Ask the Experts
Cause of Cracking on SOT23 Components
We've recently encountered cracking with SOT-23 parts. The EMS contractor says the machines have been checked and there are no problems. The cracks occur only ...
Responses by:
Mark Waterman
M.O.L.E. Line Product Manager, Electronic Controls Design, Inc. (ECD)
Fritz Byle
Process Engineer, Astronautics
Richard D. Stadem
Advanced Engineer/Scientist, General Dynamics
David Bonito
Sales & Marketing Manager, Technical Manufacturing Corp.
Out-gassing and Cleaning
Pre-bake in a Vacuum
Syringe Dispensed Solder Paste for Hand Soldering
Solder Balls During Selective Soldering
Test for Flux Penetration
Class 3 Cleaning Requirements
Rework of Underfilled Array Packages
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What Year Was It?
The day was Feb 7. What year was it?
Beatles Arrive in New York
What Year
Pan Am Yankee Clipper flight 101 from London Heathrow lands at New York's Kennedy Airport - and "Beatlemania" arrives.
See the answer below.
What Year Was It Answer
Beatles Arrive in New York
Answer: Februray 7, 1964
February 7, 2025
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North American EMS Industry Down 7.8% in December
IPC's December 2024 EMS report shows a book-to-bill ratio of 1.26, driven by a 28% surge in bookings. Shipments fell 7.8% year-over-year. Strong orders, likely influenced by tariff concerns, signal potential growth despite short-term shipment declines.
IPC
VIEWPOINT 2025: Stan Renals, CEO, Cobar Europe & Cobar Solder Products
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The industry is flat due to poor business conditions in Europe and USA, however now the USA elections have been decided with President elect Trump coming into power next year, we see this this as a big positive in the USA as money markets are already anticipating. However in Europe the suggested imposition of Tariff's does ...
Cobar Europe & Cobar Solder Products
Apple's biggest 'iPhone parter in India' expands in North America
Tata Electronics is ramping up its North American expansion, hiring over two dozen professionals in California. This follows its acquisitions of Wistron and Pegatron's India operations, strengthening its role in iPhone production. The company is actively recruiting.
The Times Of India
Nissan Reportedly Notifies Honda of Intent to End Merger Talks, Potentially Paving Way for Foxconn Deal
Nissan has ended merger talks with Honda, potentially clearing a path for Foxconn to acquire the automaker. The move could strengthen Foxconn’s EV supply chain in Asia, leveraging Nissan’s excess capacity. Global EV sales are projected to hit 26 million by 2025.
Trend Force
'Dangerous proposition': Top scientists warn of out-of-control AI
Top AI scientists Max Tegmark and Yoshua Bengio warn that artificial general intelligence (AGI) built as "agents" could become uncontrollable. Speaking on CNBC's Beyond The Valley podcast, they stress that AGI’s potential for self-preservation poses risks, urging strict safety measures.
CNBC
This new tech may be the key to solid battery life in Apple's iPhone Fold
Apple's delayed iPhone Fold may benefit from Samsung's latest foldable innovations, including crease-less displays & improved battery efficiency. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 will introduce CoE technology, enhancing brightness & battery life—features Apple could refine for its 2026 release.
BGR
Tablet shipments rose 9.2% worldwide in 2024, reversing three-year slump
Global tablet shipments surged 9.2% in 2024, reversing a three-year decline, with Apple leading at 57 million units. Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Huawei saw strong growth. Canalys predicts continued expansion in 2025, though performance may be more constrained.
TechSpot
Why Data Centers Are the New Powerhouses of the AI Economy — and How They Can Strengthen Your Brand
AI-driven data centers are transforming business operations, enhancing customer experiences & strengthening brand reliability. Companies using AI-powered infrastructure gain a competitive edge in speed, security & sustainability, driving innovation & trust in today's tech-driven market.
Entrepreneur
Out-gassing and Cleaning
I have created a series of PCBs with no solder mask. I will be soldering 2 spring pins, a 0805 ceramic capacitor and a 0805 resistor to each board. There are 40 PCBs in the stack. The stack will be installed in a vacuum chamber. Out-gassing from the cleaning solution is a concern.
Circuit Insight - Ask the Experts
US claims free passage through canal
The US announced that its government vessels would transit the Panama Canal for free, citing savings of millions, but Panama swiftly denied any agreement. Tensions rise as Trump warns of force to secure US access, while China’s influence remains a key concern.
Taipei Times
Bill Gates says Intel has lost its way, fallen behind in chip design and fabrication
Bill Gates believes Intel has "lost its way," struggling with delays, market share losses, and financial setbacks. Once a leader, Intel now trails rivals like Nvidia and AMD, missing the AI chip boom. Gates hopes for a recovery, but challenges remain daunting.
TechSpot
Robotic Systems Perform Experiments Speeding Up Research
Robotic systems can perform experiments without fatigue, speeding up research & execute steps with greater consistency than humans. As explained recently in the journal Science Robotics, robots are rapidly, "Transforming Science Labs into Automated Factories of Discovery."
Circuit Insight - Technology Briefing
Why UCIe is Key to Connectivity for Next-Gen AI Chiplets
Deploying AI at scale demands massive computing power and high-speed networking, but connectivity bottlenecks slow progress. AI data centers rely on dedicated infrastructure, high-bandwidth memory, and chiplet-based architectures to boost efficiency.
EE Times
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Test Your Knowledge
Who was the first Roman Emperor?
See answer below.
Industry Press
The Test Connection, Inc. to Showcase at SMTA Austin Expo
The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI)
Littelfuse Introduces TPSMB-L Series Automotive TVS Diodes
Littelfuse
Dr. Jennie Hwang to deliver two PDCs at IPC APEX
H-Technologies Group
ITW EAE to Showcase Electronic Assembly Equipment Developments at IPC APEX
ITW EAE
Solderstar to Present Advanced Profiling Solutions at IPC APEX EXPO 2025
Solderstar
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Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes.
E. W. Dijkstra
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"We could hire a productivity expert, but wouldn't it be cheaper to buy a bigger coffee machine?"
Copyright © Randy Glasbergen
Test Your Knowledge Answer
Who was the first Roman Emperor?
Answer: Augustus Caesar who was also known as Octavian. Reign: 16 January 27 BC – 19 August AD 14