-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- I-Connect007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current Issue
Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - I-Connect007 Magazine
CONFIDEE: Guiding You Through Tariff Uncertainty
April 23, 2025 | CONFIDEEEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The current tariff landscape presents significant challenges for businesses, with shifting trade policies and increased duties impacting supply chains and overall costs. Navigating these complexities requires agility and strategic sourcing.
“At CONFIDEE, we aim to be not just a supplier, we are a strategic partner, helping our customers stay ahead of risk through agile support and close manufacturing partnerships” says Raymond Goh COO.
“We offer a network of Printed Circuit partners in different regions, who can support customers through this uncertainty by offering tailored solutions. These solutions can be alternative manufacturing regions or sourcing of compatible raw materials from different countries of origin, all to help reduce tariff burdens and ensure smoother, more cost-effective operations”, he says.
How to predict and protect?
With trade policies shifting rapidly and new duties introduced with little notice, supply chains face increasing pressure. These changes often lead to higher costs, sourcing delays, and operational disruptions.
“To remain competitive, companies need to rethink their strategies from the ground up, eliminating waste, optimizing supply sources, and minimizing the impact of tariffs, this to fully maximize the benefits their supply chains can deliver”, says Goh.
We are already collaborating with partners to:
- Suggest design changes that reduce exposure to tariff-sensitive materials
- Introduce local or low-tariff alternatives with comparable performance but better import/ export viability
- Reorganize panel layouts for better efficiency and material usage
- Offer manufacturing across multiple regions tailored to customers' specific requirements and needs
“Our customers rely on us not just for PCBs, but for perspective,” says Goh “In these unpredictable times, we’re helping them see around corners, offering practical, fast turn support that protect their business from avoidable cost escalations.”
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Smart Automation: The Journey of a Component Through an SMT Factory
04/22/2026 | Josh Casper -- Column: Smart AutomationIn electronics manufacturing, the SMT line tends to get most of the attention. Placement machines, inspection systems, screen printers, and reflow ovens often take center stage when discussing productivity improvements or new equipment investments. While these systems are obviously critical to the manufacturing process, they only represent a portion of the journey every component takes before becoming part of a finished assembly.
PHOTO GALLERY: Putting in the Work on Standards, Professional Development
04/16/2026 | I-Connect007Behind every standard, innovation, and step forward in electronics are the people who show up to do the work. This week's photo gallery highlights the attendees who filled meeting rooms and classrooms throughout APEX, collaborating on standards development committees, sharing expertise, and investing in their own growth through professional development. These are the faces of progress, gathered not just to learn, but to contribute and shape what comes next.
PHOTO GALLERY: APEX EXPO Receptions Are Where the Industry Comes Together
04/10/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamAPEX EXPO receptions offer a chance to step away from the booth and connect in a more relaxed setting. From newcomer gatherings to the ice cream social, the show floor reception, and the Golden Gnomes, these events bring attendees together across roles and experience levels. Enjoy this photo gallery of social gatherings. You might find yourself and people you know! It’s a place to reconnect with colleagues, meet people you’ve only known by name, and discover new companies shaping the industry—strengthening relationships and building a sense of community.
New SMT007 Magazine: Wire Harness Solutions
04/01/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn the new issue of SMT007 Magazine, explore what’s shaping wire harness manufacturing and how new solutions are helping companies streamline operations and better support EMS providers. Hear from experts at the Wire Harness Manufacturer’s Association, companies advancing automated quoting, and see how these shifts are influencing production in one of the world’s largest wire harness hubs: Mexico.
Learning with Leo: Why Risk-based Auditing Is Reshaping Cable Assembly Quality
04/01/2026 | Leo Lambert -- Column: Learning With LeoEffective product development requires early and active participation from all stakeholders. The design process must include input from supply chain, manufacturing engineering, purchasing, quality, and production. A design cannot be considered complete until it has been evaluated against the full manufacturing process, whether executed by an OEM or a subcontractor. Without this collaboration, designs are often released that are not manufacturable in real-world conditions.