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The Inside Line
December 31, 1969 |Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Jay Regan Named Publisher of SMT, AP and CS Magazines
NASHUA, N.H. - SMT magazine is pleased to announce the promotion of Jay Regan to Group Publisher for SMT, Advanced Packaging and Connector Specifier magazines. Regan brings to the position 13 years of sales experience with PennWell Corporation, beginning in sales for Industrial Laser Solutions (then known as Industrial Laser Review). In 1993, Regan was promoted to Regional Sales Manager and later National Sales Director for Solid State Technology magazine. Regan also held the role of Publisher for Cabling Installation and Maintenance magazine until 1999. Most recently, Regan held the position of Regional Sales Manager for Laser Focus World.
“Jay’s specific strengths in both identifying new opportunities and new properties for his franchises over the years, and evolving his existing franchise properties to address the needs in our current markets are key attributes that lead to his promotion,” said Dave Janoff, senior vice president, Communications and Optoelectronics Group.
“I am excited for the opportunity to join SMT magazine as group publisher. Much like surface mount technology and the electronics industry as a whole, SMT has remained a leader throughout the years,” said Regan. “I look forward to directing the magazine’s growth within the industry, as well as getting to know those companies and industry experts who have been key to the success and advancements of surface mount technology.”
RFID: More Than Marathons and Wal-Mart
When people hear RFID, they immediately think of Wal-Mart. As a runner, I think of the tiny chip on the laces of my running shoes that tracks my slow-but-steady progress in a race. But there’s a lot more going on in the RFID market than chip timing and low prices. RFID is leaving its mark on the inventory-control industry with numerous warehouse applications: automating production lines, tracking shipments and tracing inventory. It’s making its way into tracking mortar shells, armored bank car deliveries and breast milk supplies and deliveries. The IPC claims that RFID technology will affect nearly all EMS companies, printed circuit technology, process and materials. Several experts will share their views at IPC’s “Risks and Rewards of Emerging Technologies,” occurring in congruence with Capitol Hill Day, May 18, in Washington, D.C.
RFID’s benefit is that it does not require physical contact or line-of-sight scanning to read or inventory materials. Because it resides in over-occupied transmission ranges (300 to 500 KHz for low-range and 850 to 950 MHz or 2.4 to 2.5 GHz for high-range systems), it often is rife with interference.
Companies, such as Baltimore, Md.-based Barcoding, Inc., are developing a microscopic labeling technology. “RFID is not where people visualize it,” states Jay Steinmetz, president. “There are a lot of factors and an inexpensive chip needs to work flawlessly. The technology needs to surpass failure rates.”
Paragon Data Systems of Ohio released its 1000e SM RFID label/in-lay applicator, which combines an integrated PC with a color touchscreen, enabling users to edit data, control processes, run diagnostics, change setups and track tags.
Israel-based OnTrack Innovations’ (OTI) SmartID technology has been implemented in electronic passports that use biometrics, PKI and contactless technology in border-control applications.
In the next six years, RFID will migrate from low- to high-frequency ranges, claims Steinmetz. Applications will revolve around medical/pharmaceutical distribution and control. But it will be a while before the average consumer can walk out of a store with pockets full of chewing gum and pretzels - at least not without getting arrested.- Michelle M. Boisvert