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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
June 24, 2022 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Market news was certainly big this week. While the U.S. stock market continues make some large swings, the PCB and PCBA are doing their own dance with the numbers. We’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic, but it seems to be more about playing catch up. Still, the industry is showing some instability, both in positive and negative ways.
Also this week, we’ve got the IPC-1402 standard now open for public review, and three key industry advocacy groups encouraging action in the U.S. Congress. Then there’s a market report on expected increases in the semiconductor market, and a market report on critical minerals. And for something a little different, we shared a reader response to a column from Dan Beaulieu about the need for changes in the principal-rep relationship. This isn’t something that going to be solved anytime soon, but it’s not for lack of trying. We know changes need to be made, and our reader—the president of his own PCB fab—has some things to say.
If you missed all this news during the week, I’m glad you’re here to catch up. I’d say it’s the perfect way to start your weekend.
IPC-1402, Standard for Green Cleaners Used in Electronics Manufacturing Now Open for Public Review
Published June 22
IPC’s draft version of IPC-1402, Standard for Green Cleaners Used in Electronics Manufacturing, is now open for public review. The draft standard has been progressing through the standards process since fall of 2021 and, despite some minor delays in the draft development timelines— delays are common during consensus-based standards development processes—the draft is now ready for public review through July 15, 2022.
Industry Groups Urge U.S. Congress to Fix Weaknesses in Electronics Supply Chain
Published June 17
Three top industry organizations (IPC, PCBAA and USPAE) last week urged U.S. Congress to support legislation that would address challenges confronting the U.S. electronics supply chain. From what we hear, the effort is paying off in some pretty big ways. More work needs to be done, but this is a great start. Read the details here.
Worldwide Semiconductor Market Expected to Increase 16.3% in 2022
Published June 17
WSTS forecasts strong chip demand for another consecutive year, with most major categories expected to see high teens year-over-year growth in 2022, led by Logic with 20.8% growth, Analog with 19.2% growth, and Memory with 18.7% growth. Optoelectronics remains the weakest category in the forecast and is expected to be roughly flat (+0.3%) year-over-year. Find the rest of the numbers here.
Siber Circuits Owner Responds to ‘Rep’ Column: Encourage Communication
Published June 17
Here at I-Connect007, it’s our goal to move industry conversation forward, without resorting to exaggeration or hyperbole to do so, of course. Simon Etherington, president and owner of Siber Circuits, felt so strongly about Dan Beaulieu’s weekly column titled “Reps Need a Better Deal, Part 2” that he put fingers to the keyboard and expressed his thoughts as a response. Beaulieu frequently writes about sales and marketing topics, particularly the relationship between the sales rep and the principal. Dan has argued that there needs to be improved communication, better language in the contracts, and a sales rep who’s eager to earn. See what Simon had to say.
Clean Energy and Critical Minerals: The Dichotomy and Divergence
Published June 17
Mining consultant Noelle Lovern reports on the challenges for critical minerals. From her report, “Nearly every technology and much of manufactured goods require mined elements. It is often said, ‘If you don’t grow it, you must mine it.’ Now more than ever, mined materials are in higher demand. The urgency to resolve the supply chain issues has been exasperated by disruptions related to COVID-19 and now the Russian invasion of Ukraine and associated sanctions. Current supply chain threats have urged USGS to add 15 commodities to the 2022 Critical Minerals List.” Like so many other parts of the supply chain, mining for minerals remains one of the most basic needs. Readers checked in on Lovern’s market reports here.
Suggested Items
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Insulectro on Attracting Young Talent to the Electronics Manufacturing Industry
05/16/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOInsulectro's Doug Gotelli and Mitchell Benson explore the challenges of drawing young talent into the electronics manufacturing industry. They underscore the significance of manufacturing and the urgency of tackling the workforce shortage. They also discuss internship programs, the industry's resilience amid the pandemic, and the rewarding experiences of working in this sector.
European Chips Skills Academy Launches Summer School in Italy to Promote Microelectronics Industry Careers
05/16/2024 | SEMIUniversity students will connect with professors to explore semiconductor learning paths and employment opportunities at the European Chip Skills Academy Summer School, August 18-23, 2024 in Bologna, Italy.
SEMICON West 2024 to Spotlight U.S. Chip Industry Investments, Supply Chain Resilience, Talent, and Global Growth and Innovation
05/15/2024 | SEMISEMICON West 2024 will gather industry experts and leaders July 9-11 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco for insights into the latest trends and innovations in sustainability, supply chain management, workforce development and other critical industry issues.
A Potpourri of Design PD Classes
05/14/2024 | Kelly Dack, I-Connect007What is invention without innovation? What is innovation without capability? Kelly Dack addresses these questions and more in this review of the Professional Development courses at IPC APEX EXPO, including the flex course lead by "Flexperts" Mark Finstad and Nick Koop.
Viscom’s Approach to Inline X-Ray
05/14/2024 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007In this interview, Viscom President Ed Moll and CEO Jesper Lykke discuss the importance of inline X-rays for real-time data and board inspection. They also discuss AI integration, customer inquiries, and ROI considerations. Also, as Ed moves into semi-retirement, he reflects on his long career, recent developments, and the evolving X-ray industry. He shares his insights on career opportunities for emerging engineers in the industry.