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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
June 21, 2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
He’s back, and in splendid form. Pete’s Starkey’s coverage of the EIPC Summer Conference, which took place June 4-5 at the European Space Centre, The Netherlands, is top notch. Joan Tourné from NextGIn Technologies emphasized that our attention must be focused on the interconnection ability of our PCBs and highlights VeCS as an alternative to the traditional plated-through-hole approach. Finally, Martyn Cauwe of IMEC discusses environmental impact and specifically, the need for a better, parametric approach to quantifying it, something European businesses are being required to do on the regular. Reading Pete’s reviews is almost as good as being there. Check out his Part 1 coverage here.
Looking Into Space: EIPC Summer Conference, Part 2
Published June 18
This second-day write-up of the conference, themed, “Innovative Development of PCB Technology and Design,” kicked off with a compelling presentation by Dr. Evelyne Parmentier, research and development engineer with Dyconex, who broached the question, “Why aren’t we including more of the elements (metals) in the periodic table in our manufacturing?” This was followed by a discussion on sputtering as an alternative method of metalization, something of great interest to many of us.
American Made Advocacy: Changing Leadership and Three Years of Advocacy in D.C.
Published June 18
Travis Kelly, CEO of Isola and the first chair of PCBAA, signs off in his final column this month as he turns the PCBAA reigns over to Shane Whiteside of Summit Interconnect. Recollecting the last three years of advocacy work of which he and PCBAA have been a critical part, he highlights all that remains to be done and how important it is for business leaders to have their voices heard. As he bids Mr. Whiteside much success in this role, he calls out to all industry members to become involved in helping to create a more balanced global supply chain where U.S. businesses and interests can prosper.
Traditional Materials, High-Frequency Boards?
Published June 18
This interview with PCB design guru Kris Moyer and the former CTO for Isola Ed Kelly is an energetic and informational discussion about the evolution of PCB materials and the cross-over we are seeing today between high-speed digital designs and PCB designs for RF applications. RF materials are no longer the only go-to material solution when dealing with RF attributes in a PCB design. Today, this is the middle ground, utilizing and blending different resin systems to achieve low loss and target Dks. This is a great read.
The Critical Role of Materials
Published June 19
As a PCB fabricator, managing your inventory, especially your laminate inventory, is a critical piece for achieving and maintaining financial success in business. If you do everything else right and do this wrong, you will negatively affect your bottom line. In this article from PCB007 Magazine’s May issue, Anaya Vardya of American Standard Circuit shares his approach and best practices regarding this essential part of operations. When managing high-tech, high-mix, low-volume production, the criticality of great supplier relationships and managing necessary risk are all covered in this in-depth interview.
Manufacturing Industry's Path to Innovation and Efficiency Lies in Exponential IT, Says Info-Tech Research Group
Published June 18
Sometimes, a news item resonates deeply with our readers, and this announcement by the Info-Tech Research Group did just that. Speaking to the seemingly incessant search for good information and data that may provide clarity for our business futures, this article showcases the reality that achieving innovation is increasingly and inextricably linked to one’s investment and engagement in IT or technology. Of course, leveraging AI capabilities comes immediately to mind. “Exponential IT,” as it is called in this study, is not the IT of yesteryear. As with all things, strategy will be key in how technology will be used optimally to the greatest advantage and success of manufacturing businesses. This is a quick read focused on your IT management, but if you are a business leader or stakeholder, it is worth two minutes of your time.
Suggested Items
EMA Webinar: Maximize Your Design Productivity in OrCAD X and Allegro X
09/26/2024 | EMA Design AutomationLearn how the extensible environment in Cadence OrCAD X and Allegro X is being used to enhance and customize the PCB design flow in a webinar held by EMA on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 @ 11am ET.
Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: From Taiwan to Mexico: TRI's Expansion
09/26/2024 | Real Time with... SMTA GuadalajaraSpeaking with Nolan Johnson is Fernando Salomon, sales manager for Test Research, Inc., discussing TRI's increasing presence in Mexico, particularly in Guadalajara. Salomon explains that TRI recognizes the importance of the Mexican market and has invested in local offices and staff.
Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Automation and Precision in Electronics Testing with SPEA
09/25/2024 | Real Time with... SMTA GuadalajaraIn this conversation with Nolan Johnson, Ferdinando Esposito, Branch Manager for SPEA Mexico, delves into the advancements and market trends in electronic testing equipment. Esposito discusses the new products SPEA has brought to the show, including their high-throughput ICT testers and miniaturized flying probes.
Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to... Thermal Management with Insulated Metal Substrates, Vol. 2, Chapter 4
09/25/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamDirect-bonded copper (DBC) with a ceramic base is a commonly used assembly technology. While advantages include excellent solder crack compensation due to similar CTE values between component and substrate, the construction is fragile and therefore places limits on size and exposure to vibration. Small assemblies in basic shapes such as a rectangle can be done, although larger, more complex shapes become difficult.
Excellon Automation to Exhibit at AEMS 2024
09/25/2024 | Excellon AutomationExcellon Automation will be displaying at the Anaheim Electronics and Manufacturing Show on October 2nd and 3rd at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.