The Pulse: Caught in the Crosshatch—A Cautionary Tale of Detective Work
Fresh PCB Concepts: Designing PCBs for Harsh Environments—Reliability Is Engineered Upstream
Elementary, Mr. Watson DFX—Basically a Basket of Crabs With Spreadsheets
April Issue of I-Connect007 Magazine: Beyond the Rulebook
April 14, 2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute
What happens when the old rulebook no longer applies—and all that’s left is new ground to break? Today’s designers and fabricators are being asked to build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist. This is where design for invention begins.
In this month’s I-Connect007 Magazine, we asked PCB designers, fabricators, and suppliers what it really means to operate without a rulebook. Their perspectives vary, especially between seasoned designers and experienced fabricators, but a common thread emerges: progress depends on pushing boundaries and finding a way forward, even when the path isn’t clear. In many ways, this mindset has always been part of what we do, whether we’ve called it that or not.
Hear from experts including John Watson, Kelly Dack, Stephen V. Chavez, Kristin Moyer, Anaya Vardya, Ventec, Mike Carano, Vern Solberg, Matt Stevenson, and more. They’re tackling the challenges head on and making bold assumptions about the future of design and manufacturing.
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Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
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Meet Emerging Engineers: Patrick Owen and Eric Mickenbecker, Summit Interconnect
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Nolan’s Notes: Our Spotlight on North America
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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.
May SMT007 Magazine: Putting North America in Focus
05/04/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamA North America spotlight exploring tariffs, reshoring, AI demand, and supply chain challenges. Plus, insights on cybersecurity, workforce development, and the evolving role of U.S. electronics manufacturing. Read this issue of SMT007 Magazine now and see where the region is headed.