Selecting a Flexible Circuit Supplier

Most flex circuit suppliers offer some level of value-added assembly as their customer base continues to express a desire for a shorter supply chain. As products move into higher volumes and/or require more sophisticated assembly, contract manufacturers with these specialized capabilities look increasingly tempting.

What Onshoring Means for North America

The 2013 update to the study, "On-Shoring in the Electronics Industry: Trends and Outlook for North America," published by IPC, confirms that companies have continued to locate new operations in North America and are returning some existing operations to the region.

Alchemy in the Electronics Era

The adage that the only constant is change always holds true in electronics. In some areas, like wire bonding inside chip packages, change doesn’t occur too quickly, but it inevitably comes.

Catching up with Bob Tarzwell

Industry guru and inventor Bob Tarzwell has been largely off the radar since his move to the Bahamas several years ago. But he has been anything but idle. Columnist Dan Beaulieu spoke with Bob recently about his work with high-tech circuits, his resort, and his art work.

Note to the U.S. Government: Don't You Work for Us?

With recent events highlighting the intrusions on freedom of the press and freedom of speech, how soon before we regain control of our government? What happened to the government needing subpoenas before infringing on freedoms? How soon before we teach our politicians and bureaucrats to respect and fear us, and to realize that they work for us?

The Impact of Soldermask Processing on ENIG/ENEPIG Deposit Quality

Process control of the different steps involved in soldermask applications is paramount to the success of the ENIG/ENEPIG deposit. Out-of-control processing could lead to skip plating, and/or nickel corrosion; the former results in failure to deliver the desired nickel thickness and the later leads to problems with soldering and solder joint reliability.

IPC Guiding Monetization of Printed Electronics

IPC has been able to establish a robust standards development initiative by implementing a strategy based on 1) partnering with leading organizations within the PE industry and 2) reaching out to subject matter experts from the different technical fields that have nurtured printed electronics innovations.

PCB Industry Standards: Threat or Advantage?

I-Connect007 Tech Editor Pete Starkey seeks the advice and opinions of EIPC Technical Director Michael Weinhold on the controversial and sometimes complicated issue of standards for the PCB manufacturing industry.

Valor: Complete Product Management in a Single Package

Mentor Graphics' Valor products have long been high-end leaders for front-end engineering processes and they just keep getting better as the company broadens its reach with process preparations and total materials management tools for complete product management.

Report Recommendation: IPC's Forecast for N.A. PCB Industry

How many times have taken part in a discussion about our business and started guessing about the size of the market, how much business is left in North America, or what the size of the flex market is? I know that it happens to me all the time. I have to ask, "Why are we guessing?"

Stacked Packages Moving Into Spotlight

IPC's Terry Costlow relates: "Heinz Oyrer, the senior marketing manager for automotive at ams, casually mentioned a couple of changes occurring in the high-reliability components sold to automakers. The company makes magnetic sensors, power devices, and wireless components for autos as well as consumer and industrial markets."

3D Packaging Realities the Focus of New IPC Conference

TSV is emerging rapidly as more silicon makers and packaging providers learn how to work with the fine lines needed to connect bare die stacked atop each other. Getting substrates that provide both fine-line geometries and low costs are among the main challenges facing the developers of these high-density packages.

Printed Circuit Structures: The Evolution of Printed Circuit Boards

DPAM is able to combine 3D printing's structures with printed electronics' functionality at the resolution of DP. But it is still early--requiring labor intensive procedures that take time to produce the desired products and the desired automation that current 3D printers have achieved.

An Innovation in Horizontal Processing, Part 2

Part 1 addressed the theory behind a novel non-contact laminar flow process chamber that results in a faster and more uniform chemical reaction than obtainable with conventional flood chambers. Part 2 describes a practical implementation of the design and how the design has been developed to produce equipment capable of processing material in a variety of chemical applications.

Printed Electronics: Chemical Industry Wins

The chemical industry will end up with most of the added value from printed electronics, one of the fastest growing technologies in the world. Worth over $50 billion to the materials and chemicals industry in 2024, the resultant devices and processes are of vital interest to industries as diverse as consumer goods, healthcare, aerospace, electronics, media, and transit.

What's New in Solderable Finishes?

With the need for increased reliability and compatibility for lead-free assembly, the supply chain continues to improve the performance of solderable finishes. Latest developments include post-treatment additives for improved corrosion resistance, fourth-generation OSP, improved performance for ENIG. Finally, the future of ENEPIG is discussed.

TTM Technologies Q2 Net Sales Up 4%

"Overall results for the second quarter were in line with our guidance," said Kent Alder, CEO. "During the quarter, we experienced broad-based strength in our networking and communications end market in both Asia Pacific and North America. We saw some softness in our computing end market while our other end markets remained steady."

Woven Glass Standard Updated

Changes in the standard which forms the basis for many printed boards focus on three technical areas: The dielectric constant, a spread glass definition, and a hollow glass definition. IPC-4412B also adds a position clarification on borate/diboron trioxide that was created in response to proposed regulatory changes.

Design for Profitability: Avoiding Fabrication Issues and Minimizing Costly Revisions

At last, PCB designers are finally realizing the power they wield: They have the power to design profit into the board, or, conversely, increase costs and remove profit from the PCB. Mark Thompson reviews the challenges fabricators routinely face and presents typical DFP solutions affecting the bottom line.

An Innovation in Horizontal Processing

Horizontal processing with a non-contact laminar or streamline flow process chamber results in a faster and more uniform chemical reaction than obtainable with conventional flood chambers. Author Peter Lymn describes a transport and guiding method suitable for both thick and thin materials and expands on the mechanics and fluid dynamics that further reduce equipment length and operating cost.

Looking Outside the Hole: The Evolution of Via Drilling

New developments in laser-based fabrication that are an extension of laser microvia drilling technology are helping to reduce feature sizes and facilitating the miniaturization of electronic devices.

Trouble in Your Tank: Optimizing the Soldermask Process, Part 2

Soldermask ink wet weight and rheology will influence not only how much ink is deposited onto the board, but will also help determine mask coverage over conductors, says columnist Michael Carano. Good practice includes ink thixotropic properties, and transverse--laminar air flow over the boards--during flash off and tack dry.

New Developments in ENIG and ENEPIG

Surface finish is about connectivity. It is the surface which forms the connection between the board and a device. Today, there is an impressive lineup of surface finish products. Among those finishes are ENIG and ENEPIG. George Milad and Don Walsh explain the newest technology developments.

PCB Materials: Imaging and Moving

Fred Long, new business development manager at Matrix, talks to Guest Editor Kelly Dack about the importance of the relationship between direct imaging and laminate management under the umbrella of his company's value-added PC materials distribution philosophy.

I-Connect007 PCB Asia Week: Market Drivers

Although some PCB companies, such as Ichia, are seeing revenues drops in June, most companies are bullish for the rest of the year. TPT and Tripod are expected to benefit from Samsung and LG's commencing production of ultra HD TVs. Kinsus, meanwhile, is forecast to achieve a 10% growth in Q3, driven by orders for low-end to mid-range smartphones.

UL Splits FR-4 Standards Into Two Categories

For the past year, it seemed likely that designers and users of new FR-4 laminate and prepreg materials would have to run new materials through complete testing to be certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. That 2012 requirement disappeared when UL's Standards Technical Panel split what was a single category of FR-4 into two categories.

Solving DAM Problems: What To Do with Your DAM Data

Too many of us are swamped with mountains of data. In his latest column, Gray McQuarrie illustrates how to make sense of data sets with large and small numbers and visualize the data to optimize wise decision-making.

Microvia Fabrication: When to Drill, When to Blast!

As today's designs become increasingly dense, PCB fabricators' capabilities are tested--especially when drilling for microvias. By using DFM rules, fabricators can match the best method of manufacturing with the type of microvia incorporated into a design. Moreover, many fabricators will be surprised to discover which capabilities they may already have in-house.

IPC Brings Out Enthusiasm

All too often, we're forced to deal with people who are largely apathetic about their jobs, or those who pay little attention to detail. One of the refreshing aspects of IPC involvement is the high level of interest and enthusiasm throughout the volunteer organization and the staff.

The Future of PE: Assuming the Shape of 3D

Ken Church, CEO of nScrypt Capital, enthusiastically speaks about the future of electronics, specifically 3D printed electronics. Imagine, resistors and capacitors that print directly onto a third dimension--a UAV with active printed 3D electronics built into the shape of a wing or a table the shape of a computer. He even predicts a melding of the PCB industry to printed electronics.

Circuit Imaging Overview: Putting Options in Focus

Imaging technologies are arguably the most important technology used in the manufacture of printed circuits. Methods both old and new are in play as improvements to the old technologies attempt to keep pace with the advances now underway.

The Vital Role of Simple Infrastructure Components

Board fabricators and electronic manufacturing services suppliers know that components that seem to be simple infrastructure components have to perform precisely or complex systems will fail. When companies create innovative technologies that give these basic components new capabilities, everyone benefits.

Key Components to a Quality PWB Fabrication Drawing

James Brown offers a fabricator's perspective on what details make a quality fab drawing--it's much more than providing a few dimensions with which to work. Some engineers might say the guidelines suggested are obvious, but Brown says you'd be surprised as to how often much-needed details are left out of many of the fab drawings he receives.

Hall of Fame Roundtable Welcomes Lionel Fullwood

Guest Editor Bob Neves moderates this roundtable panel of IPC Hall of Famers and welcomes Lionel Fullwood, who was inducted into the IPC Hall of Fame along with Ray Prasad. Neves, Dan Feinberg, Gene Weiner, and Fullwood discuss their common link.

Direct Determination of Phosphorus Content in EN Plating Using XRF Spectroscopy

X-ray fluorescence is an excellent method for not only measuring plating thickness, but also the weight percent elemental composition of coatings. New developments in XRF instrument hardware and software have extended the measurement application of electroless plating processes to nearly any substrate.

Bay Area Circuits: Creating PCBs, Solving Problems

Peter Brissette, director of sales and marketing for Bay Area Circuits, sits down with Guest Editor Kelly Dack to describe how his company's PCB layout tools shorten the time from design to manufacture.

IPC Expansion in Asia Driven by Hands-on Training

As emerging countries push to gain a share of the electronics industry, it's important for companies to train personnel. It's also beneficial for these companies to understand the benefits that come when they comply with global standards.

Nordson's Q2 Sales Up 21% to Record $382 Million

"Our team continued to deliver value to our customers at a high level across the diverse end markets we serve, while also focusing on continuous improvement initiatives, resulting in another excellent quarter," said President and Chief Executive Officer Michael F. Hilton.

Innovation, R&D, Training Key Strategies for OMG Electronic

Global Business Manager Chris Hrusovsky discusses OMG Electronic Chemicals' focus on product innovation, direct customer support, and on-site technical service. He also explains his company's model of direct tech support and continued investment in the North American, European, and Asian markets.

UL Classifications for FR-4 Materials

Editor Pete Starkey joins European Institute of Printed Circuits' (EIPC) Technical Director Michael Weinhold to discuss the challenges faced in placing new generations of FR-4 material into UL classifications.

High-Frequency Circuit Materials Can Enhance Non-High-Frequency Applications

Creative circuit material selection can greatly benefit some applications that might not initially be associated with those materials. High-frequency circuit laminates feature a number of properties that work well beyond their targeted high-frequency uses.

The Future Is Closer Than You Think!

Dr. Kaku, famous as a theoretical physicist, futurist and populariser of science, held the attention of a packed San Diego Convention Center audience with his views on the way technology could dramatically reshape how people would live and play 20 years into the future.

Good Show or Bad Show, It's up to You

A trade show is yet another opportunity to make something happen; and just like advertising, social media or other forms of marketing, you get out of it what you put into it.

A Talk with Murrietta Circuits' Andrew Murrietta

Murrietta joins Guest Editor Dan Beaulieu to discuss his company's integrated solution (design, fabrication, and assembly all under one roof), making it easier than ever for innovators to get their new products to market using only one company.

Future Drill and Lamination Products from Matrix

Jim Alves, regional sales manger for Matrix Electronics, joins Guest Editor Mark Thompson to discuss the benefits and the future of his company's Megtron multilayer laminate. Edson Bosetti, product manger, joins the conversation to speak about Matrix's other drill and lamination products.

Multiline's Angelo Presents Advances in Post-etch Punches

Guest Editor Bob Neves speaks with Michael Angelo, president of Multiline Technology, about his company's products for lamination and post-etch punching. The duo also discuss the advances in post-etch punching with multi-camera and special material handling techniques.

Heavy and Extreme Copper for Maximum Reliability in PCB Design and Fabrication

Various power electronics products are designed every day for a wide range of applications. Increasingly, these projects are taking advantage of a growing trend in the printed circuit board industry: Heavy copper and extreme copper PCBs.

FIB: Beyond SEM-EDS Analysis

The SEM-EDS has proven itself an invaluable tool in examining process outputs and analyzing defects. Going beyond the SEM-EDS, the focused ion beam (FIB) can be used to qualify processes and perform root cause failure analysis.

Multilayer Quick-Turn: Texas Style

Viny Mulani, president of Multilayer Technology, joins Guest Editor Kelly Dack to discuss his company's capabilities and desire to provide an expanding customer base with industry-certified manufacturing quality.

IPC-2581 Update with Ed Acheson

Ed Acheson, product engineer with Cadence Design Systems, presented a session on the IPC-2581 design standard at Designers Day 2013. He sits down with Editor Andy Shaughnessy to discuss the advantages of IPC-2581 and what's next in the quest for a truly standardized standard.

Review: IPC's Roadmap for Electronic Interconnection

IPC has introduced its all new "IPC International Technology Roadmap for Electronic Interconnections" and this comprehensive document it is filled with data you will need to run your business today and in the future.

Maskless DI System a Smart Solution for Prototron

"American-made," "a great value," and "impressive technology"--these are just a few of the reasons Prototron recently decided to invest in a Maskless DI system. Guest Editor Stuart Hayton finds out more by speaking with Dave Ryder, president, and Mark Thompson, CID, of Prototron, and Maskless Lithography, Inc. President and CEO Bill Elder.

Gardien's Group COO Talks Global Testing

Roland Valentini sits down with Guest Editor Dan Beaulieu to explain how his company's testing services can help PCB shops expand their business. With 26 locations in seven countries, the business plan Valentini describes is definitely working.

The Art of Pinless Multilayer Registration

Technical Editor Pete Starkey joins Duetto Integrated Systems (DIS) Inc.'s Tony Faraci for an in-depth explanation of the principles, features, and benefits of his company's pinless multilayer registration system, which eliminates the pinning process.

Understanding Environmental & Conflict Minerals Regulations

To help electronics manufacturers better understand today's compliance requirements and sustainability trends, IPC will hold two back-to-back events, "IPC Conflict Minerals Update: Developing Industry Practices" and "It's Not Easy Being Green: Regulatory and Sustainability Update" in Cambridge, Massachusetts, June 3-5, 2013.

The Ins and Outs of Technology Roadmaps

Technology roadmaps serve multiple purposes in the industry and they come in many shapes and sizes, from technical to environmental. Jack Fisher, Interconnect Technology Analysis; Michael Weinhold, EIPC; Chuck Richardson, iNEMI; and Dale Kersten, Sanmina, discuss the many sides of technology roadmaps.

Understanding Risk, Striking Balance in PCB Material Usage

Formed after a successful management buyout of Viasystems' Special Products Group in 2001, Invotec Group has become a leading quick-turn PCB provider and one of the top 10 PCB companies in Europe. Managing Director Tim Tatton discusses the latest developments and technology challenges in the PCB manufacturing industry.

TMT's Michels Reveals Success to PCB Industry in Germany

Thomas Michels, managing director at TMT, joins Technical Editor Pete Starkey to discuss the state of the German electronics industry in general and the European PCB industry as a whole. Learn why the industry in Germany has seen very few setbacks in the last few years and continues strong growth.

High-Speed Boards Need Automated Checking

A set of PCB protos typically costs $250,000 or more, not to mention a couple of months of schedule. The solution is to assemble the pieces of the system to see if they function correctly, and it's faster and cheaper to do so in a simulation than to wait for hardware prototypes. Michael Steinberger wonders why automated checking of serial channel interconnects is still not common, and he offers some tips.

Industry Titans Offer System Development Outlook

In an industry of ongoing integration, restructuring, and cost reduction--and as systems become denser and more complex--it's becoming more important to take a holistic view of product development for true innovation and sales growth.

More Social Media Marketing Mistakes that Companies Make

This week, Bruce Johnston offers several social media marketing mistakes that companies often make. Do you recognize your company?

Taiyo Coatings: Covering All Things PCB

Bob MacRae and Donald Monn, sales managers for Taiyo America, join Guest Editor Kelly Dack to discuss legend inks, laser direct imaging, and their company's new PRISM coating solution.

Unexpected Results in Intermetallic Growth Study

Continental's Senior Materials Research Engineer Jose Servin joins Guest Editor Joe Fjelstad to review the high points of a study on intermetallic growth which he reported in, "Method to Measure Intermetallic Layer Thickness and Its Application to Develop a New Equation to Predict Its Growth," presented at the IPC APEX EXPO technical conference.

CPCA 2013: Becoming the Show it Was Meant to Be

Editor Marcy LaRont recently attended the CPCA 2013 show in China and relates the lack of multi-national companies exhibiting this year. Trade shows develop and change just as companies and industries do--perhaps CPCA has simply grown into the local trade show it was meant to be.

Isola Reveals Plans for 2013 and Beyond

Laminate manufacturer Isola had a lot to show off at IPC APEX EXPO 2013, says NPI/Field Engineer Luc Beauvillier. He also chats with Guest Editor Judy Warner about the company's future developments in more environmentally-friendly and halogen-free products.

Interdyne Reveals New Mechanical Drilling Technology

Mike Jennings, vice president, sales and marketing of Interdyne Systems, explains how the company's new, patented machines use a wing in the X direction and linear motors on the drill heads in the Y and Z direction, reducing the mass of motion dramatically and allowing for high-speed and high-hit-count drilling of small and high-aspect ratio holes.

Aismalibar Unveils Thermal Laminate for LED

Aismalibar's Jeff Brandman, president, North America, and Aaron Harlow, director of customer relations and technical support, join Guest Editor Joe Fjelstad to discuss the benefits of a new aluminum-based laminate which addresses the important challenges encountered in the manufacture of LED substrates.

Kingboard: A $4.5 Billion Laminator

Guest Editor Stuart Hayton chats with Kingboard Director Denny Cheung and discovers the scope of the company's global organization. Sunil Shah, product manager for Matrix, shares his experiences while representing Kingboard and introducing its laminates to the North American market.

HABI: Enabling Photo-Lithography in Electronics for 50 Years

Hexaarylbiimidazole, better known as HABI, is a photoactive material that rapidly initiates free radical polymerization. Original applications were in lithographic printing plates, photoresists, and other light-sensitive systems. Since then, the digital revolution has changed the use and requirements of photopolymerization compositions in modern electronic systems, including PCBs.

High-Reliability PCBs in Mil/Aero Applications

Experienced EMS providers and contract manufacturers apply special steps and techniques at layout, fab, and assembly to build in product reliability. These steps and techniques must be implemented at various design and manufacturing stages to ensure high quality and reliability in mil/aero applications.

Best of Show: Industry Veterans Weigh In

Pete Starkey, Joe Fjelstad, Dan Feinberg, and John Andresakis talk shop at the culmination of IPC APEX EXPO 2013. The industry veterans weigh in on technology and machinery present on the show floor this year, where the industry is headed, and the importance of an organization like IPC.

Alun Morgan on the European PCB Market and Role of EIPC

On the eve of the EIPC Winter Conference in Berlin, Guest Editor Stuart Hayton met up with old friend and recently-appointed EIPC Chairman Alun Morgan to get his thoughts on the state of the European market and plans for the organization now that he's at the helm.

Manufacturing Renaissance: For Show or For Real?

Editor Ray Rasmussesn feels that it really never made sense to send most U.S. manufacturing to China. For some products, China was a no-brainer, but for many others it wasn't the lowest-cost producer. Now, he says more and more companies are beginning to figure that out.

OEM Press Systems Moving Forward

Mary Quinlan, sales manager, talks about the loss of company founder Jon Copp, his legacy, and the company's plans for the future. With solid engineering and operations, OEM Press Systems is introducing a series of new, innovative systems to the market.

A Techie Book Review: Pulse Plating

This book features chapters covering all aspects of pulse plating, from the fundamentals to the equipment and processes for the deposition of a range of metals. Conveniently, the book is arranged in four sections that start with the fundamentals and then move through implementation to applications and, finally, special systems.