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Nathan Edwards Takes Helm at USPAE

The U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the U.S. government has access to resilient and trusted electronics supply chains. USPAE members include companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations from the U.S. and its allies, representing the entire electronics ecosystem from research to design, manufacturing, assembly, and test. I spoke with Nathan Edwards, the USPAE executive director, about his new role.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

This week’s must-reads follow the trend toward iterative and ongoing improvements and advancements. The must-know news this week includes coverage of SEMICON (based on reader interest), updates on the EU’s Chips Act and ongoing advocacy for the printed circuits sector, design tips from an aerospace engineer, and a PCB fabrication merger.

Designing Aerospace PCBs: A Galaxy of Challenges

Jeffrey Boye designs aerospace PCBs at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. After a decade or so at the APL, some of his boards are currently floating in space. Jeffrey recently took a class with IPC instructor Kris Moyer titled “PCB Design for Military and Aerospace Applications.” As Jeffrey explains in this interview, this exhaustive class covered everything from high-reliability DFM techniques to Paschen’s curves, which help engineers understand and predict how a high-voltage signal travels in different atmospheres. He also discusses some of the “wacky” projects that he’s worked on at the APL, and the need to communicate with fabricators early on with aerospace applications.

Major U.S. Holiday Today: Independence Day

Today marks the 247th Independence Day of the United States of America. Also known as the Fourth of July, this day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress, as well as the declaration by the Congress that the American colonies are free and independent states.

Filling Critical Traceability Gaps With AI

Traceability means being able to track the origin of any given electrical component throughout the supply chain. For OEMs, this is no longer optional or “nice to have.” Yet industrial traceability capacities are sorely lacking throughout industries. Today, the most widespread standard for traceability is “batch traceability,” which aside from tracking the production lot, serial number, and exact board placement for components, fails to analyze the individual components themselves, thus jeopardizing the quality of the goods they compose.

Altium 365 GovCloud Offers Increased Security

Altium recently launched Altium 365 GovCloud, a dedicated platform accessible only to—and managed solely by—U.S. persons. The company says that GovCloud can help customers to be in compliance with ITAR, EAR, and other requirements. I spoke with Bruno Blasigh, Director of Cloud Security for Altium 365, about the new platform, how it functions, and how GovCloud can help to keep foreign entities from accessing your data.

Rigid-flex, Rigidized Flex, or Hybrid Flex?

In a recent interview with Design007 Magazine managing editor Andy Shaughnessy, he asked me about rigid-flex and its new popularity. This seems like a perfect opportunity to dig into the topic and discuss the differentiation between rigid-flex, rigidized flex, and what I am calling a hybrid flex.

James Webb Space Telescope Photos Are Out of This World

One of the coolest things that NASA has going for it—besides launching things and people into space—is their state-of-the-art photography capabilities. NASA photographers are among the best in the world, and maybe even the galaxy. We hope you enjoy this photo gallery of images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever launched into space. With its improved infrared resolution, it can view objects too far away to be detected by the Hubble, as well as objects dating to much earlier in the history of the universe.

The Journey to IPC-1791 Validation

How does a company protect its most valuable electronics manufacturing information? How can designs and processes be kept safe? IPC-1791 is an industry-driven and industry-written standard that focuses on protecting two things: controlled unclassified information (CUI) and controlled technical information (CTI)—the information that would be devastating for a company to lose.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

It’s summertime, but the industry is staying pretty busy. This week, we have news about our industry putting pressure on our elected officials to provide funding for U.S. companies under the CHIPS Act, and a counterfeit parts symposium presented by SMTA in Maryland next month. We also bring you articles about ultra HDI design and material selection, and our most recent On the Line with… podcast with Zac Elliott of Siemens.

Sustainably Clean

As the definition of sustainably evolves in the industry, one thing is clear: Process control plays a large role in any definition. Creating a stable process reduces the potential overuse of cleaning materials and increases yields, thereby reducing scrap, and helping the sustainability effort. I recently talked with Tom Forsythe, executive vice president of KYZEN, about the cleaning process and automated bath control.

Carol Handwerker Appointed to NIST Advisory Committee

We often hear words and phrases that naturally go together: Salt and pepper, touch and go, trace and space. When it comes to the work of IPC member Carol Handwerker, however, the collocations are much more nuanced, deeper, and have greater significance. You’re more likely to think of phrases such as standards and technology, lead-free and solder, or advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration. These are just some examples of Carol’s lifelong work in materials engineering, involvement with governing bodies, and a forward-thinking approach to electronics manufacturing that has spanned more than three decades.

Sustainability in Logistics Discussion Continues

Episode 5 of I-Connect007’s podcast, On the Line with… features an interview with Zac Elliot, Siemens technical marketing engineer, who discusses sustainability in logistics internal to the factory. Listeners will hear how ineffective logistics create wasted effort in the form of ineffective materials transfers, or increasing line down-time when materials are not flowing to the line properly.

Slash Sheets and Material Selection

Doug Sober helped pioneer the development of IPC’s first slash sheets in 1996 for IPC-4101, Specification for Base Materials for Rigid and Multilayer Printed Boards and we asked him to discuss slash sheets—what they are, what they are not, and why PCB designers might benefit from an IPC materials guide developed specifically for designers.

[Men•tor]: A Wise and Trusted Guide

Christina Trussell of Blue Origin was new to her career and eager to learn. Garry McGuire of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center was an established contributor to dozens of IPC standards. After they met at an IPC APEX EXPO Newcomers’ Reception, the two built a strong mentor/mentee relationship. Christina is an Emerging Engineer (EE),and they both have leadership roles on the 7-31FS IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space and Military Electronic Assemblies Addendum Task Group.

Sustainability in Logistics: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Episode 4 of I-Connect007’s new podcast, On the Line with… features an interview with Christian Wendt, marketing and communications department head at Siemens Digital Logistics. Wendt discusses the most obvious area of concern for logistics sustainability: reduction of the carbon footprint.

EWPTE 2023: A Review by Happy Holden

While IPC was hosting its annual SummerCom mid-year standards event, WHMA was hosting its own “wire show,” co-located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During IPC SummerCom 2023 more than 90 meetings from May 13–18 were conducted, ranging from very small to very large groups. Some meetings only lasted an hour, while others were four to eight hours. WHMA is a much smaller technical association than IPC, but it provides the connectivity between our boards, assemblies, and the myriad sensors and actuators used in modern electrical and electronic systems. Wire is the principal conduit, but the variety and complexity of these configurations seem endless.

Memorial Day: A Time for Remembrance

Today is the Memorial Day federal holiday in the United States. Observed on the last Monday in May, the day is set aside to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The holiday’s roots trace back to remembrance of the soldiers on both sides of the U.S. Civil War.

Mark Laing Talks ‘Sustainability in Manufacturing’

Now available on Spotify, Episode 3 of I-Connect007’s new podcast, On the Line with… features an interview with Mark Laing, business development manager for digital industries software at Siemens. Laing discusses the role of electronics in achieving sustainability. Not only does the electronics industry have a primary role to play here, but it also contributes by creating products which enable other industries to monitor and optimize their sustainability practices.

Watch ‘Smarter Manufacturing Through Inspection,’ Final Episode of Smarter Manufacturing Micro Webinar Series

Episode 12, “Smarter Manufacturing through Inspection,” from Koh Young’s new micro webinar series ‘Smarter Manufacturing Enabled with Inspection Data’ is available now.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

This week, our must-reads include reporting on the new PCB support legislation, now submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives; financial results from two Tier 1 manufacturers, which readers read quite thoroughly; ESG in Asia Pacific; new features from Altium; global sourcing; and a “How I got here” interview with an up and coming industry expert.

Flex, Rigid-flex, and Rigidized Flex: What’s Right for You?

I recently spoke with Mike Morando, director of sales and marketing for PFC Flexible Circuits and a contributor for Flex007. I asked Mike to discuss the latest innovations at PFC, as well as some of the trends he’s seeing in flex and rigid-flex circuits now. Mike also discusses rigidized flex, a technology that is an alternative to rigid-flex circuits—one that can save customers up to 20% compared to rigid-flex. Innovation in the flex arena never seems to stop.

NextFlex Calls for 3D Imaging Technology Proposals

Nolan Johnson talks with Scott Miller about a special call for proposals which NextFlex currently has open to explore methods to dewarp 3D scans of physical boards to enable multi-image scans to be stitched together. There is the possibility of funding for viable proposals. Deadline is May 15, 2023.

Realizing the Promise of IPC-1791

IPC-1791, Trusted Electronic Designer, Fabricator and Assembler Requirements, is an electronics standard developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and industry to address some of today’s greatest risks to a trusted supply chain. The standard provides traceability and helps protect against counterfeits. In fact, IPC-1791 was specifically cited in the U.S. Department of Commerce response to Executive Order 14017-Securing America’s Supply Chains.

Watch Now: ‘Business Cases Leveraging the IPC CFX-QPL,’ Episode 10 of ‘Smarter Manufacturing Enabled with Inspection Data’

In this episode, Koh Young topic expert Ivan Aduna covers the most essential topics, messages, and sections used for inspection in the IPC CFX-QPL and how they can help you stay ahead of the curve in digital transformation. Join Ivan as he explores business cases that demonstrate the capability of the IPC CFX-QPL.

OSI Systems Receives $9 Million Order for Airport Security Screening Solutions

OSI Systems, Inc. announced that its Security division received an order for approximately $9 million from an international aviation customer to supply a range of inspection equipment platforms.

I-Connect007 Launches 'On the Line with...' Podcast with Series on Sustainability

Expanding its avenues of content delivery, I-Connect007 is excited to announce the launch of our latest educational product, On the Line with.., available on Spotify, Apple and all the major podcast platforms. In this podcast, we speak with industry experts to get the latest insights and perspectives on the most relevant topics in the electronics industry today.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

This week, I’m identifying key news about EVs, orbital payloads, environmental sustainability, the state of the economy, and new executive leadership. I’d say it’s a well-rounded selection of what’s happening in the industry. I can’t help but continue to be impressed by the pervasiveness of space commercialization. Satellites have a long history of being commissioned and operated by private business, but as commercial launch vehicles become more available, it seems that satellite launches are accelerating. Read on!

Got Six Minutes? Watch ‘Leveraging the IPC CFX-QPL to Integrate Equipment for a Small Factory’

Episode 9, “Leveraging the IPC CFX-QPL to Integrate Equipment for a Smart Factory,” from Koh Young’s new micro webinar series ‘Smarter Manufacturing Enabled with Inspection Data’ is available now.

Taking Charge of ESD

At the recent SMTA Boise Expo & Tech Forum, Barry Matties spoke with Doug Holtz, national sales manager of Conductive Containers, about challenges related to ESD and where manufacturers are most vulnerable. It’s a growing concern, Doug says, and there are important lessons to be learned. Doug also reviews his presentation, and he points out how reducing touchpoints in the supply chain can make a world of difference for both customers and manufacturers.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

SpaceX is back in the news and in a big, powerful, let’s-blow-up-a-rocket-because-we-can kind of way. The company had scheduled a test launch on Monday, April 17 for the SpaceX Starship, only to scrub that launch until this past Thursday. Well, the results from the launch were less than desirable—or were they? While Starship ultimately exploded just prior to stage separation, simply clearing the launchpad was considered a major milestone by SpaceX.

Panel Discussion: CMMC and Cybersecurity

The electronics manufacturing sector faces unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity, given the highly sensitive nature of the information that it handles. With the introduction of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework, businesses will soon be required to meet specific, more stringent cybersecurity standards to bid on Department of Defense contracts. This has made cybersecurity hygiene and CMMC compliance more important than ever for businesses in the sector, as non-compliance can result in lost revenue and reputational damage.

Steven Bowles: Taking a Stand

Steven Bowles, an associate fellow at Lockheed Martin Space, talks about his journey as a leader in IPC, beginning with the unexpected opportunity that launched his leadership career across a range of professional committees. True progress, Steven says, requires input from a diverse set of perspectives alongside the passion that drives our industry forward.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Top Five Must-Reads for the Week

The adage about spring weather in Northern temperate climates is, “April showers bring May flowers.” This is, of course, on the heels of March, when the weather comes “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” The suggestion for March is that whatever way the month starts, it will end just the opposite. But we’re in the first week of April, where things are expected to settle into a steady state of preparation for an abundance just over the horizon. Sound a bit like our business climate right now, doesn’t it?

Don Kinard: Let’s Go Where We’ve Never Gone Before

I spoke with Dr. Don A. Kinard, a senior fellow at Lockheed Martin, at the recent SMTA Dallas Expo. Don gave a fantastic presentation on digital twin technology and how it has changed Lockheed’s manufacturing process. In this interview, Don shares some insight into implementing digital twin, trends in the supply chain, and the CHIPS Act’s effect on our industry. He also discusses—importantly—the need to inspire our next generation of engineers with the same sense of wonder that Americans felt during the early Apollo missions.

PCBAA Reacts to Implications of Biden’s PCB Determination

Hot on the heels of the news that U.S. President Biden signed a presidential determination in support of the printed circuit board industry, I-Connect007’s Nolan Johnson spoke with David Schild, executive director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, about some of the expected implications. David points out, among other things, that this signals increased momentum with government and defense to support U.S.-based printed circuit manufacturing, and the possibility that a renewed interest in the industry by private financing could possibly follow.

Invested in Growth

The I-Connect007 team paid a visit to American Standard Circuits in West Chicago, Illinois. While there, we talked at length with CEO Anaya Vardya about the issues on his mind as he pushes technology, expands his floor space, and considers the implications of the CHIPS Act, staffing issues, and what’s happening in China.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Texans like to say that everything is bigger in Texas. That certainly seems to be the case for the SMTA Dallas Expo & Tech Forum. Publisher Barry Matties and I attended SMTA Dallas on Tuesday, and the tabletop show has now grown to 100 exhibitors, up from 92 vendors last year. It’s become more than a local or regional show, with some exhibitors flying in from Silicon Valley and the East Coast.

Garry McGuire: Aiming for the Stars

Garry McGuire of the Jacobs Space Exploration Group at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, reflects on the serendipitous moment that led to a leadership role at IPC and the enduring relationships he’s built through his participation in the organization. With the rapid advance of technology constantly pushing the industry forward, Garry urges newcomers to jump in and experience all IPC has to offer.

Bigelow: Bullish on Fab’s Future

Twenty-plus years is a long time to lead a business during a long decline in the industry, but IMI President and CEO Peter Bigelow remains quite confident about the future. The company is in a strong financial position, running well, and looking at new technologies. So, what’s his biggest challenge? It’s not much different than any other manufacturer you talk to, and while he may not have all the answers, he’s clearly got insight to share.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

It’s almost as if upheaval is the new normal. We often describe slow-moving but unstoppable change as moving in “geologic time.” But occasionally–like an earthquake–geology shifts suddenly. Here in my office, tracking the news of the industry, things are moving faster than geologic time, but more slowly than the jolt of an earthquake. The wave seems almost surfable, where before it seemed overwhelming. In this week’s list, we bring news from five different, high-vibration areas in our industry. If you read nothing else this week, these five items will keep you informed.

Watch Now: Episode 4 of the Micro Webinar Series: ‘Smarter Manufacturing Enabled with Inspection Data’

Episode 4, “Envisioning the Factory of the Future” from Koh Young’s new micro webinar series ‘Smarter Manufacturing Enabled with Inspection Data’ is available now.

The Summit View of the Marketplace

Investments, staffing, cybersecurity, and a peek into his crystal ball—John Vaughan, vice president of strategic markets at Summit Interconnect, sits down with Nolan Johnson to talk about it all. Business is good, by the way, thanks to Summit’s portfolio of military contracts, and he has sound advice to offer for smaller shops in the United States, and their real ability to make a difference in PCB fabrication.

The Automated Future of PCB Fabrication

I have always felt that automation has the potential to make a big difference in our PCB industry, especially domestically, where labor is at premium. For the past year, I have been looking for the story of how automation can and will make a significant difference in established PCB shops. I was fortunate enough to find that story in Multicircuits, located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Only a few short years ago, this company was considered a “plain vanilla” PCB fabricator holding its own in our industry; now it has suddenly assumed a true leadership position in the industry in terms of capability, technology, operations, and profitability.

Sypris Reports 15% Revenue Growth in Q4

Consolidated revenue for the quarter increased 15.2% year-over-year and 17.9% sequentially driven by continued expansion across the business.

Boeing, Shield AI Set to Collaborate on Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy for Defense Programs

Boeing and Shield AI have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore strategic collaboration in the areas of autonomous capabilities and artificial intelligence on current and future defense programs. Shield AI created Hivemind, an artificial intelligence pilot that has flown a variety of aircraft. According to Shield AI, the AI pilot can also enable swarms of drones and aircraft to operate autonomously without GPS, communications or a human pilot in the cockpit.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

I try to not talk about the weather in this space, but this week I feel compelled. I’m based in the Pacific Northwest, and we’re relatively used to it being wet and rainy. But just south of us in California, the state has gone from what I read has been called the driest period in the West in the past 1,200 years to a right proper drenching. This week’s news cycle felt like one of those California-style “atmospheric rivers.” There was so much worthy reporting worthy that I was a bit overwhelmed in making my final selections. Suffice it to say that, this week, there is quite a bit of news that’s worth your time to read.

Curtis Grosskopf: Lasting Connections Fuel Progress

Dieter Bergman IPC Fellowship Award winner Curtis Grosskopf, a senior engineer at IBM, reflects on the evolution of IPC committees and the vital importance of their work, especially in collaboratively creating industry-wide standards to guide the work of professionals in every sector. This commitment to multidisciplinary cooperation is a mindset that should be fostered at the start of every career.

Are You Offering Options in Your Bill of Materials?

In this interview, Saline Lectronics (an Emerald EMS company) President Jason Sciberras talks about PCB designers offering packaging options in the bill of materials. As Jason explains, mil/aero manufacturers like Saline can’t make many changes to a design without getting recertified, so including approved packaging options in the BOM from the start is a great way to go. Are you offering options in your BOM?

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

It’s been a busy week in our industry. We have a duke’s mixture of news and columns in this week’s Editor’s Choice, starting off with some good news for the American electronics manufacturing industry. In his State of the Union speech, President Biden signaled his support for the CHIPS Act and the U.S. electronics industry, and he promised that Washington would put its money where its mouth is this time. Is it going to happen? Don’t bet the rent money.

Time to ‘Finish the Job’ on PCB Funding

In his State of the Union address in early February, President Biden departed from his usual topics about education and the economy to mention the new CHIPS Act, as well as supply chain and infrastructure issues. For perspective on those remarks, Nolan Johnson chats with David Schild, executive director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA).

EIPC Winter Conference 2023: Day 1 Review

The EIPC Winter Conference returned to the Metropolis of Lyon in eastern France this month. In 2018, the venue was Villeurbanne in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Five years later the setting was the Groupama Stadium in Décines-Charpieu, and leaders of the European printed circuit community gathered in expectation of a spectacular programme of 16 presentations, a visit to a nuclear power station, and an invaluable networking opportunity. They weren’t disappointed.

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Taking Our Message to Washington

Nolan Johnson talks with Chris Mitchell, vice president of Global Government Relations at IPC, about key issues IPC is working on today and how you can be involved in advocating for our industry in 2023. Their conversation also covers the CHIPS Act, advanced packaging, and much more.

A Conversation With ‘The Space Gal’

With multiple advanced degrees in aerospace science, Emily Calandrelli could have had her pick of any project in earth and space science. Instead, she has chosen to use her skills in science policy and communication to break down complex science topics, advocate for women in STEM fields, and bolster enthusiasm for the next generation of scientists through her own Netflix show and an active slate of social media accounts. Emily’s platform is huge, but it's one that she wholeheartedly embraces. In this interview with the I-Connect007 Editorial Team, Emily talks about her unconventional entry into science, what’s ahead for space commerce, advice for industry leaders, and what she really thinks about going into space.

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: The Mission of USPAE

Nolan Johnson sits down with Chris Peters, executive director of USPAE, to hear an update on the organization, including a new UHDI-capable cooperative production facility.

Printed Circuit Boards Have Champions on Capitol Hill

House Resolution 7677 from the 2021/22 Congressional session may have run out of time before the election cycle, but that hasn’t ended the effort to help fund the printed circuit board industry alongside the semiconductor industry. IPC vice president of global government relations, Chris Mitchell, shared this letter, sent to DOD on Wednesday by Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT), which insists DOD must “leverage all available resources, including the use of Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA), to increase domestic production of PCBs and IC substrates.”

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: PCBAA Legislative Update

PCBAA Chairman Travis Kelly and Editor Nolan Johnson discuss the association’s activities, including legislation in the range of $3 to $5 billion that follows the CHIPS Act, and why Congress needs to support the PCB industry as they did the semiconductor segment.

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Challenges of New Product Development

John Ekis, market segment director, Aerospace and Defense, Rogers Corporation, discusses with Pete Starkey the importance of close applications engineering relationships in understanding and responding to the requirements and challenges of specialist new product development.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

We have new projects in the U.S. Army space programs, research on gold thickness and solderability, a call for papers throughout 2023 from SMTA, an investment in Korean facilities by ASM, and an adjustment in TTM’s assignation with the U.S. DoD. All together, these five must-reads represent the hurtling trajectory that R&D seems to be following in 2023.

TTM Technologies Reports Fiscal Q4, 2022 Results

TTM Technologies, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of technology solutions including engineered systems, radio frequency (RF) components and RF microwave/microelectronic assemblies, and printed circuit boards (PCB), reported results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2022, which ended on January 2, 2023.
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