circuitnet
Sponsor
Viscom SE
iX7059 SMT Edition: Next-Gen 3D X-ray
Experience high-precision inline 3D X-ray inspection by Viscom with AI-powered defect detection, exceptional image quality, and reliable performance for complex SMT assemblies.
Viscom SE
Ask the Experts
IPC 610 Class 3 with Missing Non-functional BGA Pads
We have a board assembly that must be built to IPC 610 Class 3. On a few boards it has been necessary to remove and replace a BGA packaged part. Three pins ...
Responses by:
Georgian Simion
Engineering and Operations Management, Independent Consultant
Fritz Byle
Process Engineer, Astronautics
Kris Roberson
Manager of Assembly Technology, IPC
■ BGA Component Cleaning Spec
■ Aluminum Trays and Rapid Static Discharge
■ Seeking Advise for a Solder Reflow Recipe
■ Cleanliness Standards for Electronic Components
■ Fastening Surface Mounted Connectors Before or After Refow?
MORE ASK THE EXPERTS
Still Struggling with Sensor Failures
Sponsor
Essegi Automation
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
Industry Calendar
■ Oct 25, 2026: SMTA International Conference & Exposition
■ Oct 27, 2026: NEPCON ASIA 2026
■ Apr 5, 2027: APEX EXPO 2027
■ Apr 13, 2027: Symposium on Counterfeit Parts and Materials - UK
■ Aug 12, 2027: High Reliability Cleaning and Conformal Coating Conference
FULL INDUSTRY CALENDAR
TLPS is proven for outstanding reliabiility #1
Sponsor
Air-Vac Engineering
Large Component SMT Rework & Repair
A Rework System developed to address the increasing size, complexity, and thermal demands of Advanced Electronic Assemblies.
Air-Vac Engineering
What Year Was It?
The day was Oct 23. What year was it?
Hostage Crisis in Moscow Theater
What Year
About 50 Chechen rebels storm a Moscow theater, taking up to 700 people hostage during a sold-out performance of a popular musical.
See the answer below.
Sponsor
ECD
Affordable Profiling Excellence
Four channels of precision data capture from the most trusted name in thermal profiling. New and improved V-M.O.L.E.™ 2 is the ideal solution for budget-conscious electronics pros. Learn more here.
ECD
Industry Leading Inline X-Ray Solutions
What Year Was It Answer
Hostage Crisis in Moscow Theater
Answer: October 23, 2002
Oct 23, 2026
image
Wait: Your Autonomous Tesla Won't Drive Everywhere Just Yet
Tesla plans to launch unsupervised Full Self-Driving for privately owned vehicles in Q2 2027, but initially restricts operation to Robotaxi service zones. Drivers must remain within designated areas, limiting autonomous road trips despite promising technology.
Business Insider
Sponsor
Uyemura
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
One Tech Tip: As Apple's Duo phone is released, here are dos and don'ts for folding phones
Apple's first folding iPhone offers a larger screen but requires careful handling. The company recommends replacing its protective inner-screen layer rather than adding third-party protectors. Users should also protect hinges from sand, dust and debris with suitable cases.
AP News
PCB Rework Evolves, With X-ray a Constant Support
Mini Micro Stencil, a contract manufacturer focused on PCB rework, has relied on real-time X-ray inspection to verify its precision rework as the industry has evolved over 30 years.
Technical Paper
Chemical Risk is Business Risk: Is Your Company Prepared?
The Global Electronics Association and Clean Electronics Production Network updated their guide to help manufacturers identify hazardous chemicals, assess safer alternatives, reduce liability, protect workers, and prepare for evolving regulations and investor scrutiny.
Global Electronics Association
Sponsor
Glenbrook Technologies
Counterfeit Components Identified With X-ray Inspection
Automated component sourcing and procurement platform relies on real-time X-ray inspection to remove counterfeit components from supply chain.
Glenbrook Technologies
Why AI Can't Replace Engineering Teams
Leaders overestimate AI's coding abilities, pressuring engineers to meet unrealistic timelines. Despite impressive demos, production software still requires expertise in integration, security, accessibility, legal compliance and deployment that prototypes cannot replace.
IEEE Spectrum
Big Problems with HASL Finish
We are able to lift a SOIC off a PCBA using tweezers and no heat. The pads are bare copper, the PCB was manufactured using tin lead HASL finish. The Assembly Brothers, Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall, share their own experiences.
Board Talk
Technical Papers

■ 5 Major Challenges in Image Sensor Packaging and How to Solve Them
■ The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data That Are Correct, Unambiguous, and Defensible
■ Oxide Reduction for Reliable Electronics Manufacturing
■ UHDI Fabrication for IC Substrates: SAP and mSAP Processes
■ Flux-Free, Reliable, Efficient: Soldering with Formic Acid
■ Redesigning Material Logistics for High-Mix EMS Production
■ Unlocking Academic-Industry Synergy: A Collaborative Model for Hands-On Electronics Manufacturing Education
■ Viscosity Does Not Equal Rheology: What Solder Paste Measurements Really Tell You
MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS
Sponsor
Smart Sonic
EPA Verified Stencil Cleaning Systems
Low power density ultrasonic cleaners combined with 440-R-SMT detergent provide safe and effective cleaning of stencils, pallets, oven radiators, misprints and SMD adhesives.
Smart Sonic
Apple says more than 50 apps will be updated for the iPhone Duo at launch
Apple's foldable iPhone Duo launches with over 50 optimized apps, offering immersive streaming, gaming, and productivity experiences. Its large display, powerful A20 Pro chip, and seamless hardware-software integration could help Apple challenge foldable smartphone competitors.
TechSpot
From components to intelligent systems: electronics as the basis for the all electric society
Electronica 2026 in Munich will showcase how semiconductors, sensors and embedded systems drive AI across industries, highlighting integrated technologies that improve computing performance, energy efficiency, cybersecurity and resilience for scalable electronic solutions.
Electropages
Piezoelectric Sensors for Measuring Stress in Semiconductor Applications
Advances in semiconductor technology and device complexity are stepping up the pressure on monitoring and controlling for semiconductor packaging processes.
Technical Paper
Sponsor
Circuit Technology Center
40+ Years of PCB Repair Expertise
CircuitMedic provides circuit board repair kits, tools and materials developed from decades of hands-on PCB repair experience. Find the right solution for your repair needs.
Circuit Technology Center
Nvidia's Jensen Huang says he sees no sign of a 2029 memory glut: 'You can always use more'
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang dismissed memory oversupply concerns, predicting sustained demand through 2029 as AI infrastructure expands. He highlighted China's semiconductor manufacturing advances, U.S. export restrictions' impact, and Nvidia's readiness to compete globally.
CNBC
How Goodram Validates DRAM and SSD Reliability in Europe
Goodram boosts industrial memory and SSD reliability through rigorous testing at its Polish facility. The company detects defects, limits flash wear, ensures component consistency and supports European OEMs with custom firmware, engineering expertise and resilient supply chains.
EE Times
Exploring the Next-Generation High-Reliability Lead-free Solder Alloy
The novel Alloy 10 solder alloy presented here exhibits exemplary thermomechanical and mechanical reliability in extreme operating conditions, ideal for the future needs of high-reliability electronics, such as in the automotive industry.
Technical Paper
Sponsor
AIM Solder
Viscosity Does Not Equal Rheology: What Solder Paste Measurements Really Tell You
Viscosity is a useful solder paste quality control measurement, but rheology provides a more complete understanding of how paste will roll, fill, release, recover, and remain stable during stencil printing.
AIM Solder
Test Driving an iPhone Duo? 6 Things to Try at the Apple Store
Apple's iPhone Duo reaches stores Friday, offering hands-on trials before its $2,000 purchase. Buyers should test folding animations, screen creases, matte displays, video cropping, and viewing angles to determine whether the foldable design suits their everyday needs.
CNET
AI Boom Is Giving Foxconn a Second Growth Engine Beyond Apple
Foxconn's revenue surged 47% as AI server demand and iPhone production boosted sales. The company expands Nvidia partnerships, diversifies manufacturing across India, China, and the US, while investors watch whether growing AI infrastructure orders will improve margins and profits.
Programming Insider
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
Apple Suppliers Face Hurdles Cutting Circuit Board Emissions
Apple faces supply chain emissions challenges as advanced PCB production raises energy and water use. Suppliers must expand renewable power and test lower-carbon materials while meeting performance demands and Apple's 2030 sustainability targets.
MacRumors
Transient Solder Separation of BGA Solder Joint During Second Reflow Cycle
This paper covers a study of the mechanism for solder joint separation due to VIPPO and non VIPPO mixed designs.
Technical Paper
Which AMD GPU Is Equivalent To The Apple M5?
Apple's M5 outperforms AMD's Radeon 780M in newer games and demanding graphics settings, while AMD offers comparable performance for older titles. The Ryzen 7 8700G provides a budget-friendly alternative, allowing gamers to save money and upgrade components.
BGR
AI Is Exhausting the People Who Use It Most — Here's How to Escape the Brain Fry and Prioritize Your Peace
AI tools boost productivity but can cause "brain fry" when workers constantly monitor automated agents. Researchers urge leaders to deploy AI strategically, reducing cognitive overload and mental exhaustion rather than adding multitasking and oversight burdens.
Entrepreneur
Sponsor
DELO Industrial Adhesives
Image Sensor Packaging: 5 Key Challenges Solved
Filter glass sealing, CTE mismatch, fine-pitch processing, warpage control, and outgassing – learn about AEC-Q100-compliant adhesives for automotive image sensor packaging.
DELO Industrial Adhesives
Policy to spur next-gen smart plants
China plans to accelerate AI integration into manufacturing through smart factories, intelligent equipment and industry-specific models. Industrial output grew 5.3% in the first three quarters, while electronics manufacturing surged 15.8%, driven by booming AI demand and investment.
China Daily
Today's Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
Master Bond
Flexibilized LED Curable Adhesive System
Master Bond LED415DC90 is a one part, dual curing adhesive with excellent strength properties that is used to bond both similar and dissimilar substrates. Download the TDS.
Master Bond
Test Your Knowledge
Warsaw lies on which river?
See answer below.
Industry Press
Management change at Mycronic
Mycronic AB (publ) has appointed Mikael Wahlsten as Senior Vice President Pattern Generators and a member of Mycronic's Executive Management team, effective ...
Mycronic AB
SMTA Space Coast to Bring Electronics Manufacturing Community Together
The SMTA Space Coast Chapter is proud to announce that it will host its 2026 Space Coast Expo on Thursday, November 12, at the Melbourne Auditorium ...
SMTA
Essemtec to Highlight Advanced Dispensing Solutions for Complex Electronics at SMTA Space Coast
Essemtec is proud to announce that it will showcase its advanced dispensing technologies & Flexible All-in-One solutions for complex electronics assembly ...
Essemtec AG
ViTrox Wins 2026 Mexico Technology Award for Advancing 3D AXI Inspection Technology
ViTrox announces that its Smart 3D AXI System – V810Ai QX1 received a 2026 Mexico Technology Award in the Inspection Equipment - X-ray category. The award ...
ViTrox Technologies Sdn Bhd
Inovaxe to Showcase LS350 Smart Rack at SMTA Space Coast Expo & Tech Forum
Inovaxe announces that it will exhibit at the SMTA Space Coast Expo & Tech Forum on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Melbourne Auditorium in Melbourne, ...
Inovaxe Corporation
VJ Electronix to Discuss the Summit LT150 Rework System at SMTA Space Coast Expo
VJ Electronix will highlight its Summit LT150 semi-automated rework system at the SMTA Space Coast Expo and Technical Forum, taking place November 11, 2026, ...
VJ Electronix, Inc.
PARMI USA to Discuss Laser and AI Inspection Technology at SMTA Tampa Bay and Space Coast Expos
PARMI is proud to announce that it will highlight its advanced laser-based inspection technology and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at two upcoming SMTA ...
PARMI
MORE INDUSTRY PRESS
Peel-A-Way
Sponsor
SEHO Systems GmbH
Simply Double the Production Volume
SEHO SelectLine features the award-winning Synchro and SmartSplit production modes that allow to halve cycle times in batch production and mixed operation. Find out more.
SEHO Systems GmbH
Quote of the Day
"The closest to perfection a person ever comes is when he fills out a job application form."
Stanley J. Randall
Sponsor
Summit Interconnect
The Battle for Space Superiority Has Begun
The next conflict may begin in orbit. Learn why resilient space systems and advanced manufacturing matter more than ever.
Summit Interconnect
Essential Practices for Gold Mitigation of Electronic Components
Cartoon of the Day
Cartoon
"When you're trying to stay a step ahead of the competition, any advantage helps."
Copyright © Randy Glasbergen
Sponsor
Viscom
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
UNDI Fabrication for IC Substrates
Test Your Knowledge Answer
Warsaw lies on which river?
Answer: The Vistula