Ask the Experts
BGA Placement Paste or Only Flux
What are the risks with using flux-only vs. solder paste for placing BGAs in a hybrid lead-free environment?
Responses by:
Richard D. Stadem
Advanced Engineer/Scientist, General Dynamics
Georgian Simion
Engineering and Operations Management, Independent Consultant
Fritz Byle
Process Engineer, Astronautics
Tony Lentz
Field Applications, FCT Assembly
Edithel Marietti
Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Northrop Grumman
Brien Bush
Manufacturing Applications Specialist, Cirtronics Corp.
Kay Parker
Technical Support Engineer, Indium Corporation
Solder Paste Thickness Measurements
Manual or Automated Assembly?
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Inspection for Hidden Solder Joints
Assembly Question for Soldering USB Connectors
Is Solder Mask Considered an Insulator
How Many Fiducials Per Solder Paste Stencil?
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Apr 24, 2024
Advanced Electronics Assembly Conference (AEAC) at Innoelectro Budapest
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May 1, 2024
SMTA at The Assembly Show South
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May 2, 2024
High Reliability: Strategic Technology Advancement Research (STAR) Forum
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May 7, 2024
Wisconsin Expo & Tech Forum
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May 8, 2024
Wine Down Wednesday: The 5 Pillars of Health - Finding Balance in Bodies, Minds and Life
SMTA
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What Year Was It?
The day was Apr 24. What year was it?
Easter Rebellion Begins
What Year
The Irish Republican Brotherhood, a secret organization of Irish nationalists led by Patrick Pearse, launches the so-called Easter Rebellion, an armed uprising against British rule.
See the answer below.
What Year Was It Answer
Easter Rebellion Begins
Answer: April 24, 1916
April 24, 2024
Diamond Breakthroughs Shape Future of High-Performance Electronics
Advent Diamond overcomes hurdles in diamond semiconductor commercialization by fabricating single-crystal phosphorus-doped diamond, unlocking its potential for electronic devices. CEO Manpuneet Benipal discusses the company's pioneering work and its impact on quantum sensing, high-power electronics, and radiation detection.
EE Times
As cloud computing evolves, Amazon's AWS looks for its role in generative AI
Various vendors are entering the generative AI market, offering tools for businesses navigating its complexity. Google and Amazon have unveiled new AI integrations, with Amazon's Bedrock GenAI now allowing custom model imports and enhanced filtering features, catering to evolving GenAI needs.
TechSpot
Exploring the Intersection of Neuronal Cultures, Robotics and AI
Scientists at the Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems are cultivating neurons in the lab, bridging the gap between biology and robotics. Supported by grants, their work explores neuron-based artificial intelligence, offering insights into brain function and potential treatments for diseases like ALS and Parkinson’s.
EE Times
Google search boss warns employees of ‘new operating reality,’ urges them to move faster
Google's search head, Prabhakar Raghavan, sporting a hoodie proclaiming "We use Math," delivers a reality check at an all-hands meeting. With analogies and urgency, he warns of tougher competition and regulatory challenges, signaling a shift in Google's growth strategy amid rising AI investments and cost constraints.
CNBC
Successful Businesses Have This One Thing in Common
Startups thrive with diverse founding teams blending business savvy and technical expertise. Avoid the "mythic founder" trap; Theranos serves as a cautionary tale. Successful partnerships demand alignment in goals, ethics, and pace. Co-founder matching platforms aid in finding compatible matches. Understanding each other's fields fosters effective collaboration.
Entrepreneur
Apple iPhone sales drop 19% in China as demand for Huawei smartphones soars, research says
Apple's iPhone sales in China plummeted by 19.1% in Q1, facing fierce competition from Huawei, whose sales surged by 69.7% with the Mate 60's 5G chip. Despite U.S. sanctions, Huawei's comeback pressures Apple, hinting at a potential recovery with new strategies and AI features.
CNBC
Mercedes-Benz becomes first automaker to sell Level 3 autonomous vehicles in the US
Mercedes debuts Level 3-enabled cars for sale in California and Nevada, marking the first government-approved automaker for such technology in the US. Drive Pilot, requiring a $2,500/year subscription, allows limited autonomous driving with strict conditions and safety measures.
TechSpot
This architect is cutting up materials to make them stronger and lighter
Architect Baker stumbled upon Spin-Valence, a structural innovation, while at Cranbrook Academy in 2010. This patterned technique, resembling molecular behavior, strengthens materials without added weight. Now, tested at Princeton, it shows promise for disaster relief shelters and space missions.
MIT Technology Review
US DoD selects Intel Foundry for phase-3 RAMP-C
The US Department of Defense (DoD) chooses Intel Foundry for phase three of its Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial (RAMP-C) program, bolstering national security with cutting-edge technology.
Digitimes
Gadgets and Consumer Electronics
In today's fast-paced world, technology shapes our lives. From smartphones to wearables, gadgets are essential for convenience and connectivity. Reviews and comparisons aid in informed choices. Trends like foldable phones and AI assistants drive innovation, impacting communication and productivity. Smartphones evolve with features like high-res cameras and 5G. Laptops, now sleek and powerful, cater to diverse needs.
Medium
Foxconn global operations commit to 100% green energy by 2040
Foxconn Group commits to 100% green power in global plants by 2040, joining RE100 initiative. Chairman Young Liu emphasizes adherence to international standards. Foxconn aims to drive sustainability across its supply chain, implementing the EPS+ESG formula for operations.
Digitimes
Foxconn global operations commit to 100% green energy by 2040
Foxconn Group took a significant step towards sustainability on April 22, declaring its dedication to the RE100 initiative. By 2040, the tech giant aims to power all its global facilities with 100% renewable energy, marking a substantial environmental pledge.
Digitimes
IT Distribution Revenues Continued to Decline in Q1 as Personal Computing Spending Stabilized, According to the IDC North America Distribution Tracker, Powered by GTDC
In Q1 2024, IDC's NADT reported a 5.5% YoY drop in IT distributor revenue to $17.85B. Amidst pandemic aftershocks, Network Infrastructure plunged 18%, while Traditional PCs held steady. Software rebounded, hinting at future growth despite ongoing market challenges.
IDC
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Test Your Knowledge
What did Henry F. Phillips introduce for carpenters?
See answer below.
Industry Press
AIM to Highlight NC259FPA Ultrafine No Clean Solder Paste at SMTA Juarez
AIM Solder
KYZEN to Focus on AQUANOX A4618 at SMTA Wisconsin Expo & Tech Forum
KYZEN
Murray Percival Company Highlights Advanced Depanelizers
Murray Percival Company
ZESTRON Academy Introduces Cutting-Edge SMT Webinar Series for 2024
ZESTRON
New Flying Prober Simplifies Testing of Complex PCB Assemblies at DESY
Polar Instruments
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Quote of the Day
"Technology is dominated by two types of people: those who understand what they do not manage, and those who manage what they do not understand."
Putt's Law
Cartoon
"We need to make room for the new hires. We're moving you to the cloud."
Copyright © Randy Glasbergen
Test Your Knowledge Answer
What did Henry F. Phillips introduce for carpenters?
Answer: Phillips crosshead screwdriver. Invented in the early 1930s, the Phillips head screw was invented by Henry Phillips and used on automobile assembly lines.