Nov 5, 2026 Silicon Photonics Hits the Big Time Silicon photonics is rapidly emerging as a key solution to AI data center power and connectivity challenges. Major acquisitions, startup investments, and optical switching innovations signal growing industry confidence in scalable optical interconnects beyond copper. EE Times

Sponsor Copper Stud & CTE Nano Tech Underfill AIT's proven flip-chip and BGA multi-level underfills offer both 18 ppm/°C copper CTE matching fine-pitch & nano-pitch with 10 µm & 0.3 µm respective cut-off particles. AI Technology, Inc.

The AI Race Is No Longer About Better Models. Here's Where the Real Value Is Being Created. AI companies are shifting from model development to business deployment. OpenAI and Anthropic are investing billions in forward-deployed engineers to address data and operational hurdles, making real-world AI adoption the industry's next priority. Entrepreneur

Redesigning Material Logistics for High-Mix EMS Production High mix electronics manufacturing requires reliable material management. This white paper explains how BMK enhanced traceability, inventory accuracy and picking efficiency using integrated automated storage, digital workflows and reel-level visibility. Technical Paper

Are Drone Ports the Next Annoying Tech Neighbor? Rapid expansion of delivery-drone services is triggering community backlash over noise, safety, privacy, and airspace concerns. Residents worldwide are challenging operators, forcing companies to reroute flights, redesign drones, and improve community engagement. IEEE Spectrum

Sponsor AIT ORMET® TLPS for Component Attach AIT ORMET® TLPS is proven for outstanding reliability for component attaches and MLCC build-up for high temperature applications beyond 175ºC Ormet® TLPS

Foxconn reveals bid to grab 50% of the global AI server market within the next few years Foxconn aims to increase its AI server market share from 40% to 50% within two years, driven by rising global demand. The company plans to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen US operations and invest across the AI supply chain. TechRadar

QFN Rework: No-Clean or Water Soluble Flux? We are replacing 32 lead QFN and 14 lead DFN components. We can use either a no-clean or a water soluble process. Which do you suggest? 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 Buy SMT Dispensing Needles Online EZ-FLO needles are machined from stainless steel with smoother internal profile for improved material flow. Chamfered needle tip is finely ground for better release. Buy online. DL Technology

US candidates against data centers win big Democratic victories in Texas and Georgia signal growing public resistance to AI data centers, raising prospects of stricter regulations and slower construction. Investors fear mounting challenges could weaken AI investments, economic growth and technology stocks. Taipei Times

Pegatron head dismisses post-US midterms AI worries Pegatron's chairman dismissed concerns that U.S. midterm elections could slow AI development, citing AI's strategic importance and America's abundant natural gas, affordable electricity and land as advantages for expanding data center capacity. Taipei Times

Vapor Phase Quality Improvement Today's state of the art single-phase vapor phase provide the solutions needed for lead-free soldering and requirements for a void-less solder joint. Technical Paper

Sponsor 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

SpaceX signs deal with Qualcomm to provide network technology for U.S. mobile service SpaceX partnered with Qualcomm to develop terrestrial 5G infrastructure for its Starlink Mobile service, targeting major US carriers. The rollout begins next year, combining cellular networks and satellite capabilities while laying groundwork for future 6G technology. CNBC

Quantum Roadmaps Are Finally Meeting Reality Quantum computing revenue topped $1 billion globally in 2025, despite missed forecasts. The industry faces mounting scrutiny over commercial adoption, technical progress, funding and its path to fault-tolerant systems and measurable advantages. EE Times

Lower Temperature Solder Joint Encapsulant The strength of solder joints is enhanced by several times, and thermal cycling performance is significantly improved. Technical Paper

Sponsor 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

OpenAI uses GPT-6 and Astra to design a working hardware device in under one week OpenAI developed a working hardware prototype in under a week using GPT-6 and Astra, which handled design, circuitry, firmware and software integration. The experiment highlights AI’s engineering potential while exposing manufacturing challenges requiring human oversight. Interesting Engineering

Electronics can emerge as alternative export engine Bangladesh's electronics sector, led by brands like Walton and Vision, grew 24% to $206M in 2025-26 and could diversify exports beyond garments with more local manufacturing and policy support. The Daily Star

Sponsor ASYMTEK Select Coat SL-1040 The SL-1040 Conformal Coating System upgrades the SL-940 and added significant system-level advancements to elevate automation, control, precision & preventative maintenance for better yield. Nordson Electronics Solutions

Sam Altman Says It's "Terrible" for RAM to Sit Inside PCs Instead of Data Centers OpenAI CEO Sam Altman argues that data centers use scarce DRAM more efficiently than consumer devices, sparking backlash as AI infrastructure drives memory prices higher, making PCs, gaming consoles and graphics cards increasingly expensive. TechSpot

Three Dimensional Integration Focusing on Device Embedded Substrate In this paper, EDA tools, TEG chips, and several evaluation equipment developed in Fukuoka are explained. Technical Paper

Bringing standards-based thinking earlier into rigid-flex design Integrate IPC standards early in rigid-flex PCB design to enhance manufacturability, reliability, and communication. Use design checklists and training to improve outcomes and reduce production risks. Global Electronics Association

U.S. Manufacturing Activity Gains Momentum in October U.S. manufacturing expanded for the 10th consecutive month in October, with PMI rising to 55.5% as production and new orders strengthened. However, tariffs, AI-driven demand, rising material costs, and supply chain delays continued challenging manufacturers. EE Times

Sponsor Automated Storage for High-Mix EMS Production High mix electronics manufacturing requires reliable material management. This white paper explains how BMK enhanced traceability, inventory accuracy and picking efficiency using integrated automated storage, digital workflows, reel-level visibility. Essegi Automation

Google responds to political backlash over removing search from schools that ban AI Google defended its AI-in-schools policy after politicians accused the company of using its market power to force AI adoption in classrooms. The company emphasized school control, while critics raised concerns about monopoly power, student safety and educational independence. CNBC