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Spotlight on North America
A North America spotlight exploring tariffs, reshoring, AI demand, and supply chain challenges. Plus, insights on cybersecurity, workforce development, and the evolving role of U.S. electronics manufacturing.
Wire Harness Solutions
Explore what’s shaping wire harness manufacturing, and how new solutions are helping companies streamline operations and better support EMS providers. Take a closer look at what’s driving the shift.
Spotlight on Europe
As Europe’s defense priorities grow and supply chains are reassessed, industry and policymakers are pushing to rebuild regional capability. This issue explores how Europe is reshaping its electronics ecosystem for a more resilient future.
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Discover the Future of Technology at SMTA Penang EXPO 2024
September 10, 2024 | SMTAEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The SMTA Penang EXPO & Tech Forum is returning on September 25-26 at the AC Hotel, Penang. This free-to-attend event offers a unique opportunity for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and innovators to explore the latest industry trends and advancements.
Event Highlights:
- Tabletop Product Exhibition and Demonstration: Discover the newest technologies and solutions from leading industry players.
- Free Technical Presentations: Gain valuable insights from industry experts through informative presentations.
- Industrial Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals and build valuable relationships.
Special Perks for Attendees:
- Free Gift: The first 100 registered attendees will receive an exclusive gift as a token of appreciation.
- Lucky Draw: Participate in the lucky draw for a chance to win exciting prizes, including an Apple tablet, Garmin smartwatch, Xiaomi vacuum cleaner, and more.
Register Now:
Visit SMTA's website for more details and to register.
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
The Journey from Dilution to Zero Liquid Discharge
05/11/2026 | Richard Nichols, GreenSource EngineeringIf you’re familiar with the PCB industry, and a little long in the tooth like me, you may remember the cry, “The water board is here!” (or an equivalent authority). This was the signal for a frantic but regularly rehearsed exercise to turn on all the rinses. This anecdote demonstrates that in the early days of PCB production, prevailing practices revolved around a “dilution is the solution” mentality, in which manufacturers used copious amounts of water to dilute contaminants before discharging them into regulated municipal wastewater systems or natural water bodies.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
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
05/07/2026 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In 2021, Karen McConnell was awarded the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame award in recognition of her contributions to the Association and the electronics industry. As a senior staff member and CAD/CAM engineer at Northrop Grumman Enterprise Services, her primary responsibility was to develop a common, shared EDM (Electronic Document Management) library to support the electrical and PCB design tool initiatives across Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.
A Necessary Shift From Gerber to IPC-2581
05/07/2026 | Tracy Riggan, Global Electronics AssociationIPC-2581 is an open, vendor-neutral data exchange standard developed by the Global Electronics Association to streamline the exchange of PCB design information across fabrication, assembly, and test. It replaces multiple legacy formats—including industry standards, Gerber, and ODB++—with a single, comprehensive, XML-based dataset that captures all manufacturing details.
Meet Emerging Engineers: Patrick Owen and Eric Mickenbecker, Summit Interconnect
05/05/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007Patrick Owen and Eric Mickenbecker both work for Summit Interconnect, and are in their second year of the Global Electronics Association’s Emerging Engineer Program with mentor Brian Chislea. They stopped by the I-Connect007 booth at APEX EXPO and shared a bit of their story with me. Patrick has worked at the Hollister, California, plant since 2018, while Eric has been at the Chicago site since 2023. Like many of their peers, they came to the electronics industry from different paths, but are both excited about making an impact.