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

In this week’s roundup, I’m highlighting a variety of articles. We have an interview with Jess Hollenbaugh, a recent graduate working for Polar Instruments. We also have an interview with IPC’s Matt Kelly and Devan Iyer, whose white paper may provide a way forward for companies dealing with complex advanced packages. Our newest columnist Tom Yang describes the U.S. PCB industry from the point of view of a technologist from another country, and Dan Beaulieu has a review of Malcolm Gladwell’s follow-up to The Tipping Point. Finally, we have my review of PCB Carolina, a one-day tabletop show that keeps expanding, much like my waistline after eating their catered food. Enjoy!

Offshore Sourcing in the Global Supply Chain

​​​​​​​Bob Duke, president of the Global Sourcing Division at American Standard Circuits, discusses the challenges and benefits of navigating the global supply chain, including the value of strong supplier relationships, rigorous quality control, and strategic sourcing from regions including China, Vietnam, and India.

Advanced Packaging: Preparation is Now

A new IPC white paper, “Advanced Packaging to Board Level Integration—Needs and Challenges,” authored by Devan Iyer, chief strategist of advanced packaging, and Matt Kelly, chief technology officer, shares expertise on and advocacy for advanced packaging. In this conversation, they share details from the paper about the complexities of advanced packaging technology and provide additional insight into how next-generation packaging will change how printed circuit boards will be designed, fabricated, and assembled, including final system assembly implications.

PCB Carolina’s Formula: Industry Experts and Catered Food

PCB Carolina organizers at the Better Boards design bureau seem to have found the perfect formula: Industry experts plus catered food equals a constantly expanding show. This one-day tabletop show has been growing for two decades, and that trendline continued with this year’s event on November 13. 

Data-driven Precision in PCBA Manufacturing

The intricacies involved in electronics manufacturing require more than just expensive equipment and skilled technicians; they necessitate an accurate understanding of the entire production flow, informed and driven by access and visibility to reliable data.

An Update on USPAE's Strategic Initiatives

James Will became executive director of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) in May and now provides this update on the group's strategic initiatives. The organization, which is affiliated with IPC, recently transitioned to being a 501(c)(3). It is navigating through a dynamic landscape, working to enhance our microelectronics manufacturing capabilities including PCBs, and adapt to emerging technology trends and market challenges.

Automating Test Processes in Modern PCBA Manufacturing

ICT and functional test play critical roles in the electronics manufacturing process. In many cases, these processes are the final line of defense in identifying defects, preventing failures from reaching the end user, and safeguarding a manufacturer's reputation. A growing problem in this area has been the sheer increase in production output from the SMT line. As components get smaller, PCBs will continue shrinking, allowing engineers to design highly panelized products.

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

In our industry we work on solutions. This week, solutions are represented in these must-read choices. Solid state batteries make an appearance, as does LED imaging equipment at American Standard Circuits. SPEA’s AI-based optical inspection is here, as are Happy Holden’s recent article on one key engineering skill and news about a flagship R&D facility funded by the U.S. CHIPS Act.​​​​​​​

Counterfeit Detection: Cybord’s Accurate One-Two Punch

To continue the counterfeit discussion from our October issue, I recently connected with Oshri Cohen, CEO of Cybord, to discuss advancements in both counterfeit detection and data analytics. To hear Oshri describe Cybord’s work is to realize that real-time counterfeit detection technologies can also contribute directly to improving process windows in production.

Navigating the Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities in Aerospace and Defense

The intersection of supply chain management and sustainability is evolving rapidly, driven by a mix of voluntary and mandatory actions from stakeholders including investors, governments (federal, state, and international), customers, suppliers, and communities. Beyond the traditional considerations of price, quality, and delivery, companies face increasing pressure to address challenges associated with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: The Value of Experience in Outsourced Assembly Services

Nolan Johnson interviews Alan Couchman, president of Process Sciences, Inc. during SMTAI 2024. Couchman discusses the opportunities and benefits to being an outsourced assembly services company based in Austin, Texas.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: Coating Solutions for Every Size from ECT

Erick Campos reviews the one-stop coatings solutions offered by ECT, ranging from coating services to equipment installation and training.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: SPEA Brings Added Sophistication to Board Testing Capabilities

Luca Fanelli describes SPEA's new AI-based optical inspection technology and shares a powerful example from the field. He also updates Nolan Johnson on SPEA's organizational growth meant to improve customer value.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: Post-event Excitement and Momentum

On the last day of SMTA International 2024 Nolan Johnson had the opportunity to speak with Ryan Flaherty, SMTA's director of communications, to reflect on a return to Rosemont and a full week of activities at this year's big event.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: SMTA Austin on the Grow

In this interview from SMTAI 2024, Nolan Johnson chats with SMTA Austin Chapter Treasurer Brad Pagano, who shares what he's learned in his first 10 months of board service with this growing chapter. His insights are good advice for board members in other chapters.

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

It’s been a busy week in PCB design, fabrication, and assembly. We published some mixed news about the EMS segment, and an article about the supply chain. Are companies holding onto too much inventory? After the recent supply chain snafus, I can certainly understand why they might. We have an article about liquid metal ink, a cool new technology developed by LDQX, formerly known as Averatek. We also have an article about fighting advanced counterfeiting methods, and news about an acquisition by Siemens.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: Saki Focuses on Keeping Customers Running

Nolan Johnson recently spoke with Craig Brown From Saki. Brown shares Saki's expanded service and sales infrastructure, new equipment, and ongoing work to design feature modularity into Saki products.

Are Firms Holding Too Much Inventory?

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, manufacturers made significant adjustments to inventory management strategies as they faced sharp declines in demand and economic uncertainty. Manufacturers moved to scale back production and attempted to quickly reduce inventory levels. Post-crisis, many manufacturers adopted lean inventory practices, such as just-in-time (JIT) production, to minimize holding costs and illiquidity risks.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: Akrometrix and the Importance of Material Thermal Analysis

In this interview from SMTAI 2024, Neil Hubble of Akrometrix updates Nolan Johnson on the latest in thermal warpage and strain analysis. Hubble details how these profiles are increasingly important beginning with design and continuing all the way through to manufacture. 

Combatting Advanced Techniques in Counterfeiting

In today's interconnected global marketplace, counterfeit electronics pose a significant threat to industries ranging from aerospace and defense to healthcare and telecommunications. As counterfeiters employ increasingly sophisticated techniques, the need for robust strategies to prevent, mitigate, and identify counterfeit components has become critical. This article explores the advanced techniques used in counterfeiting, the potential involvement of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and comprehensive strategies for combating this pervasive issue.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: KYZEN's Process Control System and the Digital Factory

Nolan Johnson speaks with Tom Forsythe From KYZEN in this interview captured at SMTA International 2024.  Did you know that KYZEN products include more than just cleaning formulas? In this conversation, Tom Forsythe explains how their process control system plays an important role in implementing a digital factory.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: Koh Young's Lessons in System Integration

Nolan Johnson speaks with Joel Scutchfield from Koh Young at this year's SMTA International convention in Rosemont. Scutchfield shares insights on data-driven factories and the dynamics of adopting new technologies and processes. 

SMTAI Returns to Its Chicago Roots

SMTA International, the anchor conference and exhibition for SMTA, returned to the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, Oct. 20–24. After a COVID hiatus, followed by two years of co-locating with the MDMA show in Minneapolis, SMTAI went back to its Chicagoland home turf. The 2024 installment of the SMTAI event included more than 110 exhibitors, co-location with The ASSEMBLY Show, over 100 technical papers in the conference, technical forums, social activities, and renewed enthusiasm in the attendants.

Real Time with... SMTAI 2024: LPKF Laser Depaneling—Debunking the Heat Myth

LPKF's Jake Benz shares the testing results he presented at the SMTAI conference showing that laser depaneling is not a significant source of heat to PCBAs. Benz goes into details why.

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

Just this month, the Fall issue of IPC Community was released, spotlighting the global activities of IPC and its members. SMT007 Magazine covers the scary situation around counterfeit components. Design007 Magazine is not playing tricks with its hard-hitting discussions about “partial HDI.” (If you are asking yourself what that is, you really need to take a look.) Finally, PCB007 Magazine’s alternate metallization issue offers some real treats, including an interview featured this past week with Carmichael Gugliotti of MacDermid Alpha. In you’re in the U.S., here’s to an early Happy Halloween.

Counterfeit Concerns: Navigating the Risks

Nolan Johnson meets with Diganta Das, PhD, and Michael Azarian, PhD, research scientists at the CALCE Electronic Products and Systems Center at the University of Maryland, to discuss the increasing issue of counterfeiting in the electronics and assembly industry. Diganta and Michael highlight the need for robust detection methods and standards to mitigate risks, specifically referencing SAE AS6171 for inspection and AS5553 for counterfeit mitigation. They cover real-world cases, like counterfeit network equipment scandals to relatively simple issues of consumer electronics accessories to illustrate the complexity of the issue and debate the philosophical implications of labeling products that contain a few minor counterfeit components as “counterfeit.”

AEMS: Expanding Del Mar’s Vibe into Anaheim

In the final hours of the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show (AEMS), I spoke with show managers Doug Bodenstab and Connor Good. Doug, a longtime surfer, is also the founder and manager of the Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. I asked Doug and Connor to discuss how the Anaheim show got started and the impact it’s making on the industry.

Master Market Researcher: Dieter Weiss's Data Research Informs European Manufacturing

Dieter Weiss, Weiss Engineer/in4ma, has worked in the electronics industry in Germany, the United States, and the Republic of Ireland for 46 years. After a successful entrepreneurial career, he decided to give something back to the industry and started market research of the European EMS industry under the brand in4ma.

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

Occasionally, I’ll intentionally select items for this list that follow a theme. Sometimes, as they did this week, themes assert themselves. The component supply chain and sourcing seem to dominate our coverage this week. We’ve got an update from IPC Government Relations, an interview with counterfeiting watchdog ERAI, the 10 global sourcing rules, a course on AI and machine learning in the EMS sector, and warehouse management.

Build Better 2024 Summit: Creating a Vision for Future Tech

Most likely, there aren’t many manufacturing summits that take place on an aircraft carrier, so it was pretty impressive to be on the USS Hornet, with a beautiful view of the San Francisco harbor at Build Better 2024 on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Billed as “the only manufacturing summit for engineering and operations leaders developing electronics”, the event was quite interesting.

ERAI: The Counterfeit Watchdog

Rick Smith is vice president of business development at ERAI, an organization founded in 1995 as a watchdog for the electronic component distribution section, aiming to combat bad business practices and counterfeiting. Rick definitely has some stories to tell about the hows and whys of counterfeiting, and breaks down some compelling numbers when it comes to fake parts being sold into the open market.

Untapped Potential: Automating Warehouse Management Into the Present

The push toward automation in electronics manufacturing has led to significant improvements in SMT and through-hole technology (THT) production. Today’s manufacturers are outfitted with precision pick-and-place machines, sophisticated inspection systems, and advanced solder deposition solutions. These investments reflect a broader industry trend toward automating high-value production tasks to boost efficiency, improve quality, and reduce headcount in a shrinking labor market. While the spotlight has rightly focused on automating SMT production, one crucial area remains woefully under-invested: materials storage and handling.

IPC Course Overview: AI Applications of Machine Data in the EMS Industry

Tim Burke, CTO and co-founder of Arch Systems, is presenting a new course through IPC, AI Applications of Machine Data in the EMS Industry. These topics—AI, machine learning, and Connected Factory Exchange (CFX)—are top of mind in the industry, and in this interview, Tim shares insights into how his company helps customers leverage machine data analytics to enhance manufacturing efficiencies and the tremendously important role of AI, which is making more meaningful data aggregation and its usage significantly easier for everyone.

Thinking Out of the Box: Pacific Northwest EMS Manufacturer Employs Successful Strategies With IPC

Allison and Chad Budvarson started Out of the Box Manufacturing, an EMS company in Renton, Washington, just one month after they were married in 2008. To stay competitive, they’ve utilized IPC’s workforce subscription and apprenticeship programs to train and maintain their staff. "Our relationship with IPC has evolved over the past several years," Allison says. "Initially, we saw IPC for its standards. But when I started attending the EMS Leadership Summit at APEX EXPO, I realized there was so much more to IPC, which opened more doors for us, creating growth and partnership opportunities I didn't realize were possible. For one, I like having frank conversations with EMS owners from other areas of the country, and I’m not worried they will steal my 'secret sauce.'"

Fall 2024 Issue of IPC Community Now Available

There’s so much happening at IPC, so be sure to open the latest issue of IPC Community, brimming with must-read features on members of the electronics industry who are making a difference in their own unique way. Just for starters, our member profiles feature Virginia-based Weidmuller, a heart-warming story from E-Tron, and you’ll discover how the owners of Out of the Box Manufacturing are successfully tackling workforce talent challenges.

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

This week’s roundup is a duke’s mixture of news items and interviews with industry experts from design, fabrication and assembly. There’s a lot going on in electronics now. We’ll be bringing you full coverage of SMTA International the week of Oct. 20-24, so stay tuned.

Battling Counterfeit Electronics in Manufacturing

Paul Jarski, product development manufacturing leader at Case New Holland (CNH), discusses his extensive experience with counterfeit electronics throughout his career. He highlights the challenges faced during market allocations, where counterfeit parts infiltrated supply chains and causing significant issues. Paul recounts the rigorous processes implemented to detect and prevent counterfeits, including advanced material analysis and testing. Counterfeit parts occasionally slipped through despite these measures, leading to costly and time-consuming audits and verifications to ensure product integrity and safety. 

AEMS: Third Time’s the Charm

You’ve probably heard of the Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show (DMEMS). Since 1995, PCB design and manufacturing technologists have flocked to this seminal event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego. Originally a regional show, Del Mar has grown yearly and attracts an outsized group of attendees and exhibitors. So, event founder Doug Bodenstab took his vision northward and launched the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show (AEMS).   

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

Fall presents us with a lot of tradeshow activity, such as the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show, which kicked off the month in California. Our intrepid managing editor Andy Shaughnessy has been on the scene and I look forward to hearing more about the show from him. Next week, we’ll be at PCB West in the Bay Area, followed by SMTAI in Chicago the following week. For me, it feels like a proper launch into standard Q4 craziness highlighted by the end-of-year sales hustle and frenetic finalization of 2025 budgets. October also brings a stark reminder that the holiday season will soon be upon us. So, let the crazy begin.

Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Low-Temperature Soldering, Vol. 2, Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of this book addresses the challenges in ensuring high electrical reliability of low-temperature solder pastes in modern electronic assembly. Also covered is the need for new-generation materials due to advancements in technology. The authors also explore the impact of flux components on electrical reliability and the formulation considerations to achieve higher reliability.

Mycronic’s Jet Set Technology

In this interview, Wolfgang Heinecke, head of global product management at Mycronic, discusses advancements and applications of jet printing technology, which offers solutions to the challenges faced by traditional stencil printing. He highlights the key benefits of jet printing, and explains the qualification process for solder paste compatibility as well as the software-driven nature of jet printing, which allows for quick program creation and real-time adjustments.

Real Time with… SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Viscom's Approach to Automation

Nolan Johnson speaks with Juan Briceno, Vice President of Sales for Viscom, about the current state of the Mexican electronics market. Briceno reports that while the automotive and contract manufacturing sectors in Mexico remain strong, the industry as a whole is preparing for more purchases in late 2024 and early 2025. Briceno emphasizes the growing need for automated solutions and AI technologies to address the challenge of finding qualified personnel in the Americas.

CHIPS Act Falls Short Without Focus on Workforce Training

Billions of dollars of funding from the CHIPS and Science Act are going to the construction of new semiconductor fabrication plants (“fabs”). However, that investment will fail to meet its full potential unless we also focus on building something equally important: talent pipelines for the entire electronics manufacturing ecosystem. 

PCB Surface Topography and Copper Balancing Under Large Form Factor BGAs

As CPU and GPU packages grow larger and contain higher pin/ball counts, the importance of managing the printed circuit board (PCB) surface coplanarity for package assembly increases. The PCB surface coplanarity under a package is a product of both the global bow/twist of the PCB and the local surface topography under the package. In general, the surface topography is dependent the choice of material and layer stackup and the interaction between the innerlayer copper patterns and prepreg resin flow.

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

If you know Dave Hoover of TTM, then I am honored to inform you that he has retired from the industry as of this week. But we can keep tabs on him through his weekly online blues radio program “Groovy Hoovy’s Different Shades of Blue Radio and Video Show.” Congratulations on your transition to “civilian” life, Dave.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: From Taiwan to Mexico: TRI's Expansion

Speaking with Nolan Johnson is Fernando Salomon, sales manager for Test Research, Inc., discussing TRI's increasing presence in Mexico, particularly in Guadalajara. Salomon explains that TRI recognizes the importance of the Mexican market and has invested in local offices and staff.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Rehm Celebrates 10 Years and New Beginnings in Mexico

Nolan Johnson interviews Luis Garcia, General Manager for Rehm's Mexico division. Celebrating Rehm's 10 years in Mexico, Garcia discusses the company's journey from their US operations to establishing their Mexican office.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: AXXON Mycronic Advances Tech in Mexico

Nolan Johnson speaks with Miguel Gonzalez, sales manager for Mexico. Gonzalez discusses the recent opening of Axxon Mycronic's subsidiary in Mexico, highlighting their new laboratory equipped for testing and developing machinery.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Automation and Precision in Electronics Testing with SPEA

In this conversation with Nolan Johnson, Ferdinando Esposito, Branch Manager for SPEA Mexico, delves into the advancements and market trends in electronic testing equipment. Esposito discusses the new products SPEA has brought to the show, including their high-throughput ICT testers and miniaturized flying probes.

Some Fundamentals of Tin-Bismuth Metallurgy and Electromigration 

Near-eutectic tin-bismuth alloy is a strong contender as the solder of choice for low-temperature electronic assembly applications. This article will describe the recent significant developments by the iNEMI project team on the understanding of the electromigration behavior of Sn-Bi solder which has a unique physical metallurgy and electromigration behavior quite different for that of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder and other solders in common use today.

Real Time with… SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Understanding the Industry Pause with Koh Young

Nolan Johnson and Heriberto Cuevas, Koh Young's lead sales manager for Mexico and South America, discuss the current state of the industrial market in Mexico and South America. Cuevas emphasizes the importance of Industry 4.0, aiming to improve connectivity, automation, and efficiency in industrial processes.

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

It’s been a busy week in the world of PCB design and manufacturing. In this week’s roundup, there’s a little bit of everything. We have a look at PCB technology of tomorrow, an interview with an engineer who designs both PCBs and ICs, and government relations news from Washington, D.C. We also have an article on dispensing technology, and a final installment of our podcast on “designing for reality.”

Augering in on Dispensing

In this interview with Sunny Agarwal, a senior applications and process engineer at Camalot Dispensers R&D, we talk about the choice between traditional methods and jet dispensing. Sunny says it depends on material properties, especially viscosity. Dispensing is very specific to application requirements, and excels in scenarios involving tall components, where precise droplet placement is crucial.

Understanding Cleaning Challenges for Automated Solder Paste Dispensing

In today’s rapidly evolving electronics manufacturing landscape, staying abreast of innovative technologies is crucial. As solder paste and substrate materials continually evolve and become more complex, optimizing production methods with the latest technology ensures performance and quality while reducing operational costs.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Breaking Barriers With ROCKA

Nolan Johnson speaks with Justin Worden From ROCKA. The conversation revolves around Rocka's unique approach at a trade show, where they've built a wall around their booth to emphasize exclusivity, defying conventional sales tactics. Worden explains that the company has heavily invested in manufacturing their own high-quality, low-cost products, bucking the trend by focusing on exclusivity and live demonstrations, underscoring Rocka's commitment to innovation, local market engagement, and efficient delivery to meet the fast-paced demands of their customers

Real Time with...SMTA Guadalajara 2024: KYZEN's New Products and Market Trends

Luis Gazcon introduces KYZEN's focus on stencil cleaning products for printing systems. Their water-based product offers safety and efficiency benefits over traditional flammable solvents. Luis also discusses the KYZEN Analyst 2 sensor, which monitors chemical concentrations and ensures stable PCB cleaning processes. Additionally, Gazcon introduces the Aquanox A4618, a water-based cleaning agent effective at low concentrations.

IPC Releases Newest List of Standards Updates, Revisions

Each quarter, IPC releases a list of standards that are new or have been updated. To view a complete list of newly published standards and standards revisions, translations, proposed standards for ballot, final drafts for industry review, working drafts, and project approvals, visit ipc.org/status. These are the latest releases for Q3 2024.

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

At the top of my list is “Silicon to Systems,” an interview with technology experts from IPC: Matt Kelly, Devan Iyer, and Kris Moyer. Also, this week, we hear from I-Connect007 Managing Editor Nolan Johnson, who’s been in Mexico for SMTA Guadalajara. Speaking of Mexico, I want to highlight an interview that appeared in IPC Community between Lorena Villanueva and Barjouth Aguilar of Flex, who talk about the importance of sustainability. I wrap up my recommendations with articles about solder printing and wet process control.

Grow, Pause, Grow: A Report From SMTA Guadalajara

Two years ago, the EMS industry in Mexico—spurred by the EV and medical markets, and accelerated by changing trade relations with China—was growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, recently, SMT007 Magazine reported on the near-shoring effects. This week’s SMTA Guadalajara Expo and Tech Forum reflects that growth through the show’s rapid expansion and high-energy enthusiasm.

Making Waves With Solder Paste Jetting

As electronics shrink and PCB density grows, traditional solder deposition methods such as stencil printing face significant challenges. One solution making substantial waves is solder paste jetting. Solder paste jetting is no secret. In fact, the development and commercialization of this technology has been around since the early 2000s. So, why now? We’ve arrived at a time in which the maturity of this technology has intersected with new demands of electronics manufacturing.
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