Target Condition: Are Autorouters Friend or Foe?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
EPTAC and PowerAmerica to Deliver IPC Designer Certification
June 7, 2016 | EPTAC CorporationEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
EPTAC Corporation has joined PowerAmerica to offer IPC Designer Certification to students and faculty of North Carolina State University. This effort supports professional development for careers in electronics by providing instruction framed by industry best practices.
PowerAmerica is helping to fund the project, which allows program participants the opportunity to add real-world technical certifications to their skill sets – for a competitive edge in the global marketplace. The first module to be presented on the NCSU campus is the IPC Designer Certification course for CID (Certified Interconnect Designer). This professional designation is valued throughout the electronics industry, and specified for major projects.
The PowerAmerica Institute, also known as the Next Generation Power Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is tasked with creating new USA-based high-tech jobs and fostering long-term economic growth. PowerAmerica will develop an ecosystem of education and technology commercialization that will exploit the performance characteristics of wide band gap (WBG) semiconductors in the power electronics marketplace.
PowerAmerica is a $140+M public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and NC State University. “Education is an important part of the PowerAmerica mission, which extends from K-12 to PhD and on to professional development,” commented Stephen Walsh, Director of Education and Workforce Development for the PowerAmerica Institute. Stephen adds, “As a manufacturing innovation institute, it is imperative that PowerAmerica collaborate with organizations that can supplement educational opportunities for students across a broad age and experience spectrum. By collaborating with EPTAC and the IPC, PowerAmerica is ensuring that university students and faculty can design products that need WBG power electronics.”
Another champion of this collaboration is Gary Ferrari, co-founder of the IPC Designers Council, architect for the Designer Certification program and Master Instructor for EPTAC Corporation. “This is a great marriage between cutting edge design instruction and educational institutions, allowing the industry to support the growing demand for highly skilled employees,” voices Gary Ferrari.
The first offering to be held at the NC State University campus in Raleigh, NC will be the CID course module. This session is open to NCSU students, faculty, and the electronics community, July 21-23, 2016.
IPC is a global trade association dedicated to the success of more than 3600 member organizations. They represent all facets of the electronics industry: design, printed board manufacturing, assembly, and testing. IPC is a leading source for industry standards, education, public policy advocacy, and market research.
About EPTAC
EPTAC, the most internationally recognized leader in solder training and IPC certification, gives professionals the skills to accelerate their careers and businesses the talent to succeed in this ever-competitive industry. For over 25 years, EPTAC has been helping companies increase quality standards, improve productivity and maximize profits. Headquartered in Manchester, NH, EPTAC delivers the industry best training programs throughout established locations in the United States and Canada.
Share on:
Suggested Items
IPC-CFX, 2.0: How to Use the QPL Effectively
07/02/2025 | Chris Jorgensen, Global Electronics AssociationIn part one of this series, we discussed the new features in CFX Version 2.0 and their implications for improved inter-machine communication. But what about bringing this new functionality to the shop floor? The IPC-CFX-2591 QPL is a powerful technical resource for manufacturers seeking CFX-enabled equipment. The Qualified Product List (QPL) helps streamline equipment selection by listing models verified for CFX compliance through a robust third-party virtual qualification process.
Advancing Aerospace Excellence: Emerald’s Medford Team Earns Space Addendum Certification
06/30/2025 | Emerald TechnologiesWe’re thrilled to announce a major achievement from our Medford, Oregon facility. Andy Abrigo has officially earned her credentials as a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) under the IPC J-STD-001 Space Addendum, the leading industry standard for space and military-grade electronics manufacturing.
Magnalytix and Foresite to Host Technical Webinar on SIR Testing and Functional Reliability
06/26/2025 | MAGNALYTIXMagnalytix, in collaboration with Foresite Inc., is pleased to announce an upcoming one-hour Webinar Workshop titled “Comparing SIR IPC B-52 to Umpire 41 Functional & SIR Test Method.” This session will be held on July 24, 2025, and is open to professionals in electronics manufacturing, reliability engineering, and process development seeking insights into new testing standards for climatic reliability.
IPC Rebrands as Global Electronics Association: Interview With Dr. John W. Mitchell
06/22/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Today, following a major announcement, IPC is embracing the rapid advancement of technology with a bold decision to change its name to the Global Electronics Association. This name more accurately reflects the full breadth of its work and the modern realities of electronics manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, Global Electronics Association President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell shares the story behind the rebrand: Why now, what it means for the industry, and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.
Global Electronics Association Debuts; New Name Elevates IPC’s 70-Year Legacy as Voice of $6 Trillion Electronics Industry
06/25/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationToday begins a new chapter for IPC as it officially becomes the Global Electronics Association, reflecting its role as the voice of the electronics industry. Guided by the vision of “Better electronics for a better world,” the Global Electronics Association (electronics.org) is dedicated to enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting accelerated growth through engagement with more than 3,000 member companies, thousands of partners, and dozens of governments across the globe.