The Chemical Connection: Surface Finishes for PCBs
It’s Only Common Sense: 7 Tips to Focus on What Works
The Marketing Minute: Go Big or Go Home—Long-form Content Is Your Brand’s Best Friend
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
September 30, 2022 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
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 most powerful 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’ve got a busy travel schedule in October. 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. Need to know details on those events? Read item No. 4 in my list below.
North American EMS Industry Up 14.9% in August
Published September 22
The August book-to-bill, as reported by IPC, is 1.31. It’s a strong ratio, but the ratio has been trending downward from a high of 1.58 in January 2022. Shawn Dubravac comments the this is “in line with a slowing economy and slowing demand for durable goods.” There’s good news, too so check out the whole story.
Automotive IC Marketshare Seen Rising to 10% by 2026
Published September 28
“IC marketshare has steadily increased since 1998 growing from 4.7% of total IC sales that year to 7.4% in 2021. Marketshare gains are forecast to continue for the auto segment, with an 8.5% share expected this year and 9.9% share by the year 2026.” I can’t help but wonder when automotive ICs will reach a point where they start to spill over into other markets and applications simply because they’re the most common—that’s a bit of turnabout for the auto makers. There’s more detail in the report, of course.
Lockheed Martin Delivers Its Highest Powered Laser To Date To U.S. Department Of Defense
Published September 27
Lockheed Martin delivered “a tactically-relevant electric 300 kW-class laser, the most powerful laser that Lockheed Martin has produced to date. This 300 kW-class laser is ready to integrate with the DOD demonstration efforts.” The announcement states that Lockheed Martin “increased the power and efficiency and reduced the weight and volume” of the device over previous versions. Laser afficionados (like myself) will find this a short, but interesting read.
Pack Your Bags! We’ve Got Your Trade Show Calendar Here
Published September 23
The I-Connect007 industry events calendar has made its triumphant return and in a new format. Michelle Te tracks all the upcoming events, putting them in one easy-to-find resource. We’ll be publishing updates periodically, of course. If we’ve missed an event, you can submit it to us at news@iconnect007.com.
Engineer, Author and Emmy-nominated Science TV Host Emily Calandrelli to Keynote IPC APEX EXPO 2023
Published September 28
As a science type, an engineer, and a degreed computer scientist myself, I’m a big fan of Emily Calandrelli’s work to educate children on the value and fun in STEM. If you’re not already aware of her work, look her up on Netflix or the Fox Channel before you listen to her keynote at IPC APEX EXPO 2023. Find details in this news item from IPC.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Raymond E. Pritchard IPC Hall of Fame Award: Peter Bigelow
04/04/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007IPC’s most prestigious award honors an individual’s long-term distinguished service and contributions to IPC and the electronics manufacturing industry. Peter Bigelow is president of FTG Circuits in Haverhill, Mass., focusing on the military, RF/microwave, and aerospace markets. He also has extensive experience in general management, marketing, operations, and sales with large publicly traded and privately held manufacturing companies in the printed circuit, electronics, and instrumentation industries.
Tata Electronics Appoints KC Ang as President and Head of Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing
04/03/2025 | PRNewswireTata Electronics Private Limited, a pioneer in the Indian electronics and semiconductor manufacturing sector, announced the appointment of KC Ang as President and Head of its Foundry business - Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited reporting to Dr. Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD of Tata Electronics.
CEE PCB Appoints Fred Hickman as Vice President of Sales, North America
04/03/2025 | CEE PCBTom Yang, CEO of CEE PCB, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fred E. Hickman III as Vice President of Sales for North America.
Statement from IPC on ‘Liberation Day’ Pressing for Domestic Manufacturing Strategy
04/03/2025 | IPCIPC, a global electronics association dedicated to furthering the competitive excellence and financial success of more than 3,200 members, shared the following statement today on U.S. tariffs and their implications on the global electronics industry. It can be attributed to Richard Cappetto, IPC senior director of North American government affairs:
My Top 10 Highlights from IPC APEX EXPO 2025
04/03/2025 | Chris Mitchell, IPC VP, Global Government RelationsEvery year, I am reminded what an exciting and fast-paced whirlwind IPC APEX EXPO is—the friends you run into, the new people you meet, the innovations you encounter, and the fascinating discussions you dive into. It’s certainly true that our industry is driven by searchers and problem-solvers, creating endless opportunities at APEX EXPO to connect, collaborate, and shape the future.