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

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Here in the Pacific Northwest, late summer is often referred to as its own distinct season: “Road Construction Season.” The weather is predictably conducive to this kind of work, where it seems that projects spring up on every street corner. My local city water department is tearing up the street in front of my home, and I try to remember that the inconvenience is temporary. When they’re done, the water system in the neighborhood will be better. However, I'm moving to a new city this week, and this inconvenience of the water department actually means I can't get my moving truck as close to my apartment as I'd like. It's going to be a tricky weekend.

Interestingly, that same theme shows up in this week’s must-reads. People are on the move, new books are being released, and a new PCB manufacturer is making waves. This week, I'm highlighting the latest ASC/Sunstone book on DFM essentials, our 40th book in the I-Connect007 library and a must-read whether you're a new or seasoned member of industry. I'm also including leadership news from NextFlex, a journey with Alpha Circuit and IPS, a discussion on integrated passives from Joe Fjelstad, and a new processor chip from Intel meant specifically for automotive applications.

Have a great weekend, and I hope your road construction season is more tolerable than mine. 

From Concept to Reality: Building Alpha Circuit
Published August 14

This is a 2-for-1: Barry Matties recently visited with Prashant Patel of Alpha Circuit to learn more about its new, built-from-the-ground-up 45,000-square-foot factory in Schaumburg, Illinois. On that journey with him was Mike Brask of IPS, highlighted in the recent article, Thriving Through Partnership: Alpha Circuit's Journey With IPS. What I love about this is you get to see the perspective from both sides: the manufacturer and the supplier. We don't see too many greenfield PCB sites these days, so when it happens, it's definitely worth reading about.

NextFlex Names Dr. Gamota as Incoming Executive Director
Published August 15

NextFlex announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel Gamota, a well-known and experienced manufacturing and technology executive, to lead NextFlex into its next chapter as Executive Director, effective September 1, 2024. Dr. Gamota succeeds Dr. Malcolm Thompson, the inaugural executive director of NextFlex. NextFlex leads a consortium of companies, academic institutions, non-profits, state and local governments, and federal government agencies that collaborate to advance the technology, manufacturing, and commercialization of hybrid electronics. Learn more about NextFlex and Gamota here.

Design More Efficiently: Read the Latest Book From I-Connect007
Published August 14

IPC instructor Kris Moyer offers a recommendation on this latest book, DFM Essentials, from Anaya Vardya of ASC/Sunstone. He writes, “Whether you are new to PCB design or a seasoned designer, this book is an excellent resource. It covers many important concepts and informational topics to help ensure you achieve a successful, high-quality, high-yield PCB design the first time and every time.” I couldn't agree more. This book is a guide to designing manufacturability and cost efficiency into your circuit boards.

Flexible Thinking: Integrated Passive Devices—Design Solutions With Many Benefits
Published August 13

Joe Fjelstad considers integrated passive devices and their role in the modern age. IPDs have been a well-known concept for quite some time, as Joe points out. But has their time finally come for wider adoption? Especially in evolving automotive applications? Read on to find out.

Intel Brings Discrete GPU Muscle to the Vehicle Cockpit to Power Next-Gen Automotive AI
Published August 12

Speaking of automotive applications, Intel “unveiled its first discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU), the Intel Arc Graphics for Automotive.” Intel stated the new dGPU will be commercially deployed in vehicles as soon as 2025, “accelerating automobile technology and unlocking a new era of AI-driven cockpit experiences and enhanced personalization for manufacturers and drivers alike.”