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Signal Integrity & Metallization
Signal integrity and additive manufacturing, particularly metallization, are hot topics in PCB design and fabrication. PCB layouts are carefully engineered to achieve specific electrical and power performance targets.
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.
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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.
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James Francey Joins Isola Group as RF Business Development Director, Europe
March 9, 2022 | Isola GroupEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Isola Group a global leader in circuit materials and materials technologies, is pleased to announce the hiring of Jim Francey as RF Business Development Director, Europe. Jim will report directly to David Humby, Vice President Sales and OEM Marketing Europe, in the new role and will apply his industry background and considerable experience in the RF/microwave electronics industry to help Isola explore and expand new opportunities for high-frequency circuit materials within printed-circuit boards (PCBs) in such applications as Fifth Generation (5G) cellular wireless equipment and autonomous (“self-driving”) vehicles.
Jim Francey brings an open and engaging personality and more than 30 years of high-frequency industry experience in chemistry and PCB materials and development engineering to his new position. He will educate OEMs and PCB customers on the wide choices in Isola’s circuit materials and their extensive capabilities for analog, digital, and mixed signal circuits. He will collaborate closely with colleagues not only in Europe but globally to ensure that customers are provided with the optimum material solutions for their applications. He will also interact closely with customers to see that all their requirements are met, working through Isola’s Voice of the Customer to gather data in support of new product developments.
Prior to joining Isola, Jim Francey was Sales Manager, Northern Europe, for Optiprint, a Swiss RF PCB manufacturer and Isola customer. Previously, he had been European Technical Service and Sales Manager for circuit material manufacturer Taconic Advanced Dielectrics and Technical Service Manager at AlliedSignal, Laminate Systems, Inc. Jim is a Fellow of Institute of Circuit Technology (UK) and author and co-author of several scientific papers and articles. In his spare time, he enjoys fly-fishing, 5-a-side soccer, and playing his saxophone.
Download The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to... High Performance Materials by Michael Gay. You can also view other titles in our full I-007eBook library here.
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Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
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New Courses: Advance Your Electronics Expertise in June and July
05/14/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationStay current with design, manufacturing, and quality standards by enrolling in one of these online instructor-led courses starting in June and July from ElectronicsU at the Global Electronics Association, designed to help professionals at every level sharpen their skills and advance their careers. These live, expert-led sessions combine flexibility with real-time interaction, allowing participants to learn directly from seasoned industry professionals while collaborating with peers worldwide. Access to all applicable IPC standards is included in the courses.
The Journey from Dilution to Zero Liquid Discharge
05/11/2026 | Richard Nichols, GreenSource EngineeringIf you’re familiar with the PCB industry, and a little long in the tooth like me, you may remember the cry, “The water board is here!” (or an equivalent authority). This was the signal for a frantic but regularly rehearsed exercise to turn on all the rinses. This anecdote demonstrates that in the early days of PCB production, prevailing practices revolved around a “dilution is the solution” mentality, in which manufacturers used copious amounts of water to dilute contaminants before discharging them into regulated municipal wastewater systems or natural water bodies.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/08/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing. Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing.
Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Karen McConnell
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