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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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Dan Diesel Promoted to Chief Strategy Officer by Redfern Companies
June 6, 2024 | The Redfern CompaniesEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The Redfern Companies have announced the promotion of longtime employee Dan Diesel to position of Chief Strategy Officer for all its affiliated companies. Diesel recently hit a significant milestone of 43 years at the companies. Having served in many key roles over the years, Diesel was most recently Vice President of Business Strategy. His first position was Senior Programmer Analyst beginning January 5, 1981.
“Dan has been our prized ‘secret weapon’ in our business, infusing remarkable value into every facet of our businesses and across all business groups within each company,” commented Patrick Redfern, President & CEO. “His profound understanding of our customers, suppliers, and our operations has been instrumental in shaping our strategic direction. From acquisitions to supplier negotiations, Dan has been a guiding force, contributing his expertise for the past 43 years.
“Personally, Dan has been an invaluable mentor and trusted advisor to me, providing insights that have shaped many of our key decisions. His dedication, insight, and unwavering commitment to our success have been truly remarkable,” Redfern stated.
Diesel replied, “I am humbled by the recognition from Patrick and the family. The Redfern family has been very supportive to me and my family over the years, and I have enjoyed the many different roles I have been privileged to fulfill.
“Our industry has seen so many changes, but at the center of all the changes are the relationships we develop and nurture.”
Redfern concluded, “All of us look forward to even greater successes under Dan’s. leadership as Chief Strategy Officer.”
The Redfern Companies are comprised of Insulectro, LCOA™, CAC™, Spyglass Corporate Services, Equipment Technologies (ETI), and FOCUSTECH™.
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Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
April Issue of I-Connect007 Magazine: Beyond the Rulebook
04/14/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn this month’s I-Connect007 Magazine, we asked PCB designers, fabricators, and suppliers what it really means to operate without a rulebook. Their perspectives vary, especially between seasoned designers and experienced fabricators, but a common thread emerges: progress depends on pushing boundaries and finding a way forward, even when the path isn’t clear. In many ways, this mindset has always been part of what we do, whether we’ve called it that or not.
Defense Speak Interpreted: Hypersonics Report Back After Six Years of Silence
04/07/2026 | Dennis Fritz -- Column: Defense Speak InterpretedIt’s been six years since my Defense Speaks column about hypersonic weapons. Back then, these weapons were the most sought-after technology as there was little defense for them. They were the cornerstone of the “strike any location on earth within one hour” scenario. Of course, the war in Ukraine, and now the action in Iran, have grabbed the weapons headlines, but hypersonics still play a role and development continues. Here is the update.
SMTA Dallas Expo & Tech Forum: A National-level Local Event
03/31/2026 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Gary Tanel is the long-time chapter president of SMTA Dallas. He has been active in the industry for many years, retiring from Texas Instruments and Raytheon and then starting his own contract manufacturing company. He has been on the board of directors of SMTA and has held every office at the national and local level. He has received both the Founder’s and the Excellence in Leadership Awards from SMTA. Gary has been the SMTA Dallas Expo chair for many years, including for the 23rd annual show.
Punching Out: How Many PCB Companies Are There in North America Now?
03/19/2026 | Tom Kastner -- Column: Punching Out!When I am asked how many PCB shops are still in the U.S., my answer is usually, “About 130. How many do you want to buy?” However, I do not really know the number. My job is either to sell PCB shops or help people buy them, not to count them. I probably should keep better track of them, but many are small (70% have revenue below $10 million), or they say they are making boards even if they rent out their facility as an auto repair shop.
From Classroom to Boardroom: One Year Yields a World of Perspective
03/15/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Few college seniors can say their first plane ride took them straight into a global electronics boardroom. However, Emily Daley, a Michigan Technological University electrical engineering student, spent her senior year as the Student Board Member to the Global Electronics Association Board of Directors. She brought a fresh, student-centered perspective to the industry as she attended APEX EXPO, as well as board meetings in Taiwan and Lake Tahoe.