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We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.
The Essential Guide to Surface Finishes
We go back to basics this month with a recount of a little history, and look forward to addressing the many challenges that high density, high frequency, adhesion, SI, and corrosion concerns for harsh environments bring to the fore. We compare and contrast surface finishes by type and application, take a hard look at the many iterations of gold plating, and address palladium as a surface finish.
It's Show Time!
In this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine we reimagine the possibilities featuring stories all about IPC APEX EXPO 2025—covering what to look forward to, and what you don’t want to miss.
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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
November 8, 2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute

In our industry we work on solutions. This week, solutions are represented in these must-read choices. Solid state batteries make an appearance, as does LED imaging equipment at American Standard Circuits. SPEA’s AI-based optical inspection is here, as are Happy Holden’s recent article on one key engineering skill and news about a flagship R&D facility funded by the U.S. CHIPS Act.
Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: John Johnson on American Standard Circuits' Advanced Technology
Published November 6
In this interview from SMTAI 2024, American Standard Circuits' John Johnson details a conversation that starts with the news of a new LED imager and pivots to a peek into American Standard's capabilities roadmap for the next three years. Click to listen now.
Biden-Harris Administration to Invest $825 Million in First CHIPS for America R&D Facility
Published November 1
The Department of Commerce and Natcast, the operator of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), announced the expected location for the first CHIPS for America research and development (R&D) flagship facility—within NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex in Albany, New York, supported by a proposed federal investment of an estimated $825 million. The EUV Accelerator will focus on advancing state of the art EUV technology and the R&D that relies on it.
Solid-State Batteries Enter Pilot Production, Costs Expected to Drop to CNY 0.6–0.7/Wh by 2035
Published November 1
Battery technology not only continues to develop but is accelerating, according to TrendForce. Learn more about how SSBs will change in the next 10 years.
Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: SPEA Brings Added Sophistication to Board Testing Capabilities
Published November 5
Nolan Johnson spoke with Luca Fanelli from SPEA at SMTAI 2024. In this interview, Fanelli describes SPEA's new AI-based optical inspection technology and shares a powerful example from the field. He also updates Nolan Johnson on SPEA's organizational growth meant to improve customer value. Click here to listen.
Root-cause Analysis and Problem-solving
Published November 1
Happy Holden’s article in October’s PCB007 Magazine pulls from more detailed information in his book, 24 Essential Skills for Engineers, the books section). If your job involves problem solving and root cause analysis, it’s a useful read. And check out the book, too.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
04/18/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineIt’s been a busy week in our industry. Never a dull moment! If you’ve been paying attention to our tariff tumult with China and its effect on the stock market, especially if your company does a lot of business with China, you might be tempted to call in a Xanax refill about now. But hang tight. This is still early in the first quarter. This brouhaha serves to underscore our need to manufacture critical laminates and components in the U.S. In this week’s must-reads, we have a potpourri of articles covering tariffs, the next generation of HDI, the three-year anniversary of IPC Mexico, a novel green technology, and emerging design trends.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Aster–Enhancing Design for Effective Testing Strategies
04/18/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOWill Webb, technical director at Aster, stresses the importance of testability in design, emphasizing early engagement to identify testing issues. This discussion covers the integration of testing with Industry 4.0, the need for good test coverage, and adherence to industry standards. Innovations like boundary scan testing and new tools for cluster testing are introduced, highlighting advancements in optimizing testing workflows and collaboration with other tools.
IPC President’s Award: Xaver Feiner
04/17/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineThroughout his career, Xaver Feiner, vice president of marketing and sales at Zollner Elektronik, has developed extensive expertise in account management and new business development with a strong focus on the semiconductor industry, aerospace, and industrial electronics. Xaver has cultivated a profound understanding of global markets and remains deeply engaged with the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation. Since 2020, he has been an active member of the IPC Europe Advocacy Group, where he is dedicated to advancing the position of the electronics industry and the EMS sector across Europe.
New High Power 3D AXI for Power Electronics from Test Research, Inc.
04/17/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), a leading provider of Test and Inspection solutions for the electronics manufacturing industry, proudly announces the launch of the 3D AXI TR7600HP system. Designed for power semiconductor inspection, the TR7600HP enhances accuracy and efficiency in detecting defects in components such as IGBTs, MOSFETs, SiC inverters, and Paladin Connectors.
IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Learning Lounge: Education on the Show Floor
04/16/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007The conference portion of IPC APEX EXPO has been providing educational opportunities for attendees since the first show. But recently, show managers decided to expand education onto the show floor.