February 20, 2026

Quantum's Big Leap Puts Data Centers in the Spotlight Quantum computing is speeding toward commercial use, with Microsoft eyeing data-center deployment by 2029. Investors, governments, and hyperscalers are pouring funding as analysts expect quantum systems to boost AI, reshape energy use, security, and data-center design. CNBC

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VIEWPOINT 2026: Robert Nami, Director Global Sales and Marketing, Pacific Trinetics Corporation (PTC) A major milestone this year was finalizing our agreement with MKS/ESI, securing PTC's position as the exclusive global manufacturing and sales licensee for the Allegro™ MLCC test systems. This strategic expansion into MLCC electrical testing moves PTC further downstream in the component value chain and positions ... Pacific Trinetics Corporation (PTC)

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

Chinese tech companies progress 'remarkable,’' OpenAI's Altman tells CNBC Sam Altman praised Chinese tech firms' rapid AI progress, noting they near the frontier in some areas as China pushes toward AGI. Meanwhile, OpenAI accelerates growth, eyes a $100 billion raise, and plans to test advertising in the U.S. CNBC

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The U.S. and China Are Pursuing Different AI Futures Global AI investment is projected to reach $700 billion this year, nearly doubling last year's spending. While U.S. firms chase advanced AI models, China focuses on embedding AI in industry and public services, highlighting divergent goals rather than a direct "arms race." IEEE Spectrum

Autonomous Vehicles Still Decades Away: 2019 This paper examines the challenges to progress from existing advanced driver-assistance systems to level 4 and 5 autonomous vehicles. 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

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Achieving Zero Runtime Errors Developers still battle runtime errors in C and C++ code, especially in safety-critical systems. Formal verification and abstract interpretation deliver exhaustive, math-based analysis that eliminates runtime failures and strengthens safety in automotive, aerospace and industry. EE Times

Apple sued by West Virginia for alleged failure to stop child sexual abuse material on iCloud, iOS devices West Virginia's attorney general sued Apple, accusing it of failing to prevent child sexual abuse material on iOS and iCloud. Critics say Apple prioritized privacy over safety, abandoning earlier CSAM-detection plans, while other tech firms actively block such content. CNBC

The Best Method for Reworking Ultra-Micro Chips We are soldering and reworking 0201s and 01005s using hot air solder rework station with adjustable air flow. The minimum air flow will blow parts. Board Talk

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Why the Smartest Leaders Respond to Crisis By Saying Less In public relations, especially crisis communications, seasoned expert with 20+ years' experience champions the "Say Less Principle," emphasizing that restraint and brevity often yield stronger, clearer messaging than overexplaining or reacting impulsively under pressure. Entrepreneur

What Computers Does NASA Use? NASA continues to push computing boundaries with supercomputers like Athena, capable of 20 petaflops, vastly outperforming consumer PCs. NASA prioritizes reliable, high-performance computing for AI research, climate studies, and mission-critical space simulations. BGR

Understanding Creep Corrosion Field Fails Dendrites, Electrochemical Migration and parasitic leakage, can be caused by process related contamination. This paper explores aspects of the creep corrosion chemical reaction. Technical Paper

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Pakistan invites Apple, Samsung to manufacture phones Pakistan has invited global smartphone makers, including Apple and Samsung, to manufacture locally under a new Mobile & Electronics Manufacturing Framework. The government plans incentives, local component targets & a dedicated regulatory cell to boost investment & exports. Deccan Herald

Many Users Don't Want AI On Their Devices For One Simple Reason After OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, AI adoption surged, yet a Circana report shows 35% of U.S. adults lack interest in AI on devices, citing privacy, cost, and satisfaction with existing features, while younger users show stronger enthusiasm. BGR

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OpenAI and Anthropic's rivalry on display as CEOs avoid holding hands at AI summit Sam Altman and Dario Amodei avoided holding hands at the India AI Impact Summit, highlighting intensifying rivalry between OpenAI and Anthropic as the firms clash over ads, safety and global AI dominance. CNBC

Microstructure and Performance of Micro CU Pillars Assemblies Correlations between the shear strength and microstructure of Cu pillars were examined for different solder compositions, and for different aging times. Technical Paper

'A matter of national survival': European governments on how they're accelerating digital sovereignty as geopolitical tensions ramp up European governments are accelerating digital sovereignty plans as tensions with the U.S. and Russia expose tech dependencies. With U.S. firms dominating cloud and software, Estonia, Germany, France & Denmark are investing in open-source tools and sovereign infrastructure. CNBC

Tesla rival Xpeng shows off its autonomous driving chops with real-world demo Chinese EV maker Xpeng wowed regulators in Shanghai with live demos of its AI-powered ADAS at the UN WP.29 session, advancing its XNGP system, next-gen VLA 2.0 architecture, and Robotaxi ambitions, signaling a push toward smarter, autonomous mobility. The Driven

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Repairable infrared lens can cut costs and bring thermal imaging to more devices Scientists at Flinders University have developed a low-cost, repairable infrared lens made from abundant sulfur, replacing expensive germanium and silicon materials. Published in Nature Communications, the innovation promises sustainable, mass-producible thermal imaging. TechXplore