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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.
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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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I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
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More Than Electrical Test: TTCI to Spotlight X-ray and CT Capabilities at SMTA Capital Expo
May 7, 2026 | TTCIEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The Training Connection LLC (TTC-LLC) will exhibit at the SMTA Capital Expo on Thursday, May 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore - BWI Airport.
Best known for its electrical test services, TTCI will be highlighting its X-ray and computed tomography (CT) inspection capabilities—services that are increasingly being used alongside traditional test methods to better understand complex electronic assemblies.
At the center of these capabilities is the Prime TruVision™ X-ray and CT Inspection System from Creative Electron, which enables TTCI engineers to examine internal structures in high detail without destructive analysis. The system supports 2D X-ray, laminography, and full 3D CT scanning, allowing for in-depth evaluation of solder joints, vias, plated through holes, and component connections.
This level of visibility is especially useful when investigating issues that electrical test alone can’t fully explain. TTCI uses X-ray and CT to analyze voiding, inspect BGAs and QFNs, identify barrel cracks, and uncover structural defects that may impact long-term reliability.
Rather than treating inspection and test as separate steps, TTCI integrates these capabilities into a single engineering workflow. Electrical test confirms performance, while X-ray and CT help pinpoint the root cause when something isn’t right. For customers, that means faster answers and a clearer path to resolution.
With more than 45 years of experience, TTCI continues to expand its engineering services to meet the needs of today’s manufacturing challenges—where smaller components, denser layouts, and higher reliability expectations demand deeper analysis.
Attendees at the SMTA Capital Expo are encouraged to stop by and connect with the TTCI team to discuss their current test and inspection challenges.
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Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Design for Test: A New Book from The Test Connection, Inc.
04/23/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOBert Horner, president of The Test Connection Inc., shares insights on designing for testability (DFT) challenges with Kelly Dack. Horner discusses the critical need for incorporating testability early in the design process and the importance of quantifiable metrics for measuring test coverage. He highlights The Test Connection's role in transferring decades of 'tribal knowledge' to emerging engineers through training and education. Look for "The Printed Circuit Assembler's Guide to... Design for Test, A Practical Guide to Test and Inspection" in the I-007eBooks library.
The Test Connection Adds Creative Electron Prime TruVision™ X-ray and CT System for Deeper Failure Analysis
03/05/2026 | TTCIThe Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, has added the Prime TruVision™ X-ray and computed tomography (CT) inspection system from Creative Electron to its engineering and analysis services.
TTCI Brings Real-World Test Engineering to the 2026 APEX EXPO
02/17/2026 | TTCIThe Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, will exhibit at the 2026 APEX EXPO, taking place March 17–19 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
TTCI Receives 2025 Global Technology Award for Redefining Design for Testability in High-Reliability Electronics
11/20/2025 | TTCIThe Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, has been awarded the 2025 Global Technology Award in the Test Services category for its groundbreaking work in Design for Testability (DFT).
TTCI Brings Hands-On Test Engineering and IPC Training Expertise to PCB Carolina 2025
10/31/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, and The Training Connection LLC (TTC-LLC) will exhibit at PCB Carolina on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the McKimmon Center at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can visit Table 4 to say hello to Bert Horner and Bill Graver, and learn more about their test engineering services and technical training programs.