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Current IssueThe Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
In Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction
For bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In this issue, we examine how imaging, etching, and plating processes can provide information and insight into reducing defects and increasing yields.
Voices of the Industry
We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.
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The End of Solder?
September 28, 2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: Less than a minute

The practical question around CHIPS Act development and electronics assembly is, “Will this change how we do business?” Indium Corporation’s Dr. Andy Mackie sat down with Nolan Johnson to share what he sees as emerging answers to that question from his perspective as an expert in electronics assembly and packaging, and as a participant in standards development through IPC, JEDEC, and SEMI.
When we talk about the CHIPS Act, that leads to a discussion about the assembly process, as they seem so interrelated.
Certainly. As the CHIPS Act money started rolling out last year, IPC hosted a conference in Washington, D.C. to point out that semiconductor chips do not exist in a vacuum; they are part of an electronics ecosystem that includes interconnection and protection. Therefore, U.S.-based packaging and assembly would be needed, alongside U.S. chip fabrication. This appeared to be news to many. The role of solder in advanced packaging has been changing over the years, but solder will continue to be needed.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the September 2023 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
Geopolitical Tensions and US Export Restrictions Slightly Temper AI Server Shipment Growth in 2025
07/02/2025 | TrendForceTrendForce reports that major North American CSPs remain the primary drivers of AI server market growth. Steady demand is also being bolstered by tier-2 data centers and sovereign cloud projects in the Middle East and Europe.
Wolfspeed Stock Soars After Filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
07/01/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamOn July 1, Wolfspeed shares doubled following the company’s announcement on June 30 that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
American Made Advocacy: Supporting the Entire PCB Ecosystem—Materials to OEMs
06/17/2025 | Shane Whiteside -- Column: American Made AdvocacyWith the addition of RTX to PCBAA’s membership roster, we now represent the interests of companies in the entire PCB ecosystem. From material providers to OEMs, the insights of our collective members help us educate, advocate, and support legislation and policy favorable to America’s microelectronics manufacturers. The industry veterans who lead these companies provide valuable perspective, and their accumulated wisdom makes us an even stronger association.
Trump Renegotiating Biden-era Chips Act Grants
06/09/2025 | I-Connect007At a hearing on June 4, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the Trump administration is renegotiating several of former President Joe Biden’s U.S. CHIPS and Science Act grants to semiconductor firms, Reuters reported.
Insights Into a Differentiating Trade/Investment Global Strategy for Electronics
05/27/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamTo better understand the U.S. administration’s actions on global trade policies earlier this spring, Barry Matties and Nolan Johnson met with Richard Cappetto, IPC’s senior director of North American government relations, who highlighted both the challenges and opportunities available to U.S. companies in the recent trade activity. This could include increased domestic manufacturing and supply chain diversification.