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Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
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IPC Issues Position Paper on Priorities for an Ambitious EU Industrial Policy Strategy
February 26, 2018 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
IPC – Association Connecting Electronics Industries has issued a position paper, “IPC Priorities for an Ambitious EU Industrial Policy Strategy” in support of EU Industry Day.
Last September, the European Commission published a Communication on a renewed EU industrial policy strategy that emphasizes crucial aspects for the electronics industry, such as the need for substantial investment in advanced manufacturing, skilled and talented workforce as well as research and innovation.
EU Industry Day is designed to update stakeholders on the Commission's strategic approach to industrial policy and actions to further develop industrial competitiveness in Europe. During this forum, stakeholders contributing to European industrial competitiveness can showcase their activities, learn from each other, discuss cross-cutting issues and develop joint visions for the future.
“IPC welcomes the EU Industrial Policy and related efforts to address these issues that are critical for our members,” said IPC President and CEO John Mitchell. “With more than 650 members in Europe, the majority of which are small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), IPC has long advocated for an ambitious industrial agenda for Europe.
“I also encourage our member companies to participate in IMPACT Brussels 2018 this fall, when we will meet with EU officials to address the EU Industrial Policy and other issues, such as environmental regulations. A save-the-date for IMPACT Brussels 2018 will be sent to our members soon.”
For more information on IPC’s position paper, “IPC Priorities for an Ambitious EU Industrial Policy Strategy,” visit IPC’s website.
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Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
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05/08/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing. Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing.
Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Karen McConnell
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A Necessary Shift From Gerber to IPC-2581
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Meet Emerging Engineers: Patrick Owen and Eric Mickenbecker, Summit Interconnect
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PCBAA, AAM Take on the Fight to Rebuild U.S. Manufacturing in New Documentary
05/05/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Throughout most of the 20th century, manufacturing was central to the American Dream of providing stable jobs and pathways to upward mobility. Today, more than 80% of global electronics manufacturing capacity resides in China and greater Asia, raising serious concerns about supply chain resilience and national security.