June 30, 2026

The Lab Mistake That Might Revolutionize Computing Researchers have discovered that ordinary CMOS transistors can function as artificial neurons and synapses, offering a scalable neuromorphic computing approach that could dramatically reduce AI’s energy consumption, lower data-center power demands, and narrow the efficiency gap with the human brain. IEEE Spectrum

Sponsor Eliminate Voids for High-Reliability Applications Voids compromise reliability. Achieve near zero-voiding with our vacuum reflow for automotive, micro-bumping, and advanced electronics. Send your boards to see the results. Heller Industries

Apple accuses India of ‘copy-pasting’ rivals’ claims in antitrust investigation Apple urged India's antitrust watchdog to dismiss findings that it abused App Store dominance, accusing investigators of copying rivals’ claims without independent analysis. The company warned penalties could disrupt its business model, deter investment, and undermine India’s growing iPhone manufacturing ecosystem. Taipei Times

Flux-Free, Reliable, Efficient: Soldering with Formic Acid Whitepaper shows formic-acid-assisted, flux-free soldering enables reliable, nearly void-free joints for power semiconductors. The technology improves thermal performance and lifespan, offering strong potential for electromobility, renewable energy, and high-frequency electronics. Technical Paper

Europe’s Path to Defense Resilience Lies in Technological Independence Europe can strengthen defense resilience by reducing reliance on foreign technology ecosystems and investing in sovereign semiconductors, AI, cloud infrastructure, and secure supply chains. Building domestic innovation and trusted partnerships will improve security, competitiveness, and long-term strategic autonomy. EE Times

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.

A hollow-core fiber cable just carried 51.3 Tb/s across 200 km YOFC, working with China Telecom and Dekoli, set a world record by transmitting 51.3 Tb/s over 206.5 km of hollow-core fiber without signal regeneration. The live commercial trial demonstrated lower latency, higher speeds, and advanced wavelength optimization for long-haul networks. TechSpot

Impact of Pb-free Solder Alloy Mixing on Solder Joint Integrity Using BGAs An investigation was conducted to assess the solder joint integrity (acceptable/nonacceptable) for three different solder alloys on ball grid arrays (BGAs) in a mixed metallurgy configuration as compared to a baseline SAC305 system. Thermal cycle testing using a -55 to +125 ºC range in accordance with the IPC-9701 specification was used. Technical Paper

Technical Papers ■ 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 ■ Salvaging Electronic Components: A Reliable Method for Reducing Electronic Waste and Ensuring Economic Reuse ■ Digital Warehouse Automation in High-Mix PCB Assembly ■ 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 MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor Automation in Transition The world of automation is changing. What does this mean for customers? And what impact is the transformation having on providers? Find out more from a panel of experts. SCHUNK

This Unexpected Tech Founder Is Now Richer Than Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison and Jensen Huang Michael Dell’s net worth has surged to $212 billion, making him the world’s fifth-richest person as Dell Technologies rides the AI boom. Strong server sales, rising revenue and a 225% stock rally fueled his $71.9 billion wealth gain this year. Entrepreneur

U.S. Eyes China’s Expanding Role in Latin America A Gartner report says expanding U.S. scrutiny of Chinese firms in Latin America reflects a broader national security strategy targeting ownership, technology and supply chain dependencies. Companies must map entire business ecosystems as regulators intensify oversight ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. EE Times

How to Cost a Board My boss has asked me to provide a cost matrix so we can quickly quote labor machine time component for the SMT board assembly. Board Talk

Sponsor Safe and Effective Cleaning with 440-R Not consumed during the stencil cleaning process so there is no need to monitor concentration. Simply replace with fresh solution every 4-6 weeks. Learn more. Smart Sonic

SEMI Projects 300mm Memory Equipment Investment to Surpass $50 Billion in 2026 AI-driven demand will push global 300mm memory fab equipment investment to a record $52 billion in 2026, up 29%, before reaching $57 billion in 2027, as chipmakers expand DRAM and 3D NAND capacity to support AI infrastructure and advanced computing. PR Newswire

Key facts on South Korea's three chip and AI 'mega projects' South Korea unveiled three mega projects focused on semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centres. Samsung Electronics plans massive domestic investments through 2040, expanding semiconductor clusters, advanced HBM fabs and new facilities to strengthen the country's technology leadership and future growth. Reuters

Increased Reliability of Quad Flat No Lead Wettable Flank Connections The focus of this study is to investigate the reliability of the immersion tin layers plated by a tailored immersion tin process for QFN flank plating. Technical Paper

Sponsor Cut SAC305 Costs with REL61TM Lead–Free Alloy Silver prices have tripled. While silver is 2/3 of SAC305's cost, it's only 1/4 of REL61. Save hundreds of thousands annually with this proven, drop-in alternative. AIM Solder

Indium Tin Oxide Sputtering Target Market to Reach US$1.3 Billion by 2031, Driven by 11.3% CAGR and Rising Display & Semiconductor Demand The global Indium Tin Oxide sputtering target market is projected to reach US$1.3 billion by 2031, growing at an 11.3% CAGR, driven by rising demand for transparent conductive films in displays, touchscreens, smart devices, semiconductor applications, and advanced optoelectronic technologies. Industry Today

Korea plans to double memory output in five years South Korea unveiled a $1.4 trillion semiconductor expansion plan, with Samsung and SK Group doubling memory chip production within five years. The initiative includes new fabs, packaging facilities and NAND plant expansions to strengthen regional development and global chip leadership. Electronics Weekly

Sponsor What Would You Ask Proven Global Manufacturing Leaders? In this 4-part series we asked about: Key Drivers of Success, Scaling Operations Effectively, AI in Manufacturing, and Tools to Empower Operations. No registration Required. Intraratio

Jewar set to be electronics and semicon hub: Vaishnaw Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Jewar will become a major electronics and semiconductor manufacturing hub, backed by Noida International Airport and improved connectivity. He said new investments and domestic production will strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s role in India’s growing high-tech manufacturing sector. The New Indian Express

Breakthrough Technology to Improve X-Ray results The paper contains comparison data from Nano Focus tube, plus data from reliability and stability tests using a real-life system and not test rigs. Technical Paper

South Korean president to unveil massive AI and chip investment drive South Korea will unveil three mega-projects, including a massive southwest semiconductor hub, to boost AI, chip production and regional growth. The plan could attract over 1,000 trillion won in investments, with Samsung and SK expected to lead while expanding infrastructure and workforce support. The Standard

Will A New Google Pixel Phone Actually Last 7 Years? Google’s seven-year Pixel support boosts long-term software updates and resale value, but aging hardware, battery degradation, and limited access to newer AI features reduce its practical lifespan. For most users, frequent upgrades mean the extended support promise offers more reassurance than real-world benefit. BGR

Sponsor High power atmospheric plasma system Our 1000 Atmospheric Plasma System is available with PC or PLC control for lab or high speed production use with the same high powered systems. Remove contaminants and increase bond strength! Plasma Etch

Cellular IoT connections to reach 5.9 billion by 2035 Omdia forecasts global cellular IoT connections will grow from 4.3 billion in 2026 to 5.9 billion by 2035, driven by NB-IoT, mMTC, and eRedCap. Automotive, smart infrastructure investments, and expanding 5G Standalone networks will accelerate adoption worldwide. Telecoms