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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
October 14, 2022 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

I’ve been in Washington, D.C., most of this week, attending and reporting on the IPC Advanced Packaging Symposium. You’ll see more content from me in the weeks and months to come as I sort through and highlight the varied aspects of this ground-breaking event. If you’re in this industry, advanced packaging will affect you, make no mistake about it.
The upshot is that, as an industry, we’re at an inflection point:
- Semiconductor companies are going to move to advanced packaging whether the PCB manufacturing sector is ready or not
- The emergence of UHDI to support advanced packaging will move HDI to the mainstream
- Advanced packaging capabilities will require significant investment, but is also strategically critical
- IPC has chosen to expand their mission to include advanced packaging
- The distinction between semiconductor and PCB products and processes is graying
Although the symposium was my entire world this past week, it wasn’t the only thing happening. I wasn’t surprised to see you reading about the latest news in military/aerospace, PCB panels, the CHIPS Act implementation, and microvia design.
Microvias Can Be Stacked in Certain Package Densities
Published October 13
We recently spoke with Summit Interconnect’s Gerry Partida about a pretty important discovery that his company made: Microvias can be reliably stacked in certain package densities. Microvia failure has been a big issue for fabricators lately, especially military contractors, but as Gerry explains, microvias don’t have to be staggered every time—as long as you do your homework and simulate.
Boeing-Built SES Satellites Send, Receive First Signals
Published October 7
It was a big week for Boeing, which successfully launched the SES-20 and SES-21 satellites. In the company’s announcement, it said the satellites will allow them to support customers in delivering high-quality sports and entertainment to tens of millions of U.S. households “while delivering on our promise to repurpose spectrum to enable U.S. leadership in 5G.” More and better sports coverage? Now that’s something worth mentioning.
CHIPS Act Implementation Requires Strong Focus on 'Advanced Packaging,' Industry Leaders Say
Published October 11
This news item from IPC helped promote the symposium, but the information it contains is still relevant even though the event has concluded. For example, 94% of electronics industry leaders report that improving the performance of semiconductors is increasingly reliant on advanced packaging. And 84% of electronics industry leaders believe government initiatives to bolster the semiconductor supply chain require significant investment in advanced packaging capabilities. It’s encouraging to know that these companies see where PCB manufacturing is headed and are on board with it. I’m really looking forward to writing and reporting more on this fascinating direction for our industry.
Panel Manufacturers Enact Strict Production Controls to Balance Supply/Demand, 4Q22 Forecast to Drop
Published October 7
Not all sectors of electronic component manufacturing are in go-go mode at the moment. LCD manufacturers are advising that utilization rates could slip to 60%, which TrendForce says is the lowest level in 10 years. Most panel makers have flipped from operating at a profit to operating at a loss in the second half of 2022. Production reduction plans are currently being implemented, according to the report. For us in the PCB design and manufacturing sectors, this is something to keep our eye on.
FKN Systek: Singulating Pre-Scored PCB Panels up to 48” Long
Published October 7
FKN launched the U.S.-made K4000 motorized depanelizer and readers took notice. Given that the start of Q4 in the calendar year is when new equipment is forecast, could it be that panel cutters are on companies’ wishlists this year?
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U.S. Government Awards GlobalFoundries New $3.1 Billion, 10-Year Contract for Secure Chip Manufacturing
09/22/2023 | GlobalFoundriesThe U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF) a new 10-year contract for a supply of securely manufactured, U.S.-made semiconductors for use across a wide range of critical aerospace and defense applications.
APCT Appoints Peter Austin as President and CEO, Effective September 1
09/25/2023 | APCTAPCT, a leading name in the PCB and electronics industry, is delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Austin as its President and CEO, effective September 1. Peter takes the reins from former CEO, Steve Robinson, who has retired after years of dedicated service to the company.
What is Ultra HDI?
09/22/2023 | Happy Holden, I-Connect007Ever since high density interconnect (HDI) was created in 1982 by Hewlett-Packard to package its first 32-bit computer powered by a single chip, it has continued to evolve and provide the solutions for miniaturized products. The leading edge of HDI technology became the process used for organic flip-chip packaging for the semiconductor industry. The two distinct markets—IC substrates and product-system integration—are now colliding and utilizing the same ultra-HDI manufacturing processes.
KIC Revolutionizes Electronics Manufacturing with Innovative Solutions for Soldering and Curing Processes
09/21/2023 | KICKIC, a renowned pioneer in thermal process and temperature measurement solutions for electronics manufacturing, is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum.
Intraratio to Feature Industry-Leading Smart Manufacturing Solutions at SMTA Guadalajara Expo and Tech Forum 2023
09/21/2023 | IntraratioIntraratio, a provider of enterprise software solutions, is pleased to announce its participation in the SMTA Guadalajara Expo and Tech Forum 2023.