Target Condition: Are Autorouters Friend or Foe?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
DesignCon 2022: Back to Business as Usual
April 7, 2022 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
It was something of a homecoming as DesignCon returned to the Santa Clara Convention Center this week for DesignCon 2022.
It’s been two years since the last DesignCon was held in this venue just before the pandemic began. I attended DesignCon 2021 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in July of last year, and I could see a big improvement in attendance as DesignCon moved back into its usual venue.
Technical sessions ran April 5-7, and the exposition floor was open on April 6-7. Keynoters included: John Bowers, Fred Kavli, chair of Nanotechnology at the University of California, Santa Barbara; Laurence Moroney, Artificial Intelligence lead at Google; and José Morey, a consultant for NASA, IBM, Hyperloop Transportation, and Liberty BioSecurity.
Congratulations are in order for Samtec Distinguished Engineer Richard Mellitz, winner of “Engineer of the Year” award, as well as finalists Scott McMorrow, Steven Sandler, and Design007 contributor Bert Simonovich.
Approximately 132 exhibitors were present on the show floor, and the energy was palpable. Over the last few years, some had questioned whether the age of the conference and trade show was over. While attendance numbers may not be quite what they once were, based on the energy and attendance at this year’s DesignCon, both on the floor and in the conferences, I believe conferences will continue to play a vital role in how our industry does business.
It was great to see the industry moving back toward normality. Let’s hope this is a good sign for the remainder of 2022. Here are a few more photos from DesignCon 2022.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Horizon Sales Celebrates 10 Years of Exceptional Service by Sales Leader David Smith
07/02/2025 | Horizon SalesHorizon Sales, a premier manufacturers’ representative and distributor for the electronics assembly industry, is proud to announce that David Smith is celebrating 10 years with the company this month.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
06/27/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007While news outside our industry keeps our attention occupied, the big news inside the industry is the rechristening of IPC as the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads begins with Marcy LaRont’s exclusive and informative interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. For designers, have we finally reached the point in time where autorouters will fulfill their potential?
Reflections and Priorities: An Update to I-Connect007 Readers
06/24/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007The electronics and manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly—with new technologies, deeper global connections, and a growing drive toward sustainability. To reflect these changes and our place in this dynamic space, we’re refreshing our brand.
The Knowledge Base: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow With EMAC
06/24/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAs the electronics manufacturing industry races to meet rising global demand and technological complexity, the need for a highly skilled, future-ready workforce has never been greater. At the forefront of addressing this challenge is The Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC)—a national initiative dedicated to strengthening the talent pipeline through strategic collaboration with SMTA, education, and government stakeholders.
IPC Rebrands as Global Electronics Association: Interview With Dr. John W. Mitchell
06/22/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Today, following a major announcement, IPC is embracing the rapid advancement of technology with a bold decision to change its name to the Global Electronics Association. This name more accurately reflects the full breadth of its work and the modern realities of electronics manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, Global Electronics Association President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell shares the story behind the rebrand: Why now, what it means for the industry, and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.