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Signal Integrity & Metallization
Signal integrity and additive manufacturing, particularly metallization, are hot topics in PCB design and fabrication. PCB layouts are carefully engineered to achieve specific electrical and power performance targets.
Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
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Christoph Solka: Delivering Practical Industry Intelligence in Europe
December 31, 2025 | Chris Mitchell, VP of Global Government Relations, Global Electronics AssociationEstimated reading time: 1 minute
When Christoph Solka joined the Global Electronics Association earlier this year, he brought a passion for connecting data with real-world impact. Now leading Industry Intelligence in Europe, Christoph is helping Association members see the bigger picture in an industry that’s changing faster than ever. We spoke with Christoph about his journey, goals, and why good intelligence is more than just numbers on a page.
Christoph, could you share a bit about your background and how it led you to the Global Electronics Association?
Christoph Solka: I began my career in strategic marketing with leading companies in industrial equipment and electronics manufacturing. In these roles, I worked closely with operations, which allowed me to develop an appreciation for the kind of practical research that helps companies understand the market better and make strategic decisions.
Over time, I gravitated increasingly away from marketing and toward market analytics and intelligence, translating complex industry developments into clear, decision-ready insight for leaders and teams. Joining the Global Electronics Association allows me to leverage this blend of operational experience and analytical rigor to serve a broader community through industry intelligence.
What attracted you to the role of Director of Industry Intelligence?
This role sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and impact by connecting research to real manufacturing challenges and providing insights that leaders can act on. Our global perspective underscores the value of comparative intelligence across countries and regions and is rooted in real industry outcomes. Contributing focused European insight within this global context is both intellectually compelling and meaningful in the impact it makes.
Continue reading this article in the Fall 2025 issue of Community Magazine.
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Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
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05/14/2026 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and a broad coalition of 17 other top business and trade groups in a letter urged Congress to extend the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC) – a highly impactful tax credit for chip production that is set to expire at the end of this year – and expand it to cover semiconductor design and other critical R&D activities.
New Courses: Advance Your Electronics Expertise in June and July
05/14/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationStay current with design, manufacturing, and quality standards by enrolling in one of these online instructor-led courses starting in June and July from ElectronicsU at the Global Electronics Association, designed to help professionals at every level sharpen their skills and advance their careers. These live, expert-led sessions combine flexibility with real-time interaction, allowing participants to learn directly from seasoned industry professionals while collaborating with peers worldwide. Access to all applicable IPC standards is included in the courses.
The Journey from Dilution to Zero Liquid Discharge
05/11/2026 | Richard Nichols, GreenSource EngineeringIf you’re familiar with the PCB industry, and a little long in the tooth like me, you may remember the cry, “The water board is here!” (or an equivalent authority). This was the signal for a frantic but regularly rehearsed exercise to turn on all the rinses. This anecdote demonstrates that in the early days of PCB production, prevailing practices revolved around a “dilution is the solution” mentality, in which manufacturers used copious amounts of water to dilute contaminants before discharging them into regulated municipal wastewater systems or natural water bodies.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/08/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing. Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing.
Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Karen McConnell
05/07/2026 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In 2021, Karen McConnell was awarded the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame award in recognition of her contributions to the Association and the electronics industry. As a senior staff member and CAD/CAM engineer at Northrop Grumman Enterprise Services, her primary responsibility was to develop a common, shared EDM (Electronic Document Management) library to support the electrical and PCB design tool initiatives across Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.