Latest Articles

Normalizing the Impossible: The Next Era of PCB Fabrication with Candor

Sunny Patel, technical sales manager at Candor Industries, sees the intersection of advanced manufacturing, operational realities, and strategic foresight. In this interview, Sunny offers a technically-grounded view of what will define PCB fabrication through 2030. It’s not about incremental change, he says, but velocity, physics, and the people willing to get their hands dirty to push the limits of what’s possible.

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

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about storytelling. Partly because I’m reading "Creativity, Inc.," by Ed Catmull, and partly because it’s impossible to separate Pixar’s success from the power of the stories it tells, both on screen and behind the scenes. Everything matters to Pixar—from the technology to the leadership—but what makes Pixar truly special is the stories it tells about human emotions. They make our human complexity understandable.

Resilience Through Adaptation: What to Expect from the Electronics Industry in 2026

What does the future hold for the global electronics industry? Few organizations are better positioned to answer that question than the Global Electronics Association. With a unique, global perspective spanning the electronics supply chain, we work at the intersection of industry, policy, technology, and workforce development by engaging with member companies, governments, and partners across major regions worldwide.

USPAE Grants ‘Greater Access’ to Defense Electronics Manufacturers

Chris Peters, co-founder of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics and expert on manufacturing supply chains, recently announced he would be stepping back from his role. I first met Chris in the spring of 2020, when SMT007 Magazine interviewed him for the July 2020 issue. I was pleased that Chris took the time to reflect on the USPAE, past present and future, and his optimism is infectious.

Symposium Review: A Glimpse Into the Future of IC Substrates and Beyond

The Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA) and the Korea Printed Circuit Association (KPCA), with strong support from SEMI, presented “The Future of IC Substrates and Beyond Symposium 2025” at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore in . The event brought together elite professionals, technical experts, and corporate leaders from across the global IC substrate industry chain to explore cutting-edge trends and innovative solutions shaping the future of the sector.

CES 2026 Review: Are We Crossing the Line in Intelligent Systems?

Global Electronics Association senior representatives were impressed by the sheer volume of advanced technology at CES 2026 in Las Vegas last week. “I love the energy and the pace of CES,” said Carrie Sessine, the Association’s chief communications officer, in a LinkedIn post after the event. “There’s so much happening that keeps me moving from one idea to the next.”

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

I was in Chicago this week, where the weather went from sunny and 45° F on the day I arrived to snow and ice by the next morning. As a California/Arizona native, let’s just say I love the look of snow much more than I love driving in it.  Still, I am grateful to have been part of some genuinely fun teambuilding with my colleagues at the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads for this week are a diverse grouping of articles and columns, ranging from printed electronics and additive manufacturing to a comprehensive overview of the European EMS and PCB markets to marketing wisdom and, finally, a book to help you reach your full potential, personally and professionally.

Upcoming Issue: Design, Integration, and the Global Push for Advanced Packaging

The upcoming Jan. 19 issue of Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest examines how advanced packaging is redefining system integration, regional semiconductor strategy, and the materials and technologies shaping next-generation electronics. From interposer design challenges to global collaboration and substrate innovation, this issue offers timely insight into where the industry is headed in 2026 and beyond.

Where Electronics Manufacturing Turns for Trusted Technical Insight

In an industry defined by rapid innovation, increasing system complexity, and mounting pressure to deliver reliable products faster, access to credible technical insight is more important than ever. I-Connect007’s Industry Resource Center was created to serve as a centralized, freely accessible library of in-depth whitepapers that address the challenges facing today’s electronics professionals.

Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Michael Carano

This month’s Hall of Fame spotlight features Michael Carano, a former recipient of the Finnegan Standards Medal, which honors those who have exhibited extraordinary leadership in developing and applying voluntary standards. He is the recipient of the Association’s Dieter Bergman Fellowship Award and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014. Still well known within the industry, many of us have had the pleasure of working with Mike on numerous Association projects and committees over the years.

Implementing Inkjet Solder Mask: A Customer Success Story

One of the most significant advancements in PCB manufacturing in recent years has been the shift from traditional solder mask processes to digital inkjet technology. This transition offers clear benefits in performance, usability, and production efficiency. This article presents a case study of a PCB manufacturer that successfully implemented inkjet technology for solder mask application, realizing significant gains in quality, cost savings, and yield by overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.

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

Happy New Year, everyone! This year promises to be a year of evolution and change. If you didn’t catch Michelle Te’s video review of the most-read stories of 2025, be sure to visit our LinkedIn page for the update. Expect to see changes here at I-Connect007 in 2026 as well. We’re cooking up new ways to better bring you the kind of coverage we do best: reporting that gets under the surface. We’re always asking, “What does that mean to the industry?”

From Technology to Talent: The Ultimate Formula for Success

American Standard Circuits (ASC) has been a cornerstone of the U.S. PCB manufacturing industry. With more than 50 years of expertise, the company has evolved from its early focus on RF technology into a full-spectrum provider of advanced PCB solutions, including RF/microwave, metal-backed, backplane, flex and rigid-flex, and ultra high density interconnect (UHDI) boards. Customers range from military and aerospace applications to high-reliability commercial sectors, including medical, telecom, radar, and transportation.

I-Connect007 Welcomes New Columnist Brian Buyea: Powering the Future

I-Connect007 is excited to announce the addition of its newest columnist, Brian Buyea, president of Remtec, Inc. His column will appear regularly in I-Connect007 magazines and newsletters. Every generation of electronic innovation faces the same invisible enemy: heat. As power levels rise and footprints shrink, the battle for reliability, performance, and longevity comes down to one question: How well can you move the heat?

Voices of the Industry Podcast Examines Ceramic Substrates and Collaborative Manufacturing With Remtec

Ceramic substrates continue to gain attention as electronics designers seek performance, reliability, and thermal advantages beyond traditional PCB materials. In the latest episode of Voices of the Industry, host Nolan Johnson welcomes Brian Buyea, president of Remtec, for an in-depth discussion on why ceramic substrates are an increasingly compelling option.

Dan Beaulieu: The Man Behind the Marketing

For 20 years, It’s Only Common Sense columnist Dan Beaulieu has inspired readers with practical business wisdom and contagious energy. In this interview, Dan recounts his remarkable journey—from forklift driver to founder of a global marketing firm—and shares his passion for storytelling, collaboration, and helping others find their voice in the PCB industry.

I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Most-Read Articles for 2025

Happy New Year! As we begin 2026, I would like to pause and reflect on our most-read articles from 2025. They give us insight into what you’re focused on, and what you’re trying to understand, prepare for, and improve. Each piece earned its place through relevance, depth, and sustained reader engagement.

Advance Your Electronics Career in 2026: Upcoming Instructor-Led Courses from Electronics U

Staying competitive in the electronics industry requires continuously strengthening your technical expertise. Electronics U is excited to present a new lineup of expert-led, online courses designed to elevate your skills in PCB design, electronics assembly, wire harness design, program management, and more. Whether you're looking to build foundational knowledge or expand into specialized applications, these immersive, instructor-guided sessions will help you master the tools and techniques that today’s leading companies rely on.

Happy New Year from the I-Connect007 Staff

The I-Connect007 staff wishes you all a Happy New Year! Our offices are closed New Year’s Day and will re-open on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. The end of one year and the start of another is often a perfect time to reflect on what has been and where we are headed. We all want better health, more strategic goals, more business, more motivation, and stronger intentions. We can turn over the calendar and a new chapter in our own book of life.

Brittany Martin: A New Champion for the Industry

From Shakespeare scholar to digital marketer, Brittany Martin brings clarity and heart to everything she does. In this interview, Brittany shares her journey from academia to electronics marketing, her proudest professional and personal milestones, and the lessons she’s learned about simplicity, growth, and balance along the way. Get to know the person behind The Marketing Minute and discover what drives her passion for this industry.

Voices of the Industry Podcast Explores the Evolving Role of Inspection Systems in EMS Manufacturing

Inspection technology continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of electronics manufacturing services, and the latest episode of Voices of the Industry brings that conversation into sharp focus. Hosted by I-Connect007’s Nolan Johnson, this episode features Joel Scutchfield of Koh Young, a recognized leader in 3D measurement-based inspection systems.

Denny Fritz: A Hall-of-Fame Career in PCBs

From DuPont to the Navy’s top electronics programs, Defense Speak Interpreted columnist Dennis “Denny” Fritz has devoted his career to advancing defense technology and collaboration. In this interview, Denny reflects on decades of leadership, service, and innovation, offering timeless advice on staying technically active and leading with purpose.

CMMC 2.0: What You Need to Know

Tenets of the Department of Defense's (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program (CMMC) 2.0 went into effect on Nov. 10. What are the primary differences between 1.0 and 2.0 compliance, and what exactly must be in place now? CMMC 2.0 is now being written into DoD contracts and enforced through DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement), with a three-year phased rollout. For PCB and electronics manufacturers in the defense supply chain, this is now a real gate to doing business with the DoD, not a “nice to have.”

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

What a year it’s been! I don’t think anyone could have anticipated the level of shake-up that was to come on the global trade scene when U.S. President Donald Trump came into his second term in January, but the drama that has ensued rivals anything ever aired on “The Apprentice.” However, I am somewhat heartened by our current position compared to how things felt in Q2 of this year. Much remains to be worked out, but as we sprint into the new year, there are three things I know for sure: 1) Working in tech is never dull—you will not be bored in 2026; 2) Expect to work very hard; and 3) Business, like life, will go on no matter what. I hope you enjoy my picks for week: all good reads for different reasons. Happy New Year!

Happy Holden: A Relentless Pursuit of Knowledge

Known as the godfather of PCB process technology, Happy’s Tech Talk columnist Happy Holden has spent over 50 years advancing electronics manufacturing. In this profile, Happy shares stories from HP, Foxconn, and beyond—highlighting a career defined by curiosity, mentorship, and a relentless passion for learning that continues to shape our industry.
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