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?
Suggested Items
One World, One Industry: Mastering Technology Prognostication
09/18/2024 | John Mitchell -- Column: One World, One IndustryTechnological road mapping plays a fundamental role in many companies’ innovation strategies. While doing product development and organizational planning in the industry, I found roadmaps to be excellent tools for strategic and future planning. They are a crucial skill in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Würth Elektronik Thailand: The Company Opens its 33rd Branch Office
09/17/2024 | Wurth ElectronicsOn August 14, the first Thai Würth Elektronik eiSos branch was opened in the Rama 9 business center in Bangkok. This gives the up-and-coming Asian business a secure base and new impetus for growth.
Fresh PCB Concepts: The Journey of a PCB—A Tale of Sustainability and Circularity
09/12/2024 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsImagine a bustling factory floor where hundreds of PCBs hum with potential, each one destined to be the brain of a new electronic device. From the sleek smartphone in your pocket to the intricate systems in electric vehicles, PCBs are the unsung heroes of our digital world. But have you ever wondered what happens to these tiny powerhouses when their work is done? The journey of a PCB doesn’t end when a device reaches the end of its life. In fact, that’s where the next chapter begins—a chapter that’s critical for our environment and our future.
From Silicon to Systems
09/10/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineFor the past few years, IPC has been championing the term “silicon to systems.” More than a buzzword, it has become a slogan—and even a kind of roadmap—for the organization. The term comes in especially handy when IPC is advocating for this industry in Washington, D.C., often addressing politicians who have little understanding of electronics technology.
NASA, Boeing Welcome Starliner Spacecraft to Earth, Close Mission
09/10/2024 | NASANASA and Boeing safely returned the uncrewed Starliner spacecraft following its landing at 10:01 p.m. MDT Sept. 6 at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, concluding a three-month flight test to the International Space Station.