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Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
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John Mitchell Addresses Industry Workforce Challenges with U.S. Department of Commerce
February 19, 2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
IPC’s efforts in government relations and advocacy have been pivotal in getting legislation like the CHIPS Act passed. IPC has coined the phrase “silicon to systems” to highlight that things like chips can only function within a complete electronics system, which depends on a much broader electronics supply chain than just semiconductors. They continue to work ardently to make sure our industry’s voices are heard.
In February, IPC President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell was back in Washington, D.C., representing our industry in a meeting convened by the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he discussed workforce issues and how to ensure that our businesses have the workforce they need. In this audio interview, he reviews his concerns and solutions on workforce development.
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Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
A Designer's Focus on High Density
04/30/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007 MagazineVern Solberg is a distinguished member of the Global Electronics Association Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame and has served as chair or vice chair of many committees, developing technical standards and implementation guidelines, including the IPC-7090 series, which focuses on design for manufacturing and reliability for electronic assemblies. He’s a long-time contributor to Design007 Magazine, and he conducted a half-day tutorial at APEX EXPO 2026, where he addressed 2D, 2.5D, and 3D packaging and ultra-high density hybrid bond interconnect. I caught up with Vern at the show and asked about his pivot from addressing more standard design challenges to his focus on high-density circuits.
ASC’s John Johnson Bullish on the U.S. and High-tech PCBs
04/28/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007It was a good couple of days at the SMTA UHDI Symposium in Avondale, Arizona, in early April, where John Johnson, head of technology at American Standard Circuits (ASC) and resident PCB expert on UHDI in the real-world of manufacturing, was a presenter. As the symposium ended, I visited with John, who reflected on what he considered most important and what had made the greatest impression on him.
The Chemical Connection: When the Industry Moves Faster Than the Standards
04/29/2026 | Don Ball -- Column: The Chemical ConnectionAs a supplier of wet processing equipment, we have rules and standards we must adhere to, including both regional and national electrical codes and safety and environmental regulations, as well as myriad other standards to make the equipment safe to use. Things are a little different when it comes to rules and standards for manufacturing PCBs, though, because technical advances and requirements change so quickly that standards can’t keep up.
Meet Emerging Engineer Dennis Donovan, Kratos Space Commercial
04/29/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007Like many of today’s engineers, Dennis Donovan grew up interested in how things worked. He wanted to see what was inside and how to make it better. Now, he has three bachelor’s degrees, is earning his master’s, and works as an electrical engineering technologist. He aspires to work in PCB assembly with a particular focus on aerospace electronics. He’s a sharp, well-spoken young man with an eye on his future.
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Notorious: Leadership Lessons From History’s Most Notorious Leaders’ (New Audio Version)
04/27/2026 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: Dan's Biz BookshelfI-Connect007 columnist Steve Williams’ new audio version of "Notorious" delivers a fresh and immersive way to experience an already exceptional book, originally published in 2024. This narration is a carefully crafted performance that elevates the material and brings every detail vividly to life. Even if you have read the print version as I have, you’ll be missing something if you don’t download and listen to this audible version. Most writers focus on one famous person and what they have to say about business, sports, leadership, or whatever, but "Notorious" focuses on the infamous rather than the famous; the notorious, and the so-called “bad” guys.