I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
November 8, 2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute

In our industry we work on solutions. This week, solutions are represented in these must-read choices. Solid state batteries make an appearance, as does LED imaging equipment at American Standard Circuits. SPEA’s AI-based optical inspection is here, as are Happy Holden’s recent article on one key engineering skill and news about a flagship R&D facility funded by the U.S. CHIPS Act.
Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: John Johnson on American Standard Circuits' Advanced Technology
Published November 6
In this interview from SMTAI 2024, American Standard Circuits' John Johnson details a conversation that starts with the news of a new LED imager and pivots to a peek into American Standard's capabilities roadmap for the next three years. Click to listen now.
Biden-Harris Administration to Invest $825 Million in First CHIPS for America R&D Facility
Published November 1
The Department of Commerce and Natcast, the operator of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), announced the expected location for the first CHIPS for America research and development (R&D) flagship facility—within NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex in Albany, New York, supported by a proposed federal investment of an estimated $825 million. The EUV Accelerator will focus on advancing state of the art EUV technology and the R&D that relies on it.
Solid-State Batteries Enter Pilot Production, Costs Expected to Drop to CNY 0.6–0.7/Wh by 2035
Published November 1
Battery technology not only continues to develop but is accelerating, according to TrendForce. Learn more about how SSBs will change in the next 10 years.
Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: SPEA Brings Added Sophistication to Board Testing Capabilities
Published November 5
Nolan Johnson spoke with Luca Fanelli from SPEA at SMTAI 2024. In this interview, Fanelli describes SPEA's new AI-based optical inspection technology and shares a powerful example from the field. He also updates Nolan Johnson on SPEA's organizational growth meant to improve customer value. Click here to listen.
Root-cause Analysis and Problem-solving
Published November 1
Happy Holden’s article in October’s PCB007 Magazine pulls from more detailed information in his book, 24 Essential Skills for Engineers, the books section). If your job involves problem solving and root cause analysis, it’s a useful read. And check out the book, too.
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Labor Day: U.S. Federal Holiday
09/01/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007Today is Labor Day, a U.S. federal holiday that Americans celebrate on the first Monday of September each year. This marks the 131st anniversary of the holiday. In 1887, Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day an official holiday. In 1894, after the Pullman Strike, Congress passed a bill that recognized Labor Day as a federal holiday, and President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law.
Datest Unveils Viscom iX7059 XL 3D CT AXI System
08/25/2025 | DatestDatest, a trusted leader in advanced testing, engineering, inspection, and failure analysis services, and the go-to destination for when your boards misbehave and your AXI line goes on vacation, is thrilled to announce the arrival of its newest diagnostic weapon: the Viscom iX7059 XL 3D CT AXI Inspection System.
Polar Instruments Announces Additive Transmission Line Support for Si9000e
08/20/2025 | Polar InstrumentsTransmission lines embedded into the PCB surface are a feature of UHDI constructions. The 2025 fall release of Polar's Si9000e PCB impedance & insertion loss transmission line field solver incorporates eight new single ended, differential and coplanar transmission line structures.
Axxon-Mycronic Brings High-Performance Conformal Coating to productronica India 2025
08/20/2025 | Axxon-MycronicAxxon-Mycronic, a leading, global supplier of innovative and production-ready, dispensing and conformal coating systems, is pleased to announce its participation in productronica India 2025, taking place September 17–19 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).
The Marketing Minute: Staying Positive When the Market Isn’t
08/20/2025 | Brittany Martin -- Column: The Marketing MinuteIn today’s volatile electronics market, buffeted by tariffs, supply-chain shifts, and squeezed margins, it’s tempting to tighten belts and cut your marketing budget. But history shows us that the quietest brands get forgotten fastest. Staying visible is not a luxury; it’s a competitive advantage.