[5 Mar 2010 | 2 Comments | ]
Managing Whiskers – Both Tin and Facial

A big topic in the last few years has been the occurrence of (and the damage caused by) the growth of tin whiskers in high-profile and high-reliability products.  Elusive, often misunderstood, and difficult to prevent; tin whiskers have posed significant problems.  In fact, even just two weeks ago TechEye.net was speculating that tin whiskers may be behind the massive Toyota recalls. Whether the whiskers are out to race cars, or are turning into conductive plasma arcs capable of carrying hundreds of amps, it is clear that they are a force …

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Industry News »

[4 Feb 2010 | No Comment | ]
Global Business Outlook Keynote at IPC APEX

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., USA, February 4, 2010 — Complacency with having survived the trials of 2009 is a naïve posture that, in 2010, will lead to continued struggles warns Walt Custer. The noted industry analyst and president of Custer Consulting Group will join IPC Director of Market Research Sharon Starr for the “Global Business Outlook: Where Do We Go Next?” keynote session at IPC APEX EXPO on Wednesday, April 7 in Las Vegas.
“If a company hasn’t been planning for the recovery,” Custer says, “it has considerable catching up to …

Designers' Bios, Off Topic »

[2 Feb 2010 | No Comment | ]
It Could be Worse: Short Stories from the Road by Marissa Oskarsen – Pt. 4

Doesn’t it drive you nuts when people chime in on your suffering with no encouragement, but rather, empty words? In Part 4, “It Could be Worse”, Marissa Oskarsen tells a story that exemplifies this occurrence. Enjoy!

Industry Dev., Industry News »

[20 Jan 2010 | 2 Comments | ]
DesignCon 2010

Two weeks from now, in the heart of the Silicon Valley, many of the top design firms and printed circuit board professionals will be attending DesignCon 2010.  Held at the Santa Clara Convention Center from February 1st-4th, this show promises to be a very valuable event for many.  Already the line-up of exhibitors is impressive, with exhibitors ranging from small consulting firms such as The Bogatin Group, to large, multi-national companies like Tyco Electronics.   See the full list here.
I have spoken with several individuals in the last few weeks …

Industry Dev. »

[1 Jan 2010 | One Comment | ]
A Fresh Take on a 2009 Recap: HotPCB

It has been interesting to read both the 2009 “end of the year recaps” and the 2010 predictions for the printed circuit board (PCB) industry as we have drawn close to the New Year.  Most have been quite comprehensive and informative, yet I hope to add value by also providing some impressions, critiques and praises.  Many refer to me as the fresh, young kid… and so it is my hope that I can provide a unique and valuable perspective.
The year 2009 has been an intense crash-course and immersion into the …

Industry News »

[18 Dec 2009 | One Comment | ]
U.S. Consulates Help IPC APEX EXPO Exhibitors Reach Across Oceans and Borders to Develop Business and Partnerships

U.S. Consulates Help IPC APEX EXPO Exhibitors Reach Across Oceans and Borders to Develop Business and Partnerships

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., USA, December 18, 2009 — The U.S. Department of Commerce has chosen IPC APEX EXPOTM as one of a select group of U.S. trade shows to participate in its International Buyer Program (IBP) for 2010. The event, produced by IPC — Association Connecting Electronics Industries®, was chosen by a vote of U.S. embassies, consulates and commercial centers worldwide. One measure was the show’s appeal to overseas visitors. …