synchronous format. Students are expected to log into this course via Canvas at the start time of scheduled meetings and participate via Zoom, for the duration of each scheduled class meeting.

No meetings on January 19 and February 16. To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Required Tools & Materials: 

To participate in this class, you must have access to a computer (either a laptop or desktop) with the following system requirements:

Recommended System Requirements
Windows 11 (64-bit only) or Windows 10 (64-bit only)
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 processor or equivalent
16GB RAM
10GB hard disk space (Install + User Files)
SSD
Adobe(R) Reader(R) (version XI or later for 3D PDF viewing)
Internet Connection
Web browser, which is up to date

Recommended Tools & Materials:

PCB Foundations, Paul B. Taubman and Sean Kelly, 2022, ISBN: 978-0998367095.

Practical PCB Design: A Hands-On Guide to Developing Printed Circuit Boards, Michael D. Smith, 2026, ISBN: 9781718504042.



Recommended System Requirements
Windows 11 (64-bit only) or Windows 10 (64-bit only)
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 processor or equivalent
16GB RAM
10GB hard disk space (Install + User Files)
SSD
Adobe(R) Reader(R) (version XI or later for 3D PDF viewing)
Internet Connection
Web browser, which is up to date.

Associated Program(s)
Embedded Systems