February 9, 2026

How America's EV Retreat is Increasing China's Control of Global Markets U.S. automakers are retreating from electric vehicles as Chinese competitors surge globally. Stellantis, GM, and Ford face massive losses, while Tesla struggles. Chinese EVs now dominate international markets, raising existential concerns for the future of America's auto industry. CNBC

Sponsor Inline Automatic X-Ray Inspection: TruView™ Verus TruView™ Verus is a high-resolution inline AXI system offering advanced 2D, 2.5D, and 3D imaging to detect defects in electronic assemblies with exceptional accuracy and speed. Creative Electron

VIEWPOINT 2026: John VanNewkirk, CEO, CheckSum As we head into 2026, electronics manufacturers face a tightening vise: customers expect more value, yet costs continue to rise. Tariffs remain unpredictable, global transport costs have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and skilled labor is increasingly scarce and expensive. At the same time, product complexity ... CheckSum

Cutting Without Contact: How Laser Depanelling Redefines PCB Manufacturing A laser depanelling solution delivers precision, zero mechanical stress, and cleanroom-level quality—transforming PCB manufacturing for high-reliability industries like automotive, medical, and industrial electronics. Technical Paper

Chinese Memory Penetrates Global PC Supply Chains Global electronics firms face a prolonged memory semiconductor shortage as AI-focused production limits supply of general DRAM. Desperate for alternatives, companies like HP, Dell, Acer, and Asus are turning to Chinese memory makers, potentially reshaping the global market. The Chosun

Sponsor Probe Card Manufacturer 'Sees the Unseen' With X-ray Probe card manufacturer relies on mobile real-time x-ray inspection to verify the quality of its aligned probes at different stages along the assembly line. Glenbrook Technologies

Trump fuels EU push to cut cord with US tech Under pressure from unpredictable US policies, the EU is accelerating its push for digital sovereignty. France, Germany, and other member states are replacing foreign tech with domestic alternatives, aiming to secure cloud, AI, and critical infrastructure from external influence. Taipei Times

Young Laplace Equation Reveals New Possibilities Thermal Pad Design This paper shows how the application of the Young-Laplace equation can lead to an understanding of the soldering process of exposed pads and heat slugs. Technical Paper

Technical Papers ■ 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 ■ Maintenance: The Basics of Cleaning Series Part 4 MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

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

Why We're Going Back To The Moon, According To NASA Astronauts NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon, with Artemis II orbiting and Artemis III landing. These missions promise scientific discoveries, potential Helium-3 mining, and valuable data on human health in deep space, inspiring future exploration. BGR

How Top PCB Manufacturers Use Industry 4.0 to Eliminate Trace Voids In 2026, electronics manufacturers face trace voids as critical threats to high-performance, AI-driven systems. Companies like Gennex are leveraging Industry 4.0, Digital Twins, and precision engineering fluids to achieve zero-defect PCBs and ensure mission-critical reliability. NewsGram

Effect of SMT Component Package Design on Cleaning Effectiveness This paper will discuss the "physics" of liquid entrainment / entrapment / cleaning / rinsing and their effects on component materials. Technical Paper

Sponsor Affordable Profiling Excellence Four channels of precision data capture from the most trusted name in thermal profiling. New and improved V-M.O.L.E.™ 2 is the ideal solution for budget-conscious electronics pros. Learn more here. ECD

ChatGPT's New Internet Browser Can Run 80% of a 1-Person Business — No Tech Skills Required OpenAI's Atlas browser transforms your internet experience, acting like a full-time assistant that researches, plans, and executes tasks for you. Despite its powerful capabilities, most users haven't yet tapped into this AI-driven productivity tool. Entrepreneur

Tech AI spending may approach $700 billion this year, but the blow to cash raises red flags Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon plan nearly $700 billion in AI investments this year, driving capex surges and slashing free cash flow. Analysts warn of short-term margin pressures and debt reliance, even as optimism remains for long-term AI returns. CNBC

Requirements for Depaneling and Rescoring Boards with BGA Components Are there any special requirements for depaneling and rescoring separate panel circuit boards if they contain BGA components? Board Talk

Sponsor Prototyping to High-Speed Production From first builds to 22,000 CPH, Manncorp pick & place machines scale with your budget, space, and output goals—so your line grows as you do. Backed by lifetime support. Manncorp Inc.

OpenAI executives were on a tear this week trying to quell critics Ahead of the Super Bowl, OpenAI executives, led by Sam Altman, defended the company's partnerships, research, and products amid scrutiny over Nvidia deals, Elon Musk litigation, and Anthropic's ad campaign. Altman called the attention a "crazy hurricane" surrounding OpenAI. CNBC

New AI model can predict battery lifespan after only 50 cycles Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a machine-learning system that predicts battery lifetimes after just 50 cycles, cutting testing time and energy by up to 95%. The AI uses physics-based models to forecast performance across formats, accelerating battery innovation. TechSpot

Sponsor "Ask the Experts" Program by Circuitnet Do you have a question or process issue in PCB assembly? The Circuitnet "Ask the Expert's" program has over 100 panel members waiting to answer your question. Submit question now. Circuitnet Media LLC

Wistron upbeat on AI server demand Wistron projects strong growth in its AI server business this year, driven by GPU and ASIC demand from major clients like Nvidia, Dell, and AMD. Its Texas plant will boost North American deliveries, while networking shipments are set to surge tenfold. Taipei Times

Contamination and Risks Related to ESD Gloves and Finger Cots Choosing a protective glove for the production floor is a critical decision and all variable need to be considered. Technical Paper

US bans Chinese software from connected cars, triggering a major industry overhaul Starting March 17, U.S. automakers must certify vehicles carry no Chinese software, forcing rewrites of infotainment, cameras and ADAS. The rule drives code audits, supply shifts, and accelerates domestic alternatives to cut security risks. TechSpot

Google Bets Big on Power Generation to Fuel AI Google's parent Alphabet is acquiring renewable energy developer Intersect Power for $4.75 billion, taking electricity generation in-house to power its AI operations. The deal secures 3.6 GW of solar and wind projects, plus battery storage, transforming tech energy strategy. EE Times

Sponsor Fast PCBs, Fully Assembled Need it fast? Summit delivers quick-turn PCB fabrication and assembly on compressed timelines—no shortcuts, just speed and precision from one source. Summit Interconnect

Google and Microsoft offer lucrative deals to promote AI, but even $500,000 won't sway some creators Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI are paying social media creators hundreds of thousands to promote AI tools, fueling a $1 billion-plus U.S. digital ad surge. Influencer marketing has become a key battleground as AI companies compete for users. CNBC