Flex Connections: Material Selection in Nickel vs. Copper Tabs
Flex Connections: Four Lessons in Engineering Judgment for PCB Designers
Flexible Thinking: ‘Let There Be Light’–Emitting Diodes!
The word for this week (again) is tariffs. Another week has gone by, and the tariff mandates continue with neither the U.S. or China backing down on a course that could be disastrous for businesses and the economy in the short term. As we all wait and watch the geopolitical volley, our businesses forge ahead. As one industry leader recently said, “We’ve been through this before.” Well, maybe not exactly this, but the resilience of our industry and business leaders has been proven over and over, decade upon decade.
Along those lines, in this week’s must-read features, I highlight my IPC APEX EXPO interview with IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac. Another must-read is Barry Matties’ interview with futurist Kevin Surace, whose insights seemed wholly appropriate as we all wish for a crystal ball for the weeks and months ahead. Columnist Bob Duke gives advice on how to avoid global sourcing pitfalls, and if you haven’t checked out NCAB’s podcast on thermal management with engineer Ryan Miller, I highly recommend it. NCAB’s Companion Guide to the podcast is also now available. Finally, I recommend our coverage of the latest IPC tariff webinar, which includes a snapshot of the tariff situation as it stands now. But it's not over, not by a long shot.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Navigating Economic Headwinds in the Electronics Industry
Published April 8
Though certainly much has happened in the weeks since IPC AEPX EXPO, IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac’s thoughts and counsel remain sound. He states that both the economy and the industry have held up but acknowledges that the tremendous amount of uncertainty, particularly around tariffs and global trade, is creating headwinds and hesitation for businesses with no immediate end in sight for that dynamic. He balances that with the acknowledgment that pockets of technology markets are growing, and uses the example of data centers driven by AI. “The U.S. is still the best house on an ugly street,” he says.
A Look Into the Future with Futurist Kevin Surace
Published April 7
I always love the keynotes at IPC APEX EXPO, and this year was no exception. I was terribly curious as to what a “futurist” actually is. Kevin Surace did not disappoint. I was particularly struck by how positive and excited Kevin is about the future. From his humble beginnings with an A/V company at the age of 18 to electronics and even entrepreneurship in clean technology, his story is a good one. Additionally, he answers the uber-controversial question as to the essential role that AI will inevitably play in the PCB design arena, whether or not the reality is currently embraced. This interview is a must-read.
New Guide Offers In-Depth Look at Thermal Management in PCB Design
Published April 9
Thermal management and materials in PCB design is, quite literally, one of the hottest topics for designers and printed circuit board fabricators today, not to mention the OEMs. Check out NCAB’s companion guide to its popular podcast series. It’s a great guide to the podcast, and you can’t go wrong either way. (Personally, I recommend both.) “Created for engineers and PCB designers, this guide offers a comprehensive look at critical thermal management strategies essential for today's high-performance electronics.”
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Watch Out! Avoiding Pitfalls in Global Sourcing
Published April 9
Who isn’t concerned about global sourcing right now? In Bob Duke’s most recent column, he outlines seven pitfalls of global sourcing that you want to avoid. “This landscape is fraught with challenges that can jeopardize even the most well-planned sourcing initiatives,” he says. Planning for geopolitical instability and mitigating risk are just two of them, and certainly things that every business is currently addressing.
IPC Webinar Review: Tariff Tensions Influence Electronics Supply Chain
Published April 11
This week IPC hosted its second webinar (in what appears to be a series that will be announced in real time) on current tariff activity and developments in global trade policy. This second webinar focused on Europe specifically and the advocacy work that is being done there by IPC’s European team. At the time of the webinar, the U.S. presidential administration had put a 90-day hold on most tariff activity and Europe was coming to the table for negotiations. But what we know for sure is that this is a story that will continue to evolve in the days and weeks ahead. Stay tuned!
