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

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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.

But as more American politicians go on the record in support of our industry and the U.S. electronics industry in general, it’s becoming almost impossible for them to avoid supporting this industry—not just with empty promises, but with action. 

We start off with an interview with PCBAA Executive Director David Schild, who dissects the SOTU speech and explains why it’s so important for Washington to—finally—begin supporting this industry. We also have a variety of news and columns that you won’t want to miss.

How can it be March already? See you next time!

Time to ‘Finish the Job’ on PCB Funding
Published March 2

Maybe we’re getting their attention after all. When President Biden gave his annual State of the Union speech, he gave his support to the CHIPS Act and other issues that are important to American electronics manufacturers. The executive director of PCBAA shares his thoughts on the speech, and the need for Washington to support—and fund—the U.S. electronics industry.

A New Chapter: Step Up and Volunteer
Published March 2

This week, columnist Hannah Nelson explains why we should all have a “new year, new me” mentality and volunteer to work in our industry. As she points out, there is a serious need for volunteers to work on standards and STEM advocacy, and there’s no better time than the present to get involved.

Hexagon, Altium Partner to Improve the Sustainability of the Electronics Industry
Published March 3

Everyone talks about sustainability. Now, Hexagon has partnered with Altium to address sustainability through the company’s Nexus platform and Altium 365. The partnership begins with a focus on reducing electronic waste through carbon dioxide impact tracking, and will expand over the next few years.

Knocking Down the Bone Pile: 2023’s Top Challenges in BGA Rework
Published March 1

Seven years ago, columnist Bob Wetterman outlined the top challenges in BGA rework. How have things changed since then? This week, he puts a “fresh coat of paint” on that list and offers this revised look at the biggest hurdles in BGA rework. Check it out.

IPC Issues February Economic Outlook Report: Economic Data Provides a Mixed View of the Economy
Published March 2

IPC’s February Economic Outlook is out, and it paints a mixed view on the global economy. But I’ll take a “mixed view” any day. The manufacturing sectors in the U.S., China, and Europe may be contracting, but the economy has added half a million new jobs, which is a welcome sign at the beginning of a possible recession. As a manager told me at a recent trade show, “If this is a recession, I’ll take it.”

01/26/2023 | Ashutosh Mauskar, Cadence Design Systems

Technology has always invoked radical changes, but unlike today, there used to be one major revolutionizing technology trend at a time. The world is becoming increasingly connected, more automated and more intelligent, driven by generational drivers—hyperscale computing, 5G, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), industrial IoT (IIoT), and autonomous vehicles—which are invoking disruptive technological forces on vertical markets, unfolding varied levels of microelectronics and digital transformation across the globe. The increasing demand for miniaturization and higher speed is changing the dynamics of the semiconductor components needed to store and process data.

01/16/2023 | I-Connect007 Editorial Team

Altium keeps its eyes on the designers of the future. The company has been working with colleges and universities for years, providing free seats of Altium Designer for the next generation of PCB designers and design engineers. At IPC APEX EXPO 2023, Altium will be providing software for the finalists in the IPC Design Competition just as it did last year. They offer a variety of other educational programs as well, including Upverter classes and a design competition that aims to address environmental change. Here, Rea Callender, Altium’s VP of education, discusses its educational programs and plans for the week of the show.

01/06/2023 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007

The youngsters are back in school, and we’re all back to work. The water is back on for most of us in Atlanta; when temps dropped down to 8 degrees Fahrenheit, our pipes started bursting left and right. After a Christmas dinner with no water, I have a new appreciation for H2O. It’s been a busy week, and we published a variety of articles, columns, and news items. In this week’s top five, we have news about the market in Southeast Asia, a look at what the CHIPS Act really entails, a deep dive into CMMC, and a peek at how printed electronics developers are using flexible circuit concepts to facilitate PEC. We also say goodbye to a Top Gun PCB designer who left us way too soon.