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This month, we asked our expert contributors to weigh in on silicon to systems—what it means to PCB designers and design engineers, EDA companies, and the rest of the PCB supply chain... from soup to nuts.
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Tom Edman Leads IPC Board of Directors
July 17, 2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
IPC elected several new board members at IPC APEX EXPO in April, including new Board Chair Tom Edman, CEO of TTM, who assumes the role from Bob Neves, CTO and chair of Microtek Laboratories. Tom and TTM have long been active in many facets of IPC. I caught up with Tom and asked him about his new board appointment, IPC, and the industry he serves. He emphasizes IPC’s work in standards and advocacy as especially important for our industry.
Tom, from your perspective, what does it mean to chair the IPC Board? What is your role, and how long is your term?
My term is for two years. I am thrilled to be chair at this exciting time with IPC as the organization continues its work on behalf of electronics manufacturers. The vision for the organization will continue to allow IPC to build on its foundation of standards development while strengthening key areas such as workforce development, policy representation, sustainability, and design.
Why is involvement in IPC important for industry companies? What would you tell someone who may be considering membership?
I would explain the critical role that IPC plays in representing our industry and the direct help that IPC provides with critical industry standards, training materials, funding opportunities, policy support, and networking opportunities, among other benefits, all with a competitive dues structure. The breadth of IPC’s global capabilities is astounding to me and has served to benefit TTM as well as so many other electronics manufacturers.
As a leader and ambassador for IPC over these next two years, what are your goals?
Frankly, my goal is to aid John Mitchell and the other executives at IPC in implementing a growth strategy that is truly impressive. John and the team have the support of an engaged and energetic board in realizing their goals. We just need to support these goals in any way possible.
What advice do you have from a leadership and strategy standpoint for small business owners who may be trying to decide whether to participate in the next evolution of PCB fabrication?
I would suggest that we all have a role to play in supporting our customers. As our customers move to new designs that require increased capabilities, I believe that everyone in the industry will benefit by investing strategically in capabilities that enhance their growth. New designs will coexist with older designs, which, hopefully, will offer all of us profitable opportunities.
This conversation appeared in the June 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine.
Suggested Items
Winners of IPC Hand Soldering and Rework Competition Vietnam 2024 Announced
09/19/2024 | IPCIn conjunction with NEPCON Vietnam 2024, IPC hosted its popular IPC Hand Soldering and Rework Competition in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 11-13. Thirty-nine competitors from 16 electronics companies and one university in Vietnam vied for top honors.
The Government Circuit: News on Defense Electronics, Europe, and Sustainability
09/17/2024 | Chris Mitchell -- Column: The Government CircuitSeptember in the United States is the season for back-to-school and football. In the arena of government policy advocacy, it’s the season for election campaigning and wrapping up the work of the current session of Congress. This month, there will be a flurry of efforts in Congress by legislators to complete action on “must-do” legislation, especially spending plans for FY25, which begins Oct. 1. In October, there will be a recess for the home stretch of the campaign; in November and December, there will be one more round of policy action by the “lame duck” office holders before the new U.S. government takes office in January. Now is the time for us to try and get those ducks in a row.
PCB Designers: ‘Level Up’ IC, Packaging Knowledge
09/16/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineSoo Lan Cheah is kind of a unicorn in the industry. She is an IPC instructor based in Malaysia, and she has years of experience designing integrated circuits and printed circuit boards. I knew I had to get her thoughts for this issue on silicon-to-systems. I asked Soo Lan to discuss her cross-discipline background and what silicon-to-systems means to her.
IPC Releases Newest List of Standards Updates, Revisions
09/16/2024 | IPC Community Editorial TeamEach quarter, IPC releases a list of standards that are new or have been updated. To view a complete list of newly published standards and standards revisions, translations, proposed standards for ballot, final drafts for industry review, working drafts, and project approvals, visit ipc.org/status. These are the latest releases for Q3 2024.
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.