I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Here’s the thing about time travel. You can’t just manipulate the time dimension; you have to move in three-dimensional space as well. That’s because Earth orbits a star, which orbits a galaxy, which is on its own path through three-dimensional space. Our planet follows a complex corkscrew-like path through the universe, covering great distances in just seconds. Build a time machine like HG Wells envisioned, and even a short jump in time means that Earth has moved, and you’re now floating in the void of space. Unsettling, to be sure.

I’ve been in this industry for a long time. First, as an engineer, then multiple marketing roles, and now as a member of the industry media. That said, when we stay plugged into the news, changes are traceable and continuous. It doesn’t seem like that much has changed. But go off-grid for just one week and try to plug back in; that’s when one realizes how quickly we move. Not unlike time travel, it can be equally unsettling.

So, if you need of a summary of what matters for the week, are my must-reads: David Schild of PCBAA provides an advocacy update, SMT007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, Stan Rak’s latest installment on EV electronics is a must-read as is Jesse Vaughan’s column on early involvement in PCB design, and the December book-to-bill report from the Global Electronics Association delivers upbeat news.

PCBAA Sets Its Priorities for 2026: Support in the House and Senate
Published February 3

David Schild, executive director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, shares his organization’s priorities for the upcoming year. PCBAA is clearly finding its base; Schild points out that in its five-year life, membership has grown from five to 80-plus and is projected to top 100 this year. The diversity of the members, he points out, is enlightening. Read the entire interview to learn how this broader membership and PCBAA’s industry-advocacy skill set come together on Capitol Hill.

Latest SMT007 Magazine Previews APEX EXPO 2026: Bigger and Better Than Ever
Published February 4

The February issue of SMT007 Magazine—our preview of APEX EXPO 2026—is of particular importance. Get comfortable with the term “advanced electronic packaging,” because you’ll see it a lot. The mission of this issue is to inform and educate on what this new topic means and explain how it will affect you. Because it most certainly will affect you. Be sure to download your copy of the magazine here.

Road to Reliability: High Voltage Auxiliaries on the Road
Published February 4

In this installment in his series on EV electronics, Stan Rak reminds us that there is more to an EV overall than just the three subsystems everyone tends to think about: high voltage powertrain, sensors, and dashboard infotainment. He shares exactly how these auxiliary systems fit into the EV system.

Beyond the Board: The Benefits of Early PCB Engagement in Aerospace and Defense Programs
Published February 3

I-Connect007 columnist Jesse Vaughan writes on MilAero topics. This month, he tackles a topic we can all do better at, writing, “Many aerospace and defense programs encounter issues not due to poor PCB design, but because it was optimized for the moment rather than the lifecycle.” There is much to think about in Vaughan’s column.

North American PCB Industry Ends 2025 with Strong Book-to-Bill and Double-Digit Shipment Growth
Published February 2

Shawn DuBravac’s, chief economist for the Global Electronics Association, summarizes the data perfectly, “The North American PCB book-to-bill strengthened again in December, due in part to softer shipments. Bookings remain solid, signaling improving order momentum headed into this year.” Get all the details here.