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
True or False: CFX Edition
February 6, 2020 | David Bergman, vice president, Standards and Training, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Early in 2019, IPC published IPC-2591— Connected Factory Exchange (CFX), Version 1.0. This standard was developed by the IPC Connected Factory Initiative Subcommittee over a two-year period to address issues with machine-to-machine communication and provide the electronics manufacturing industry with a true plug-and-play system for any company to achieve Industry 4.0.
Since the release of the standard, there has been a lot of buzz regarding CFX within the industry from all segments, including EMS companies, equipment manufacturers, and software solution providers. The Subcommittee has grown to 275 members, with an additional 63 members on the 2-17-CN Connected Factory Initiative Subcommittee in China, and 94 companies have declared their support on the CFX website. Additionally, 24 companies have shared their CFX implementation roadmaps on the CFX website, with more roadmaps coming in on a regular basis. You can view the supporters, roadmaps, and a library of helpful CFX resources at ipc-cfx.org.
Still, with all of the buzz, there are also some misconceptions floating around the industry regarding CFX, how it is used, the need for middleware, and how it stacks up against other standards for Industry 4.0. Thus, I thought it would be fun to take some of those statements, using feedback from Subcommittee members, and play a little game of “True or False: CFX Edition.”
To read this entire article, which appeared in the January 2020 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Global Semiconductor Sales Increase 27% Year-to-Year in May
07/07/2025 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) announced global semiconductor sales were $59.0 billion during the month of May 2025, an increase of 27.0% compared to the May 2024 total of $46.4 billion and 3.5% more than the April 2025 total of $57.0 billion.
SIA Applauds Passage of Strengthened Semiconductor Investment Credit
07/04/2025 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) released the following statement from SIA President and CEO John Neuffer following passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1).
Horizon Sales Celebrates 10 Years of Exceptional Service by Sales Leader David Smith
07/02/2025 | Horizon SalesHorizon Sales, a premier manufacturers’ representative and distributor for the electronics assembly industry, is proud to announce that David Smith is celebrating 10 years with the company this month.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
06/27/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007While news outside our industry keeps our attention occupied, the big news inside the industry is the rechristening of IPC as the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads begins with Marcy LaRont’s exclusive and informative interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. For designers, have we finally reached the point in time where autorouters will fulfill their potential?
Reflections and Priorities: An Update to I-Connect007 Readers
06/24/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007The electronics and manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly—with new technologies, deeper global connections, and a growing drive toward sustainability. To reflect these changes and our place in this dynamic space, we’re refreshing our brand.