I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
It’s been a busy week here at I-Connect007, an even busier week for PCB designers and manufacturers. This week, we published a variety of articles and news items. In this week’s wrap-up, we have an interview with Rex Rozario that is basically a historical look at the birth of commercial PCB manufacturing, and his involvement with the Rolling Stones in their early days. Then we bring you a look at trends in freight costs, which are—fortunately—heading southward right now.
Selecting Flex Materials: Do Your Homework
While the layout of the circuit gives us much of the electrical characteristics of the design, your choice of materials can affect the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the circuit. Material choices affect not only the design of the circuit for its environment, but also the manufacturing and assembly processes. While the layout of the circuit gives us much of the electrical characteristics of the design, your choice of materials can affect the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the circuit.
Stop Over-specifying Your Materials
Columnist Kelly Dack has had a pretty wide range of experiences. As a PCB designer, he has sat behind the desk at an NPI company, an OEM, a fabricator, and now an EMS provider. We asked him to share a few thoughts on the materials selection process and how it could be improved.
Mark Laing Talks ‘Sustainability in Manufacturing’
Now available on Spotify, Episode 3 of I-Connect007’s new podcast, On the Line with… features an interview with Mark Laing, business development manager for digital industries software at Siemens. Laing discusses the role of electronics in achieving sustainability. Not only does the electronics industry have a primary role to play here, but it also contributes by creating products which enable other industries to monitor and optimize their sustainability practices.
Akrometrix: Masters of Metrology
At the Atlanta SMTA Expo and Tech Forum, I met Neil Hubble, president of the metrology systems provider Akrometrix. If you’re not sure exactly what metrology entails, you’re in luck. In this interview, Neil explains why metrology is becoming a critical part of PCB manufacturing. We also discuss the company’s capital equipment, testing services, and why Akrometrix counts many of the top PCB and semiconductor manufacturing companies in the world as their customers.
Eye on the Ion
During the recent SMTA Houston Expo & Tech Forum, I had the good fortune to meet and interview Joey Sanchez, senior director of ecosystems at The Ion, a 300,000-square-foot space in the renovated historical Sears building in the city’s Midtown section. Opened in 2021, The Ion is part of the 16-acre (12 city blocks) Ion Innovation District, which is currently under development. The facility is owned and managed by Rice University.
Shopping for a Soldering Robot
During factory visits, I've witnessed what’s happened to our workforce after the pandemic. Sometimes it looks like operator separation for social distancing, working extra shifts to cover for lost or missing employees due to illness, workers who now work from home, or they have simply found working no longer suits them. One possible solution when you can’t hire skilled technicians is to look at automation, particularly automation for soldering. For many it was a “feature piece” for the obligatory factory tour just to demonstrate to potential customers they are forward thinking. Now it’s a reality to solve a true workforce shortage issue. But why use a robotic soldering system?
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
This week, our must-reads include reporting on the new PCB support legislation, now submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives; financial results from two Tier 1 manufacturers, which readers read quite thoroughly; ESG in Asia Pacific; new features from Altium; global sourcing; and a “How I got here” interview with an up and coming industry expert.
Watch Now: ‘Secure Data Exchange between IPC-2581 (DPMX) and IPC-2591 (CFX),’ Episode 11 of ‘Smarter Manufacturing Enabled with Inspection Data’
In this episode, Koh Young topic expert Ivan Aduna discusses two industry standards, IPC-2581 (DPMX) and IPC-2591 (CFX), and the importance of secure communication between these systems to ensure data protection and information security, especially in manufacturing automation applications. Viewers can watch Episode 11 in just under 5 minutes!
Sustainability Podcast: Episode 2 'Sustainability Through Cloud Applications' Now Available
Now available on Spotify, Episode 2 of I-Connect007’s new podcast, On the Line with… features an interview with Susan Kayesar of Siemens. Kayesar addresses cloud applications and sustainability, as well as some key, new best practices that emerge from using a cloud-based platform for business operations software systems.
Guru & Geezer: A Celebration of the Life of Martin Cotton
This last weekend, industry guru and dear friend to many, Martin Cotton passed away. He was one of the first people I worked with in the electronics industry when I joined Toptec Design to learn to layout PCBs. He was a bit of a rock star to many PCB designers, myself included. He was known to be among the best in his field, if not the best, and went on to be one of the most influential and innovative people in the industry over a long and distinguished career. He will be hugely missed by his family and by his numerous friends in and out of the electronics industry.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
This week’s must-reads contains a veritable potpourri of information from around the industry. We have a Pete Starkey review of the latest EIPC webinar on ultra HDI and thin film resistors, an interview with the founder of an electronics trade school in Texas, and an update from PCBAA about their lobbying efforts in Washington. We also have news about our brand-new podcast, or “pod,” as the kids say, and a column about the wisdom of Don Draper that just might serve technologists and managers well. Read on, folks!
I-Connect007 Launches 'On the Line with...' Podcast with Series on Sustainability
Expanding its avenues of content delivery, I-Connect007 is excited to announce the launch of our latest educational product, On the Line with.., available on Spotify, Apple and all the major podcast platforms. In this podcast, we speak with industry experts to get the latest insights and perspectives on the most relevant topics in the electronics industry today.
Watch Now: ‘Business Cases Leveraging the IPC CFX-QPL,’ Episode 10 of ‘Smarter Manufacturing Enabled with Inspection Data’
In this episode, Koh Young topic expert Ivan Aduna covers the most essential topics, messages, and sections used for inspection in the IPC CFX-QPL and how they can help you stay ahead of the curve in digital transformation. Join Ivan as he explores business cases that demonstrate the capability of the IPC CFX-QPL.
Texas Trade School Links Students With Employers
Elvia Quintanilla heads the Texas Technical Trade School, a state-funded training and work program that is a win-win-win for everyone—students, area employers, and the industry. It’s tax-funded, meaning it’s free for all those involved. Elvia enjoys going to work every day, and she wants to spread the news about how she’s giving students the same opportunities she had.
The American Manufacturing Mission of Michele Nash-Hoff
I recently spoke with Michele Nash-Hoff, president of ElectroFab Sales and author of four books, about her relentless drive to bring manufacturing back to America. The COVID pandemic raised awareness of supply chain vulnerabilities, and now more people are paying attention. She shares her growing concerns along with some possible solutions.
Custom Is Never a Commodity
American Standard Circuits provides more services than strictly bare board fabrication. During a recent visit to the ASC facility in West Chicago, Illinois, Nolan Johnson spoke with Bob Duke, president of ASC’s Global Sourcing division, about the dynamics of helping a customer source custom commodity subassemblies.
Onboarding 101 With Mike Hoyt
You’ve decided to revamp your process for onboarding new hires, but where do you start? How do you create a thorough onboarding system that allows each new hire to become a happy, long-term employee? I asked Mike Hoyt, IPC’s training advisor, to discuss the organization’s onboarding program, the hiring issues facing companies in the PCB space, and the best way to get aboard a new onboarding process.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
This week, I’m identifying key news about EVs, orbital payloads, environmental sustainability, the state of the economy, and new executive leadership. I’d say it’s a well-rounded selection of what’s happening in the industry. I can’t help but continue to be impressed by the pervasiveness of space commercialization. Satellites have a long history of being commissioned and operated by private business, but as commercial launch vehicles become more available, it seems that satellite launches are accelerating. Read on!
Catching a Cool Vibe in Del Mar
The Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show in late April attracted a strong crowd, and for good reason. This show, which started in 1995 and attracts approximately 400 exhibitors, takes a refreshing approach: It’s at the local fairgrounds, so the vibe is cool, relaxed and easier on the pocketbook. Attendance hasn’t yet reached the highest pre-COVID levels, but show organizer Doug Bodenstab said registrations improved over last year.
The Solder Tip
During the recent SMTA Boise Expo & Tech Forum, I spoke about hand soldering with Craig Morris, an area sales manager at JBC Tools, a company that has served the global electronics industry for decades. In this interview, Craig shares some of the latest developments in his company’s soldering tool, which allows the technician to use time, technique, and temperature to improve the finished product.
Advice to the Learner
Barry Matties chats with both Dale Lee and Alexander Noggle, a college student attending SMTA Houston Expo & Tech Forum, about the need to listen to the past but keep an eye on the future, especially when it comes to understanding technology. For now, Dale says, get out and gain as much industry experience as possible.
The Benefits of Vapor Phase Reflow Soldering
JB Byers, vice president of technical support services at A-Tek Systems in Longmont, Colorado, recently gave a presentation on vapor phase reflow soldering at the SMTA Boise Expo & Tech Forum. After his presentation, I-Connect007 briefly talked with him about how the process can help reduce voids and lower operating cost.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
In this week’s must-reads, we have coverage of NAMM 2023 and SMTA Atlanta, plus some tips for traditional PCB designers who are entering the RF design space, where designers have to master ideas like antenna tuning. We also have some news about March PCB sales, as well as a great conversation with Ventec’s Frank Lorentz, who explains how to set up an onboarding process that converts new hires into happy, long-term employees.
SMTA Atlanta: No Rain Delay For This Event
The SMTA Atlanta Expo & Tech Forum couldn’t stop the rain, but the chilly, rainy weather didn’t deter the technologists who came out for this annual event yesterday. Held at the Atlanta Tech Park small business incubator in Norcross, Georgia, the show drew a crowd primarily from the SMT segment, along with a number of designers and fabricators.
Watch Now: ‘Advanced Process Control & Inspection,’ Episode 8 of ‘Smarter Manufacturing Enabled with Inspection Data’
In this episode, Koh Young topic expert Ivan Aduna examines how closed-loop communication can make all the difference when it comes to inspection and achieving zero defects in your production line. Ivan also explores the importance of equipment suppliers working together to create M2M connections that allow for real-time exchange of SPI and AOI measurement data between machines—all in under four minutes.
Why the EMS Leadership Summit Matters
When I first entered the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry in 1989, I had some engineering experience, but zero knowledge as to how to manufacture anything. At that point, I didn’t realize how little I understood about the real, yet alone subtle, differences between an EMS company and OEMs. A colleague of mine suggested I contact IPC to see what resources they had available. The recommendation: Join an upcoming meeting of senior EMS industry leaders, known as the EMS Management Council. I attended my first EMS management meeting that year and started participating on the EMS Council Steering Committee shortly after. That initial experience has drawn me back yearly for over three decades.
Today's EMS Companies Headed for Generational Revolution
Marge Laney, founder and CEO of Alert Tech SMT, a Houston-based EMS company, shares her thoughts on bringing young people into manufacturing—a sector she’s convinced may be headed toward big growth. At the SMTA Houston Expo & Tech Forum, Marge invited a group of young students from a local technology school into her facility for a tour.
Taking Charge of ESD
At the recent SMTA Boise Expo & Tech Forum, Barry Matties spoke with Doug Holtz, national sales manager of Conductive Containers, about challenges related to ESD and where manufacturers are most vulnerable. It’s a growing concern, Doug says, and there are important lessons to be learned. Doug also reviews his presentation, and he points out how reducing touchpoints in the supply chain can make a world of difference for both customers and manufacturers.
A Complex and Contradictory Economic Outlook
At this year’s EMS Summit held at IPC APEX EXPO, I shared IPC’s economic outlook for 2023 and 2024. The electronics industry overcame significant hurdles and headwinds in 2022, thanks in large part to strong underlying demand. While many of those hurdles and headwinds have subsided, the industry faces new challenges in the year ahead. At the EMS Summit, I shared three key themes defining the year ahead.
Trends in Supply Chain Dynamics
Editor’s note: CalcuQuote CEO Chintan Sutaria used his presentation at the EMS Leadership Summit to share market insights that could be concluded from usage data within the CalcuQuote environment. This article, authored by David Sharp, vice president of products, summarizes and updates the information shared at the summit.
NAMM 2023: It’s All About That Bass
The use of AI in the music industry seems only natural. For example, if you’re trying to create a specific sound, rhythm, mix of instruments, or volume level, you’d typically be in front of a series of mixers and controls, making tweaks and adjustments. If you’re trying to create a piece of music that is similar to one you already have, AI can do that for you. Just give it some basic instructions and let it go to work.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
SpaceX is back in the news and in a big, powerful, let’s-blow-up-a-rocket-because-we-can kind of way. The company had scheduled a test launch on Monday, April 17 for the SpaceX Starship, only to scrub that launch until this past Thursday. Well, the results from the launch were less than desirable—or were they? While Starship ultimately exploded just prior to stage separation, simply clearing the launchpad was considered a major milestone by SpaceX.
Bob Wettermann: Making the ‘Best’ of His Career
Bob Wetterman started his career in the semiconductor industry, but after a series of industry and economic changes, he tapped into that entrepreneurial spirit. For more than 20 years, he has been leading and developing BEST, Inc., a shop customizing in PCB rework and repair. In this interview, Bob reflects on his long career, and we meet Nash Bell, who will be leading BEST through its next phase.
Panel Discussion: CMMC and Cybersecurity
The electronics manufacturing sector faces unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity, given the highly sensitive nature of the information that it handles. With the introduction of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework, businesses will soon be required to meet specific, more stringent cybersecurity standards to bid on Department of Defense contracts. This has made cybersecurity hygiene and CMMC compliance more important than ever for businesses in the sector, as non-compliance can result in lost revenue and reputational damage.
Finding Stability in the Supply Chain
MacroFab is clearly on the grow, so what’s on their minds these days? CEO Misha Govshteyn, speaking from the company’s Guadalajara, Mexico, facility, shares that the company recently closed a second round of funding, bringing the total investment pool to just north of $80 million. Second round investors include Foundry and BMW i Ventures as well as existing investors Edison Partners and ATX Venture Partners. They also just opened a 48,000 square foot plant in Houston, Texas.
Spring Issue of IPC Community Now Available for Download
Welcome to the Spring issue of IPC Community! This quarterly publication was created with you in mind! In this issue, you’ll find articles, interviews, columns, graphics, surveys, IPC member benefits, and so much more. Each issue is designed to celebrate the success between IPC and its members and how this relationship benefits the entire electronics manufacturing industry.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
How was your week? We’ve been pretty busy ourselves, bringing you coverage of the SMTA Expo & Tech Forum in Boise, Idaho. Tabletops shows like this offer a great value during the spring, in between the bigger shows like IPC APEX EXPO and SMTA International. In fact, SMTA schedules approximately 30 regional shows around the United States and abroad.
Local SMTA Expos: A Great Format for Meeting Customers
At the Dallas SMTA Expo & Tech Forum, I met with Isaiah Smith, Midwest sales manager for BTU International. Isaiah is fairly new to BTU as well as the Midwest, and here he explains why events like Dallas SMTA are must-attend shows for him. We also discuss the welcome arrival of more young people in this industry.
SMTA Boise: More Than Potatoes in Idaho
At Tuesday’s SMTA Boise Expo, Barry Matties visited with SMTA Boise Chapter President Tony Whitt, who talked about the genesis of this regional show, and what he’s learned about selling in today’s digital world. Two big companies in the Boise area support the region’s electronics manufacturing industry, and these companies are having the same struggle as so many others—where are the people who actually want to work?
EPTAC: Think Globally, Act Locally
At the recent Dallas SMTA Expo and Tech Forum, I spoke with many of the 100 exhibitors who dotted the exhibit floor. David Thomas, an IPC master instructor at EPTAC, was running the training company’s booth there. I asked him to update me on EPTAC’s latest efforts and to discuss the value of exhibiting at local events like this one.
EMS Industry is Hungry For Data—and Staff
I recently spoke with Chintan Sutaria, the founder and CEO of CalcuQuote, a company that has developed quoting software for the EMS industry aiming to automate a process that had largely depended upon emails and spreadsheets. In this interview, Chintan explains how the company is bringing more supply chain data into the equation, the challenges his customers are facing, and what sorts of inventory he’s seeing today.
Coming Clean with KYZEN
At the recent SMTA Dallas Expo & Tech Forum, I spoke with Fernando Rueda, manager of the Americas for KYZEN, about the company’s newest technologies and trends he’s seeing in SMT cleaning processes. As Fernando points out, cleaning is now a requirement for most boards, and the cleaning process becomes more challenging as features get smaller and faster. No-clean technology can often make a challenging situation worse.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Top Five Must-Reads for the Week
The adage about spring weather in Northern temperate climates is, “April showers bring May flowers.” This is, of course, on the heels of March, when the weather comes “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” The suggestion for March is that whatever way the month starts, it will end just the opposite. But we’re in the first week of April, where things are expected to settle into a steady state of preparation for an abundance just over the horizon. Sound a bit like our business climate right now, doesn’t it?
Don Kinard: Let’s Go Where We’ve Never Gone Before
I spoke with Dr. Don A. Kinard, a senior fellow at Lockheed Martin, at the recent SMTA Dallas Expo. Don gave a fantastic presentation on digital twin technology and how it has changed Lockheed’s manufacturing process. In this interview, Don shares some insight into implementing digital twin, trends in the supply chain, and the CHIPS Act’s effect on our industry. He also discusses—importantly—the need to inspire our next generation of engineers with the same sense of wonder that Americans felt during the early Apollo missions.
SMTA Has Plans for Growing Membership
During the SMTA Dallas Expo & Tech Forum, I met with Gary Tanel, chapter officer for the Dallas SMTA as well as director of membership for the organization. We discussed some of the plans Gary has in play for expanding the membership numbers, including offering a new corporate membership which allows companies to bring hundreds of employees into the organization.
The Need for Real-time Measurements on the Factory Floor
During SMTA Dallas Expo 2023, Barry Matties spoke with Morgan Miller, field application engineer at Insituware, about the need for real-time measurement capabilities, like the Vision MARK-1 device offers, which is powered by analytical sensors, machine learning, and cloud-based technology to bring materials control solutions right to the factory floor.
Deciphering the Presidential Determination
On March 27, 2023, U.S. President Biden issued a presidential determination that, IPC states, “prioritizes the domestic development of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and advanced packaging, including IC substrates, under Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA). IPC welcomes this action, but what does this really mean? IPC vice president of global government relations, Chris Mitchell, joins Nolan Johnson to clarify what a presidential determination is, what it means to both the industry and individual companies.
Stanton Rak: Patient Leaders Nurture Growth
Stanton Rak, principal at SF Rak Company, discusses his new IPC President's Award. He says a successful leader must demonstrate passion for what they do, and that working in an IPC leadership role requires a unique approach to collaboration. IPC’s diverse membership means leaders must cultivate patience and be open to relying on the expertise of their fellow professionals.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Texans like to say that everything is bigger in Texas. That certainly seems to be the case for the SMTA Dallas Expo & Tech Forum. Publisher Barry Matties and I attended SMTA Dallas on Tuesday, and the tabletop show has now grown to 100 exhibitors, up from 92 vendors last year. It’s become more than a local or regional show, with some exhibitors flying in from Silicon Valley and the East Coast.
Dallas SMTA Expo Bigger, Better Than Ever
The Dallas chapter of SMTA hosts an annual technical conference and exhibition that rivals some industry shows. I-Connect007’s Barry Matties is onsite at this year’s event and sent back this audio interview with Gary Tanel, longtime event organizer and a key part of the SMTA Dallas chapter leadership. Matties and Tanel discuss the history and organization of the event, and why it’s a must-attend for exhibitors, attendees and researchers alike.
Garry McGuire: Aiming for the Stars
Garry McGuire of the Jacobs Space Exploration Group at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, reflects on the serendipitous moment that led to a leadership role at IPC and the enduring relationships he’s built through his participation in the organization. With the rapid advance of technology constantly pushing the industry forward, Garry urges newcomers to jump in and experience all IPC has to offer.
Advancing in a New Era
What goes down must also come up. This is not the idiom we’re used to hearing, but I’d like to apply it to IPC APEX EXPO 2023. After a few years of lower attendance numbers due to the COVID pandemic, 2023 ushered in a re-invigorated group of attendees, exhibitors, speakers, event contractors, and staff to the show floor and meeting rooms. IPC APEX EXPO 2023 was fueled by the possibilities of new advances in electronics manufacturing.
Five Issues Troubling EMS Companies
The role of electronic manufacturing services (EMS) companies is very often misunderstood. Some perspectives, however, are helpful to frame the question of what is on their minds, especially in the current global environment. EMS companies build products but they are not really “product” companies. While they may provide design services, the designs are still owned by their customers. As a result, they do not have the right to select or change components. In most cases, the EMS company will still be responsible for purchasing these components which are typically 70–90% of their cost to produce the end products. They also do not determine what volumes should be built.
Darwin AI Evolving the Islands of Automation
When Canadian artificial intelligence company Darwin AI was founded in 2017, machine learning and deep learning were still relatively new terms. In the past five years, CEO Sheldon Fernandez and his team have been working with this technology to develop some foundational IP to simplify implementation. About a year ago, Sheldon took a “part happenstance, part deliberate” opportunity to develop a vertical offering for EMS manufacturing. Here’s what happened.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
The captive shop used to be the rule, not the exception. Until outsourcing caught on, that is. North American captive shops went the way of the dodo bird, and the PCB market hasn’t been the same since. Even R&D went out the window, or offshore, if you want to be technical about it.
But Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is something of a wild card. The company recently opened a new captive facility in Idaho, and the industry is paying close attention.
Sarah Czaplewski-Campbell: Ready to Take Flight
Sarah Czaplewski-Campbell, a materials/product development engineer at IBM, shares her experiences as a young professional who has benefited from the guidance of seasoned mentors alongside her own unflagging drive to expand her industry knowledge. She offers poignant advice for prospective professionals, urging them to assertively seek out advice and experiences that will help them progress in their careers.
Runner-up Discusses IPC Design Competition
PCB designer Adam Thorvaldson of Innovex was a finalist in this year’s IPC Design Competition at IPC APEX EXPO. He came in second place in this final heat, which is quite a feat, considering that the contest started last fall with 49 contestants from around the globe. We asked Adam to share his thoughts on the competition, what it means to be one of the winners, and any ideas about improving the contest for 2024 in Anaheim.
Schweitzer: Building Inner Strength
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) has been building out a greenfield captive facility for board fabrication and assembly. As we conducted this interview, SEL was nearing production, and just recently announced that the facility has started production. In this part of a larger, wide-ranging discussion, we spoke with John Hendrickson, engineering director; Frank Harrill, vice president of security; and Jessi Hall, senior director of vertical engineering. They discuss what goes into the mindset of a captive EMS facility.
IPC APEX EXPO 2023 Special Session: Advanced Packaging
The IPC APEX EXPO Special Session on Advanced Packaging this year attracted enormous interest, with Conference Room 2 at capacity long before the session began. Even with lots of extra seats squeezed around the edges, the session was standing room only for the just-in-time arrivals. IPC Chief Technology Officer Matt Kelly opened proceedings by introducing a distinguished panel of experts: Jan Vardaman, president and founder of TechSearch International; Sam Salama, CEO of Hyperion Technology; Matt Neely, director of process engineering at TTM Technologies; and Jim Fuller, VP of engineering technology at Sanmina.
Thomas Marktscheffel: Collaboratively Revitalizing the Industry
Thomas Marktscheffel, director of product management software solutions at ASMPT GmbH & Co. KG, reflects on the evolution of industry-wide standards and how his multidisciplinary approach to the development of CFX has been crucial to its success. With the advent of digitalization, cultivating a collaborative spirit is now more than ever an essential component of standards development. Patty Goldman recently spoke with Thomas about what this award mean to him
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
I try to not talk about the weather in this space, but this week I feel compelled. I’m based in the Pacific Northwest, and we’re relatively used to it being wet and rainy. But just south of us in California, the state has gone from what I read has been called the driest period in the West in the past 1,200 years to a right proper drenching. This week’s news cycle felt like one of those California-style “atmospheric rivers.” There was so much worthy reporting worthy that I was a bit overwhelmed in making my final selections. Suffice it to say that, this week, there is quite a bit of news that’s worth your time to read.
Shrinking Silicon, Growing Signal Integrity Challenges
What happens when die sizes shrink? As IPC design instructor Kris Moyer explains, quite a bit. Shrinking silicon can mean rising signal speed and rise times, and traditional PCB designers may find themselves dealing with problems formerly only seen by RF engineers. We asked Kris to discuss the pros and cons of silicon shrinkage and some of the techniques and trade-offs that PCB designers and design engineers need to understand as they find themselves entering the RF arena.
Making the Most of Trade Show Leads
The show is over and it’s time to count the leads. We all know that a tall stack of trade show leads can feel like a sugar high. For many, that tall stack is proof that your trade show investment was well worth it, and if leads are the measure, then you’ll aim to collect as many as possible. However, the true ROI measure is new business, so more important than the number of leads is identifying the quality of leads in the stack.
Meet Henry Crandall: New IPC Student Board Member
Barry Matties sits down with Henry Crandall, the newly minted Student Board Member on the IPC Board of Directors, to talk about how Henry became the first PhD student in electrical engineering in his family, as well as how his role on the IPC Board will allow him to represent the voices of students and young professionals interested in shaping the future of both IPC and the industry.
A Week-long Industry Extravaganza
We were back in San Diego, maybe for a “long vacation,” as IPC APEX EXPO is in Anaheim next year. Before we get to Anaheim, though, let’s talk about the show: It was a great week. I spent Sunday and Monday visiting some excellent Professional Development courses. As you know, this is a fast-changing industry, and we have to keep learning to stay ahead. On Monday, I attended the Microvia Weak Interface/Reliability subcommittee, and on Tuesday, the Ultra-HDI Technology Committee.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
It’s been a busy week in our industry. We have a duke’s mixture of news and columns in this week’s Editor’s Choice, starting off with some good news for the American electronics manufacturing industry. In his State of the Union speech, President Biden signaled his support for the CHIPS Act and the U.S. electronics industry, and he promised that Washington would put its money where its mouth is this time. Is it going to happen? Don’t bet the rent money.
IPC APEX EXPO Keynote Review: Shawn DuBravac
During an excellent packed-house luncheon on the Monday of IPC APEX EXPO 2023, IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac gave a keynote address titled, “What's New in Tech: The Micro Trends Defining the Future of Electronics,” with an introduction by IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell.
Michael Kottke: Growing With Greenfield Sites
About a year ago, we interviewed Michael Kottke, CEO at Rocket EMS. That interview paid close attention to how Rocket EMS’ in-house software suite, Voyager, improved processes across the company. Now we’re checking in to get Kottke’s perspective on the current market’s shifting dynamics, and what he’s got his eye on as Rocket EMS moves into 2023.
A First Look at IPC-CFX Box for Legacy Equipment
Although the prevalence of IPC-CFX in the electronics manufacturing industry has increased since the standard’s launch in spring 2019, the committee responsible for the standard has recognized legacy equipment in the field as a significant barrier to widespread industry adoption. To address this, an A-Team under the IPC-CFX Standard Task Group spent the past year working on a project that provides simple, readily available IPC-CFX hardware with supporting SDK that can act as an IPC-CFX endpoint for existing legacy equipment.
Alpha Takes the Greenfield Route
Alpha Circuit is a PCB fabricator located in Elmhurst, Illinois. Given that the launch of a new PCB fab is a rare occasion these days, we caught up with the senior team—Prashant Patel, president and CEO; Steve Smith, general manager; Steve Ryan, sales and direct support—guiding the buildout of Alpha Circuit’s brand new 44,000 square foot facility. They discuss what goes into equipment selection and line design, and the timing couldn’t have been better. At press time, the new facility was on schedule for test production by the end of January 2023.
A Post-show Marketing Plan
After you’ve exhibited at a trade show, then the work really begins. Where do you begin? How do you best capitalize on the leads and other contacts you’ve made? We asked Kiki Shimomae, sales and marketing coordinator for Taiyo, to discuss her pre- and post-show plans for a show like IPC APEX EXPO, and the importance of staying visible on social media.
EIPC Winter Conference 2023, Day 2 Review
Day 2 of the EIPC Winter Conference at the Groupama Stadium in the Décines-Charpieu region of the Metropolis of Lyon in eastern France included a privileged visit to the Bugey Nuclear Power Plant for those who were registered and passed their security clearance. Such was the interest that the party was split into morning and afternoon groups. EIPC board member Martyn Gaudion, CEO of Polar Instruments, made a fine job of moderating Session 6 twice over.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Taking Our Message to Washington
Nolan Johnson talks with Chris Mitchell, vice president of Global Government Relations at IPC, about key issues IPC is working on today and how you can be involved in advocating for our industry in 2023. Their conversation also covers the CHIPS Act, advanced packaging, and much more.
After the Show: Share What You’ve Learned
You’ve just attended a trade show, spending time in conference classes, seeing some new ideas that you think could help your company. What’s your next step? I asked IPC design instructor Kris Moyer to share his thoughts, and he explained how to best share your newfound information, convince management to adopt what you’ve learned, and build on this momentum.
Another Successful STEM Outreach
The IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF) hosted its annual STEM Outreach Event over the course of two days at IPC APEX EXPO 2023 in San Diego, accommodating more than 550 students on Wednesday, Jan. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 26. This was IPCEF’s largest event to date. The event created awareness of the many careers available in the electronics manufacturing industry and helped future talent engage and connect with industry professionals.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
This week, I used my super sleuthing skills to select news and articles that are both driven by numbers and themes. Let’s see if my selection matches up with yours. We know our readers are opening our daily and weekly newsletters, scanning the important news of the day. The numbers tell me that. But it’s the content within those clicks that help me lock in on a clear line of thought. This week, the topic of the week: investments.
A Conversation With ‘The Space Gal’
With multiple advanced degrees in aerospace science, Emily Calandrelli could have had her pick of any project in earth and space science. Instead, she has chosen to use her skills in science policy and communication to break down complex science topics, advocate for women in STEM fields, and bolster enthusiasm for the next generation of scientists through her own Netflix show and an active slate of social media accounts. Emily’s platform is huge, but it's one that she wholeheartedly embraces. In this interview with the I-Connect007 Editorial Team, Emily talks about her unconventional entry into science, what’s ahead for space commerce, advice for industry leaders, and what she really thinks about going into space.
The Industry Is Back and Better Than Ever
To say that anticipation had been building prior to this show would be an understatement. Bearing in mind the various unknowns as we emerge from the worst of the pandemic, IPC APEX EXPO 2023 stood apart as a beacon of cautious optimism. Overall, I don’t think anyone left the show disappointed. There was a real air of resurgence on the show floor related to the many new technologies, innovations, materials, and Smart manufacturing solutions being developed in the industry.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: More Than Traceability
Nolan Johnson meets with Dr. Eyal Weiss, CTO and founder of Cybord to talk about traceability based visual inspection trends, and how Cybord’s SaaS solution is helping customers find success. Cybord works in the traceability space, but it’s much more than that.
Show & Tell Magazine: Reflecting on Another Unforgettable Year
There’s always a sense of heightened expectation as we prepare for another show, and then a bit of a collective sigh when it’s over—a sigh of relief, maybe, but mostly a sigh of contentment at another job well done. Thank you for a week of unforgettable memories. The close of the show also means it’s time for our annual Real Time with… Show & Tell Magazine, the only post-show guide you’ll need. Why? Because it isn’t just a comprehensive look at what happened at the show—it’s so much more. We have exclusive interviews with IPC award winners, thoughtful observations on the show from industry leaders, pages of image galleries, special STEM event coverage, and a complete listing of the nearly 80 Real Time with … interviews conducted and posted during the show.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: We Can All Learn Something
Dylan Nguyen speaks with Charlene Gunter du Plessis, senior director, IPC Education Foundation, about careersinelectronics.com, a newly designed information-driven, industry-focused career website from the IPC Education Foundation.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
This week, we published a variety of articles, columns, and news items. But let’s have a special round of applause for Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT), two members of the House of Representatives who sent the DoD a letter detailing the need for more production of PCBs and IC substrates in the United States. Republicans and Democrats have been mixing like oil and water lately, so it’s promising to see these two reach across the aisle and try to get something accomplished for the greater good.
Koh Young: Getting Equipment In-Line and Customers Online
With machine installs somewhere in the range of 500 new annually and award-winning customer and field service, Koh Young has a commanding perspective on the evaluation, purchase, and installation processes for new equipment. We spoke with Mitchell Kim, applications engineer manager; Brent Fischthal, senior manager of Americas marketing and regional sales; and David Nemeth, Koh Young’s service manager for the U.S. and Canada, on what they see as the best practices for acquiring the right capital equipment.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Objective Evidence Site Launched
Andrew Naisbitt, CEO of GEN3, describes how his team navigated the COVID-19 crisis, and how PICT has become established as an industry standard, with a free website (objectiveevidence.org) to explain the details.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Advanced Metrology and Inspection
Guest Editor Kelly Dack speaks with Giancarlo De La Garza of Nordson Test and Inspection about the acquisition of CyberOptics Corporation, the scales of inspection, common failures in each scale, and how the acquisition will energize both companies.
Printed Circuit Boards Have Champions on Capitol Hill
House Resolution 7677 from the 2021/22 Congressional session may have run out of time before the election cycle, but that hasn’t ended the effort to help fund the printed circuit board industry alongside the semiconductor industry. IPC vice president of global government relations, Chris Mitchell, shared this letter, sent to DOD on Wednesday by Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT), which insists DOD must “leverage all available resources, including the use of Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA), to increase domestic production of PCBs and IC substrates.”
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: BTU International Partners with iRaptor
Guest editor Michael Ford speaks with Paul Lancaster of BTU about the company's new technologies, including iRaptor, a fully integrated profiling device that provides greater operational visibility with advanced analytics, enabling highly accurate and dependable, small lot, right first time, reflow process preparation.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
We have new projects in the U.S. Army space programs, research on gold thickness and solderability, a call for papers throughout 2023 from SMTA, an investment in Korean facilities by ASM, and an adjustment in TTM’s assignation with the U.S. DoD. All together, these five must-reads represent the hurtling trajectory that R&D seems to be following in 2023.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Flex Time
In this interview, Frank Hart from PVA speaks with Guest Editor Michael Ford about EV and aerospace demand, customizing for customer needs and PVA's plans for expansion and their new valve kiosk stand for an array of applications. If you were unable to attend IPC APEX EXPO 2023, don't worry. We're bringing you coverage of the week's events in San Diego, from ribbon cutting to teardown.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Automotive Electrification
Nolan Johnson talks with Senior Product Manager Chris Nash of Indium Corporation, who discusses Durafuse LT, a novel solder paste mixed alloy system with highly versatile characteristics that enable energy savings, high-reliability, low-temperature, step soldering, and assemblies with large temperature gradients. It also provides superior drop shock performance to conventional low-temperature solders, outclassing BiSn or BiSnAg alloys, and performing better than SAC305 with optimum process setup.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: New Innovations From Koh Young
Joel Scutchfield, general manager and director of sales for Koh Young America, shares with Nolan Johnson new innovations from Koh Young including the company's next-generation GUI software, evolution of the KSmart software, and investigative R&D for advanced packaging. If you were unable to attend IPC APEX EXPO 2023, don't worry. We're bringing you coverage of the week's events in San Diego, from ribbon cutting to teardown.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads For the Week
It’s Feb. 3, 2023—2/3/23—and now we know the results of yesterday’s Groundhog weather forecast straight from Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney Phil says six more weeks of winter. If you’re watching the ongoing ice storms blanketing much of the United States at present, that seems like a safe bet. Also a safe bet is that the most-read news this week is IPC APEX EXPO related. Additionally, this week IPC published its EMS and PCB numbers for December. All told, lots of industry news to read this week.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Wise Continues Expansion With Technica Partnership
Andy Shaughnessy sits down with Massimo Passerini, founder of Wise, and Technica's Jason Perry, to discuss Wise's latest PCB manufacturing automation. They also focus on the company's distributor partnership with Technica, which is moving into the PCB fab market. If you were unable to attend IPC APEX EXPO 2023, don't worry. We're bringing you coverage of the week's events in San Diego, from ribbon cutting to teardown.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Positioning in the Market
Mycronic’s Kevin Clue shares with guest editor Jesse Vaughan new innovations in Mycronic AOI and their position in the dispensing/coating equipment market. As a leading global partner for flexible PCB assembly solutions, Mycronic continues to respond to growing customer demand for standardized software integration and state-of-the-art inspection technologies. In addition to PCB assembly, jet printing, dispensing, coating and material handling solutions, the company has introduced major advances in 3D inspection technologies and factory connectivity.
Don't Blink: The IPC APEX EXPO Time-lapse
It’s a tradition here at I-Connect007 to set up a time-lapse for IPC APEX EXPO. There’s something satisfying, mesmerizing even, to watch the show floor build out and see the moment when the doors open and visitors fill the exhibit hall. Based on what others have said over the years, I know I’m not the only one whose favorite part is when the carpet gets rolled out and the whole character of the exhibition changes. This time lapse starts on the Saturday prior and continues through the Thursday tear-down phase.
NIST Resources for CHIPS Act Participants
At the recent IPC Advanced Packaging Symposium, Dr. Frank W. Gayle, deputy director of the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office, an interagency team with core staff hosted at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), gave a presentation on the work NIST has recently undertaken in support of both the semiconductor and R&D sectors, and the CHIPS and Science Act.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
This week, the IPC APEX EXPO event has cast a long shadow across the news feeds. No, that’s not the right metaphor. No, not a shadow; shadows are dark. It would be more accurate to say IPC APEX EXPO cast a beam of illumination upon the news feeds for the electronics manufacturing industry. To that end, the APEX EXPO news makes a prominent appearance in this week’s editor’s picks.
Bright Lights, Big City: STEM Event Kicks Off
The San Diego sun was warm and bright on Wednesday afternoon, but it didn’t stop the crowds from filling the aisles at IPC APEX EXPO 2023 for the trade show’s second official day. Technical conferences, professional development courses, and a keynote from IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell kept attendees busy. But the real highlight of the day was upstairs where approximately 300 high school students from the local San Diego area rode buses to the San Diego Convention Center for a day full of activities meant especially for them.
Integra: Redefining Die Prep in the U.S.
Integra is one of the largest and most experienced semiconductor die prep, assembly, test, and qualification facilities in the United States, with locations in both Wichita, Kansas, and Silicon Valley. At the recent IPC Advanced Packaging Symposium, Integra was invited to present information about how we meet our customers’ specific needs.
IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Face-to-Face Not Mask-to-Mask
It was a bright, sunny California day as IPC APEX EXPO officially opened its doors on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the San Diego Convention Center. The Technical Conference began on the same day, while the program of standards meetings and professional development courses had been in progress since Saturday, Jan. 21. During the hustle and bustle of the show build-up over the weekend, it was clear to see that so many exhibitors had the confidence to bring so much major equipment and to invest in such spectacular booths to display it.
The Nuts and Bolts of Advanced Packaging
The I-Connect007 Editorial Team asked IPC Chief Technologist Matt Kelly: Will you help us understand what advanced packaging means? This informative conversation touched on topics for both assembly and board fabrication. To that end, we will present this conversation in two parts. In this issue of SMT007 Magazine, Matt helps define not only what advanced packaging is, but the approach EMS companies must take when looking ahead. Think it’s about just adding some new equipment and software? Think again. There are logistics, onboarding, and so much more.
Monday Recap: Optimism and Economics at IPC APEX EXPO
It was a packed house for two large events at IPC APEX EXPO 2023 on Monday, Jan. 23, as the EMS Leadership Summit was wrapped in the pale veil of caution, meanwhile hundreds more gathered to hear from IPC’s chief economist, Shawn DuBravac. At the EMS summit, the morning presenters from IPC all shared silver linings they saw inside the fading clouds of uncertainty.
It’s Here: The Launch of IPC Community Magazine
IPC Community Magazine launches today at IPC APEX EXPO 2023, both in digital and print form. It is now widely available for download at no cost. This magazine helps tell the stories of IPC, particularly for IPC members who use and interact with the trade organization. IPC worked closely with I-Connect007 (IPC Publishing Group) to develop the concept for the publication, and asked John W. Mitchell, president and CEO of IPC, to share a few thoughts as he looked at the magazine for the first time in print.
Classes and Meetings Under Way at IPC APEX EXPO
IPC APEX EXPO 2023 doesn’t officially kick off until Tuesday, but there’s plenty of action going on here at the San Diego Convention Center. Booths are sprouting up on the show floor, and exhibitors are starting to arrive. Upstairs, committee meetings have been taking place all weekend; the IPC-J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 Joint Task Group, and IPC-A-600 and IPC-6012 Joint Task Group meetings, were abuzz with activity. The Professional Development classes began on Sunday, covering everything from design through assembly processes, flex and rigid-flex, and technologies of the future.
It’s All in the App
The IPC APEX EXPO mobile app provides everything attendees could possibly need for the event, including viewing exhibitors, sessions, speakers, and products. Need information on an exhibiting company? With the IPC APEX EXPO mobile app, you can look up exhibitors by company name and search by product category—it’s that simple.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
We’re in the middle of show season, and it certainly “shows.” Thank you very much. I’m here all week. Don’t forget to tip your wait staff. This week, we published a variety of articles, columns, and news items, and much of it centered on trade shows. Technical Editor Dan Feinberg brings us a report from CES 2023. IPC announced the winners of the Best Technical Paper awards for IPC APEX EXPO 2023. And we have an interview with Altium’s Rea Callender about the company’s educational efforts at APEX and around the globe.
Prepare for Next-level Professional Development at IPC APEX EXPO 2023
IPC APEX EXPO 2023 will offer a refreshed Professional Development Course program. This year’s conference includes something for everyone, including informative courses catering to technical managers ready to level up their careers. Thirty-six courses will be offered on Sunday, Jan. 22 and Monday, Jan. 23. Attendees will find both updated content from veteran instructors and innovative courses from new instructors.
Setting Expectations for IPC APEX EXPO's Women in Electronics Reception
Emily Calandrelli, IPC APEX EXPO’s opening keynote speaker and featured speaker of our Women in Electronics Reception, is an MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host. She’s the host and co-executive producer of “Emily’s Wonder Lab” on Netflix, she's featured as a correspondent on Netflix’s “Bill Nye Saves the World” and an executive producer and host of FOX's “Xploration Outer Space.”
Durability and Cost Benefits Drive Mil-Aero Demand for OCPP
Ceramic packages were, for many years, the option of choice for semiconductor prototype assembly, particularly in military-aerospace applications. They can withstand high temperatures and can be hermetically sealed. However, they can be costly and, while they allow for rapid assembly of first samples, the final product is typically a plastic package, so the ceramic prototype doesn’t offer an accurate representation. This need for a better, more viable alternative to ceramic was one of the catalysts that gave rise to open-cavity plastic packaging (OCPP).
Standards Committees: Moving Faster, Working Better
Standards committee work is where much of the heavy lifting takes place for industry standards. To the inexperienced eye, the committee process can also seem as perplexing as it is crucial. In this conversation, Teresa Rowe, IPC’s senior director of assembly and standards technology, highlights what to expect from standards committee sessions at IPC APEX EXPO 2023. New committees, revisions, leadership, awards, and thoughtful pauses to celebrate achieving milestones are all part of the IPC APEX EXPO standards committee experience.
Altium Focuses on Design Education
Altium keeps its eyes on the designers of the future. The company has been working with colleges and universities for years, providing free seats of Altium Designer for the next generation of PCB designers and design engineers. At IPC APEX EXPO 2023, Altium will be providing software for the finalists in the IPC Design Competition just as it did last year. They offer a variety of other educational programs as well, including Upverter classes and a design competition that aims to address environmental change. Here, Rea Callender, Altium’s VP of education, discusses its educational programs and plans for the week of the show.
STEM Program: Evolving and Growing
IPC has a responsibility to its current members but also in attracting and retaining new talent to the electronics manufacturing industry. This is no more evident than in the STEM event hosted by the IPC Education Foundation at IPC APEX EXPO. For the 2023 event, more than 500 students from nearly a dozen high schools are expected to participate in hands-on activities, touring the show floor, and learning from industry experts. The Career Panel Luncheon will expand across the in-person event as we broadcast and stream to schools across the United States.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
“New year, new you.” That tagline seems to be everywhere right now. All five must-reads this week reflect this theme. Does this apply to you and your company? We have quite a duke’s mixture of articles. We’ve got AT&S outlining their market position on advanced packaging, and Auburn University doing research on smart manufacturing processes. Keysight is coordinating practical 6G research in Europe, Technica shares where they see the market growing, and SEMI adds new members to a key board responsible for market guidance. These five stories drew a lot of reader attention this week.
The Battle of the Boards
Last year, IPC held its first-ever design competition at IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego. PCB designers from around the world competed in a series of heats during the months before the show, culminating in a showdown on the show floor between the top three finalists. Rafal Przeslawski, now with AMD, took home the top prize last year. This year, the competition is back for its sophomore year. I asked Patrick Crawford, manager of design standards and related programs for IPC, to “layout” the details on the design contest, including lessons learned in 2022 and what’s new for the 2023 competition.
Shawn Dubravac: What’s New in Tech
As the world grapples with issues like climate change, consumers and manufacturers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce environmental impact. This has led to a focus on fostering innovation in sustainable materials, renewable energy sources, and recyclable components. One example is CarbonX, a new carbon material composed of nano-sized carbon filaments that could help tire makers meet the increasing demand for sustainability. Technology will play a pivotal role in this transformation and one sector set to see tremendous change is the auto industry.
Real Time with … IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Mycronic Extends Reach
Clemens Jargon, senior vice president of High Flex at Mycronic, shares his thoughts about the company’s performance in 2022 (it was a strong year), plans for the new year (turnkey solutions), and what visitors to the Mycronic booth at the show can expect to see in the company’s state-of-the-art Iris™ 3D AOI vision technology.
Turn E-textiles Concepts Into Real-World Products
IPC E-Textiles 2023 is an international forum for materials suppliers, product designers, manufacturers, technical experts, and company executives from around the world to collaborate on all areas of the supply chain for e-textiles technologies in the fashion design, health and medical, sports and athletics, automotive, and military and aerospace sectors. It takes place Monday, Jan. 23, in conjunction with IPC APEX EXPO. This year’s event will feature informative and engaging presentations encompassing all areas of e-textiles, Q&A discussions with presenters, and a panel discussion on the economic and business aspects of e-textiles.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO: Technica Keeps the Heat on a Hot Market
As the leader of a firm representing multiple equipment and supplies manufacturers in both the EMS and PCB fab markets, Technica USA president and CEO, Frank Medina, has a commanding view of what’s happening in the industry. In this Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023 preview, Nolan Johnson asks Frank what’s hot in the industry, and what visitors can expect to see from Technica at IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
The youngsters are back in school, and we’re all back to work. The water is back on for most of us in Atlanta; when temps dropped down to 8 degrees Fahrenheit, our pipes started bursting left and right. After a Christmas dinner with no water, I have a new appreciation for H2O. It’s been a busy week, and we published a variety of articles, columns, and news items. In this week’s top five, we have news about the market in Southeast Asia, a look at what the CHIPS Act really entails, a deep dive into CMMC, and a peek at how printed electronics developers are using flexible circuit concepts to facilitate PEC. We also say goodbye to a Top Gun PCB designer who left us way too soon.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Blackfox Starts Year Off by Opening New Locations
Andy Shaughnessy recently spoke with Sharon Montana-Beard, vice president and director of sales for Blackfox Training Institute, about their plans for IPC APEX EXPO 2023 and the upcoming year. Sharon discusses the company’s expansion plans, including their seventh facility, opening soon in Minneapolis, and the meetings and events she’ll be attending in San Diego.
Book Excerpt: 'The Electronics Industry’s Guide to… The Evolving PCB NPI', Chapter 3
With the need to move design data efficiently into manufacturing for assembly and test purposes, starting from a single source of intelligent data seems to be obvious. However, with different applications with different capabilities this can be difficult to achieve. Real-world support for any format can vary between machine and software vendors.
I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Just because it’s a holiday week doesn’t mean the news is slow. Okay, maybe a little bit slower than normal, but “slower” can also be the same as “fast, just less fast.” We’re going a bit deeper into the list for our must-reads looking for high-impact hard news. I mean, you’ve all read the curated stuff already, no sense rehashing that. In fact, I’ll even throw in a bonus news item just because there was some good stuff this week. Have a great New Year’s weekend.
'Happy New Year' Celebrations Around the World
New Year’s Eve is tomorrow, and 2023 is around the corner. Where did the time go? That’s the $64,000 question. We celebrate New Year’s Day, in part, to help us mark the passage of time—sort of a shared experience for the human race. Humans have been celebrating New Year’s Day for thousands of years, but the party really took off in 45 BC, after Julius Caesar revamped the Roman calendar. From that point until the middle of the 18th century, New Year’s Day in Europe fell on a variety of days, including Dec. 25, March 1, and March 25. Andy Shaughnessy gives us the details.
Reconnecting the Social Network
If the past two years have emphasized anything, it would be the importance and value of face-to-face networking at events. Face-to-face interactions help create lasting relationships with new connections and help strengthen existing relationships with industry friends and colleagues. Thousands of industry leaders, manufacturing innovators, and subject matter experts from across the globe will convene in San Diego for IPC APEX EXPO 2023, making it the place to be to help you connect with representatives from the entire electronics manufacturing supply chain. We have a full line-up of networking events planned for IPC APEX EXPO 2023 that you don’t want to miss.
The Five Most-read Design007 News of 2022
Each December, we like to look back at the most popular articles of the past 12 months. You never know which article is going to blow up like a Harry Styles album. So, grab some leftover ham and hang out with us for a while. For your holiday enjoyment, here’s a blast from the past: the top five most-read Design007 articles of 2022.
Essemtec: Manufacturing Moves In-house
Pete Starkey talks with Kevin Domancich at Essemtec at electronica 2022 about the company integration within Nano Dimension and how the two companies have pioneered an exciting new end-to-end manufacturing solution that helps customers speed up production, cut costs, and keep their proprietary materials secure. In a world where time to market has become a priority consideration, this universal system has the potential to revolutionize the industry.
CyberOptics: New Partnership Shows Promise for Semiconductor Industry
Nolan Johnson checks in with Sean Langbridge, European sales director for CyberOptics, at electronica to discuss details of the recent merger between CyberOptics and Nordson and the partnership’s potential benefits for customers, especially regarding solutions geared toward enhancing the accuracy of test and inspection in advanced packaging. The company’s unique optical technologies, including its MRS sensors and AI² software, are already saving customers hours on the line; with Nordson’s X-ray capabilities in the mix, CyberOptics sees some very compelling technological solutions on the horizon.
Five-Star Reflow Recipes: Q&A With Rob Rowland
In this Q&A, Rob Rowland, director of engineering at Axiom Electronics, discusses his new IPC APEX EXPO Professional Development course, “Reflow Profiling Simplified,” on how to create a standardized methodology to accurately generate new reflow soldering profiles. Rob explains, “In this class, I’ll explain how I approached this work to help others develop similar methodologies for creating their own reflow soldering profiles. My presentation also includes the basic reflow profile recipes I have been using for the past 20 years.”
The Five Most-read Design007 Articles of 2022
Each December, we like to look back at the most popular articles of the past 12 months. You never know which article is going to blow up like a Blake Shelton album. So, put on your ugliest holiday sweater and prop up that iPad. For your holiday enjoyment, here’s a blast from the past: the top five most-read Design007 articles of 2022.
The Most-read I-Connect007 Articles of 2022
Each December, we like to look back at the most popular articles of the past 12 months. You never know which article is going to blow up like an Avril Lavigne album. So, grab a cup of eggnog and curl up by the fire! For your holiday enjoyment, here’s a blast from the past: the top five most-read I-Connect007 articles of 2022.
I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
In this week leading up to Christmas, we have a little bit of everything. Pete Starkey has a review of the most recent EIPC Technical Snapshot, while Tom Kastner discusses the dwindling number of PCB companies in North America. Are we really down to 170 companies? IPC reports that North American PCB sales up 26.1% in November YOY, and the book-to-bill is dead-on at 1.00. Cybord CEO Zeev Efrat explains how his company can provide 100% component inspection. And I have an interview with a student I ran into at PCB Carolina who is working toward his “dream job” on being a technician. As Alex Barile says, he’d hate to work at a desk all day; he likes to install equipment.
The First India Pavilion
For the first time, IPC APEX EXPO will host an “India Pavilion,” showcasing 16 Indian companies promoting India’s electronics manufacturing capabilities. The initiative was undertaken by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and implemented by the Indian government agency, Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) India.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
The holiday season is in full swing for most of us; no matter which holiday you choose to recognize here in the second half of December, it’s almost certain that your routine has some level of interruption to it right now. Chances are, you might not be consuming as much of your usual diet of industry news and information, what with all the holiday treats and traditional meals to be consumed instead. That, gentle reader, is why we bring you this week’s Top 5 editor’s picks–your slimmed down version of the news, leaving you more time for the other delights of the season. So without further ado, we bring you the five news items you really should make room for this week.
A New Gathering Place for Designers
IPC APEX EXPO started out as a show for the PCB manufacturing community, but it’s grown beyond that. This year, there’s more design curriculum at the show in San Diego than ever before. IPC instructor Kris Moyer has been instrumental in leading the organization’s efforts around PCB design and design engineering curriculum. So, I asked him the million-dollar question.
Intermingling Semiconductor and PCB Machine Capabilities
In the midst of electronica, which included the co-hosted SEMICON show, Nolan Johnson speaks with Koh Young’a Harald Eppinger about the convergence of capabilities in the IC and PCB lines at Koh Young. In addition, Eppinger points out that while there are similarities between the global regions of production, there also are unique requirements.
Industry Innovation Starts Here
If it isn’t clear already, your money, time, and effort will be well spent attending IPC APEX EXPO in January. Here, we’ve outlined the top six reasons that this event will be the highlight of your year. We’ve done all we can to make the event not only memorable, but a show that allows you to connect with industry peers, learn how to enhance your skills, help advance the industry, and discover new insights on products and strategies from industry innovators.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
We’re into December, and the new year is around the corner. Things are looking pretty good for our industry. Trade show attendance is back up to pre-COVID levels, and a lot of companies are having banner years. Has the virtual trade show gone the way of the dodo bird? Let’s hope! This week, our must-reads include articles and news items on the decline of R&D, STEM education for kids, why vias do not heat up, the need for more DFT, and the lack of movement toward intelligent data transfer. Designers just love their Gerbers, but Dana Korf has a few ideas about how to make Gerbers obsolete.
The Test Connection: Spreading the Word About DFT
As signal speeds continue to increase and feature sizes decrease, PCB designers are beginning to pay greater attention to test and design for test (DFT) strategies. Bert Horner, president of The Test Connection in Hunt Valley, Maryland, is spearheading this drive to show designers the benefits of a solid DFT plan, as well as the downside of not having a test strategy. I met with Bert at PCB Carolina, where he was exhibiting and presenting a paper during the conference. We discussed his presentation, as well as why designers need to understand test and DFT issues, and why we need to see the PCB as one small—but very important—part of the entire system.
Trailblazing Substrates in PCB Fabrication
Todd Brassard, vice president and COO at Calumet Electronics, participated not only in the IPC Advanced Packaging Symposium in Washington, D.C., Oct. 11-13, but also met with congressional staffers at the Capitol during his visit. Todd does not back down from a challenge, and the one in front of him is no different. It’s why his company is at the forefront of the conversation, and he plans to keep it that way.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Normally, the holiday season is a slow(ish) news time, but this year just feels different. My opinion is that the technology industry banked up a whole bunch of innovations and new products during the pandemic disruptions, which are coming to market as quickly as possible. The November/December news is full of technology discussion, as my selections this week clearly demonstrate.
Randy Faucette Discusses PCB Carolina’s Explosive Growth
One of the fastest-growing tabletop shows is PCB Carolina, which is held at NC State University in Raleigh. Each year, the show draws more exhibitors than the venue hall can hold, pushing some exhibitors out into the lobby. And this year, the number of registered attendees broke the 1,000 mark for the first time. At PCB Carolina, I spoke with Randy Faucette, the founder of the Research Triangle Park design bureau Better Boards, which organizes this annual tradeshow and conference, and I asked him to share the secret to this show’s expansion.
Excerpt: The Evolving PCB NPI Process, Chapter 2
Managing the supply chain for electronics manufacturing has always been challenging. About 70-80% of the cost of building an electronic product is for the parts, while the remaining cost is in the process to assemble and test the product. However, during the worldwide pandemic, the strain on the overall supply chain for any product has been stretched to the breaking point. When supply of toilet paper, hand towels, and sanitizer is disrupted and cannot be found on the grocery store shelves, one could imagine the challenges in a similarly disrupted supply chain of efficiently acquiring complex electronic components.
Brian O'Leary: Organizing to Meet e-Mobility in the Market
Brian O’Leary, head of Indium's e-Mobility & Infrastructure, reacts to SMTAI’s keynote delivered by John Thomas of Autel. The title of the keynote presentation was "The Electronic Vehicle (EV) Conundrum" which addressed the sheer scale of the transition to e-Mobility that we are now undertaking. In this interview, O’Leary discusses some of the technical challenges faced in product development by Indium (and everyone else) as well as the new IPC e-Mobility council. Participation in the council is open to everyone.
An Opportunity to Give Thanks
I-Connect007 wants to take this opportunity to give thanks to so many people that make "the magic" happen day in and day out. Thanksgiving is a time, of course, to give thanks for the bounty that we enjoy, and that couldn't be truer each day for the support we receive in editorial, advertising, and marketing of our daily, weekly, and monthly publications. It's a pleasure to contribute to the industry—and to receive contributions. Read our Thanksgiving message and then enjoy your turkey day.
Advanced Packaging Symposium: Looking in the Rearview Mirror
Matt Kelly had the vision and Jan Vardaman set the tone for the IPC Advanced Packaging Symposium, Oct. 11-13 in Washington, D.C. So, did they accomplish their goals? What were the real takeaways from the event, and what can we expect to see next? Spoiler alert: Matt and Jan came away impressed in more ways than one.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
We’re heading into the holiday season, and tradeshow season is in full swing. Managing Editor Nolan Johnson and technical editor Pete Starkey have spent the week in Munich covering electronica, and apparently the attendance was wunderbar. COVID still persists, but everyone is ready to return to some normalcy. There’s a lot going on in our industry. In this week’s roundup, we have articles on everything from rigid-flex to the supply chain, as well as a primer on the role of physics in PCB design. As we move into the new year, you should check out this Top 10 list of tech trends for 2023, courtesy of Gartner.
Electronica: Picking Up Where We Left Off
The productronica/electronica pairing of trade shows is an experience unlike any other; anyone who has ever attended is likely to back me up on that claim. This year’s iteration of electronica, taking place in Messe Munich, Nov. 15-18, is no exception. I-Connect007 was onsite to gather the news and share our impressions of the show. First, the show’s attendance was rumored to be in the 60,000+ range. This number sure seemed to be reasonable given the crowd sizes we witnessed.
Strength in the Market for 2022 and 2023
In this conversation, Joel Scutchfield, general manager and sales director, discussed Koh Young’s growth and success through 2022 (as evidenced by their recent receipt of the same Service Excellence Award, two years in a row) and hints at some of what we can expect from Koh Young in 2023.
Momentum at Electrolube / MacDermid Alpha
We talk with Beth Turner, senior technical director, about how the integration between Electrolube and MacDermid Alpha is proceeding, especially the added momentum the new organization is bringing to product development. Beth also outlines some of the key customer needs that are driving product R&D.
Your Shortage Is Someone Else’s Excess
Excess inventory is a ubiquitous issue in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry, and it is made worse by the complexity and volatility of the modern supply chain. Considered an unavoidable cost of doing business, unchecked inventory cost has wreaked havoc on manufacturers without strict controls in place to keep their businesses safe. Excess inventory is not only costly for manufacturers themselves, but also for their end customers. Unwillingly, manufacturers are sometimes forced to eat this cost to avoid disrupting relationships with their customers and with the hope of making up the losses in next year’s orders from the customer.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
The industry news cycle seems to be picking up speed lately. Of course, 30 days into the quarter is about when public companies announce their results, and in the midst of this worldwide financial situation, we’ve got all eyes on anything coming out from our counterparts in the industry. I’ve noticed that global corporate results (Nan Ya PCB and TTM, in particular) do seem to be on everyone’s radar. In addition to financial news, trade shows are popping back up around the world—Europe, India, and a special report from editor Andy Shaughnessy, who took his own road trip to Raleigh, reporting on PCB Carolina, which had its own heyday this year.
IPC to Unveil New Member Magazine, ‘IPC Community’ at IPC APEX EXPO 2023
IPC, in partnership with IPC Publishing Group (I-Connect007) will unveil an exciting new publication, "IPC Community," at IPC APEX EXPO 2023, as a continuation of its commitment to better serve the electronics industry and provide additional value for IPC members.
Real Time with... SMTAI 2022: Essemtec Claiming Its Place in the Automated Factory
Bryce Timms, managing director, gives Nolan Johnson a tutorial on Essemtec’s position in the market, how Essemtec (as a division of Nano Dimension) fits not only into the additive manufacturing space but also in the more traditional EMS market.
Working on the Hill to Build a Future
The message can’t be emphasized enough: Producing IC substrates overseas weakens America’s position and national security. In this frank discussion with Will Marsh, president of PCBAA, he talks about his efforts to educate government policymakers on the dire need to consider the entire microelectronics ecosystem. There’s power in numbers, Will says, and he sees the association’s efforts making a difference.
Advanced Packaging Gets an Additive Upgrade
The recent approval of the CHIPS Act has reignited the U.S. semiconductor industry and shone a spotlight on the intricacies involved in chip manufacturing. As new technological innovations—such as 5G, IoT, AI, automotive and high-performance computing—come to market, they’re pushing chip manufacturing and integration capabilities. They demand more performance which leads to added complexity in an already extremely complicated process. All this requires a fundamental shift in the way that semiconductors are manufactured and integrated.
Warm Skies and a Warm Welcome in Minneapolis
The SMTA International show floor was fairly quiet Tuesday afternoon at the Minneapolis Convention Center, as most exhibitors had already moved in their equipment, set up their displays, and grabbed their attendance badges, all in anticipation for opening day on Wednesday. But it’s expected to be a completely different atmosphere as the show open and attendees start streaming through the doors. SMTA International is the biggest show of its kind in North America, and with the pandemic largely behind us, show organizers expected to see decent crowds on the show floor.
Sherry Stepp Honored as SMTA Member of Distinction
The SMTA has honored Sherry Stepp, global marketing manager, with a 2022 Members of Distinction Award. Stepp was chosen for an Excellence in Leadership Award. Sherry has been actively involved in SMTA activities as a KYZEN staff member for 25 or so years and has been a member herself since 2009. In this interview, Nolan and Sherry dish on what it means to receive the award, and some key moments that have been the most gratifying for Sherry on a personal level.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Halloween is next Monday and parties will be taking place over the weekend, I’m sure. Here in the United States, at least, the “any-holiday-is-an-excuse-for-a-party” crowd has integrated Halloween, along with Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo into wide-ranging opportunities for themed revelry. The news this week has been a bit crazy as well, though certainly not alcohol-fueled. There was a lot of important news and narrowing it down to just five was thought-provoking yet ultimately rewarding. Here then, are the five top pieces of news you shouldn’t miss this week.
SMT Tooling, PSA: 'Perfect Marriage of Innovation and Product'
Jeffrey Pulaski describes the recent partnership between SMT Tooling and PSA, which brings SMT Tooling’s innovation and PSA’s manufacturing capabilities together. Pulaski also shares news on product development, and what visitors to SMTA International can expect to see in SMT Tooling’s floor presence.
Forming Standards for Ultra HDI
To get the latest news about ultra high-density interconnections (UHDI), we checked in with Jan Pedersen, NCAB Group’s director of technology. Jan is co-chair of IPC D-33AP, and a great source of overall DFM expertise as well. We asked him to give us a snapshot of UHDI in the industry, where we’re headed, and what this means to PCB designers.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Where did the year go? I can’t believe we’re planning our January and February issues now. It was 84 degrees most of last week in Atlanta, and now it’s 31. I guess I should take my Hawaiian shirts out of rotation! This week we have quite a variety of articles for you. It’s officially show time and the industry is back in business in a major way. We have some news coming out of last week’s advanced packaging event in Washington, D.C., and an article about navigating SMTA International, which opens on Halloween this year in Minneapolis. We have a great column on avoiding EMI with good routing strategies, and an article on electrically conductive inks. To top it off, I-Connect007 has published a new book, written by Matt Stevenson of Sunstone Circuits, that posits a new “design for”: Designing for Reality. If you’re a designer, isn’t designing for reality what it’s all about?
EMA Helps Ease Designers’ Supply Chain Woes
Supply chain issues are continuing to cause disruptions in our industry, though lead times have dropped from astronomical to merely troublesome. In this interview, Chris Banton, EMA Design Automation’s director of marketing, explains how Cadence’s software has evolved as designers’ needs have changed in the past few turbulent years, including providing designers with component availability data early in the process.
EPTAC Primed for SMTA International
I recently spoke with Leo Lambert, vice president of technology for EPTAC, about the training company’s newest classes and his plans for the upcoming SMTA International. The event, co-located with the Medical Device & Manufacturing (MD&M) Show, takes place in Minneapolis Oct. 31—Nov. 3. It’s never a dull moment in this industry and Leo takes a few minutes to talk about his company’s certification efforts, what’s planned for SMTAI, and where some of this technology is headed. Swallowing a pill that measures diagnostics? It’s a great time to be in the industry.
KYZEN Comes Clean For SMTAI
In this interview, KYZEN Executive Vice President Tom Forsythe explains his company’s plans for the upcoming SMTA International show in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Oct. 31-Nov. 3. He discusses KYZEN’s latest aqueous cleaning chemistries and the company’s focus on providing reliable cleaning equipment and accurate data for customers. "This is the latest in that expanded envelope, with better economics, and better environmental health and safety," he says. "It's all part of this trend of always trying to be a better product and deliver better value.
SMTA International Technical Conference: Trending on Topic
One of the highlights of SMTA International is the Technical Conference, where more than 100 papers will be presented across at least 30 sessions. “Work that was delayed due to the effects of COVID has been completed and the amount of material coming from the industry is impressive,” says Julie Silk, VP of technical programs. “We have a packed conference this year in Minneapolis.”
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
I’ve been in Washington, D.C., most of this week, attending and reporting on the IPC Advanced Packaging Symposium. You’ll see more content from me in the weeks and months to come as I sort through and highlight the varied aspects of this ground-breaking event. If you’re in this industry, advanced packaging will affect you, make no mistake about it.
Real Time with...SMTAI: VJ Electronix Introducing Component Auto Align Option
Nolan Johnson and James Bishop, eastern regional sales manager at VJ Electronix, prepare for the upcoming SMTAI conference in Minneapolis by discussing the current market challenges, changes in how EMS companies are making use of their rework stations, and how VJ Eletronix is meeting customers with new functionality.
IPC Symposium: U.S. Must Address Critical Gaps in Advanced Packaging Needs
There is a significant capability gap in advanced substrate packaging in North America, forcing all semiconductors to be packaged in Asia and leaving North America at risk in its supply chain. This was a common theme during a two-day IPC Advanced Packaging Symposium, which launched yesterday at the Kimpton Monaco hotel in Washington, D.C.
Women’s Leadership Program: Technology Innovations and Career Advancement
While planning the theme for the 2022 Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) at SMTA International, we discussed the idea of skills as tools in your toolbox. We brainstormed on how to bring this idea to reality and enable women colleagues to advance their careers. We realized that taking the time to reflect on the skills you have in your toolbox makes you self-aware and recognize your self-worth. Knowing what you bring to the table helps you build the confidence you need to navigate your career. In this article, we detail the Women's Leadership Program, its speakers, and what you gain by attending.
SMTAI: Packed With Content!
We’re now in trade show season, and SMTA International is coming up at the end of this month, so I asked SMTA President Martin Anselm to discuss the show and what manufacturing professionals should expect to take away from this event, now in its second year at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
It’s been a busy week for I-Connect007. Managing Editor Nolan Johnson and I covered PCB West at the Santa Clara Convention Center, and, as you’ll see in my article below the place was packed. We have an article about SMTA International, scheduled for the end of October. I think the trade show season is looking good into 2023. People are done with COVID shutdowns and ready to get back to live trade shows and conferences. We’ll be in Minneapolis to bring you the latest news and technical information. We also have a news report about the European Union committing to craft its own version of America’s CHIPS Act. There’s a great interview with Dana Korf and John Strubbe about the latest innovations in materials at TUC. And columnist Paige Fiet explains why she is committed to making manufacturing “cool” again to help recruit and retain young technologists.
It’s an Exciting Time in Electronics
SMTA International is just around the corner, and we are excited to be meeting fully in person and onsite. The conference and expo runs from Monday, Oct. 31 through Thursday, Nov. 3, returning to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Once again, we will co-locate with Medical Design & Manufacturing Minneapolis 2022 (MD&M). As the world continues to adjust to the new normal following nearly years of the pandemic, an in-person industry conference and exhibition is more valuable than ever.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
This week, our five must-reads include the IPC report on the EMS industry and a report on ICs for the automotive market. Add to that Lockheed’s highest powered DoD laser yet, IPC’s APEX keynote announcement, and—for you conference and expo junkies—a calendar of upcoming industry events. I can’t help but notice that much of our news is about, well, something new. In this case, my editor’s picks for the week capture new technology, new perspectives, new ways to communicate content, and new developments that we can expect to see in our future daily life. To borrow a phrase from the TV show “Firefly,” everything is “shiny” this week. I will be at PCB West, the IPC Advanced Packaging symposium, SMTA International, and electronica. If you see me, say hello, and share something cool about the part of the industry you’re in.
Catching Up With John Johnson, New Director of Business Development at ASC
It’s always good to catch up with old friends, especially when you can start working together. I recently spoke with my friend John Johnson, who has joined American Standard Circuits as the director of business development. At ASC, John will be using the Averatek A-SAP process that he was previously involved with. He shares some of his background and provides insight on the best ways to use this semi-additive PCB fabrication process that opens the capability window for forming trace and space.
Some Relief, But Hold Off on the Party
To help PCB designers and design engineers get a clearer picture of the stress points in the industry, particularly from a company that deals directly with EMS providers, we reached out to CalcuQuote CEO Chintan Sutaria with a list of questions. The following Q&A explores trends in the PCB supply chain and heady advice for dealing with long lead times and counterfeit parts.
Finally, Some Good News About Supply Chain
In this follow-up to his recent interview on the Q4 2022 outlook, Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist, provides an update on the incoming supply chain for EMS providers. Naturally, this conversation centers on component availability, where the supply crunch is easing, and by how much. It doesn’t seem we’ll be seeing any across-the-board relief for some time to come, but Shawn’s higher-altitude perspective brings insight to your daily planning.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
It’s officially fall now, and in Atlanta the temperature has plummeted to the mid-80s. We’ve all bumped our air conditioners up to 74 degrees. That means it’s trade show season, and I’ve been busy looking for my suitcase. This week, we have an assortment of news about associations, education, and advocacy, as well as another installment of our Printed Electronics Roundtable. And if you’re looking for a job, you are in luck; our jobConnect007 section is chock-full of open positions at all levels in this industry.
Pack Your Bags! We’ve Got Your Trade Show Calendar Here
It’s officially fall, and that means it's time to start planning your trade show attendance. To help you make decisions about when and where to go, we’ve put together a list of industry trade shows. It has been two long years with no or few in-person trade shows, and we’ve felt it. So, now we’re back in business and ready to hit the road. Do you have a show or conference to add to our list? Let us know!
IPC: Companies Are Intentional About Tracking Environmental and Social Risks
Leading companies in the electronics manufacturing industry are highly intentional about their environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities, with climate change and energy use among the most closely scrutinized issues, an IPC analysis shows. As part of IPC’s ESG for Electronics initiative, IPC is interested in developing resources for members on the most common ESG methods and priorities of leading companies across the electronics value chain. In support of this, IPC has preliminarily analyzed the ESG reports of approximately a dozen companies in selected portions of the industry.
EIPC Technical Snapshot: Novel Laser-based Manufacturing Processes in Automotive Electronics
“Summer is over, now it's back to work!” This was the opening line of the invitation to the 18th EIPC Technical Snapshot webinar, Sept. 14, following the theme of advances in automotive electronics technology, introduced and moderated by EIPC President Alun Morgan. The first presentation, entitled "The fully printed smart component—combining additive manufacturing and sensor printing," came from Jonas Mertin, a thin-film processing specialist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology.
Axiom Inspired by Industry Challenges
After living through more than two years of the pandemic, we are very aware of the issues facing the electronics industry. We have witnessed months of factory shutdowns, labor disruptions due to a reduced workforce, and country, regional, and citywide COVID regulations and shutdowns. I will describe some of the issues we’ve been facing, and then explain how we learned to be creative and look for the silver linings in these disruptions.
Finding Some Breathing Room in Parts Supply
Electronics manufacturers like Emerald EMS are finding that as the consumer markets experience a slowdown, and supply chain woes are lightening, challenges persist. Chris Lentz, vice president of supply chain logistics, and Joe Garcia, vice president of sales and marketing, break down the issues their company has faced over the past two years in working with vetted sources, not backing down in the face of adversity, and most importantly, forging better relationships with customers. One thing they’ve learned is how to be creative in finding parts while maintaining their reputation with customers. Just because you find it cheaper online doesn’t make it valid. Chris and Joe explain.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
“You are the average of the five people that you spend the most time with.” This saying is attributed to Jim Rohn, and I couldn’t help thinking of that quote as I put together this week’s listings. Hear me out: 1) There are five items on our list; 2) These items zoomed to the top based on reader interest; 3) Every single one of these news items has an “association” association—IPC, iNEMI, SMTA, and NextFlex are all represented in what you, dear reader, chose to explore this last week.
Altium’s EDDI Report Tracks Components’ Availability—Today and Historically
There’s one lesson that all designers have learned over the past few years: Components might be here today and gone tomorrow, so tracking your parts is more important than ever. Any resources that help you keep tabs on your required parts are invaluable in these days of 40-week lead times. Earlier this year, Altium released one such resource: the Electronic Design to Delivery Index (EDDI) report. Assembled from millions of bytes of data gleaned from the Octopart search engineer and the Nexar platform, the monthly EDDI report provides part availability histories going back years, as well as a real-time snapshot of global inventories.
Four Silver Linings in the Stormy Clouds of Pandemic, Supply Chain, and Inflation
It may be difficult to see any bright spots in the current and recent economic situation. We have all experienced the devastation of the pandemic, supply chain issues, and most recently, inflation. However, as a senior technologist for an international materials supplier (Indium Corporation) and a professor of engineering at an Ivy League research university (Dartmouth College), I offer these four silver linings for those of us in the electronics industry.
Passing the Test With SMTA’s Rob Boguski
I recently spoke with Rob Boguski, president of Fremont, California-based Datest and an SMTA vice president and board member. Rob explained why today’s test customers are asking for more information than the traditional pass/fail, offers a preview of SMTA International, and gives an update on SMTA’s planning strategy for the next five years.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
It feels like the first day of school. It’s September, and we’re all officially back at our desks, workstations, or kitchen tables. Even Les Vacances is over. Oui, c’est vrai! But instead of facing new teachers, we have to deal with diverse market forces, supply chain issues, and technology that never seems to stop evolving. Of course, that’s what makes this industry so interesting, isn’t it?
The Critical Balance of Supply and Inventory Control
Can you still design a product and expect to see validation by the next week? The Epoch International Enterprises team of Meghan Zou, Foad Ghalili, Lillian Lin, and Crystal Zhang provide insight into what their distributors have up against over the past two years as they seek to source and validate parts. Often, it means finding alternatives, redesigning the project, and worst of all, sitting and waiting.
Register Now for Happy Holden's ICT Smart Factory Webinar
Happy Holden understands—getting started can be the hardest part. For the past 55 years, he has followed his passion for automation and computers by writing books and white papers, and engineering and managing projects. Each one has always meant one thing: finding the right place to start. The first in a series of eight online sessions starts this Wednesday. Happy will introduce the topic of “Automation and the Journey to Your Smart Factory,” by breaking down the elements this type of journey requires, addressing the five W’s, and encouraging study on your own. Each session, hosted by ICT, is approximately 60 minutes, and is offered at 4 p.m. BST (3 p.m. GMT, 11 a.m. EDT, 8 a.m. PDT) Wednesdays, Sept. 7 to Oct. 26.
Catching Up With ExcelTech’s Matt Redhead
This is a story of hope for the future of our industry. Matt Redhead is a young entrepreneur who started his career in customer service and sales, but always had his sights set on owning a business. Recently, he achieved his dream by becoming the fourth owner of a 46-year-old contract manufacturing business just outside of Portland, Oregon. For those of you who worry about the younger folks joining our ranks, this interview will renew your faith.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
This week we have quite a variety of articles for you. There has been so much electronics industry news coming out of Washington, D.C., that it can be hard to keep track of what’s going on. So, Editor Michelle Te compiled a handy-dandy reference guide to recent legislation news, including our exclusive coverage. We need to keep an eye on these senators and representatives. They’ve been talking about the importance of our industry for the past year, but this is an election year, after all. They’ve been known to say one thing and do another.
I-Connect007 eBook Introduction: The Evolving NPI Process
Thanks to marketing and advances in technology, we have all come to expect that the electronic products we buy will be closely aligned to our individual and specific lifestyle or business requirements. This expected variability, in personal function and style, as well as regulatory compliance and a changing global economic landscape, has made designing and producing new products a challenging prospect. And, on top of the resulting “high-mix, low-volume” production cycles, increasingly more products contain electronic components in varying levels that heighten the complexity of design and manufacturing.
Thriving Through Greater EMS Collaboration
Events of the past two years have clearly demonstrated the value of strong trading relationships. When materials become constrained, as in the recent microchip shortage or any of the pandemic-driven supply chain snafus, the companies that have those materials have a choice to make. Which customers will be put at the front of the line, and which will be placed at the rear? Too often, company executives assume that since they are a large buyer, they automatically will be prioritized when supplies are constrained. Research has shown that this is not always the case, and that assumption can leave a company in a weakened position.
A Framework for Managing Supply Chain Disruption
Recently, the 200-plus companies that use our software to power their digital supply chain processes have been, half-jokingly, pondering the same line during period customer success meetings: “If only CalcuQuote could create parts out of thin air.” It was asked often enough that we made it into our April Fool’s Joke of 2022.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Can it be Friday already? Seems like I’ve just barely put away my Tuesday dishes. Some weeks, I wonder where my days went as they fly by so fast I hardly even realize it. As I looked back through the news for the week, it was clear why everything went so fast: There was a lot going on. The news this week had a nice feel to it. It seems like the industry is starting to gain some traction again with shows, mergers and acquisitions, and companies getting to do those “extras” that they wanted to do before the pandemic reared its ugly head. It had a little of that “back to normal” feel, even if we aren’t quite there yet. What do you think? Are we normal yet?
The CMMC 2.0 Countdown: Will You Be Ready When the Clock Hits Zero?
If you influence IT decisions at your workplace, you need to hear this. If you make the decisions, you need to listen, not just hear: Unless you start acting on CMMC compliance now, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage—one that will take much more time to correct than you might expect. Think of me as a spokesperson for the industry I represent: we are concerned about you. From what I’ve heard and seen over the last few months, too many of you are listening to suppliers, upstream and downstream partners, or other business owners on how seriously to take CMMC. As a result, far too much wishful thinking is guiding decision-making. So, listen to the experts.
Optimizing Test Engineering Practices for High-Mix Electronics Manufacturing
For PCB and assembly manufacturers, test engineering has become a critical factor in enhancing the profitability of new product introductions (NPIs). Given the trend toward high-mix, low-volume production, the journey from design data to an automated PCB testing program must be quicker and more efficient than ever before. In this article, we will discuss how to optimize the efficiency of the test engineering process in accordance with these new market realities.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
There was some good news this week, as Republicans and Democrats managed to cooperate long enough to pass the CHIPS Act. Members of the House and Senate don’t usually act until they get worried about being voted out of office, so pardon me if I’m not ready to sing “Happy Days Are Here Again” just yet. But this is still really good news; the politicians are on the record now, and we can hold them accountable.
Printed Circuit Boards: Past the Lobby and Onto the Floor
There has not been a time in recent memory when the U.S. legislative body is putting as much focus on the microelectronics industries. One bill, the CHIPS Act, was signed into law last year. A new bill introduced this year seeks to allocate funding for printed circuit board fabrication. In this exclusive interview, our team spoke with Travis Kelly, CEO of Isola Group and president of the Printed Circuit Board Association, and U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah), who has co-sponsored the bill now before the House. Travis and Blake both express optimism about onshoring domestic production, but the realities of the legislative calendar may pose some risks.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
The Top 5 list this week contains industry analysis from IPC’s Shawn DuBravac, news on the passage of the U.S. “CHIPS Plus” bill, new materials from Ventec, news about a fab for sale, and a chemistry company completing their acquisition, plus a brand new book in the I-Connect007 eBooks series.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Our biggest news this week: I-Connect007 has been acquired by IPC. Every member of the team, including founder and Publisher Barry Matties, is included in this deal. We’ve enjoyed working closely with IPC for decades, especially at events like IPC APEX EXPO, and we have four IPC columnists writing in our magazines and newsletters. This move makes sense for both parties. It enables us to take our magazine, newsletters, and book publishing to the next level, and IPC won’t have to spend years building a media company from the ground up. It really is a win-win.
IPC Acquires Media Company I-Connect007, Strengthening Relationship to Drive Growth and Innovation in the Electronics Industry
IPC, a global electronics manufacturing industry association, has acquired media company I-Connect007, a global source for news and original content serving the printed circuit design, fabrication and assembly/EMS markets.
Balancing Talent and Procurement Challenges
Ron Preston, vice president of supply chain at Green Circuits, outlines the company’s specific challenges with high-mix work. While the company excels at turning around boards in just a few days, difficulties in supply chain, materials, and staffing remain ever-present. What is to be done and how is Green Circuits working its way through these issues? The answers might surprise you.
Solder Paste Printing and Optimizations for Interconnecting Back Contact Cells
The interdigitated back contact (IBC) is one of the methods to achieve rear contact solar cell interconnection. The contact and interconnection via rear side theoretically achieve higher efficiency by moving all the front contact grids to the rear side of the device. This results in all interconnection structures being located behind the cells, which brings two main advantages. First, there is no frontside shading of the cell by the interconnection ribbons, thus eliminating the need for trading off series resistance, losses for shading losses when using larger interconnection ribbons. Second, a more homogeneous looking frontside of the solar module enhances the aesthetics.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
It’s always interesting how certain groups of news emerge in our most-read content. This week, reader interest seemed focused on two distinct themes: Mexico and awards. In this week’s list, we find the inaugural award recipients from iNEMI’s Project Leadership Awards. We also bring you the award recipients from the SEMI FlexTech conference held last week in San Francisco. News from Mexico includes a new Atotech facility, and an interview with IPC’s David Hernandez and Lorena Villanueva about IPC’s expanding presence in Mexico. Metcal’s new hot air rework system also got a lot of attention, with an abundance of reader interest.
How Important Is Trust?
If you work for a U.S. defense prime contractor, do you have concerns that the controlled unclassified information (CUI) for your printed circuit boards, your printed circuit board assemblies, and your cable and wire harnesses is safe? What about the design and the development process for your products? Is the controlled technical information (CTI) safe and protected? Are the suppliers that your company selected maintaining a quality system, a supply chain risk management process, a security system to protect products and services from unauthorized access, and a Chain of Custody policy for electronic and physical materials?
IPC Mexico Continues to Grow
IPC Mexico has been growing for the past few years, and it’s no wonder: Mexico has become a major hub in the world of PCB manufacturing, spurred in part by reshoring as companies pulled work back from China during the pandemic. As the country’s maquiladoras thrived, IPC began expanding the Mexican educational and training operations, and the group recently named Lorena Villanueva as director of IPC Mexico. Andy Shaughnessy and Barry Matties recently spoke with Lorena and IPC Vice President of Education David Hernandez about IPC Mexico’s growth, as well as the office’s plans to provide PCB manufacturers the training resources they need to succeed.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
I’m getting a lot of out-of-office replies. Are you all on the beach now? It’s 91 degrees every day here in Atlanta lately, but each afternoon it rains like we’re in a horror movie, and that drops the temperature down to the subtropical arena. Still, I’ll take heat over freezing any day. Things are heating up in our industry too, as we see from my top five choices this week. First-quarter electronic design revenue is up year-on-year, but PCB revenue barely moved the needle YOY. Editor Nolan Johnson spent the week at SEMICON West and the FLEX Conference, and he brings us a review of these conferences, co-located at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. As he notes, printed electronic circuits are beginning to gain a foothold in the market.
Time to Get Serious About CMMC Readiness
Divyash Patel of MX2 Technology is a leading cybersecurity expert who’s sounding the alarm about getting your company into a state of readiness. But he’s not yelling fire in a theater. Whether it’s aligning with DoD’s CMMC, or just ensuring your company’s data and processes are protected, Divyash can see what’s coming. “This is a must-have compliance program,” he says. “It needs to be taken seriously and maintained.”
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
In more than one conversation while discussing the industry this week, the themes have included industry turmoil, lots of business opportunities, and the urgent need to build out to meet changing demands. In fact, our July issue of PCB007 Magazine, which publishes later this month, will focus on these very topics. It’s definitely one not to be missed!
These themes also emerged in this week’s top five news items as well. Top stories include an acquisition in the soldering machinery space, sales and service expansion in Mexico, industry data from SIA on semiconductor global sales data, and strong financial numbers from two China-based manufacturers. Now, with the U.S. Congress putting its focus on the PCB industry, things could really heat up. It’s going to be an interesting year.
Anaya Vardya: An Advocate for Great Partnerships
We can’t have a solid issue about partnership without including Anaya Vardya, CEO of American Standard Circuits, who feels strongly that it’s time for electronics manufacturers to come together in a spirit of unity and put aside some of their competitive differences to create a more robust industry. For the past six years, Anaya has written in his monthly column about the advantages of working together for a common goal. We reviewed every column and curated our own top 10. We know you’ll agree with his sentiments. How have you seen this working in your factory?
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
The summer is heating up, and our news this week is on fire, literally. Eltek has resumed making deliveries after a fire at their facility in Petach-Tikva, Israel. There’s never a dull moment in this industry. And we have some good news: EIPC’s conferences are now live events again, and Editor Pete Starkey is back in the saddle, bringing us a review of the two-day conference. I know Pete was getting tired of sitting around his house and watching these events on video.
The U.S. Economy Needs the Bipartisan Innovation Act and the PCB Act
In this IPC-created interview between Dale Curtis, IPC Advocacy Communications and Chris Mitchell, IPC VP Global Government Relations, the importance of the semiconductor and PCB manufacturing legislation moving through US Congress is highlighted.
Ventec’s Book on Thermal Management: The Summer Sequel You’ve Been Waiting For
I-Connect007 is excited to announce the release of the second title in Ventec’s series on thermal management, "The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to… Thermal Management with Insulated Metal Substrates, Volume 2." This second volume covers the latest developments in the field of thermal management, particularly in insulated metal substrates, using state-of-the-art products as examples, and focusing on specific solutions and enhanced properties of IMS.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Market news was certainly big this week. While the U.S. stock market continues make some large swings, the PCB and PCBA are doing their own dance with the numbers. We’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic, but it seems to be more about playing catch up. Still, the industry is showing some instability, both in positive and negative ways.
Assemblers Play the ‘Revise or Wait’ Game With Designers
Nolan Johnson recently spoke with Duane Benson at Milwaukee Electronics and Screaming Circuits. Duane was pointing out a trend in moving designs into production, which he termed “revise or wait.” This excerpt provides a preview of our exploration of similar topics involving supply chain issues, lead times, and proceeding forward despite the supply challenges.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
We’re still not officially into summer yet, but Atlanta is bringing the heat, baby! It’s hit 97 degrees a few times this week, and I now have a fan aimed right at my face. At least it’s nice and humid too. I’m glad I don’t wear make-up. And it’s been a hot week in the circuit board community. This week, Eltek reported a fire at a board shop in Israel, and Flex committed to building a 145,000-square-foor facility in Jalisco, Mexico to serve the electric and autonomous vehicle segment.
Review: Institute of Circuit Technology 2022 Annual Symposium
The British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, housing the world's largest collection of historic British cars, was venue for the 2022 Annual Symposium of the Institute of Circuit Technology on June 8, which attracted a substantial gathering of manufacturers and suppliers from the UK printed circuit industry. ICT chair Emma Hudson reflected upon lessons learned during the pandemic lock-down and how the industry has successfully adapted to circumstances. She commented that the UK’s PCB fabricators are extremely busy, as she introduced an outstanding conference programme including a keynote from the incomparable Happy Holden.
PCB Technologies' Subsidiary iNPACK to Exhibit at IMS Show
Jeff De Serrano, president of PCB Technologies USA, discusses the launch of their new company, iNPACK, which focuses on high-tech substrate technologies, microelectronics assembly, and electronics packaging. He details his plans to continue expanding InPack over the next year and to meet with customers and exhibit at the International Microwave Symposium Show in Denver June 19-24.
Social Responsibility and Ethics in Manufacturing
Customers, partners, and employees are increasingly moving toward companies that care about people and the environment and are no longer just about their economic profitability. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has thus become essential, even in the manufacturing sector. CSR defines an organization's approach to sustainable development by considering the environmental, social, economic, and ethical issues of its activities.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Picks: Five Must-Reads for the Week
PCB fabrication is back in the news this week and posting high readership numbers as well. Among the most-read news, we see industry leaders changing roles, capital equipment shipment milestones, operational cost efficiencies, and, last but not least, cybersecurity.
Book Excerpt: 'The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to… Solder Defects'
Solder defects in surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly have been an issue for decades. Further, the combined challenges of Pb-free soldering and ever-increasing miniaturization have resulted in new or exacerbated defects in electronics assembly, but there are proven ways to avoid defects. This book will be especially beneficial to PCB assemblers in improving their assembly processes and the reliability of the end-product, eliminating field failures, and reducing costs.
The Double-edged Sword of CMMC 2.0
For the past few years, those whose SMT provider organizations supply or contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) have been hearing about—or even gearing up for—implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, better known as CMMC. By this, I mean that you were gearing up for CMMC 1.0. Today, we have CMMC 2.0, and there are a number of changes in the new version that impact both the standards for compliance and how you certify that compliance—especially if you run a small business.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Things are heating up in the world of PCB design and manufacturing as well. In the past week, we published quite a bit of news—some good, some not so good. Some of the news is mixed, as we see with the EMS industry shipments rising YOY in April, but falling from the previous month. It’s nice to see NASA investing in American small businesses, but they didn’t really have a choice, did they?
