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

Reading time ( words)

I try to not talk about the weather in this space, but this week I feel compelled. I’m based in the Pacific Northwest, and we’re relatively used to it being wet and rainy. But just south of us in California, the state has gone from what I read has been called the driest period in the West in the past 1,200 years to a right proper drenching. This winter, with something like nine “atmospheric river” episodes to date, the California aquifers have gone from critically empty to suddenly trying to capture more water coming faster than the catchments can handle. California is critically waterlogged at the moment, while the surface water works its way into the aquafers.

This week’s news cycle felt like one of those California-style “atmospheric rivers.” There was so much worthy reporting worthy that I was a bit overwhelmed in making my final selections. Suffice it to say that, this week, there is quite a bit of news that’s worth your time to read. I encourage you to visit www.iconnect007.com and subscribe to our daily and weekly newsletters, and our magazines. If you’re already a subscriber, share our site with your friends and colleagues. It’s worth the time.

Hughes Circuits Earns IPC-1791, Trusted Electronic Designer, Fabricator and Assembler Requirements QML 
Published March 6

San Diego-based Hughes Circuits Inc., offers PCB layout services, PCB fabrication, predision metal fabrication, and full-service assembly. More companies like Hughes are recognizing that being validated for IPC-1791 puts them on a path for higher recognition with the DoD. “The IPC-1791 QML demonstrates Hughes Circuits Inc.’s commitment to securing a position as a trusted supply in the U.S.,” the company stated. Couldn’t agree more.

Insulectro and LCOA Install R&D Lab With Partner Kyocera in Orange County 
Published March 7

This new test and development lab is intended to assist with product design, field issue troubleshooting, design feature testing, support Design of Experiments work, and more. To this end, the equipment available in the lab is quite extensive. Get the details here.

I-Connect007 Launches New Micro Webinar Series: ‘Smarter Manufacturing Enabled with Inspection Data,’ Presented by Koh Young 
Published March 8

Koh Young topic expert Ivan Aduna examines the role inspection systems will play in the next industrial revolution. The first episode, “Smart Factory Success” is now available to view. In this 4-minute segment, viewers will discover how inspection systems and proprietary AI-based learning technologies incorporate the industry’s best True 3D measurement-based technologies. 

Meet Henry Crandall: New IPC Student Board Member 
Published March 5

As the new Student Board Member on the IPC Board of Directors, I-Connect007 talks to Henry about how he became the first PhD student in electrical engineering in his family, and how his role on the IPC Board will allow him to represent the voices of students and young professionals interested in shaping the future of both IPC and the industry. Henry is I-Connect007’s newest columnist, so look for his first column in the March 2023 issue of PCB007 Magazine, which publishes next week. Henry looks to be a strong voice in the industry.

Global Smartphone Production Fell by 15.5% YoY to 301 Million Units for 4Q22 
Published March 9

Even though smartphone production is largely contained within a few very large manufacturers worldwide, the effect of even a small change in production can ripple through our supply chain, alternately gobbling up all available raw materials, or releasing components and supplies back into the supply chain. Read TrendForce’s report summary here.

03/30/2023 | Patty Goldman, I-Connect007

Teresa Rowe, IPC senior director, Assembly and Standards Technology, has been inducted into the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame. She looks back on her unexpected introduction to IPC and how both passion and perseverance have always been at the heart of our industry’s drive to innovate. Seize every chance to grow and learn, Teresa says, and always keep moving toward the next opportunity.

03/28/2023 | Patty Goldman, I-Connect007

Patty Goldman catches up with Gene Weiner, the longest-serving member of IPC, about his experience meeting with the next generation of engineers in IPC’s Emerging Engineers program through a unique contest held at IPC APEX EXPO 2023. Weiner, who has attended well over 60 annual IPC meetings, shared his unflagging optimism and the lessons he’s learned over his illustrious career with the young professionals who managed to find him at the show. With so much still to do, Weiner has no plans to retire any time soon; he’s already hard work helping IPC develop a new program to support aspiring managers in the industry.

03/23/2023 | Pete Starkey, I-Connect007

On the Wednesday of IPC APEX EXPO week, IPC President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell stylishly delivered his keynote address, “Fire Your Hiring Habits!” to a packed ballroom full of round tables all immaculately laid for a sit-down lunch. Announced by IPC Hall-of-Famer Joe O’Neil with a Rolling Stones track in the background, Mitchell’s presentation, subtitled “Finding and keeping the best talent is fundamental to building electronics better,” offered relevant and valuable guidance on understanding human nature and how this knowledge can help you find and keep the right individuals for your organisation.