Learning With Leo: UHDI—The Next Leap in PCB Manufacturing
Nolan’s Notes: Is Mexico the Pulse of Electronics in the Americas?
Standard of Excellence: Speed vs. Quality in Customer Service
The SMT Internet of Things— Back to Basics
November 11, 2015 | Michael Ford, Mentor Graphics Valor DivisionEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Different people have different understandings and expectations about what the Internet of Things (IoT) actually is, especially with respect to how it could work and what it could bring to the SMT assembly industry. There are a lot of expectations to fulfil as principles behind innovations such as Industry 4.0 take hold. A key concern, however, is whether any of these expectations are reasonable or whether there is a dependence on something that is fundamentally flawed, which unfortunately would seem to be the case of SMT and related production. Let’s discover the core issue within SMT that needs fixing for the SMT Internet of Things to become viable.
The Internet actually consists of two very different things. Firstly, there is the massive store of information, which includes literally anything from historical records to live videos ready for streaming. The use of the information is equally as wide, from students performing research to people watching cats do the funniest things. The information is not really controlled, or even censored; fact and fiction are liberally mixed. The format in which information is presented is also not managed, with dozens of different types and versions of documents and viewing formats.
Read this article here.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2015 issue of SMT Magazine.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Looking Ahead to productronica, and a Stronger European Electronics Ecosystem
11/13/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Next week at productronica, the Global Electronics Association Europe will be hosting a full program each day of the show at their booth in Hall A1. Philippe Leonard, head of the Association’s European office, recently shared what’s happening for our industry in Europe, details of the Hand Soldering World Championship at the show, a preview of a new Cable & Wire Harness competition kicking off in 2026, and information about the impressive lineup of speakers at the Electronics Industry Forum at the Association’s booth.
Pushing Boundaries in Measuring Board Warpage
11/12/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineAkrometrix is a key player in metrology equipment. It focuses on accurately assessing warpage and strain in PCBs and PCBAs and prospers through continuing R&D and local sourcing. I recently met with Neil Hubble, president of Akrometrix, and Paul Handler, director of sales, for a tour of their Georgia facility. We discussed the growing challenge of quality measurement for advanced products and denser designs and the need for industry standardization.
The Right Approach: Electro-Tek—A Williams Family Legacy, Part 2
11/13/2025 | Steve Williams -- Column: The Right ApproachIn Part 2 of the history of Electro-Tek, columnist Steve Williams discusses the ups of downs of being part of a family business, the transfer of the business, and lessons gained from the experiences. The business is one of the earliest and most enduring PCB manufacturers in the industry. The closing of Electro-Tek after 56 years prompted Steve to tell his family's story.
Becoming Grant-ready in the Private Sector
11/11/2025 | Nyron Rouse, Global Electronics AssociationCompanies in the electronics industry are expected to innovate faster, modernize operations, deliver resilient supply chains, and compete on a global stage. It’s a high bar to meet for manufacturers facing tightening margins, talent shortages, and evolving economic and policy conditions, but opportunities remain for those prepared to take action.
Mycronic Secures Turnkey Solution Order from a Nordic Defense Actor
11/05/2025 | MycronicMycronic has received a full-line, ready-to-use solution order from a major defense industry supplier based in the Nordic region. The order encompasses a complete solution for advanced circuit board manufacturing, including high-tech production equipment and integrated software systems.