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Current IssueThe Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
In Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction
For bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In this issue, we examine how imaging, etching, and plating processes can provide information and insight into reducing defects and increasing yields.
Voices of the Industry
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.
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Weak Microvia Interface Open Forum at IPC APEX EXPO
January 7, 2019 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The IPC V-TSL-MVIA Weak Interface Microvia Failures Technology Solutions Subcommittee formed in 2018 to identify the need to identify the risks, causes, and mitigation of failures due to a weak interface between the plated copper at the bottom of a microvia and the underlying copper surface.
The subcommittee will hold an open forum during IPC APEX EXPO for industry to discuss this important topic and how industry can come together to address it. Attendees will be invited to share their own issues regarding the weak microvia interface and will learn how to participate on the subcommittee.
IPC Weak Microvia Interface Open Forum
Wednesday, January 30
10:15 AM to 12:00 PM
San Diego Convention Center
Room 11A
Preliminary Agenda
1. Background: History of the effort, scope of work, status and organization
2. Presentation: Current Understanding of the Problem/Mitigation Measures
3. Weak Microvia Interface Project Subteam Reports
• Data Collation and Mining on the Issue
• FMEA “Fishbone”
• Engineering Simulation
4. Next Steps and Goals
• Near term: Breakout teams
• Middle term:
o Knowns/Unknowns: Can any intermediate conclusions or improved mitigation techniques be communicated?
o Identify Testing Needed: Gaps and confirmation
• Long term: Prevention: Can it be accomplished through design, process enhancements, etc.?
5. Q&A Session and How to Get Involved
The IPC V-TSL-MVIA Weak Interface Microvia Failures Technology Solutions Subcommittee formed as a result of work done on IPC-WP-023. Order IPC-WP-023, IPC Technology Solutions White Paper on Performance-Based Printed Board OEM Acceptance Via Chain Continuity Reflow Test: The Hidden Reliability Threat – Weak Microvia Interface from the IPC bookstore.
Suggested Items
The Evolution of Picosecond Laser Drilling
06/19/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineIs it hard to imagine a single laser pulse reduced not only from nanoseconds to picoseconds in its pulse duration, but even to femtoseconds? Well, buckle up because it seems we are there. In this interview, Dr. Stefan Rung, technical director of laser machines at Schmoll Maschinen GmbH, traces the technology trajectory of the laser drill from the CO2 laser to cutting-edge picosecond and hybrid laser drilling systems, highlighting the benefits and limitations of each method, and demonstrating how laser innovations are shaping the future of PCB fabrication.
Day 2: More Cutting-edge Insights at the EIPC Summer Conference
06/18/2025 | Pete Starkey, I-Connect007The European Institute for the PCB Community (EIPC) summer conference took place this year in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 3-4. This is the third of three articles on the conference. The other two cover Day 1’s sessions and the opening keynote speech. Below is a recap of the second day’s sessions.
Day 1: Cutting Edge Insights at the EIPC Summer Conference
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Preventing Surface Prep Defects and Ensuring Reliability
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RF PCB Design Tips and Tricks
05/08/2025 | Cherie Litson, EPTAC MIT CID/CID+There are many great books, videos, and information online about designing PCBs for RF circuits. A few of my favorite RF sources are Hans Rosenberg, Stephen Chavez, and Rick Hartley, but there are many more. These PCB design engineers have a very good perspective on what it takes to take an RF design from schematic concept to PCB layout.