Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Revenge of the Tipping Point'
Marcy's Musings: Engineering Economics
Punching Out: Should You Sell Your Company to a Private Equity Firm?
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
November 27, 2020 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Well, it’s the last Friday in November. On any normal year in the U.S., this would be “Black Friday” because, for many retailers, the kickoff to the holiday season’s shopping spree is the source for most of the operating income for the year. While it remains to be seen how exactly how much traditional in-store and online retailing will rake in, with the varied pandemic lockdowns, it’s clear that readers wanted to get the latest electronics industry sales numbers! So, we’ve included the PCB and semiconductor sales and bookings report here.
In addition, I-Connect007 columnists captured reader attention this last week. We bring you three columns exhibiting excellent information and great writing as well.
Be safe as you close out November and enter into the last month of 2020. There are even more changes over the horizon for us in 2021, though many of them look to be leading us out of our current (temporary?) situation.
North American PCB Industry Sales Up 3 Percent in October
November 23, 2020
I can’t improve on the comments from Shawn DuBravac himself: “The current environment is starting to look increasingly like a normal recession and less like the initial shock. While PCB shipments were generally in line with expectations, bookings continue to fall below average.” But the future may have better news.
North American Semiconductor Equipment Industry Posts October 2020 Billings
November 20, 2020
Meanwhile, the semiconductor industry sees growth. “The semiconductor industry remains resilient despite challenges posed by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO. The uptick in semiconductors is often a leading indicator for an increase in PCB bookings as well.
Design Circuit: Failures of Imagination—A Column of Caution
November 20, 2020
In his column, originally published in the November 2020 issue of Design007 Magazine, IPC’s Patrick Crawford explores the root cause of failures: failures of nerve and failures of imagination. Crawford draws upon history and the work of author Arthur C. Clarke in his essay, which is neither a failure of nerve nor of imagination. This is an excellent four-minute, thought-resetting read.
Standard of Excellence: Bringing Your Salespeople Together
November 23, 2020
Anaya Vardya and the team at American Standard Circuits turn their partner philosophy to sales departments. It’s all too easy to think of sales folks as competitors—even between two companies collaborating with each other. Anaya Vardya makes the case that the sales teams (perhaps especially) should partner, too.
Trouble in Your Tank: A Process Engineer’s Guide to Final Etching, Part 1
November 20, 2020
Mike Carano’s column is a rock-solid, steady presence here at I-Connect007, and is always full of technical detail, chemistry, and deep knowledge. Carano’s audience reflects the high value given to the applicability of his column. This particular column, however, drew significantly more readership than normal, and when you read it yourself, you’ll see why. When a masterful columnist like Carano pens a diamond amongst gems, it’s worth showcasing.
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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
11/22/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007In this week’s roundup, I’m highlighting a variety of articles. We have an interview with Jess Hollenbaugh, a recent graduate working for Polar Instruments. We also have an interview with IPC’s Matt Kelly and Devan Iyer, whose white paper may provide a way forward for companies dealing with complex advanced packages. Our newest columnist Tom Yang describes the U.S. PCB industry from the point of view of a technologist from another country, and Dan Beaulieu has a review of Malcolm Gladwell’s follow-up to The Tipping Point. Finally, we have my review of PCB Carolina, a one-day tabletop show that keeps expanding, much like my waistline after eating their catered food. Enjoy!
Western Digital CEO David Goeckeler Elected Chair of Semiconductor Industry Association
11/22/2024 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced Western Digital CEO David Goeckeler has been elected Chair of the SIA Board of Directors. SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms.
Meet Polar's New Product Specialist Jess Hollenbaugh
11/21/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007At PCB West, I spoke with Jess Hollenbaugh, a recent college graduate who has now joined Polar Instruments. In this interview, she shares her journey from a physics student focused on high-energy astrophysics to her new role at Polar. Her insights provide a glimpse into the dynamic opportunities awaiting those who venture into this evolving industry.
SIA Applauds CHIPS Award for Semiconductor Research Corporation’s SMART USA Institute
11/21/2024 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) released the following statement from SIA President and CEO John Neuffer commending the announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) are entering negotiations for the Commerce Department to provide SRC $285 million to establish and operate the CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute for Digital Twins.
IPC Issues Clarion Call for EU to Reclaim Leadership in Electronics Manufacturing
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC released a synopsis of its recent white paper, Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem. This condensed document presents a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in Europe’s electronics manufacturing industry and shares actionable steps to help the EU achieve a stronger, more autonomous ecosystem.