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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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Christoph Solka: Delivering Practical Industry Intelligence in Europe
December 31, 2025 | Chris Mitchell, VP of Global Government Relations, Global Electronics AssociationEstimated reading time: 1 minute
When Christoph Solka joined the Global Electronics Association earlier this year, he brought a passion for connecting data with real-world impact. Now leading Industry Intelligence in Europe, Christoph is helping Association members see the bigger picture in an industry that’s changing faster than ever. We spoke with Christoph about his journey, goals, and why good intelligence is more than just numbers on a page.
Christoph, could you share a bit about your background and how it led you to the Global Electronics Association?
Christoph Solka: I began my career in strategic marketing with leading companies in industrial equipment and electronics manufacturing. In these roles, I worked closely with operations, which allowed me to develop an appreciation for the kind of practical research that helps companies understand the market better and make strategic decisions.
Over time, I gravitated increasingly away from marketing and toward market analytics and intelligence, translating complex industry developments into clear, decision-ready insight for leaders and teams. Joining the Global Electronics Association allows me to leverage this blend of operational experience and analytical rigor to serve a broader community through industry intelligence.
What attracted you to the role of Director of Industry Intelligence?
This role sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and impact by connecting research to real manufacturing challenges and providing insights that leaders can act on. Our global perspective underscores the value of comparative intelligence across countries and regions and is rooted in real industry outcomes. Contributing focused European insight within this global context is both intellectually compelling and meaningful in the impact it makes.
Continue reading this article in the Fall 2025 issue of Community Magazine.
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Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Karen McConnell
05/07/2026 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In 2021, Karen McConnell was awarded the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame award in recognition of her contributions to the Association and the electronics industry. As a senior staff member and CAD/CAM engineer at Northrop Grumman Enterprise Services, her primary responsibility was to develop a common, shared EDM (Electronic Document Management) library to support the electrical and PCB design tool initiatives across Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.
A Necessary Shift From Gerber to IPC-2581
05/07/2026 | Tracy Riggan, Global Electronics AssociationIPC-2581 is an open, vendor-neutral data exchange standard developed by the Global Electronics Association to streamline the exchange of PCB design information across fabrication, assembly, and test. It replaces multiple legacy formats—including industry standards, Gerber, and ODB++—with a single, comprehensive, XML-based dataset that captures all manufacturing details.
Meet Emerging Engineers: Patrick Owen and Eric Mickenbecker, Summit Interconnect
05/05/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007Patrick Owen and Eric Mickenbecker both work for Summit Interconnect, and are in their second year of the Global Electronics Association’s Emerging Engineer Program with mentor Brian Chislea. They stopped by the I-Connect007 booth at APEX EXPO and shared a bit of their story with me. Patrick has worked at the Hollister, California, plant since 2018, while Eric has been at the Chicago site since 2023. Like many of their peers, they came to the electronics industry from different paths, but are both excited about making an impact.
PCBAA, AAM Take on the Fight to Rebuild U.S. Manufacturing in New Documentary
05/05/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Throughout most of the 20th century, manufacturing was central to the American Dream of providing stable jobs and pathways to upward mobility. Today, more than 80% of global electronics manufacturing capacity resides in China and greater Asia, raising serious concerns about supply chain resilience and national security.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/01/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007If it feels like the PCB industry is accelerating faster than ever, you’re not imagining it. From advanced materials driven by AI applications to renewed investment in domestic manufacturing—and the next generation stepping into critical roles—there’s a lot shifting at once. My selections for this week highlight where the pressure points are forming, and where the opportunities are emerging.