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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.
From Silos to Systems: 2026 and Beyond
Welcome to the debut issue of I-Connect007 Magazine. This publication brings all of the pieces together from PCB design and fabrication for a closer alignment and a more integrated electronics manufacturing landscape.
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MKS’ Atotech Drives Integrated Innovation in Electronics Manufacturing
March 2, 2026 | AtotechEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
MKS Inc., a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, announced that its strategic brands Atotech (process chemicals, equipment, software, and services) and ESI (laser systems) will showcase their latest range of leading manufacturing solutions for printed circuit board (PCB) and package substrate manufacturing at the upcoming APEX EXPO, held at the Anaheim Convention Center from March 17-19, 2026.
At booth 3626, attendees will experience how MKS’ Atotech and ESI solutions combine advanced process chemistry, precision equipment, software, and laser technologies to enable higher throughput, tighter process control, and enhanced reliability across next‑generation electronics manufacturing.
This year’s product presentation will highlight integrated solutions for multilayer, flex/rigid-flex, HDI PCB, and package substrate production to support fine-feature quality and high‑reliability applications in smartphones, computing, other consumer devices, automotive electronics, AI, and HPC server infrastructure, and advanced communication systems. These solutions reflect MKS’s continued commitment to enabling technologies that help customers accelerate roadmaps and achieve consistent, repeatable performance from prototype through high‑volume manufacturing. Visitors are also invited to discuss emerging technology and roadmaps, sustainability‑driven chemical innovations, and solutions supporting the transition to smaller geometries, higher layer counts, and advanced packaging.
MKS’ Atotech continues to strengthen its leadership in next‑generation electronics manufacturing through its proprietary Optimize the InterconnectSM approach. By combining innovations in chemical process engineering, precision plating equipment, software and laser drilling systems, MKS addresses growing industry demands for fine‑feature formation, increased interconnect density, improved signal integrity, and scalable high‑volume production.
During the Advanced Electronic Packaging Conference 2026, MKS’ Atotech experts will present the following topics:
March 17 | S7 Advanced PCBs, Substrates, and Interposers
Christopher Seidemann, Global Product Manager Surface Treatment Technology
Introducing a next‑generation non‑etch adhesion promoter designed for smooth copper and advanced dielectric materials. This new solution delivers exceptional interface stability and dramatically reduces wedge formation, even under the most demanding BMV, thermal, humidity, and chemical stress conditions.
March 17 | S9 Quality and Reliability 1: Ionic Contamination and Temp. Humidity Bias
Neil Patton, Marketing Manager Surface Finishing
Reliability in printed circuit boards depends heavily on minimizing ionic contamination, particularly in harsh automotive environments where heat and humidity accelerate corrosion‑related failures. This paper evaluates leading industry test methods and specifications for assessing ionic contamination, with a detailed comparison of how extraction liquids, test procedures, and solder mask properties influence the accuracy and consistency of results.
March 18 | S14 Microvia, Stacked Via & Embedded Circuitry Reliability
Roger Massey, Global Product Manager for Desmear and Metallization
Laser‑formed blind microvias have enabled major advances in PCB miniaturization, yet they also introduce long‑term reliability challenges – especially in stacked configurations. This paper examines the two predominant plated microvia structures and outlines the critical factors governing their formation to ensure consistent, high‑reliability manufacturing.
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Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
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GE Aerospace to Invest Another $1B in U.S. Manufacturing
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Kevin O’Hanlon: A New Voice for Electronics on Capitol Hill
03/17/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007What do KFC, video games, and the Global Electronics Association have in common? The answer is Kevin O’Hanlon, the Association’s new vice president of North American Government Relations. Kevin’s career has included lobbying roles across multiple industries on Capitol Hill, including, most recently, six years at Samsung, a massive South Korean conglomerate. In his new role, Kevin outlines a mission centered on strengthening North American electronics manufacturing while maintaining a realistic global perspective.
HyperLight, UMC Collaborate with Jabil to Bring TFLN Photonics to Data-Center Scale Deployment
03/13/2026 | BUSINESS WIREHyperLight Corporation, United Microelectronics Corporation, and Wavetek Microelectronics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of UMC, today announced a collaboration with Jabil Inc., to accelerate the deployment of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonics into hyperscale AI data center interconnects.
Ventec Expands Manufacturing Footprint with New Thailand Facility Supporting “China + Taiwan Plus One” Supply Chains
03/12/2026 | Ventec International GroupVentec International Group today provided an update on the progress of its new manufacturing facility in Thailand, which is scheduled to come on stream in Q2 2026, marking an important step in the company’s strategy to diversify global production and support customers seeking China & Taiwan plus one supply chain resilience.