I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Recently, several news sources reported on a new Google patent with the World Intellectual Property Organization. This patent is for “active airplane mode”¹ and I think the idea is brilliant. To accomplish this new feature, the phone uses its sensors to switch off the radio-based functions as soon as it senses that you’re on an airplane.  

Your phone might, for example, use cabin sounds, the presence of aviation-specific radio signals or beacons around you, or your GPS location, along with barometric pressure, acceleration, and velocity data (among other inputs), to discern that you’re on a plane.  

The idea is to shut down the radios in your phone but leave Wi-Fi and Bluetooth active so you can connect to plane-based networks. It seems to be a little-known fact that, on both your Android and your Apple phones, you can enable airplane mode, then turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on manually. The key difference is that active airplane mode won’t require your intervention. Of course, once the phone senses that you’ve landed, it will re-enable the radios. Sometimes, innovation is large-scale and disruptive (personal computers, desktop publishing, the internet) and sometimes it’s small, iterative steps like this which add up over time to significant improvements. Frankly, I’m a little worried my driving style will trigger airplane mode. 

This week’s must-reads follow the trend toward iterative and ongoing improvements and advancements. The must-know news this week includes coverage of SEMICON (based on reader interest), updates on the EU’s Chips Act and ongoing advocacy for the printed circuits sector, design tips from an aerospace engineer, and a PCB fabrication merger.  

Have a great weekend, everyone.  

EU Should Support Other Segments of the Electronics Industry That Complement Chips, New Report Says 
Published July 7

“Key segments of the European electronics manufacturing industry face significant challenges and require more support, considering their vital role in Europe’s strategic autonomy and the ‘twin transitions’ to a greener, more digital economy.  

“That is the major finding of a new report from IPC, the global electronics industry association, which says the recently enacted European Chips Act is a welcome step. But ‘the near singular focus’ on the semiconductor industry ‘has obscured critically important segments of the electronics ecosystem,’ specifically printed circuit boards (PCB) and electronic assembly (EMS), without which semiconductors cannot function, the report says.”
Similar sentiments have been shared elsewhere regarding the U.S. CHIPS act as well. This read is worth your time.

Designing Aerospace PCBs: A Galaxy of Challenges 
Published July 11 

I-Connect007 managing editor Andy Shaughnessy talks to Johns Hopkins PCB designer Jeffrey Boye about what it takes to put highly reliable printed circuits into space. With only one chance to get it right and make it robust, Boye has much wisdom to share for all design teams.  

American Standard Circuits Acquires Sunstone Circuits, Joins Forces to Enhance Customer Value in the PCB Industry 
Published July 13 

Commenting on the merger, Anaya Vardya, CEO of American Standard Circuits, said, "This merger will enable us to deliver greater value, innovation, and responsiveness, solidifying our position as the premier PCB manufacturing partner." I’ve talked to Vardya and will publish that interview on Monday. 

The Government Circuit: IPC Advancing Silicon-to-Systems With Government Leaders 
Published July 12

We also highlight the IPC report on the EU, and this Chris Mitchell column discusses a wider environment of education and advocacy currently taking place. If Europe is part of your business, this is an important read.  

SEMICON West 2023 Opens to Showcase Industry Growth to $1 Trillion, Sustainability and Talent 
Published July 10

This announcement promoting the SEMICON Best of West exhibitor award garnered a whole lot of readership. The announcement was published on Monday, with the award to be announced yesterday. While I could just tell you who won, instead I’ll point you to this announcement.

References

1. “Google patent automatically switches your phone to Airplane mode with pressure, altitude change, more,” by Michael Perrigo, July 11, 2023, Chrome Unboxed.