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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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Root-cause Analysis and Problem-solving
November 1, 2024 | Happy Holden, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: Less than a minute
An essential skill for any process engineer in printed circuit fabrication is the ability to conduct root-cause analysis (RCA) and problem-solving. These are related to TQC and Six Sigma applications and are essential for customer support and continued profitability. All engineers will encounter these methods sooner or later, but it will likely be sooner if you are in product or process engineering in manufacturing.
I started my career in IC fabrication at Hewlett-Packard after serving in the Army and completing my graduate studies. In 1970, I was asked to help the PCB fabrication team members with some of their technical problems. I had two tools that most engineers in the PCB plant didn’t have at that time: engineering statistics, including design of experiments (DOE), and experience with problem-solving (TQC).
To read this entire article, which appeared in the October 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
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SMTA Ultra HDI Symposium, Day 2: Fragile Supply Chains, Fierce Innovation
04/14/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007The Arizona weather yielded another beautiful day as we gathered for the second day of SMTA’s annual UHDI symposium. After the first full day discussing the role of AI in business and the how-tos of implementation, Avondale Mayor Mike Pineda kicked off day two, proud to showcase his city and to declare its important place in the continued development of the West Valley, an increasingly important area for tech and manufacturing.
Take the Mic: Photo Chemical Systems: 50 Years Strong
04/03/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOPhoto Chemical Systems is celebrating 50 years in the bare board PCB market. David Graves and Jason Averette discuss how they've expanded into assembly, leveraging strong relationships and a customer-centric approach to navigate supply chain challenges. With innovative solutions and future growth strategies, including AI integration and new market ventures, Photo Chemical Systems continues enduring success.
Elementary, Mr. Watson: Navigating the Dreaded DFX Triangle
03/26/2026 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. WatsonAfter being in both industry and academia for more years than I’d like to say (before tape and Mylar, it felt like rock slabs and chisels), I’ve noticed a belief that PCB design is a linear process. Even experienced PCB designers assume you just begin with requirements, move to schematic capture and layout, and create the documentation package. Now their job is done, right? They throw it over the fence, and “magically” the finished PCB ends up on their desks a few weeks later.
AdvancedPCB Strengthens HDI Process Control with New AOI Investment in Chandler, AZ Facility
03/23/2026 | AdvancedPCBAdvancedPCB has expanded its high-density interconnect (HDI) quality inspection capabilities with the installation of the CIMS Phoenix MDI AOI system in its Chandler, Arizona facility, enabling precision inspection of mechanical drills down to 150 µm in diameter.
Technica USA to Present 2025 Supplier Alliance Awards at APEX EXPO 2026
03/16/2026 | Technica USAFor the third consecutive year, Technica USA will present its 2025 Supplier Alliance Awards during the APEX EXPO 2026 in Anaheim, California.