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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
December 18, 2020 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Some years, the middle of December is marked by a distinct lack of news in PCB design, fabrication and assembly. Much of the industry often takes off around this time to get a head start on the holidays, or to squeeze in a much-needed vacation.
But 2020 is not one of those years. Most of us aren’t traveling anywhere farther than the refrigerator this year, and everyone seems to still be working, albeit from their home offices. And companies in the PCB community continue to make news.
This week, some of our more popular items were related to trade shows, conferences, and DoD PCBs, as well as some good semiconductor market news and a name change for a big EDA company.
We’ve all been through a lot of changes this year—don’t even get me started! But I’ve enjoyed bringing you the news and information that you all need to know during these crazy times.
I hope you all have a great holiday!
Dr. John Mitchell on IPC APEX EXPO Going Virtual
Published December 16
In this breaking interview, Barry Matties, and IPC President and CEO John Mitchell discuss the organization’s decision to switch IPC APEX EXPO to an all-virtual platform in March. We hate to see this kind of thing happen, but with the global COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, IPC is doing the right thing. How would you like to be a trade show manager in 2020?
Mentor Officially Changes Name to Siemens EDA
Published December 14
Mentor, a Siemens business, will be known as Siemens EDA as of January 2021. The company remains a part of Siemens Digital Industries Software. This change has been in the works for a while, as the company wraps up the integration of Mentor into the Siemens community. This may be the final nudge needed for those of us who still refer to the company as Mentor Graphics.
Defense Speak Interpreted: What’s a VITA?
Published December 15
Denny Fritz has a great column on military PCBs. Have you ever wondered how military technicians swap out failed PCBs quickly? How do defense depots keep enough PCBs on hand for the many systems in use, especially during times of heavy training or combat? As Denny explains, the DoD has been worrying about the “quick change” issue for decades, and much of their plan revolves around so-called “VITA” standards, which cover everything from tech requirements to patent policies.
Happy Holden: ECWC15 Virtual Event a Success
Published December 15
Our own Happy Holden gave a keynote presentation at the 15th Electronic Circuits World Convention. He’s attended every one of these events since 1988, but this was his first time attending virtually. In this article, Happy reviews the presentations by fellow keynote speakers, Dr. Hayao Nakahara of N.T. Information Ltd. and James Tam of Bosch, as well as his own talk on the subject of vertical conductive structures (VeCS), a new process which permits the routing of traces vertically through the PCB stackup.
Semiconductor Equipment Consensus Forecast: Record Growth Ahead
Published December 16
In a bit of good news for a related industry, SEMI is predicting record growth in sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment over the next few years. SEMI’s Year-end Total Semiconductor Equipment Forecast—OEM Perspective puts that total market segment at $72 billion in 2021 and $76 billion in 2022. The organization also projects that China, Taiwan, and Korea will take the lead in semiconductor equipment investment this year.
Suggested Items
Zentech First to Adopt IPC Apprenticeship National Program Standards
05/20/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIPC achieved a landmark in 2023 by creating an apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. With such a registered framework in place, industry can work through IPC to secure local, state, and federal dollars for workforce development in a way they’ve never been able to do before. Zentech Manufacturing, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with production facilities in Bloomington, Illinois, and Richardson, Texas, is the first employer partner to adopt IPC’s national program. Click here to read their story.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/17/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineThis week, trade shows are at the top of our feed, with our coverage of the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show and IPC APEX EXPO. These two longtime events are almost polar opposites in size and scope, but Del Mar seems to be expanding from its roots as a “neighborhood gathering” with its move into the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Del Mar show always has a good “buzz factor,” which is something you can’t buy.
IPC APEX EXPO: Some Thoughts About Growth
05/16/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007After two and a half days of wandering the aisles at IPC APEX EXPO 2024, for the first time, I almost felt like I was exploring CES. There were so many booths and exhibits that I could describe, but I’d like to focus on the growth and huge value of this event, which has expanded well beyond just the growing and impressive exhibit show floor.
IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award: Pierre-Jean Albrieux
05/10/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineCongratulations to Pierre-Jean Albrieux, who received the 2024 IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to individuals in recognition of the highest level of achievement, extraordinary contributions, and distinguished service to IPC and toward the advancement of the industry, including helping to create a spirit of mutual esteem, respect, and recognition among members consistent with the goals and mission of IPC.
IPC Focuses on Education and Onboarding
05/09/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineI recently spoke with Carlos Plaza, senior director of education for IPC, about expanding educational efforts in the PCB design, fabrication, and assembly segments. As Carlos explains, PCB design is a hot topic, but onboarding may be the hottest one of all.