Elementary, Mr. Watson: High Power: When Physics Becomes Real
The Shaughnessy Report: Watt About Power Integrity?
Global PCB Connections: Understanding Your Fabricator’s Capabilities (or Niche)
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
February 2, 2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
I’m writing this in Santa Clara, California on the last day of DesignCon. It was nice to get out of Atlanta, which was 28 degrees when I left. It’s a little rainy here, but it’s been in the 60s all week, and I’ll take that kind of weather any day.
In this week’s must-reads, we have a little bit of everything, including sad news about the passing of our columnist Michael Ford. Everyone who knew him just loved the guy.
I need to catch an Uber, so I’m keeping this short. Have a good weekend.
Rain or Shine, DesignCon 2024 is Happening
Published February 1
Yes, DesignCon seems to be a draw, regardless of weather. This show was busier than a one-armed paper-hanger, despite intermittent rain. It was great to see so many young people at this show. Is this industry becoming cool again? Everyone I met was bullish on their company and the industry overall. Let’s hope this is good omen for the rest of the year.
The Pulse: New Designer’s (Partial) Guide to Fabrication
Published January 31
What do designers need to know about fabrication? They don’t necessarily have to be manufacturing experts, but the more they know about fab processes, the more likely they’ll produce successful designs. Columnist Martyn Gaudion breaks down the manufacturing considerations that can affect the design’s signal integrity.
The New Chapter: Easing the Learning Curve for Young Professionals
Published January 31
Now that young people are once again entering the world of PCB design and manufacturing, many companies are focusing on updating their onboarding processes. In this column, Paige Fiet—out of college for only a few years—shares her thoughts on ways that companies can shorten the learning curve for new engineers, leaving them less anxious and more productive.
Electronics Industry Mourns Loss of Colleague and Visionary Michael Ford
Published January 31
We lost a really great guy this week. Michael Ford was an industry expert on everything related to CFX, Industry 4.0, and Smart manufacturing, and one of our most popular columnists. After he left Siemens for Aegis Software, one of the Siemens engineers joked that it might take two people to replace Michael. But more importantly, he was also a really nice guy, and a lot of fun. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge to make the industry a better place. Michael will be missed.
It’s Only Common Sense: What Are You Afraid Of?
Published January 29
In this column, Dan Beaulieu gets right to the point: What are you afraid of? Smart company managers are not afraid to take necessary risks, but some PCB companies are run by managers who are almost paralyzed with fear. As Dan says, get over your fear and take that risk; you’re actually more likely to fail if you don’t get over that fear. What are you afraid of, anyway?
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Dutch Government Takes Control of China-Owned Chipmaker Nexperia, Citing Security Concerns
10/14/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamThe Dutch government has taken control of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia, escalating tensions with Beijing amid intensifying global disputes over semiconductor technology and intellectual property.
SEMICON West: The Path to a $1 Trillion Future
10/14/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007After more than 50 years in San Francisco, SEMICON West moved its 2025 show to Phoenix, which is significant because it highlights the importance of Arizona as a semiconductor and tech hub. Though the show will be back in San Francisco in 2026, the overwhelmingly warm welcome SEMI received from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and ASU President Michael Crowe—who has been responsible for ASU repeatedly achieving the U.S. News and World Reports most innovative university ranking—was remarked upon repeatedly. All indications are that SEMICON West may well be back in Phoenix after that 2026 season.
Elementary, Mr. Watson: High Power: When Physics Becomes Real
10/15/2025 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. WatsonHave you ever noticed how high-speed design and signal integrity classes are always packed to standing room only, but just down the hall, the session on power electronics has plenty of empty chairs? It's not just a coincidence; it's a trend I've observed over the years as both an attendee and instructor.
The Right Approach: Electro-Tek—A Williams Family Legacy, Part 1
10/15/2025 | Steve Williams -- Column: The Right ApproachThere is no bronze bust in the lobby or portrait in the conference room of Electro-Tek's founder—my Dad, Charles “Chuck” Williams—so with the facility closing last year after 56 years, I feel it is time to tell the story. Chuck Williams founded Electro-Tek in 1968 in our basement, eventually moving into the second floor of an old 1913 building in downtown Milwaukee that is still standing (the first of three eventual facilities).
ICT Symposium Review: Sustainability and the Circular Economy
10/09/2025 | Pete Starkey, I-Connect007It was pleasant autumnal weather as we made our way once again to Meriden, the nominal centre of England, for the 2025 Annual Symposium of the Institute of Circuit Technology. Delegates were welcomed by technical director Emma Hudson who introduced and moderated a skilfully coordinated programme, focused on the highly relevant theme of sustainability.