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Current IssueBreaking High-speed Material Constraints
Do you need specialty materials for your high-speed designs? Maybe not. Improvements in resins mean designers of high-speed boards can sometimes use traditional laminate systems. Learn more in this issue.
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This month, our contributors discuss the PCB design classes available at IPC APEX EXPO 2024. As they explain, these courses cover everything from the basics of design through avoiding over-constraining high-speed boards, and so much more!
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In this issue, our expert contributors discuss the many opportunities and challenges in the PCB design community, and what can be done to grow the numbers of PCB designers—and design instructors.
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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
February 24, 2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
My weekly recommendations are tailor-made to help you understand and prioritize what we see as the biggest news of the week. How do we go about making those selections? I’d like to say it’s a well-guarded secret with a patent pending, but that’s not exactly true. Instead, we use our intuition and knowledge of the industry, backed up by the data we track. I like to think, though, that we follow a feeling. We often can sense a theme in what our readers are responding to, and we follow it. As I mentioned, sometimes those numbers are simply data-driven, but other times we pick up on the subtle clues. We think we have a good handle of what’s on your minds.
This week, I used my super sleuthing skills to select news and articles that are both driven by numbers and themes. Let’s see if my selection matches up with yours. We know our readers are opening our daily and weekly newsletters, scanning the important news of the day. The numbers tell me that. But it’s the content within those clicks that help me lock in on a clear line of thought. This week, the topic of the week: investments.
It's hard to get around our extensive coverage of IPC APEX EXPO, of course (with good reason). Suffice it to say, our comprehensive, exclusive coverage of the show through our annual Show & Tell Magazine was eagerly anticipated. If you haven’t downloaded your copy, I’m conveniently providing the link here.
APCT Completes the Acquisition and Merger with Advanced Circuits
Published February 17
Advanced Circuits, Inc., has been a high profile supplier of bare boards with a strong e-commerce model. Previously, Advanced Circuits was owned by a private equity firm; this shift in ownership to a PCB manufacturer with a reputation as a source for both U.S.-based and overseas manufacturing, will be interesting to track over time.
Elna PCB Deepens Root in Penang With RM1 Billion Expansion Plan
Published February 20
Malaysian-based Elna PCB Sdn Bhd makes the claim to be “one of the key PCB players in Penang.” Speaking at the groundbreaking, the Chief Minister of Penang, the Right Honorable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, “attested Penang as a sustainable location for investment.” Greater Asia is expected to invest in order to take advantage of the adjusting global supply chain channels. Elna certainly seems to be using that strategy. Read more here.
Libra Industries Guaymas, Mexico Plant Expands Sheet Metal Vertical Integration Capacity
Published February 21
Malaysia isn’t the only region investing in capacity. Libra Industries is expanding in Guaymas, Mexico as well. Libra’s expansion is interesting because, while Libra is an EMS company, the new facility targets high mix sheet metal fabrication and powder coating–critical for supporting a full box-build solution. See what Libra is up to.
Northrop Grumman to Manufacture U.S. Marine Corps Next Generation Handheld Targeting System
Published February 21
I really enjoyed this news item, but then I’m a gear nerd just like most of us. And this one has high cool factor if you like laser and optics applications. From the article, “NGHTS performs rapid target acquisition, laser terminal guidance operation and laser spot imaging functions using its advanced range finder and designator. With NGHTS, ground forces have the option to call in a target, transmit the precise location or use laser designation where previously the only option was to call in target coordinates on a field radio. This single, ergonomic handheld product packed with advanced targeting capabilities will enable the Marines to quickly acquire and perform guidance against targets and generate target location data during combat operations.” See what I mean? Read it here.
U.S. Department of Commerce Announces CHIPS for America Leaders and Staff
Published February 17
This announcement is about the individuals who will be the “leaders and staff joining the CHIPS for America team who will play key roles implementing the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act’s historic investments in the semiconductor industry.” Team members come from such sectors as semiconductor, financial, public service, among others. Read here to see who will be on the team.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/17/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineThis week, trade shows are at the top of our feed, with our coverage of the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show and IPC APEX EXPO. These two longtime events are almost polar opposites in size and scope, but Del Mar seems to be expanding from its roots as a “neighborhood gathering” with its move into the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Del Mar show always has a good “buzz factor,” which is something you can’t buy.
IPC APEX EXPO: Some Thoughts About Growth
05/16/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007After two and a half days of wandering the aisles at IPC APEX EXPO 2024, for the first time, I almost felt like I was exploring CES. There were so many booths and exhibits that I could describe, but I’d like to focus on the growth and huge value of this event, which has expanded well beyond just the growing and impressive exhibit show floor.
IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award: Pierre-Jean Albrieux
05/10/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineCongratulations to Pierre-Jean Albrieux, who received the 2024 IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to individuals in recognition of the highest level of achievement, extraordinary contributions, and distinguished service to IPC and toward the advancement of the industry, including helping to create a spirit of mutual esteem, respect, and recognition among members consistent with the goals and mission of IPC.
IPC Focuses on Education and Onboarding
05/09/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineI recently spoke with Carlos Plaza, senior director of education for IPC, about expanding educational efforts in the PCB design, fabrication, and assembly segments. As Carlos explains, PCB design is a hot topic, but onboarding may be the hottest one of all.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Industry Growth, Challenges, and Technological Advancements
05/09/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOEditor Nolan Johnson and Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist, dive into key industry topics such as growth, challenges, and technological advancements. They discuss shifts in the global competitive landscape, downstream demand, customization, and how AI is enhancing human skills. The industry outlook appears promising for both the short and long term.