May 18, 2026

Researchers Built a Switch 1,000 Times Faster than Today's AI Chips Researchers at University of Tokyo developed a spintronic magnetic switch using Mn3Sn that operates up to 1,000 times faster than AI accelerators, using far less energy and heat, enabling picosecond switching and promising more efficient future computing hardware. TechSpot

Sponsor Your Award-Winning Cored Wire Our industry-leading, award-winning range of flux-cored wire solder solutions meet the diverse needs of both manual soldering, and rework and robotic soldering applications. Indium Corporation

Why Executives Are Suddenly Very Nervous About Autonomous AI AI agents now handle schedules, meetings, and travel bookings with growing autonomy, moving beyond basic chatbots. OpenClaw drew buzz for its Jarvis-like abilities, but rising concerns over data security and unpredictable behavior quickly tempered excitement. Entrepreneur

The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data That Are Correct, Unambiguous, and Defensible The analysis of variance (ANOVA) allows comparisons between groups using one test. Validation is accomplished by verifying that residuals are normally distributed, have independence of observations, and homogeneity of variances. Technical Paper

Is AI Psychosis Real? New Studies Are Beginning To Paint A Terrifying Picture Scientists report AI may influence users’ cognition with studies and cases linking chatbots to “AI psychosis,” including delusions. Researchers cite sycophantic responses as a factor while lawsuits and experts debate whether AI can trigger or amplify mental illness. BGR

Sponsor Need Improved Solder Joint Visibility? Solder Peel-A-Wayš Removable Terminal Carriers in place and peel the carrier away for complete solder joint visibility on both sides of the PCB. Watch a video to see it in action. Advanced Interconnections Corp.

Trump says Xi agrees that Iran should open Hormuz US President Donald Trump said Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though Beijing offered no confirmation. Trump also weighed lifting sanctions on Chinese firms buying Iranian oil as tensions persist over nuclear talks and regional conflict. Taipei Times

Technology for Optical Co-Packaging A practical approach is to use optical transceiver submodules and to attach them onto the package substrate by soldering is discussed in this paper. Technical Paper

Technical Papers ■ Evaluation of Techniques for Intentional Contamination of PWB Substrates for Quantitative Cleanliness Analyses ■ 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 MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

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It's Impossible to Predict the Future — So Stop Trying. Do These 3 Things instead. Leaders in 2026 should avoid sweeping reactions to AI and market shocks, make strategic shifts, hire adaptable teams, and practice crisis thinking. Careful experimentation and preparation help companies respond quickly when disruption hits without wasting or resources. Entrepreneur

CDs Vs. Vinyl: Which Has Better Audio Quality? Vinyl sales surge in 2025 while CDs also grow, reigniting debate over audio quality. CDs deliver superior dynamic range and clarity, but vinyl's mastering limits, distortion and analog warmth often create a more immersive, emotionally engaging listening experience. BGR

Process-Reliability Relationships of Low-Temperature Solders and ECAs This paper studies the process-performance-reliability relationships for Sn-Bi-Ag and Sn-In solders on additively printed copper metallization. Technical Paper

Sponsor Start Micro Dispensing Today The DL Micro Valve is specifically designed for dispensing micro volumes of material in precise, repeatable patterns. Learn more about the DL Micro Valve. DL Technology

Meet the 20-year-old CEO who launched a company in high school to solve Gen Z's entry-level job crisis Vukelich created Poppin' Jobs to help Gen Z job seekers facing ghost jobs, intense competition, and hiring delays. The platform offers resume tools, AI interview guidance, and local job mapping while addressing AI-driven changes in entry-level employment. Fortune

What you need to know about Nvidia competitor Cerebras after wild IPO Cerebras Systems debuted in a blockbuster IPO, briefly nearing a $100 billion valuation, signaling surging demand for AI inference chips as companies seek alternatives to Nvidia GPUs, while the firm expands cloud services amid supply constraints and major partnerships. CNBC

Dissolution Rate of Specific Elements in SAC305 Solder This paper describes the approach for measuring the solder dissolution that can be used to optimize soldering process profiles for electronic assemblies. Technical Paper

Sponsor You need clear soldering results? The SEHO PowerVision AOI system is for fast, automated optical inspection. Designed for THT processes & focusses on 2 points: Continuous quality assurance & cost-efficient production processes. SEHO Systems GmbH

Export controls on chips not big topic in US-China talks US and Chinese officials did not discuss semiconductor export controls in Beijing, US Trade Rep Jamieson Greer said, indicating no breakthrough on Nvidia's H200 chip sales. Despite approvals, no deliveries occurred as sides balance security, supply and domestic chip goals. Taipei Times

AMD keeps gaining on Intel in servers, but desktop PCs tell a different story AMD captured 38.1% x86 CPU revenue, driven by record server gains of 46.2% and rising mobile share. However, it lost desktop ground while Intel still dominates overall client markets despite AMD's continued year-over-year expansion in Q1 2026. TechSpot

Sponsor Optimizing BGA Rework: Challenges, Techniques and Quality Control The complexity of BGA packages introduces challenges during rework requiring innovative methods and inspection practices to ensure performance and reliability. Read more. BEST Inc.

Striking New Views of the First Atomic Bomb Test Berlyn Brixner's team filmed the Trinity nuclear test with staggered high-speed cameras, capturing the fireball's growth and blast effects. Despite equipment failures, the footage delivered vital data as witnesses endured blinding light and unprecedented force. IEEE Spectrum

How Long Solder Paste Can Be Left On a Stencil Without Activity How long can we leave solder paste on a stencil without any activity? If activity means not printing, then we are talking about a pause or abandoned time. Board Talk

EDA's AI Revolution Meets Its Real-World Constraints AI is reshaping EDA, but 2026 success will hinge on data infrastructure, governance, and compliance—not better models alone. Companies must build federated systems, coordinated AI agents, and persistent knowledge layers while managing security and sovereignty risks. EE Times

Trump's China visit sparks fresh questions over chip exports and rare earths access U.S. tech executives joined Donald Trump's flight from Alaska to China, meeting Xi Jinping and Beijing officials to discuss trade, AI chips, and market access. Talks highlighted Nvidia exports, rare earth minerals, and ongoing U.S.-China tech tensions. CNBC

Sponsor AEC Grade-0 and MSL Level-1 Conductive Paste & Film Adhesives 240° Tg and ultra-high thermal stability for AEC Grade-0 applications. Proven rapid and snap curing die-attach paste for ultimate productivity. AI Technology, Inc.

Humanoid Robots Open a Future Where AI & Automation Merge Robotics in 2026 is moving from controlled demos to real-world deployment as humanoids gain autonomy, tactile sensing, and cognitive intelligence. Companies from Boston Dynamics to Qualcomm are pushing robots into factories, homes, and daily work. Design News