Elementary, Mr. Watson: Controlled Impedance—When ‘Connecting the Dots’ Stops Working
Beyond Design: How Signals Survive the Hostile PCB Environment
Connect the Dots: What Designers Should Know About Non-conductive Via Fill
It’s nearly the summer solstice, and here in the Pacific Northwest, the changing of the seasons will be like walking through a door. This week, while it’s still spring, we’ve been trudging through daytime highs of barely 60°F (15°C) with weather cells bringing rain squalls, thunderstorms, or gale-force winds. Next week, just as we approach the start of Summer, we’ll be sweltering near 100°F (38°C). So, while I wear a jacket at my desk today, in just a few days I’ll be wearing summer gear. I take this as a gentle reminder to always plan for the short term and the long term simultaneously.
To that end, my must-reads hold to the same theme. We bring you an interview with SPEA, celebrating 50 years. Leo Lambert educates us on ozone and protecting the environment. The Global Electronics Association congratulates the European Union for its vision in Chips 2.0, while Naprotek and SemiGen announce their CMMC 2.0 compliance. Rounding out this week’s must-read news is a look at how the upcoming SpaceX IPO is likely to light an even bigger fire under the satellite industry.
50 Years of Successful SPEA Testing Solutions
Published June 10
In 2026, SPEA will celebrate 50 years, which is a very long time in a rapidly changing industry. Now imagine that the founder is still active after 50 years! That’s the case at SPEA. Luciano Bonaria, founder and president, is an ongoing presence. In this interview, I speak with Andrea Furnari and Dustin Warren about SPEA’s past, present and future.
Learning with Leo: The Cost of Cleaning and Protecting the Ozone Layer
Published June 3
I reached back eight days for this item because I believe Leo’s column to be on a topic of immense importance. Protecting our environment and creating new technology must go hand-in-hand. Leo knows what he’s talking about, and he raises our awareness with this column. If you’re mindful of the environmental impact of our chemicals, you’ll want to read this; if you haven’t been mindful, then you really need to read this.
Global Electronics Association Commends the European Commission for Strengthening Technological Sovereignty by Proposing the Chips Act 2.0
Published June 4
The European Union has just taken another step toward rebuilding its own regional supply chain for electronics. This new legislation recognizes that it takes an entire supply chain to effect electronics manufacturing sovereignty, and takes steps to incentivize rebuilding. Read what various members of the Global Electronics Association have to say about the significance of this bit of lawmaking. As a bonus link, read the SEMI press release here as well, and look for Marcy LaRont’s interview next week with Alison James about this important announcement.
SpaceX IPO Momentum to Boost Global Satellite Industry to $447 Billion by 2027
Published June 8
Whereas the Space Shuttle cost just under $25,000 per pound to place a payload in Low Earth Orbit, Blue Origin quotes $900 per pound. SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy gets the cost down to the $700 range, and Starship estimates a cost in the range of $300 per pound. The trend is clear: Privatized launch platforms are economically viable. SpaceX as a publicly traded company will fundamentally change the industry.
Naprotek and SemiGen Achieve CMMC 2.0 Level 2 Certification, Reinforcing Their Commitment to Defense Cybersecurity
Published June 4
The deadline for CMMC 2.0 certification is in November; some key defense-related suppliers, like Naprotek and SemiGen, are already announcing their compliance. Given that critical military, aerospace and defense-related projects will require CMMC 2.0 compliance after November, early certifications would tend to lock in customers and genearate new business while other providers lag behind.
