circuitnet
Sponsor
Nordson-ASYMTEK

A Lifespan of Reliability
Nordson Electronics Solutions makes reliable electronics an everyday reality. Selective soldering, dispensing, coating, and plasma solutions.
Nordson Electronics Solutions
Ask the Experts
Considering Plasma Cleaning
We build microelectronic circuits with various small pitch flip chip die's and an assortment of passive components. To improve underfill flow and better overall circuit cleanliness ...
Responses by:
Al Bousetta
Director of Marketing, Nordson March
Amit Bahl
Director of Sales and Marketing, Sierra Circuits
David Cormier
Engineering Manager, Circuit Technology Center, Inc.
Pre-bake in a Vacuum
Critical Part Fixture During Reflow
Causes of Annular Ring Dewetting
Class 2 vs. Class 3
Challenges Placing RF Shields During SMT Assembly
3D AOI Solder Joint Qualification Parameters
Solder Contamination Sources
MORE ASK THE EXPERTS
ECD
Sponsor
Ormet-TLPS

Highly Thermally & Electrically Conductive TLPS via Filing Paste
New filing highlights advanced sintered metal paste enabling faster installation, superior heat dissipation, higher conductivity, and reliable thermal drain performance without long processing cycles.
Ormet TLPS
Industry Calendar
Aug 12, 2027
High Reliability Cleaning and Conformal Coating Conference
SMTA
Apr 13, 2027
Symposium on Counterfeit Parts and Materials - UK
SMT
Oct 25, 2026
SMTA International Conference & Exposition
SMTA
Oct 7, 2026
Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum
SMTA
Oct 1, 2026
Long Island Expo & Tech Forum
SMTA
FULL INDUSTRY CALENDAR
Summit-Interconnect
Sponsor
Manncorp

Turnkey Lines: In-Stock & Ready
In-stock, fully integrated SMT lines with Manncorp's U.S.-based support. Skip the wait, cut lead times, and get your operation producing sooner.
Manncorp Inc.
What Year Was It?
Pope John Paul II Dies
What Year
John Paul II, history's most well-traveled pope and the first non-Italian to hold the position since the 16th century, dies at his home in the Vatican.
See the answer below.
Sponsor
Advanced-Interconnections

Introducing our new Board to Board Connectors
These new Board to Board Connectors feature pitch sizes from 0.50 mm to 1.00 mm with multi-pitch and custom pitch designs available. Designed for long-life applications and robust handling.
Advanced Interconnections Corp
Essegi-Automation
What Year Was It Answer
Pope John Paul II Dies
Answer: April 2, 2005
April 3, 2026
Artemis II crew clears Earth orbit, heads for the moon
Artemis II astronauts executed a critical trans-lunar injection burn, accelerating Orion to escape Earth’s gravity and begin a moon-bound trajectory. The mission tests spacecraft systems and procedures, paving the way for future lunar landings and sustained human presence.
CBS News
Sponsor
Viscom-SE

iX7059 Series by Viscom: Inline X-ray Inspection Power
High-performance Inline X-ray Inspection Systems for complex electronics, semiconductors, and power modules up to 200 kg. Seamless integration, AI-powered accuracy, and maximum reliability for every application.
Viscom SE
From MOUs to Markets: Transatlantic Deals Face Reality Test
Transatlantic tech partnerships are shifting from symbolic agreements to execution-driven markets, where success depends on funding, procurement, and interoperability. Companies must align engineering, policy, and capital to turn MOUs into viable programs, as market realities increasingly shape collaboration in space and electronics.
EE Times
A Universal AI-Powered Segmentation Model for PCBA & Semiconductor
A universal AI & Deep Learning powered model that enhances defect detection in AOI systems for PCBAs and semiconductors, further improving accuracy, speed and consistency - streamlining inspection processes.
Technical Paper
Elon Musk is about to be a very busy boy!
Elon Musk faces mounting scrutiny as a potential SpaceX IPO looms, while Tesla struggles with delays, talent loss, and safety concerns, and a legal battle with Sam Altman threatens further complications.
The Verge
Sponsor
AI-Technology-Inc

Corrosion, UV Protection for Power Transmission
Moisture, corrosive gas, oxidation & UV blocking prop-erties. FLUOROSEAL® confor-mal coating for electrical contacts & ceramic insulator protection.
AI Technology, Inc.
Young Professional’s AI Tool Spots Mental Health Conditions
Abhishek Appaji advances accessible healthcare by integrating AI, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience, creating tools like retinal scanners and smart beds for underserved communities. His innovations improve diagnostics and patient care, earning him the IEEE Theodore W. Hissey Outstanding Young Professional Award.
IEEE Spectrum
Assembly Process Optimization of 0201 BTC Diodes for High Temperature
The effects of PCB pad design, stencil aperture design, the flux formulation in the assembly of 0201 BTC diodes using high temperature lead free solder are examined.
Technical Paper
Technical Papers
Scaling SMT Traceability
The Drawbacks of Internal Recycling Systems for Solder Dross
Engineering ESD-Safe PCB Assembly for High-Reliability IoT and Industrial Electronics
The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data That Are Correct, Unambiguous, and Defensible
PCB Rework Evolves, With X-ray a Constant Support
How pH Cleaning Agents Affect Production Performance
A Universal AI-Powered Segmentation Model for PCBA & Semiconductor
RAIG Minimizes Corrosion, Allows Higher Gold on ENEPIG
High Reliability Lead-Free Solder Paste with Rosin and Anti-Crack Resin
Understanding Solder Dross: Causes and Control Strategies
MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS
Sponsor
Schunk

What are your economic depaneling needs?
Our depaneling machines are high-performance machines for single circuit boards with electronic components. The cutting principles are fast, the best quality.
SCHUNK Electronic Solutions
Taiwan’s defense technology shift
Southeast Asia can no longer treat Taiwan tensions as distant. Taiwan is strengthening deterrence through drones, semiconductors and secure technologies, linking security with supply chains, creating regional opportunities while raising economic and political stakes for ASEAN nations.
Taipei Times
Astronauts begin NASA mission to pass by the moon
Four astronauts launched aboard a NASA rocket, beginning the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. The team entered Earth orbit, tested spacecraft systems, and reported minor issues, while officials celebrated the mission as a major step toward returning humans to the moon.
Taipei Times
New-Generation, Low-Temperature Lead-Free Solder for SMT Assembly
The roles of additive and bismuth content will be discussed. Eutectic SnBi and three newly designed SnBi-based alloys were experimented upon.
Technical Paper
Sponsor
Master-Bond

High Temp & Chemical Resistant Epoxy
Master Bond EP62-1AO is an electrically insulating adhesive that withstands harsh chemical environments while delivering thermal conductivity. View full specs.
Master Bond
Apple reportedly has four new products ready to launch, pending one thing
Apple has several products ready for launch, but delays to its upgraded Siri are holding them back. The postponed AI features, now expected with iOS 27, have pushed back devices like Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2.
9 To 5 Mac
Wi-Fi That Can Withstand a Nuclear Reactor
Researchers developed a radiation-hardened Wi-Fi receiver capable of operating inside nuclear reactors, enduring up to 500 kGy. The innovation aims to enable wireless control of decommissioning robots, reducing human exposure while improving efficiency in dismantling aging nuclear facilities.
IEEE Spectrum
Case Studies of Harsh Application Environments
This paper will present scenarios where environmental factors played a role in inducing various degradation mechanisms to Rockwell products. The paper will attempt to concentrate on the unusual scenarios, or where assumptions were made too early in the analytical process that likely hindered efficient determination of root cause.
Technical Paper
Sponsor
Circuit-Technology-Center

Don't Let Part Shortages Shut You Down
When critical components are hard to find, your production doesn't have to suffer. Discover proven methods for removing and requalifying components.
Circuit Technology Center
There’s Something on the Moon That Earth Desperately Needs — And It Could Be Worth Trillions
NASA’s Artemis II mission advances plans for permanent lunar colonies, targeting helium-3 mining as a potential fusion energy source. Scientists and businesses also envision extracting water ice and building off-world industries, aiming to ease Earth’s energy demands and spark a new space economy.
Entrepreneur
Quantum computers might crack today's encryption far sooner than we thought
New research shows quantum computers could break RSA and ECC encryption far sooner than expected, using far fewer qubits. Scientists warn current cryptographic systems, including blockchain security, face imminent risks, accelerating the urgent shift toward post-quantum encryption standards.
TechSpot
Sponsor
Glenbrook-Technologies

Scoring Big With Glenbrook's Real-Time X-Ray Inspection
Jewel Box 70T helps East/West Manufacturing ensure accurate assembly of complex boards, for a system delivering statistics in seconds. Read more
Glenbrook Technologies
Can Global Memory Chip Shortage Drive Applied Materials' Growth?
Applied Materials rides strong AI-driven chip demand, benefiting from memory shortages and premium pricing on advanced processes. Strategic R&D partnerships and a diversified portfolio boost growth prospects, though weak consumer electronics and competitive pressures continue to pose challenges through 2026.
Quartz
Intrusive Soldering Through-Hole Connector
We are SMT soldering a through-hole PC 104 connector. We have tried preforms and are unable to get all of the pins soldered. Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall, The Assembly Brothers, share their own suggestions in this scenario.
Board Talk
Bell Called Watson; Today, We Call AI
From Alexander Graham Bell’s first call to today’s AI era, telecom operators invest heavily in 5G yet face weak returns. Industry leaders at Mobile World Congress 2026 say AI-driven services and enterprise solutions now offer a clearer path to monetization.
EE Times
Foxconn rotates CEO to Michael Chiang to tighten profit discipline and governance
Foxconn completed its rotating CEO transition on April 1, appointing Michael Chiang as the new chief executive effective immediately. Kathy Yang stepped down after finishing her term, marking a smooth leadership handover at the electronics manufacturing giant.
Digitimes
Sponsor
kyzen

Is My PCB Wash Concentration in Check
Evaluating wash concentration levels through varying testing methods can potentially save process time, reduce overall process costs, and increase cleaning efficacy on PBCs. Read more.
KYZEN
Energy Is Becoming the Defining Bottleneck of the AI Era. Here’s What That Means for Entrepreneurs.
The AI boom is driving massive electricity demand, straining power grids beyond capacity. As data centers expand rapidly, energy costs rise and infrastructure lags, making power—not algorithms—the key constraint shaping AI’s future and a critical risk for unprepared entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneur
Today's Sponsor
Aim-Solder
Sponsor
Aim-Solder

Drop-in SAC305 Alternative: Try REL61
Upgrade your alloy without the downtime. REL61 requires no pot cleaning and your SAC305 scrap value often covers the cost of the changeover. Optimize your process today.
AIM Solder
Test Your Knowledge
Thomas Edison said "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% ____________"
See answer below.
Industry Press
Seika Machinery Unveils Slot-Die Coater by infinityPV
Seika Machinery, Inc. is pleased to introduce the Slot-die Coater by infinityPV, a compact, state-of-the-art system designed for precise and consistent thin-film ...
Seika Machinery, Inc.
Rehm Thermal Systems to Attend All Major SMTA Expos in Mexico Again in 2026
Strong presence in a dynamically growing electronics market: Rehm will accompany the most important SMTA Expos 2026 in Monterrey, Ciudad Juárez, Querétaro, ...
Rehm Thermal Systems
Koh Young Announces Two Sales & Service Changes to Strengthen its Customers
Koh Young America announced two changes within its North American organization. Dave Nemeth has been named Sr. Manager, Eastern Regional Sales, covering eastern ...
Koh Young
Transition Automation Introduces the ProTEK 2900 at APEX 2026
Transition Automation, Inc. has officially introduced the ProTEK 2900 Squeegee Storage & Cleaning System, a purpose-built solution designed to protect one of ...
Transition Automation, Inc.
New High-Reliability 15 kW and 30 kW SMT TVS Diodes
Littelfuse, Inc. announced the release of the SM15KPA-HR/HRA and SM30KPA-HR/HRA High-Reliability Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode Series. These new devices ...
Littelfuse
Emil Otto expands its international sales network with new partners
The specialist in fluxes, cleaners, and process chemicals for the electronics and solar industries is continuing to expand its international sales network. With several ...
Emil Otto
Mycronic publishes Annual Report 2025
Mycronic AB (publ) today publishes its Annual Report 2025, which can be downloaded as a PDF from the report archive on the company's website. From now on, the Annual ...
Mycronic AB
MORE INDUSTRY PRESS
SEHO
Sponsor
Indium-Corporation

High-Reliability for Low-Temp Processes
Durafuse® LT low-temp, high-rel solder paste is bismuth-free, reduces warpage in large BGAs, enhances thermal cycling, drop shock reliability and reduces energy use up to 15%.
Indium Corporation
Quote of the Day
"People don't have to like or support you, so you always have to say thank you."
Ruben Studdard
Sponsor
Plasmatreat-GmbH

Openair-Plasma for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Openair-Plasma for semicon-ductor production is an alternative to vacuum plasma. Typical apps are wire bonding, die bonding & pre-molding. Download here.
Plasmatreat GmbH
Viscom
Cartoon of the Day
Cartoon
"We need to make some big changes around here. The kind of changes where many decisions are made but nothing actually happens."
Copyright © Randy Glasbergen
Sponsor
Air-Vac-Engineering

Cold Underfill Component Removal
A significant Rework challenge is reworking where there is minimal or zero clearance between adjacent parts near an underfilled area array device. A precision milling machine makes this possible.
Air-Vac Engineering
Smart-Sonic
Test Your Knowledge Answer
Thomas Edison said "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% ____________"
Answer: Perspiration.