March 4, 2026

From Brussels to Taipei: The Global Race to Regulate AI Since ChatGPT ignited the generative AI boom, governments worldwide have rushed to regulate the technology. The European Union leads with risk-based rules, while the United States resists strict oversight and China enforces tight controls, reflecting sharply divided global approaches. Taipei Times

Sponsor AIT ORMET® TLPS for Component Attach AIT ORMET®TLPS is proven for outstanding reliability for component attaches and MLCC build-up for high temperature applications beyond 175ºC Ormet® TLPS

VIEWPOINT 2026: Rich DePoto, Business Development Manager, Uyemura Uyemura has invested ambitiously in advanced chemical technologies. As such, we can find ourselves with extraordinary solutions . . . in search of problems. When adaptation advances slowly, this approach can appear inefficient – at least temporarily. Today's electrical design needs are clearly outpacing what's ... Uyemura

Cutting Without Contact: How Laser Depanelling Redefines PCB Manufacturing A laser depanelling solution delivers precision, zero mechanical stress, and cleanroom-level quality—transforming PCB manufacturing for high-reliability industries like automotive, medical, and industrial electronics. Technical Paper

Compal expects sharper PC slowdown in 1Q26, speeds up shift to non‑PC revenue Compal Electronics President and CEO Anthony Peter Bonadero warned that first-quarter 2026 PC shipments will drop 15% to 20% from the previous quarter, as the company accelerates diversification and targets non-PC businesses to contribute 40% of total revenue next year. Digitimes

Sponsor Reclaim Your Factory's Future Space is a precious resource. With SELECT Synchro, reclaim it, and reimagine your factory's workflow for greater efficiency and scalability. Nordson Electronic Solutions

Apple reportedly explores Google Cloud to power next-generation Siri Apple is in talks with Google to host a new version of Siri in Google's data centers, signaling a potential expansion of Apple's use of third-party cloud infrastructure as it accelerates efforts to upgrade Siri and strengthen its artificial intelligence capabilities. Digitimes

Moisture Effects in Common Solderable RF Connector Dielectrics The tendencies of commonly used RF connector polymeric materials to absorb and desorb moisture under various humidity and temperatures are characterized. Technical Paper

Technical Papers ■ 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 ■ Optimizing BGA Rework: Challenges, Techniques and Quality Control MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor AI Void Detection - X-Ray Inspection X-ray Inspection for hidden and buried solder joints. BGA, QFN, THT, and more. High Speed and High Resolution configurations available. Test Research, Inc.

Momentum Returns, But Structural Bottlenecks Test the Electronics Industry The Global Electronics Association reports February momentum in electronics manufacturing as new orders, shipments, and backlogs expand, but rising labor/material costs, talent shortages, and distributed capacity bottlenecks constrain growth, testing the industry's scalability. Global Electronics Association

The lead U.S. cyber agency is stretched thin as Iran hacking threat escalates Cybersecurity experts warn escalating Middle East fighting could spark Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. businesses and critical infrastructure. As retaliatory strikes intensify, a weakened CISA faces staff cuts and funding gaps, heightening fears of disruptive digital assaults. CNBC

Issue with BGAs and SAC Balls After Switching to Low-Temp Solder Paste If we switch to low temp solder paste, will we have issues with BGAs and SAC balls? We are trying to build a product with low temperature solder. Board Talk

Sponsor From Slave to Master: flexible ISM integrations ESSEGI AUTOMATION's ISM software integrates with 250+ brands, connecting ERP, MES, WMS, Pick & Place and X-Ray systems. Flexible logic allows it to operate as master or slave in any production flow. Essegi Automation

This Offshore Wind Turbine Will House a Data Center Underwater Aikido Technologies plans to embed data centers inside floating offshore wind turbines, using onboard wind power and freshwater cooling. It will test a 100-kW prototype in the North Sea, aiming to meet AI energy demand with secure, renewable offshore infrastructure. IEEE Spectrum

MIPS, GlobalFoundries Bet on Physical AI MIPS speeds its comeback by acquiring Synopsys's ARC IP and going all-in on RISC-V to target physical AI and automotive markets. With 200 million deployed SoCs and a Mobileye EyeQ7 win, it advances customizable, real-time, safety-certified chips for software-defined vehicles. EE Times

Effect of TIM Compression Loads on BGA Reliability This work aims to provide guidance for the potential trade-offs between thermal performances and second level interconnect reliability. Technical Paper

Sponsor Dedicated Tool for Process Development Advanced plating capability at Uyemura Tech Center: Process Development, UBM, pilot production. ENIG, ENEPIG, EPIG/EPAG, RAIG immersion gold; all substrates. On-site analysis. Uyemura

Global Security Spend to Exceed $300 Billion in 2026 as the Adoption of AI-Driven Security Platforms Gains Momentum Global security spending is set to hit $308B in 2026, growing 11.8% YoY, driven by AI-focused software and services. Banking, government, and capital markets lead investments, while the U.S., Western Europe, and APeJC dominate spending amid rising cyber threats. IDC

Qualcomm is getting ready for Wi-Fi 8 this year, 6G in 2029 Telecom and tech giants including Qualcomm, Nvidia, Microsoft and Samsung are accelerating 6G development, targeting commercial rollout by 2029. They aim to build AI-native, open-source networks, while advancing Wi-Fi 8 devices expected to debut later this year. TechSpot

Sponsor SEHO makes production lines smarter Improve your work flow and reduce manufacturing costs with creative ideas and innovative solutions for automation, board handling and material management. SEHO Systems GmbH

Second-hand phones surf rising green consumer wave The global market for refurbished smartphones is surging as consumers seek cheaper, eco-friendly alternatives to new devices showcased at Mobile World Congress. Companies like Back Market drive growth, despite lingering quality concerns and geopolitical trade tensions. Taipei Times

Solder Paste Inspection Tools to Support Industry 4.0 & Package Scaling This paper evaluates the current state of inline SPI tools from multiple vendors for solder paste measurement accuracy and capability. Technical Paper

Apple's iPhone and iPad become first consumer devices to receive NATO security clearance Apple has reached a cybersecurity milestone: iPhones and iPads running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are now certified to handle NATO's restricted-level classified data. The approval, granted by German authorities, makes Apple the first consumer device maker meeting NATO's standards. TechSpot

Why the Global Fight for Your Digital Data Has Already Begun Data once sat quietly behind business operations, collected and monetized with little public scrutiny. That era has ended. Companies now confront growing visibility and accountability as data shifts from a back-office asset to a central force shaping strategy, trust and public debate. Entrepreneur

Sponsor Precision Control for BGA Rework Vacuum sensing electronics provide control for gentle, automatic component removal while a non-contact site cleaning tip's height is accurately monitored and maintained. Air-Vac Engineering

4 Smartwatches You Should Avoid, According To Consumer Reports Consumer Reports urges buyers to think twice before choosing certain smartwatches, ranking the budget-friendly 3Plus Vibe Plus (Gen 2) last for poor battery life and limited smarts, and placing the pricier Polar Ignite 3 near the bottom despite solid fitness features. BGR