It’s Only Common Sense: If You’re Not Differentiated, You’re Dead
Alpha Insights, Performance by Design: The Future of PCB Manufacturing in the Midwest
Happy’s Tech Talk #43: Engineering Statistics Training With Free Software
Delving Into Special Sessions at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
May 28, 2024 | Happy Holden, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Once again, we were back at IPC APEX EXPO for another show and conference, and back to gathering in the Anaheim Convention Center. With Disneyland just across the street, there were tourists everywhere.
This APEX EXPO was bigger than ever, with more activities, Professional Development Courses, standards committee meetings, and the 16th Electronic Circuits World Convention. I really enjoyed walking around and seeing everything the show had to offer.
After an excellent keynote on Tuesday by Paul Bailey titled “The Art of the Impossible,” the show opened, and a large crowd surged in. I spent the day walking the aisles and looking at all the technologies. One factor that kept recurring was the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a catchphrase. It was difficult to really understand what part of AI was being employed, but it was the use of rule-based learning of errors that could then be used to correct the root causes. Many of the Real Time With… interviews conducted in the I-Connect007 booth discussed the prevalence of AI.
One of the highlights for me was the Taiwan High-Tech Forum on Wednesday, presented by the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA). TSMC provided opening remarks about the super-IC fabrication for the world. They showed a very slick video about their processes and packaging. Other Taiwan luminaries, including the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), gave an overview of its research for IC packaging and critical materials. This was followed by key Taiwan packaging substrate suppliers like Unimicron and Kinsus Interconnect Technology Corp., where leaders reviewed their technologies, capabilities, and materials. As the day went on, it seemed that the presentations were increasingly about marketing rather than technical presentations, as very few facts and data were presented; it was more about products and capabilities.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the 2024 issue of Show & Tell Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
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.
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.
Taiwan Rejects U.S. Proposal for 50-50 Semiconductor Production Split
10/03/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamTaiwan stated on October 1 that it will not agree to a U.S. proposal to shift half of its semiconductor production to the United States, despite mounting pressure from Washington over tariffs and chip supply security, according to Reuters.
PCB West 2025 Showcases Success: An Interview with Mike Buetow
10/03/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007For more than 30 years, PCB West has served the PCB and design industries in Silicon Valley, bringing together engineers, fabricators, and designers for technical sessions and networking. The show is organized by the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA), and this year, PCEA President Mike Buetow was named the association’s first Hall of Fame award recipient. Marcy LaRont spoke with Mike at PCB West to learn firsthand about its origins and mission.