Nolan’s Notes: Finding Your Sweet Spot
Standard of Excellence: Delivering Excellence—A Daily Goal
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Tin Whisker Mitigation in Aerospace Applications, Part 3
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
June 9, 2023 | Andy ShaughnessyEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
It’s summertime, but the industry is staying pretty busy. This week, we have news about our industry putting pressure on our elected officials to provide funding for U.S. companies under the CHIPS Act, and a counterfeit parts symposium presented by SMTA in Maryland next month. We also bring you articles about ultra HDI design and material selection, and our most recent On the Line with… podcast with Zac Elliott of Siemens.
Next week, it looks like San Diego is the place to be as the International Microwave Symposium kicks off June 11 at the San Diego Convention Center. Our own Barry Matties and Nolan Johnson will be at the show all week, and our good friends Ventec, American Standard Circuits, Rogers and more will be exhibiting there. Don’t miss out.
Electronics Industry Leaders Call on Congress to Support $100M in PCB Sector Funding
Published June 6
Sure, the CHIPS Act is a step in the right direction, but we as an industry have to hold Congress’s feet to the fire. This letter from executives from 26 electronics manufacturers across the U.S. is a step in the right direction. It’s an election year, so our senators and representatives might be more amenable to our ideas than during an off year.
NASA to Keynote the Symposium on Counterfeit Parts & Materials
Published June 6
Counterfeit parts are a continuing problem in our industry. SMTA is hosting the Counterfeit Parts & Materials Symposium June 27–29 near my hometown in Hyattsville, Maryland, and NASA’s Dr. Peter Majewicz is presenting the keynote. If you’re in the defense sector, this is right in your wheelhouse.
Sustainability in Logistics Discussion Continues
Published June 7
This week, we dropped a new “pod,” as the kids say, continuing our conversation with Siemens Technical Marketing Engineer Zac Elliott. In this installment, Zac explains how logistics, done improperly, can create waste downstream in a variety of ways. Managing Editor Nolan Johnson has proven to be the breakout podcast star.
A Focus on Ultra HDI
Published June 5
John Johnson just joined American Standard Circuits, and he’s bringing along his expertise in ultra HDI. In this interview with Barry Matties, he shares his thoughts on these tiny traces and his plans for moving ASC forward in the ultra HDI realm.
Slash Sheets: Don’t Fall Into the Trap
Published June 8
When you’re selecting materials for a design, what documents do you consult? In this article from Geoffrey Hazelett, he explains why designers shouldn’t use IPC slash sheets in their material selection process, and he offers his thoughts on the best way to find the right laminate for your job.
Share on:
Suggested Items
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.
The Knowledge Base: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow With EMAC
06/24/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAs the electronics manufacturing industry races to meet rising global demand and technological complexity, the need for a highly skilled, future-ready workforce has never been greater. At the forefront of addressing this challenge is The Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC)—a national initiative dedicated to strengthening the talent pipeline through strategic collaboration with SMTA, education, and government stakeholders.