-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueCertifications
Certifications have historically been seen as a cost of doing business, but how do we turn them into a positive ROI and a value to both customer and vendor?
The Butterfly Effect
The basis of chaos theory is a key concept known as the “butterfly effect.” It’s the idea that a small event in one place creates a cascading set of events elsewhere. So, how is the EMS landscape changing? We’re tracking the concerns and dynamics of this landscape, and there’s a lot to learn.
Coming to Terms With AI
In this issue, we examine the profound effect artificial intelligence and machine learning are having on manufacturing and business processes. We follow technology, innovation, and money as automation becomes the new key indicator of growth in our industry.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
Industry Groups Urge U.S. Congress to Fix Weaknesses in Electronics Supply Chain
June 17, 2022 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Three top industry organizations this week urged U.S. Congress to support legislation that would address challenges confronting the U.S. electronics supply chain.
The letter, organized by IPC, urged Members of Congress to support H.R. 7677, the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act of 2022, which would incentivize purchases of domestically produced printed circuit boards (PCBs) as well as industry investments in factories, equipment, workforce training, and research and development (R&D).
The letter—also signed by the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA) and the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE)—notes that PCBs are as integral to electronics manufacturing as semiconductors. And yet, despite their importance, the United States has failed for decades to prioritize domestic manufacturing of PCBs and electronics more broadly. Instead, U.S policy has bolstered specific components of the electronics supply chain—especially semiconductors and capacitors—without recognizing that electronic systems cannot function without PCBs. Like any ecosystem, each component must be healthy and resilient for the entire system to thrive.
“By solely focusing on semiconductors, the United States would not be solving the problem that it seeks to resolve. The U.S. Government needs to take a holistic approach to the electronics industry,” said IPC President and CEO John Mitchell. “We thank Representatives Anna Eshoo and Blake Moore for their leadership in helping to rebuild U.S. electronics manufacturing, and we call on all Members of Congress to support this bill, which would ease an already strained U.S. supply chain and improve national security.”
A recent IPC report concluded that the United States has lost its historic dominance in PCB fabrication. Any loss of access to imported PCBs could be “catastrophic” to the United States’ ability to produce electronics for weapons systems, communications equipment, medical devices, energy systems, and more, the report said.
About IPC
IPC (www.IPC.org) is a global industry association based in Bannockburn, Ill., dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its 3,000+ member companies which represent all facets of the electronics industry, including design, printed board manufacturing, electronics assembly and test. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, industry intelligence and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of an estimated $2 trillion global electronics industry.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/26/2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007This week, I’ve been attending Thailand Electronic Circuits Asia 2024. This is the inaugural event, hosted by Thailand Printed Circuit Association (THPCA) in collaboration with the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA). Thailand has supported a PCB industry for some time—mostly automotive applications—but the China Plus One dynamic has definitely taken root here.
Hirose Electric Adds Master Electronics as Authorized Distributor
07/25/2024 | HiroseHirose, a leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative connector solutions, has strategically expanded its Americas distribution network to better support its growing customer base. Master Electronics will support the full Hirose line of connector solutions across the Americas.
MKS’ Atotech and ESI Participate in Electronics Circuit Asia in Thailand
07/25/2024 | AtotechMKS Instruments announces its participation at the Electronics Circuit Asia 2024 in Thailand, July 24-26, highlighting its leading brands Atotech® and ESI® and related advances in advanced packaging, package substrate, and printed circuit board manufacturing.
Strip Etch Strip: Episode 9 of On the Line With... Designing for Reality Podcast Now Available
07/25/2024 | I-Connect007Don't miss the latest episode of "On the Line With... Designing for Reality," where we walk through the PCB manufacturing process. At this stage, we have a panel made up of all the internal layers laminated together, through-holes drilled, and the outer layer copper features covered with a protective layer of tin.
Enhance Your Electronics Expertise Through IPC Courses in August
07/25/2024 | Corey Lynn, IPCAs the global leader in standards, training, and certification for the electronics industry, IPC is pleased to announce an array of upcoming online instructor-led courses this August. These courses are designed to equip professionals with the latest skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-evolving field of electronics manufacturing and design. Whether you want to deepen your expertise in PCB design and manufacturing, understand the intricacies of intermetallic compounds, or learn about counterfeit part mitigation, IPC has a course tailored for you.