The Right Approach: Get Ready for ISO 9001 Version 6
Driving Innovation: Depth Routing Processes—Achieving Unparalleled Precision in Complex PCBs
It's Only Common Sense: The Evolution of Prospecting
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
February 4, 2022 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
The last time I was in this space, we were busy preparing for our extensive coverage of IPC APEX EXPO, so now I have the honors of compiling the news from the week following the event. We often use the phrase “busy news week” in these compendiums, but this week I have metrics—25% more news items published this week at I-Connect007 than our weekly average. All the more reason to read the website newsfeeds and newsletters, but also all the more reason for me to bring you the best of the best from the past week.
This week we include the IPC reports on both PCB and EMS industry sales. We also highlight three of the Real Time with… interviews from the APEX show floor. There was quite a lot more news that would have made this list on any other week, so be sure to visit the I-Connect007 website to see all our coverage.
Also, look for our special edition “Real Time With ….” magazine issue for IPC APEX EXPO 2022 to publish in the next several days. You will find complete show coverage, including news, interviews, awards, the designers competition, committee coverage, several photo galleries, our thoughts and impressions on the show, and so much more, It’s one of our favorite issues to put together and I’m sure you’ll agree that nothing else compares to it.
North American PCB Industry Sales Up 16.9% in December
Published January 31
IPC chief economist, Shawn DuBravac summarized it thus, "PCB bookings rose sharply in December 2021, the strongest month of bookings since December 2005.” For more details, read the news item here, and access the full report at the IPC website.
North American EMS Industry Up 0.9% in December
Published January 31
Total North American EMS shipments in December 2021 were up 0.9 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, December shipments rose 8.0 percent. Click through for more details.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO: John Mitchell Shares Thoughts on the Show
Published January 31
John W. Mitchell, president and CEO of IPC, shares his thoughts with Barry Matties about the return of the in-person IPC APEX EXPO after a two-year hiatus. John and Barry agree that they were pleasantly surprised at the sheer volume of machinery that made it through the shipping hurdles and onto the show floor. Attendees were there to do business and to learn how to improve their processes.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO: Update From PCBAA
Published February 1
We’re closely following this new association, so we appreciated this opportunity to sit down with PCBAA Chairman Travis Kelly to discuss their recent activities and plans for the future. The Printed Circuit Board Association of America is focused on advocating for manufacturing in America. To help keep you up to date, follow Travis’s column in PCB007 Magazine.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO: Advocacy in Washington
Published February 1
While at IPC APEX EXPO, I had an opportunity for a visit with Chris Mitchell, vice president of global government relations at IPC. Just like with PCBAA, we discussed the industry's advocacy in Washington to educate Congress on our key issues, as well as the growth in global advocacy by IPC. With the passage of legislation such as the CHIPS Act, we know Congress is starting to pay attention, so our lobbying voice is more important than ever.
Share on:
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Building Electronics Excellence in India
09/08/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineFor over two decades, Dave Bergman has helped steer the Global Electronics Association’s work in India, from a single training course to a thriving regional operation with deep government and industry ties. In this interview, Dave explains how the group went from partnering with IPCA to opening its own office in 2010, creating India’s first domestic electronics manufacturing standard, and securing funding for dozens of Indian companies to attend U.S. trade shows.
New Podcast Episode Drop: MKS’ Atotech’s Role in Optimize the Interconnect
09/08/2025 | I-Connect007In this episode of On the Line With…, host Nolan Johnson sits down with Patrick Brooks, MKS' Atotech's Global Product Director, EL Systems, to discuss the critical role that wet processes play alongside laser systems in advancing the Optimize the InterconnectSM initiative. Brooks points to Bondfilm as a key example—a specialized coating that enables CO₂ lasers to ablate more effectively than ever before.
The Global Electronics Association Hosts Successful WorksAsia-AI and Factory of the Future Technical Seminar
09/03/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationOn August 22, 2025, the Global Electronics Association hosted the successful WorksAsia-AI and Factory of the Future Technical Seminar during the exhibition Automation Taipei 2025. The seminar brought together 81 representatives from 58 companies, focusing on the latest applications of AI in smart factories and unveiling four key directions that will drive the electronics industry’s transition toward intelligence and sustainability.
TRI's AI-Powered Inspection Solutions at SMTAI 2025
09/02/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading provider of test and inspection systems, will be joining the SMTA International Exposition & Conference. The event will be held from October 21 – 23, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, USA.
More Than a Competition: Instilling a Champion's Skill in IPC Masters China 2025
09/01/2025 | Evelyn Cui, Global Electronics Association—East AsiaNearly 500 elite professionals from the electronics industry, representing 18 provinces and municipalities across China, competed in the 2025 IPC Masters Competition China, March 26–28, in Pudong, Shanghai. A total of 114 contestants advanced to the practical competition after passing the IPC Standards Knowledge Competition. Sixty people competed in the Hand Soldering and Rework Competition (HSRC), 30 in the Cable and Wire Harness Assembly Competition (CWAC), and 24 in the Ball Grid Array/Bottom Termination Components (BGA/BTC) Rework Competition.