Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
UHDI Fundamentals: UHDI Technology and Quality 5.0
September 18, 2025 | Anaya Vardya, American Standard CircuitsEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The convergence of ultra-high density interconnect (UHDI) technology and Quality 5.0 represents a transformative leap in electronics design and manufacturing. UHDI enables extreme miniaturization and enhanced performance, while Quality 5.0 delivers adaptive, intelligent human-centric quality systems. Together, they set the foundation for advanced electronics that are smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable.
Quality 4.0 vs. Quality 5.0
Quality 4.0 followed the introduction of Industry 4.0 by integrating digital technologies like AI, big data, cloud computing, and IoT. The focus was to augment human capabilities with digital tools to improve decision-making and foster innovation in quality management. This approach not only supports higher quality standards but also enhances job satisfaction and creativity among quality professionals. Quality 4.0 focused more on automating quality control processes while relying less on the role of human operators in direct quality monitoring tasks.
Quality 5.0 (Q 5.0) takes the prior evolution a step further by emphasizing the synergy between human and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making in quality management. It aims to augment human capabilities with digital tools to improve decision-making and foster innovation in quality management. This approach not only supports higher quality standards (compliance, defect detection, speed, etc.) but also enhances job satisfaction and creativity among quality professionals. In contrast to Q 4.0’s focus on automation, Q 5.0 focuses on augmenting the human impact with the philosophy that human operators are integral to quality management.
To continue reading this article, which originally appeared in the September 2025 edition of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
SMT Perspectives & Prospects: Artificial Intelligence Part 6: Data Module 1
10/07/2025 | Dr. Jennie Hwang -- Column: SMT Perspectives and ProspectsData is one of the six pillars of AI infrastructure. It is critical to the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) models. AI data, essential to both the training and inference of Generative AI models, connotes the datasets used to train, validate, and test AI models. Training data provides models with a frame of reference by establishing a baseline against which models can compare new data using pre-trained models for predictions or generating new content.
Happy’s Tech Talk #43: Engineering Statistics Training With Free Software
10/06/2025 | Happy Holden -- Column: Happy’s Tech TalkIn over 50 years as a PCB process engineer, the one skill I acquired in college that has been most beneficial is engineering statistics. Basic statistics was part of my engineering fundamentals classes, but I petitioned the dean to let me take the engineering statistics graduate course because I was creating a senior thesis for my honors focus and needed more training on Design of Experiments (DOE).
Looking to Reduce Your Consumables Spend? Visit ROCKA Solutions at SMTA International
09/29/2025 | ROCKA SolutionsROCKA Solutions, a trusted North American manufacturer and distributor of high-quality consumables for the electronics manufacturing industry, is pleased to announce its participation at SMTA International 2025, taking place October 19–23, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Attendees can connect with the ROCKA team at Booth #2413.
Inside Thailand’s Rising PCB Hub: Touring a Chinese Fab
09/23/2025 | Edy Yu, Editor-in-Chief, ECIOFrom industry giants to emerging forces, many electronics companies are painting a grand blueprint for the future, laying out their plans in the investment hotbed of Thailand. This was evident during THECA in Thailand, where the most frequently heard buzzwords on and off the show floor were "going global," "building factories in Thailand," and "supply chain security.” With these insights, and full of expectations and questions collected at the exhibition, my team visited First Quality Circuit Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sihui Fuji, located in the Amata Industrial Park in Rayong, Thailand
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Finding the Balance Between Cost and Quality
09/24/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn global sourcing, pursuing lower costs often takes center stage. It’s the shiny lure that gets buyers to cast their lines into unfamiliar waters. But seasoned professionals know that in the long run, sourcing is less about price tags and more about value. The real magic—and margin—lies in finding the balance between cost and quality.