I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
September 6, 2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
I’ve been reading up on artificial intelligence news for a while now, and there’s a shift in the conversation, toward a more data- and results-driven view of AI and the claims of change it will bring. We’re starting to see research on why AI models behave the way they do (sometimes with behavior that is catastrophic to the AI itself), and what causes them to go astray. I’m collecting this research for an upcoming talk at a conference, and possibly a future article on the topic. Without spoiling my talk, let me just say that we don’t have much to fear about AI taking over the world yet. In the meantime, there are many things that you can control right now. To wit:
This week’s Top 5 starts with steps you can take to cultivate a culture of thriving. We also have bullish news from the global semiconductor sector, advice on how to tease out hidden cost drivers during the PCB design cycle, how the Altium-Ansys collaboration will affect design, and Happy Holden’s version of Occam’s Razor—three simple tools to keep your wet processes in line.
I can also share from personal experience that asking ChatGPT to make a margarita for happy hour will leave you unfulfilled; ask a trained human professional to do that for you instead. Have a great weekend!
Why a Culture of Thriving Matters
Published August 30
In the August issue of SMT007 Magazine, Audrey McGuckin, principal at The McGuckin Group, identifies a problem she encounters regularly in her consulting work: Burnout and disruption. Audrey shares her findings on how to counter burnout and disruptions in this article. Read all about it!
Global Semiconductor Sales Increase 18.7% Year-to-Year in July
Published September 3
Quoting the press release, “The global semiconductor market continued to grow substantially on a year-to-year basis in July, and month-to-month sales increased for the fourth consecutive month,” said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO. “The Americas market experienced particularly strong growth in July, with a year-to-year sales increase of 40.1%.” Is this a trailing indicator of reshoring or nearshoring? This news item includes sales numbers for other regions also; I’ll leave the answer to that question as an exercise for the reader.
Hidden Cost Drivers in PCB Design
Published September 5
Cherie Litson points out that “everything you’ve read about the cost-saving process is controlled by the project leader’s actions. This article, originally appearing in Design007 Magazine’s August 2024 issue, dives into the project manager’s role as a cost influencer, and why so many design problems originate in that office.
Impact of the Altium-Ansys Partnership on PCB Design
Published September 5
The importance—and effect—of signal and power integrity just keeps growing. Altium’s Josh Moore postulates that while it is necessary to have good simulation tools to help with SI and PI, it is not sufficient. Read here how Josh envisions the Altium/Ansys collaboration will help shift the design cycle.
Happy’s Tech Talk #32: Three Simple Ways to Manage and Control Wet Processes
Published September 3
Optimizing wet process is like flying a helicopter: they can easily fly out of control if you’re not paying attention. In this edition of Happy’s Tech Talk, Happy considers the simple tools which can help you keep an eye on your wet process operating tolerances.
Suggested Items
ASC Sunstone Circuits to Exhibit at the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show (AEMS) 2024
09/16/2024 | ASC SunstoneAmerican Standard Circuits | ASC Sunstone will be exhibiting at the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show 2024 to be held October 2-3 at the Anaheim Conventions Center in Anaheim, California.
Scanfil Suzhou Performs Perfectly – Double Honors from Danfoss
09/16/2024 | ScanfilScanfil Suzhou has once again received not one but two valued awards from Danfoss. The team has been honored with the Best Delivery Supplier award by Danfoss Drives and the Best Service Supplier award by Danfoss Power Solution.
Precise PCB Structuring with LPKF ProtoMats and ProtoLasers
09/16/2024 | LPKFRF circuits have a firm place in technical applications. They require precise geometric layouts to achieve reliable results. LPKF will be showing how these can be manufactured in your own laboratory at booth 325C on the European Microwave Week 2024 from September 24 to 26 in Paris.
The Knowledge Base: The Pivotal Role of Solder Paste
09/16/2024 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIn the complex world of electronics manufacturing, the humble solder paste plays a pivotal role. Often overshadowed by more conspicuous electronics assembly equipment and materials, this blend of powdered metal and flux is the unsung hero that binds the electronic circuits together. But beyond its adhesive and conductive properties, the selection of the right solder paste is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of electronic devices.
It’s Only Common Sense: Training Great Customer Service Reps
09/16/2024 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseIn building a successful business, you can’t ignore customer service. We all know it, but sometimes we overlook it. You could have the best most cutting-edge technology on the market, and a killer marketing plan, but if your customer service stinks, you’re in trouble. I’ve been in this industry for more years than I’d like to count, and one thing I’ve learned is that customer service isn’t just the front line, it’s the lifeline of any business. That’s why it’s only common sense to invest in training great customer service reps (CSRs).